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Merino Wool Throws – How to Unshrink

November 1, 2020 Tags: how to unshrink a sweater, merino blanket, merino blankets, merino throw, merino throws, merino wool, merino wool blanket, merino wool blankets, merino wool sweaters, merino wool throw, merino wool throws, merino wool yarn, wool blanket, wool blankets, wool throw, wool throws 2 Comments

It’s the worst feeling isn’t it? You open the washing machine or dyer and realise your favourite wool sweater, cosy winter socks or beautiful merino wool throw has shrunk. But don’t despair. We can show you how to unshrink a sweater or wool throw and restore it to its former glory.

Shrinking a wool throw or a garment often happens when it is washed or tumble dried in unsuitably warm temperatures. It is still may be possible to restore the original size of your merino wool throw or garment. Depending on a range of factors, it is possible to increase your throw or sweater by as much as a size and a half using this process (which can also work for other wool knit objects).

So, what is this magic-sounding process? Follow these steps to unshrink a wool throw, and remember to be gentle with your wool throws, blankets and clothing in the future.

How to unshrink a sweater or wool throw

Fill a bath tub with lukewarm water – there should be enough water to cover the item you wish to unshrink.
Now a little trick: Take your hair conditioner and add a generous amount of it to the water. If you also want to freshen the wool throw, and some mild detergent. The secret is that the hair conditioner will relax and loosen the wool yarns. This will allow you to re-size the blanket or knit item without deteriorating its shape. Agitate the water well with your hands to dissolve and mix the detergent and hair conditioner.

unshrink merino wool throw

Submerge your merino wool throw or garment in the water and gently knead it for some time. Once you’ve worked the conditioner and detergent mixture into the fibers, drain the water from the bath tub.
Gently press the throw against the bottom and sides of the tub to remove the excess water, then take the item out from the tub.
Lay the throw flat on a large bath towel or linen throw (or any large piece of fabric) and place another piece of fabric on top. Press down and continue to squeeze water out of the throw until both the upper and lower pieces of fabric have absorbed most of the moisture. If necessary, repeat this with dry pieces of cloth or towels.

unshrink wool throw

Now the important part. Lay the wool throw on a flat soft surface (e.g. a rug or bed) and gently pull it back into the desired shape and size. Stretch it very gently in all directions, trying to make the edges straight and symmetrical. If you are unshrinking a wool sweater or cardigan, concentrate your efforts on the sleeves, bottom edges and neckline – or any areas you think have shrunk the most. Allow the item to lie flat for a few minutes, then repeat the stretching one or two more times before it dries completely.
To end the procedure, wash the throw in cold water by hand or using a gentle machine cycle on low temperatures to remove the leftovers of hair conditioner. Reshape it again and lie flat to dry before using.

With these simple steps you might just be able to unshrink your merino wool throw or lambswool blanket. To avoid this happening again, always read the manufacturer’s care instructions and use mild detergent. For tips on washing wool throws in washing machine here.

6 Must-Have Wool Items for Spring

March 2, 2020 Tags: alpaca wool, merino wool, throws & blankets, wool bedding, wool for spring, wool throw No Comments

Spring might finally have arrived, but it’s not quite time to put away the warm woolly jumpers and extra wool blankets. The evenings still have a distinct chill, and in many places snow is forecast over the next few days. This transition between seasons often sees balmy days one week and a snap frost the next, so we’ve rounded up 6 must-have woollens to keep you cosy, but not overheated, until summer properly sets in.

1. A thin merino wool base layer

The key to Spring dressing is to wear lots of layers. You can easily take things off if the sun comes out, and you’ll stay warm if the temperature is still wintery. Merino wool makes a great choice as a base layer as it’s soft to touch and helps wick away moisture from your skin. Choose a good quality garment and care for it properly, and it will last for many years to come.

2. Some toasty wool socks

While some might be desperate to get out their sandals, we aren’t quite ready to give up our snug wool socks just yet. A luxurious pair of alpaca wool socks will keep your toes toasty at night, and are great to wear inside walking boots for Springtime hikes.

3. A cosy wool throw

There’s nothing like curling up on the sofa in front of the fire, cozied-up in a soft wool throw while the Spring storms do their thing outside. Choose something lightweight yet warm, and it will work right through Spring and even into Summer if you’re a keen camper or like to sit outside in the evenings.

