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wool blankets

Softening a Wool Throw

December 7, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Do you have one particular wool throw that you love for its colours and pattern but that just feels too itchy to use? We at WoolMe produce sumptuously soft throws and blankets, but if you buy one elsewhere that isn’t pleasant on the skin, we’ve got the solution. Discover how to soften a wool throw and make it ultra-cosy and huggable.

how to care for wool throw

The softness of a wool throw will depends on the structure of the wool fibres. Different types of wool have varying sizes of fibres, measured in microns. The lower the micron value, the softer the wool. If you have a wool throw or blanket it’s probably partly due to having coarse fibres. But some chemicals used in wool processing can result in wool feeling uncomfortable to touch. To return it to its natural, pretreated softness, try this clever hack:

Learn this wool throw softening trick

  • Fill your bathroom tub with lukewarm water and add 1 tablespoon of a gentle, no-rinse wool detergent containing lanolin. This is a natural softener derived from sheep that creates the protective layer of waxy substance that is found on their wool fleeces. For an extra softness boost, add a nut-sized portion of leave-in hair conditioner to the water, and mix.
  • Gently swoosh the water around to combine the detergent and conditioner.
  • Place your wool throw in the tub and hold it under the water for a few seconds to ensure the fibres absorb the wash solution.
  • Leave the wool throw to soak for 15-20 minutes. Really thick wool may need to soak for up to half an hour.
  • Remove the throw from the tub, gently pressing out any water. Do not wring or pull the fabric. Lay it flat between two bedsheets or towels somewhere sheltered and warm to dry out. Avoid direct sunlight when drying any woollen garments.
  • Once your wool throw is dry it should be super-soft and snuggly. Perfect for curling up with on the sofa this Winter, or for adding an extra layer of comfy warmth to your bed. If you want even more softness, repeat the process.

how to soften a wool blanket

Knowing how to soften a wool throw is particularly useful if you have young children or sensitive skin. You can use the same technique on woolly jumpers or scarves too, just make sure you don’t pull the garment out of shape when wet.

Understanding how wool fibres work and how to care for wool products means you can get the best from your textiles. Not only will they feel lovely against your skin, they will stay strong and last longer, making them a sustainable choice for the modern home.

Find out more about looking after wool throws and blankets here.

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Merino Wool Throws – How to Unshrink

November 1, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 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.

 

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5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Natural Bedding

January 24, 2020 Tags: , , , , , , No Comments

Modern life often makes a good night’s sleep seem impossible, with the intrusions of late-night emails and constant external noise. But there are steps you can take to ensure you get a better quality of sleep, and help improve your overall ed health with fildena – https://nizagara-online.net/fildena and wellbeing. And as the average person spends around one third of their lives in bed, it’s important that your sleeping environment is as healthy and nurturing as possible.

why choose natural bedding

Here are five reasons why you should choose natural bedding as part of optimising your sleep:

  1. Better sleep – Synthetic fabrics and padding release chemicals that can disrupt sleep and cause insomnia. Choosing linens, organic cotton and wool bedding ensures that you get deeper, more restorative sleep, without harmful pesticides or ingredients.
  2. Fewer toxins – Not only does natural bedding help you sleep better, it also reduces the amount of toxins in your bedroom. If you’re trying to create a sanctuary-like space to relax in, you wouldn’t fill it with overpowering perfumes or chemicals, so why bring these in with your bedding? These chemicals, such as fire retardants, can trigger asthma and cause eye discomfort. But natural bedding is kind to the skin and non-toxic.
  3. Keeps you more comfortable – Wool throws and mattress filling help regulate your body temperature, keeping your comfortable all night long. If you stay at optimum temperature you’re less likely to wake up during the night. Natural bedding can also help prevent excessive night sweating.
  4. Good for the whole family – From young babies to the elderly, all can benefit from natural bedding. Linen and super soft wool feels lovely against the skin, and keeps you snug in colder weather.
  5. More sustainable – Wool and linen bedding is more sustainable than synthetic bedding as it’s biodegradable and requires fewer resources to grow and process. These textiles are highly durable and long-wearing, which reduces the amount of fabric thrown away into landfill.
natural bedding better sleep

To read more on the environmental benefits of wool textiles go here, and to read about different types of wool try this or this.

