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cashmere

Mohair vs. Cashmere – Which One is Better for You?

October 17, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

With Autumn upon us and Winter approaching, our attention inevitably turns to finding new ways to keep ourselves warm. You’ve got the cosy socks and chunky knitwear, but on chilly evenings that’s not enough. One of the best ways to stay warm is a soft wool throw or blanket. With the huge variety of throws to choose from finding the right one for you and your home might feel a little overwhelming. But we are here to help.

One of the main considerations is to think about what type of wool to choose. Two of the most luxurious types – wool and mohair – make ideal throws and blankets. So, in this post we’re going to answer two questions: what is a mohair throw and what is a cashmere throw? And we’ll tell you some of the unique qualities and benefits of each.

What is mohair wool - WoolMe
Mohair throws: benefits at a glance

  • Mohair is produced from angora goats – not to be confused by the fabric we call angora, which is produced from the soft fur of angora rabbits.
  • Due to its softness and sheen, mohair feels lovely to touch and is considered to be a luxurious fibre. This makes it perfect for wool throws, as they are not only warm but also non-scratchy and comfortable.
  • Because of its unique structure, mohair is hypoallergenic which means that even people with wool allergies are likely not to be allergic to mohair. Warm, soft and pleasing to touch  – no wonder mohair is one of the most beloved fabrics in the world for blankets and throws.

What is cashmere wool - WoolMe

Cashmere throws: key features and qualities

  • Cashmere is another unique and luxe wool. Not prickly, deliciously soft and warm, cashmere is ideal for people with sensitive skins and for children.
  • A cashmere wool has superior insulating qualities yet isn’t bulky, which makes it perfect for any season. This natural fabric will keep you warm when it is cold and prevent overheating when temperatures rise.
  • Lightweight cashmere throws are easy to carry around as they fold up surprisingly small and weigh very little. Simply sling in your tote bag for a chilly evening dinner out, or pack for a weekend city break over the Winter holidays.

Read more about Cashmere: The Story of Luxury and why it’s such a sophisticated, sought-after fabric.

Whether you choose a mohair throw or a cashmere throw, both will keep you snuggly and cosy, and will feel luxurious against your skin. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to keep your throw looking its best.

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What’s the Difference Between Types of Wool?

March 16, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

Don’t know your merino from your mohair? Don’t worry, in this handy guide we’ll explain the differences between the most often-used types of wool. So you can make the right choice, whether you’re looking for a beautiful cosy blanket or a sumptuous sweater.

Mohair

Harvested from the angora goat, mohair is silky, soft and highly insulating. Often used for baby clothes, suits and blankets, mohair is resilient and dirt-resistant. Garments made from mohair have a lovely drape and the fibres take dyes particularly effectively, as well as having gorgeous natural colours.

Merino

merino wool throw

Merino sheep are generally found in Australia and New Zealand. The fibres of this wool have small scales, making it a lightweight, fine wool that is perfect for base layers and blankets thanks to its great temperature-regulating properties.

Cashmere

One of the most luxurious types of wool, cashmere comes from the supersoft under layer of wool from the Kashmir goat in India, Tibet, China and Mongolia. Thanks to its softness and warmth cashmere is beloved for its silky feel in scarves, clothing and cashmere throws. Due to its rarity it tends to be more expensive and is less durable than other types of wool.

Lambswool

lambswool types of wool

Taken from the first shearing of a lamb when they are six or seven months old, lambswool is very smooth and soft. It’s also resilient, hypoallergenic and perfect for garments that are worn next to the skin, or for bedding. It can only be harvested once, which makes it more expensive that ordinary sheep wool.

Alpaca

Once originally found in South America, fields of these fluffy, camel-like creatures are now commonplace around the world. Alpaca wool is silky and supersoft, with great insulating properties. It’s often used in blankets, knits and sportswear, and has a lovely range of natural colours. As well as being comfortable to the touch, alpaca wool is strong and pill-resistant.

Angora

Harvested from the angora rabbit, this wool is not to be confused with mohair, that comes from the angora goat. Due to its hollow fibres, angora is very lightweight and fine, and is often blended with other types of wool to make it less fragile. It has great temperature-regulating properties, is warm and cosy, and is resistant to odours.

Wool

wool throws

If a garment’s label lists it as composed of ‘wool’ it refers to ordinary sheep wool. The scales on this wool are larger, which can make it feel itchy, but it is cheaper and very warm, making it great for larger pieces like wool throws.

To read more about the benefits of wool go here and here.

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Tips on Taking Care of Cashmere

March 30, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , , No Comments

Both durable and practical cashmere is one of the most luxurious cold weather materials. In order to keep it in excelent condition and enjoy its durability cashmere needs to be taken care of properly. We piled together a bunch of useful tips that will come in handy when properly cleaning and storing your cashmere garments.

Cashmere care - WoolMe

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How to Care for Your Cashmere

February 13, 2018 Tags: , , , 3 Comments

One of the most prized and luxurious of textiles, cashmere is loved the world over for its softness and beautiful look. And cashmere is not just elegant. It has excellent insulating properties whilst also being lightweight, which makes it great for layering or wearing for those occasions when you want something cosy but not bulky. Timeless, classic and effortlessly chic, cashmere remains one of the most exquisite fibres for clothes and home textiles. It’s not cheap, especially if you buy high quality, well sourced cashmere rather than inferior fast-fashion products. Which means it’s even more important to know how more about cashmere care.

cashmere throw cashmere care

To keep your cashmere throws, sweaters, scarves and other garments looking and feeling their best, follow these simple guidelines:

1.Follow care instructions

Some cashmere garments will be dry clean only, but many can be successfully hand washed. Check each item’s individual care instructions before you embark on cleaning.