4. A stylish wool beret

Berets are timelessly stylish, and perfect for this changeable weather. A pure wool beret will protect your hair from a Spring shower whilst also looking chic and adorable. Channel your inner French woman and pair your beret with a trench coat, so that no matter what the weather, you always look polished and together. We love this zingy yellow felted beret for a pop of Springtime colour.

5. A wear-with-anything wool scarf

Keep yourself warm and ever-elegant with a wool scarf this Spring. Whether you’re riding the daily commute or walking in the wild, a scarf is the perfect accessory to any outfit.

6.Wool bedding

As well as being hypoallergenic and anti-bacterial, wool also has temperature-regulating properties, making it ideal for bedding. A wool-filled pillow or duvet will keep you snug without being too hot as the seasons change.

From Lambs to Lagom: Why wool is everywhere this Spring

March 16, 2018 Tags: benefits of merino wool, benefits of wool, cashmere blanket, lambswool, merino wool, wool for all seasons, wool for spring, wool throws No Comments

There are few more happy-making things than seeing new lambs frolicking in their fields. As Spring approaches we take a celebratory look at why wool is everywhere this season, from lambs to lagom.

Lambswool

Fluffy white lambs are one of the traditional Eastertime symbols, adorning cards and merchandising everywhere. We love their carefree tumbling and their gangly legs, and they represent rebirth and renewal as the seasons turn. While these new additions won’t be shorn in their first year, their fleeces will be perfect for shearing next year. This will produce the supersoft lambswool so beloved by fashion and home textile makers. The older sheep will be shorn shortly after the lambing season is over, ready for the warmer weather. This wool will then be sorted, washed, picked and combed in preparation for dyeing. The lifecycle of your wool throw or cosy sweater begins with these little bundles of fun gambolling around the countryside.

Lagom

Replacing ‘hygge‘ as the new Scandi-inspired trend, ‘lagom’ offers more than a moment of comfort or happiness. The concept of lagom comes from Sweden and is a longer-term idea of finding balance and peace by just having enough. Translated it means ‘just the right amount’. To live with lagom means to avoid excessive consumerism, to create a balance between work and personal time, to be moderate and frugal. It has inspired people to live more sustainably, choosing clothes and homewares that have a reduced impact on the environment. Like natural wool. Living more sustainably means buying good quality items that will have a long lifetime, things that are produced with are as free from harm as possible. Wool is a durable, long-lasting material, and means that those investment pieces, like wool picnic blankets or baby throws, will keep on looking beautiful for years. There’s a simplicity to wool that chimes perfectly with the idea of lagom. Just right.

Lightweight wool

As the weather warms up you may not need your really chunky knitwear but there is still a place for woollies. Spring can bring sudden changes in temperature, with snowfall and frosts still a possibility. The answer here is to wear layers and to include lightweight wool garments made from merino wool. This is less bulky whilst retaining all the benefits of wool: temperature regulation, moisture wicking, durable, dirt-repellant. You can get highly sophisticated sportswear ‘skins’ made from merino wool to wear as a base layer, or opt for a simple transitional piece like a merino sweater paired with a linen shirt or bigger cardigan if it’s chilly.

Lazy evenings

Despite the fact that the evenings are lighter for longer, there is still something delicious about curling up indoors under a warm, soft wool throw after a long day. Whether you love to read or catch up with the latest Instagram stories, creating a moment of stillness and cosiness in the evening is great for your wellbeing. It’s not quite warm enough to sit outside in the evenings where we are, but it won’t be long. And you can be sure we’ll have blankets, hot drinks and food at the ready.

Things You Did Not Know About Merino Wool

January 22, 2018 Tags: merino blanket, merino throw, merino throws, merino wool, merino wool blankets, merino wool throw, merino wool throws, throws & blankets, throws&blankets, wool, wool blanket, wool blankets, wool shop, wool shops, wool throw, wool throws, wool throws & blankets, wool yarn, wool yarns, woolme No Comments

Merino wool is considered to be one of the finest and softest types of wool available. On top of its unique qualities merino is great for all seasons and is even considered as one of the best bedding materials. Today we are presenting you some additional info about the unique type of wool – merino.

Different Types of Wool: the lowdown on merino

July 16, 2017 Tags: benefits of merino wool, merino, merino throws, merino wool, merino wool blankets, merino wool underwear, merino wool yarn 3 Comments

One of the most popular types of wool used in textiles and clothing is merino. Soft, hardwearing and cosy, you will find this wool in garments from thermal underwear and sports base layers to woollen blankets and designer suits.