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Beautiful Wool Throws for Christmas: a Gift guide

November 22, 2019 Tags: , , , , , No Comments

With the festive season getting closer you might be starting to think about buying gifts and getting a head start with your Christmas shopping. As the weather turns chilly and everyone feels like hunkering down indoors, a wool throw or blanket makes the ideal present. So we’ve got a wool throw gift guide to help you choose the perfect one.

For the time-poor mother

Busy mums often find it hard to make time to relax. Give a hardworking mother a supersoft, irresistibly snug wool throw for Christmas and encourage her to slow down a bit. She’ll love getting cosy under this 100% wool blanket, crafted from pure, long-wearing wool and featuring a subtle, timeless tartan pattern. It’s available in a range of colours too, so you can find the perfect match for her home interior.


For the outdoorsy sister

If you’ve got an adventure-loving sister who likes nothing better than camping under the stars or hiking up in the mountains, this alpaca throw is a great choice. Soft to touch but durable enough to withstand being stuffed in a backpack for an outdoor trip, it’s crafted from a blend of warm wool and gentle alpaca. And it will last for years, making memories alongside her as she explores the great outdoors.

For your garden-loving dad

If your dad likes nothing better than getting his hands dirty pulling weeds and potting on seedlings, a wool throw might be just what he needs. Perfect for keeping warm in his shed or on a coffee break outside. It will also double as a picnic rug in summer, so he can prepare a feast of homegrown bounty to share. This one is in a beautiful mossy green – just right for a green-fingered garden fanatic.

For your best friend

What could be nicer than giving your best friend a gift she can wear for months each year? Something that keeps her warm and cosy, and makes her feel cherished. Something that reminds her of the support of her dear friends who know exactly what colours she like to wear and what suits her best. The answer: a luxurious wool scarf.

For the man in your life

A thoughtful gift is a great way to let someone know you love them. Treat the man in your life to a sumptuous, supersoft cashmere throw that you can cuddle up under together. Whether bingeing on your favourite box set or cosying up in bed, add another layer to your relationship.

For more Christmas gift ideas go here, and for more on why wool is a natural choice in winter go here.

And if you’d also like to send warmth to a stranger in need, you can get involved in a UNHCR initiative in collaboration with Kniterate. This British start-up are working alongside the charity and Twitter to generate funds and publicity by offering to weave 500 names into scarves that they will distribute to refugees in North Africa. These people face extreme winter weather and have inadequate housing and clothing. Find out more about knitting for refugees here.

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Beautiful Wool Throws You’ll Love this Fall

September 20, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

We’re going to let you into a secret: we actually LOVE it when the weather gets cooler and the nights start drawing in. Summer is wonderful, but there’s something so homely and comforting about Fall, with the promise of open fires, hot chocolate, warm knits and hot-water bottles to toast our feet on at night. As the seasons turn from summer into autumn, we’ve created eight stunning new designs for our wool throw collection.

These earth-toned new throws reflect the changes we see in Nature: leaves turning to russets, damp mosses crawling over stones, bare brown branches revealed on windy days. In this appealing, muted palette each design boasts subtle patterns and weaves, bringing texture and interest to your home. 

autumn colours wool throw

Crafted from pure wool, cotton blends and mixes of wool and recycled polyester, these throws make the perfect companion on a chilly Fall evening. Snug yet soft, colourful yet subtle, they work beautifully draped over linen bedlinen in muted tones or rich autumnal shades, or casually strewn across a sofa for extra evening comfort. And thanks to our commitment to sustainable production, the use of recycled fibres means you can treat yourself without worrying about waste.

Here’s our pick of our top four wool throws from the new collection, but as you’ll see, they are all gorgeous.