2.For hand washing cashmere

Large items like cashmere throws can be spot cleaned by dabbing the affected area with a wet cloth soaked in gentle detergent, and repeating with a clean wet cloth to rinse. To hand wash a smaller garment, first turn it inside out, then place in a clean tub filled with a solution of gentle wool detergent and cool water. Baby shampoo is a great alternative if you can’t get a specialist laundry detergent. Submerge the garment in the water and gently squeeze. Don’t rub as this can cause shrinkage. Soak for up to 10 minutes if necessary. Then simply rinse in clean, cool water until no more soap suds are visible.

how to care for cashmere

3.Dry flat

Once your garment has been washed it is essential to dry it correctly. Firstly, lay it on a clean towel and roll up along the shortest width of the towel. Press the water out – make sure you don’t wring. Some people use a salad spinner to get rid of excess water. Once all the excess liquid has been removed, lay the item flat on a dry towel and air dry, out of direct sunlight.

4. Storing cashmere

Be patient – cashmere can take a long time to dry, but it’s important that it is completely dry before you try to store it in order to prevent damage and moths. Fold it carefully and avoid folding along prominent areas in case you create a visible line. Use tissue paper if you are storing your cashmere away for some time. Place into a sealed storage bag to keep moths out, and use cedar balls or homemade moth repellant bags to be extra safe. Store flat, rather than hanging, which can distort the shape of cashmere garments.

5.Removing pilling

A lint roller or wool comb will get rid of pilling. These nobbly bits are common with cashmere, and not necessarily only in cheaper yarns. It’s just an unfortunate characteristic of this yarn. Use combs sparingly to avoid making holes or weakening the fibres too much. If you are unlucky enough to find a hole, send your precious cashmere to be repaired as a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to replacing it.

Cashmere Throws - WoolMe

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Cashmere: A story of luxury

June 7, 2017 Tags: , , , , 5 Comments

For many of us cashmere wool has become synonymous with status and luxury. From classic wardrobe staples like a cashmere cardigan to wackier incarnations like Narciso Rodriguez’s 1990’s cashmere-covered Birkenstocks and Toast’s cashmere espadrilles, this versatile wool has kept us in style, and cosy, for years. In this post we unpick the story of this fabulous fibre.

History of cashmere

himalayas - history of Cashmere

Cashmere originated in the mountains of Inner Mongolia, China, Iran, Turkey and Afghanistan, where the Capra Hircus goats have roamed for centuries. As early as the 14th Century people were using the fleece of these goats to make warm blankets and garments to help them through the punishing Himalayan winters. In the 18th Century, with the growth of the British Empire and the expansion of world trade routes, cashmere was exported across Europe and the Americas. It became very popular with aristocratic women, who loved its softness and warmth and wore cashmere shoulder shawls as the height of fashion and good taste. The Industrial Revolution saw a great expansion in the production of cashmere, with centres of production growing in France, Italy and Scotland. Cashmere’s popularity then dipped until the 1980s when designers began using the wool in exclusive, luxury garments. It became a symbol of wealth and high fashion, but has now found its way onto the high street with stores mixing it with lower quality fibres to keep prices down. The proliferation of cheaper cashmere has meant more people have access to its super soft cosiness, but has also meant quality is not always maintained.

How is cashmere produced?

Domestic goats are shorn or combed to collect the fine fibres, but wild goats are also a valuable source of this wool, leaving clumps to be collected during the moulting season when they rub themselves on trees and rocks to shed their coats for summer. Once the wool has been gathered it is scoured or washed to remove any dirt, dried and then de-haired (separating the main coat from the cashmere hair). Usually only about 20% of what is gathered can be classed as true cashmere. This is then dyed, spun, knitted or woven.

CASHMERE goat

Why is cashmere so expensive?

It’s a simple matter of supply and demand: it can take up to four years for a goat to produce enough cashmere wool to make one sweater. The fact that it is so time-consuming to produce means its value is increased. But it’s not just this that makes cashmere such a pricey fabric. The fibres are longer, finer, stronger and more isothermal than sheep wool, making it an ideal choice for clothes and blankets. Its melting softness adds to its appeal, with people willing to pay more for a garment that will offer them greater comfort.

How to wash cashmere

Always follow the care instructions on your garment, but most good quality cashmere can be washed in cold water (below 30 degrees) on a delicate cycle or by hand. Use a mesh bag to protect the wool if washing in a machine. Lay the item flat on a towel to dry to keep its shape and prevent stretching. Never tumble dry (unless you want your precious cashmere sweater to end up as a tiny doll’s dress!).

Cashmere throw

With such a prestigious heritage, and being so hard-to-come-by it’s no wonder that cashmere remains a luxury fabric. Our cashmere throws will bring this simple opulence into your home in an understated way, keeping you and your loved ones warm and cosy as well as looking exquisite.

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Mix & Match – Natural Fabrics that Go Together Really Well

March 25, 2016 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

With the season of late night walks and afternoon teas in the park finally here the biggest dilemma is what to wear and how to make yourself feel warm and cosy. To ease things for your we have prepared a list of great natural fabric combinations that not only look great together but will make you feel cosy and great as well.

Natural Fabrics

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Wool Throw Types and Benefits of Choosing Them

October 24, 2015 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

With winter just around the corner and the cold weather approaching faster and faster each day, everyone starts thinking about warmer clothes and cosy candle-lit atmosphere. One of the most trendy and all in all great choices for warming yourself up in the autumn is wool throws.

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