So why is merino such a superstar fabric? Well, the answer lies with Nature. Originating in Spain, Merino sheep now traditionally graze in the high altitude and extreme temperatures of the New Zealand Southern Alps, and the high rainfall areas of Australia. Their coats have evolved to produce a thick, warm fleece to ensure they survive the freezing mountain winters, and a finer coat that is grown in spring once the heavier fleece has been shed or shorn. Once humans started using the wool and harnessing these temperature-regulating properties, merino wool grew in popularity.

But merino wool doesn’t just keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. Other beneficial qualities include:

Anti-microbial properties mean that merino doesn’t allow bacteria from sweat to develop into odours.
Moisture wicking Merino can absorb up to one third its weight in liquid, keeping moisture away from your skin. It will also keep you warm, even when wet, making it a popular choice as a base layer for skiing and winter sports.
Soft and silky Unlike some woollen fabrics, merino is superfine and soft to touch, meaning it is not itchy. It feels light, as well as snuggly.
Resilient Anything that has developed to withstand the extremes of mountain weather is going to be hardwearing and long lasting. Merino wool is strong yet naturally durable, and retains its shape due to the elasticity of the fibres.
Sustainable Naturally-occurring, biodegradable and renewable, merino’s eco credentials are something special too (though the controversial practice of mulesing to prevent fly strike means you might want to check the source of your wool if you want to be sure of ethical production).

Don’t just take our word for it, experience the magic of merino for yourself with one of our sumptuous merino throws. Our range of blankets come in a variety of designs, from simple block colours to multi-coloured patterns. Each one combines the luxurious comfort and cosiness of merino wool, with the functionality of this brilliant textile. Whether you are looking for a throw to curl up with on the sofa or a blanket to brighten your bedroom, we’ve got you covered.

Choosing the Perfect Throw for Spring (1)

February 28, 2017 Tags: baby alpaca, baby alpaca throw, cosy throws, merino throw, merino wool, perfect throw, throws for spring, wool throws 1 Comment

With spring just around the corner we all start dreaming about lightweight jackets, windbreakers, sneakers and late afternoon walks in the park. To make sure you are ready for it when spring finally comes there are several items for you to get that are essential for spring. One of the essentials is a cosy throw that is just perfect for you and we are here to help you find one.

Top 3 Uses for a Merino Wool Throw During Winter

January 30, 2017 Tags: lightweight throw, merino, merino wool, merino wool throw, wool, wool throw, wool throws No Comments

With the winter giving us the chills every morning all that every single one of us want to do is curl up in bed all cosy and warm and watch James Corden shows all day long. While that sounds like an amazing plan not every one of us can stay at home the whole day without having to go out shopping, walking the dog or simply having to go to work.

The Unique Type of Wool Overlooked by Most – Merino Wool

August 19, 2016 Tags: merino wool, merino wool blankets, merino wool throws No Comments

While most of us are well aware of natural fibres such as linen, wool and cotton, the more unique ones such as merino wool are often overlooked. This natural fibre has a lot of unique qualities and benefits making it one of the greatest natural fibres you can find. The simple natural fibre, taken from Merino sheep – merino wool is fluffy in appearance, but very lightweight.

Able to retain and diffuse heat as needed because of its insulating qualities merino wool is perfect for people with sensitive skin and great for cold weather.

Different Types of Wool Throws for Chilly Afternoons

July 30, 2016 Tags: alpaca throw, baby alpaca throw, cashmere throw, different types of wool, linen, linen throw, merino wool, wool throw, woolme 1 Comment

We would like to tlk about different types of wool. Whether you are planning an afternoon picnic at a park, an evening at a rooftop bar or simply an outdoor movie night you are bound to get cold unless you have got something warm to cover your shoulders. And what better thing is there to keep your shoulders warm then a cosy wool throw?

Choosing the Perfect Wool Blanket for Your Personality

February 1, 2016 Tags: alpaca blanket, alpaca blankets, alpaca throw, alpaca throws, alpaca wool, alpaca wool blanket, alpaca wool blankets, alpaca wool throw, alpaca wool throws, merino wool, merino wool throw, merino wool throws, throws & blankets, throws&blankets, wool, wool blanket, wool blankets, wool throw, wool throws & blankets No Comments

Believe it or not – no one else in the world is just like you. Your physical appearance, your voice and personality traits – your habits, intelligence, personal tastes – all these make you one of a kind. With your uniqueness comes the challenge of getting everything in your own way. With weather staying chilly we all want to stay warm, and wool throws are one of the best choices to do that.

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