Lorenzo

cozy wool throws for fall

Crafted from from 35% lambswool, 35% cotton and 30% recycled polyester this is a lightweight yet snug throw in a two-way colour scheme: natural on one side and in a choice of spa green, terracotta or choco on the other.

It would look amazing alongside a set of rustic linen cushions or draped over a set of linen bedlinen in rich greens or deep greys.

Donato

fall colors wool blanket

In a classic tartan plaid but in soft, understated colours, our Donato throw adds texture and pattern without overpowering a space. And it’s crafted from 100% pure wool, which means it will keep you and your loved ones cosy for years to come.

Pair it with a neutral linen duvet cover or use blue cushions to bring out the accents.

Paula

cozy wool throw fall winter

In exquisite silver, ivory and grey colorways the Paula throw adds a touch of class to any interior. In 100% pure wool, it’s an elegant blanket that’s perfect for curling up under, or wearing over your shoulders on a Fall evening outside.

These colors work with most interior color schemes, offering great versatility with a sophisticated finish.

Roberto

With a wide range of colorways, you can choose the perfect throw for your needs. Bright and cheerful? Yes! Earthy and subtle? Yes too! Tranquil and calm? Yes again! And thanks to the 100% pure wool you’ll have years of warmth and softness.

Browse our range of sumptuous wool throws and blankets for your essential hyggeligt home addition this season. Stock up on candles, good books, lovely teas and some winter socks and you’ll have a cozy, snug Fall.

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Why Wool is Wonderful in the Bedroom

February 15, 2019 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

Like your favourite pair of jeans or simple white t-shirt, some things can be counted on to work, time and time again. A wool throw or blanket is one of these trusty companions, whether used as an extra layer of warmth on your bed or tucked over the sofa for cosy evenings in front of the TV.

wool throw

There’s really nothing better, and simpler, to add to your home. And you can even use a wool throw as the starting point for your interior decoration, particularly in the bedroom. Start with finding the best quality, most luxurious blanket you can get, then pick out colours from the pattern or, if it’s in a block colour, use this as the basis for your palette. Draped over your bed in winter it will pull together the whole space, and in warmer months you can use it instead of the duvet or fold it over just the bottom section of the bed.

A wool throw is a timeless addition to your home, and can create a cosy, homely feel in the bedroom. Conjuring up memories of childhood picnics, travel adventures, camping trips and family movie nights, there is something wonderfully nostalgic about a woolly blanket. And it’s perfect for an intimate, quiet space such as a bedroom.

wool blanket bedroom interior design

Whilst the initial outlay may be more than the price of a synthetic throw, you will get many years more use from a quality wool throw, as well as all the inherent natural advantages of this magical fibre.

Not only is wool a sustainable choice for bedding, it can actually help you sleep better. This is due to wool’s temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties, which keep you comfortable and sleeping more deeply. Research has also shown that not only do people sleep more deeply with wool bedding, they also fall asleep more quickly. And all members of the family can benefit too: studies have revealed that babies also sleep more soundly when lying on top of a wool underlay or topper.

bedlinen wool blanket

Bedrooms can attract high levels of condensation, particularly in winter, as we release lots of water as we breathe throughout the night. A wool blanket is mildew and mold resistant, so will keep your bedroom looking and smelling fresh. Wool is also antimicrobial, naturally fire-retardant and very easy to clean, making it an ideal choice for bedding.

A stunning wool throw will not only enhance the look of your bedroom, it will help you feel better too, improving your quality of sleep and making you feel safe and snug.

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Why Wool is Good for You

February 1, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Wool is definitely one of the most popular natural materials known but not many of us know the actual benefits of using wool products daily. If you have not known a lot about wool get ready for some knowledge – we are about to introduce you to wool, the durable natural material.

Wool

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Things You Did Not Know About Merino Wool

January 22, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 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.

Merino wool

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Decorating Your Home for Winter

December 31, 2017 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

With winter being the cosiest season of them all you might find yourself desperately gazing at the electric fireplaces and wool socks at the stores. While there is no way to enjoy winter for longer you can still enjoy the cosy season in style. Here you will find some tips on decorating your home for winter to warm up both your body and soul.

sheepskin

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7 Fun Ways to Celebrate the New Year

December 29, 2017 Tags: , , , , , , , No Comments

With the festive season now in full swing, it’s time to turn our attention to New Year’s Eve. You may have a traditional way of seeing in the new year, but if you are looking for some fresh ideas about how you can celebrate the coming of 2018, read on. We’ve chosen 7 fun things you could do, with something for everyone from nature-lovers and homebods to party people.

fun ways to celebrate new year's eve

1.For a romantic New Year’s Eve à deux

If you feel exhausted by the idea of yet another busy party with fildena 100mg pills, why not stay in with your partner for the night? Share the cooking and have something unusual for dinner. Then snuggle up under a cosy blanket with a bottle of Proseco and a classic festive film, like ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ or ‘When Harry Met Sally’. String up a sprig of mistletoe for a midnight kiss and the perfect romantic way to usher in another year.

2.For nature-lovers

In Japanese culture the first sunrise of a new year holds magical powers, bestowing good fortune for the coming months upon those who witness it. Steal away for the night to somewhere with an incredible view, and watch the sunrise. Take hot water bottles, a flask of soup and a drop or two of something warming, and sit under a woolly throw gazing at stars until the dawn breaks. You could choose somewhere dramatic like Stonehenge in the UK, the breathtaking Cape Inubo in Japan, mystical Ayers Rock in Australia or Bryce Canyon in Arizona. Or for something closer to home, simply head for the nearest beach, high hill or tranquil riverside.

sunrise new years eve

3.For party-animals

Some people just love to gather together their favourite people and celebrate in style with food, drink and music. For a party that embraces the fun aspect of fancy dress without causing your guests costume-induced stress, you could throw a ‘Hats, Tatts and Tashes’ party. People can come in a hat (of any kind, from a flamboyant sombrero to a jaunty top hat), or wear a fake tattoo (or sporting their real ones) or choose to adorn themselves with a novelty moustache. Simple bits of dress-up like this give your guests the perfect ice-breaker without making them go to too much trouble. Though there will always be someone who comes in all three.

4.For the escapists

You might want to get away from it all and escape to a country retreat for some peace and seasonal hygge. These cottages look divine, or you could hire a larger house and go with a couple of other families for a fun weekend away. Think scenic countryside, roaring log fires, good places to eat nearby, beautiful walks and lazy mornings with the newspapers and lots of coffee.

5.For the time-poor

If you are having people over for dinner on New Year’s Eve but realise you just won’t have time to cook, several companies will deliver or prepare (and you collect) delicious dinner-party-ready meals with a homecooked vibe. Whether you choose to fess up or pretend you whipped up the feast yourself is your own business… Try Cook in the UK or Magic Kitchen in the USA.

6.For the family

If you are celebrating with the kids gather up some classic board games and spend the evening being silly together. These games are always hilarious: Articulate, Headbandz, Twister, Cranium Junior and Cluedo. Order take-away pizza for a proper treat, so everyone can join the fun without someone dashing out to stir things in the kitchen. Get some indoor sparklers for a bit of midnight countdown excitement.

family new years eve

7.For the morning after

If New Year’s Eve just doesn’t do it for you but you’d like to celebrate somehow, you could hold a New Year’s Day brunch instead. Invite friends round mid-morning and keep a rolling pot of coffee on the stove. Serve fresh orange juice and ready-made frozen pastries that you can warm up at the last minute, sling some sausages and bacon in a low oven and serve with scrambled eggs and toasted bagels. Go for minimum fuss and maximum chilled-outness.

Whatever you do and however you spend New Year’s Eve, we at WoolMe hope you have a very happy 2018. Wishing you a year filled with joy, good health and prosperity.

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