Browsing Tag

wool throws for picnic

5 Reasons Why Wool is Not Just for Winter

April 13, 2018 Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Despite the seemingly endless winter there are definite signs that Spring is afoot: tulips and primroses dotting gardens and lanes, longer evenings, ducklings paddling along behind their mamas, loud and joyful birdsong, and when the sun does shine there’s a power to it that just isn’t there in winter. It might seem like the time to be packing away your woollen blankets and clothes, storing them carefully for the Autumn. But don’t rush for the suitcases and packing bags just yet. Wool is not just for Winter.

Here are 5 reasons why we love wool in the Spring and Summer too:

1.Chilly evenings

Even late into Spring the evenings can still have a chill in the air. Once the central heating goes off and you’ve burned all your firewood it can be lovely to reach for a cosy woollen blanket as you read in bed, or curl up on the sofa in front of a movie. A natural wool throw will help you make this transition from fully heated house to flinging open the windows, keeping you warm when it’s time to hunker down.

2.Outdoor adventures

spring wool throw

As Spring gets underway we start planning camping trips and picnic outings. A wool throw is never far from hand on these outdoor adventures, whether used as an extra layer over a sleeping bag, or as the base for a casual picnic with friends. And woolly socks are pretty much essentials if you are sleeping outdoors as they will keep your feet toasty all night long, which means you will sleep better. Wool helps to regulate body temperature and wicks moisture away from your body, meaning you won’t wake up sweaty and overheated.

3.Stylish interiors

A less-than pristine sofa or chair can be given a new lease of life with the simple addition of a wool throw. Choose contrasting colours to make a statement, or opt for something neutral that adds a note of muted texture and tone. If you don’t want the expense of re-upholstering a chair, a throw is a great way to get the look you want at a fraction of the price. And if you change your mind in the future you can simply use the throw elsewhere and replace it with something new.

4.Sporty layers

merino wool base layer

Merino wool is much-loved by sportspeople, from runners to cyclists, hikers to climbers. Thanks to its superfine yarn it can be spun into lightweight layers that are ideal for wearing as a base layer, providing some extra warmth but with no extra bulk. Wool is anti-bacterial and moisture-wicking so you will feel fresh and dry, and if there is a sudden downpour it will keep the rain off you while you dash for shelter.

5.Getting crafty

wool yarn spring summer - why wool ?

Now might be the time to take up a new craft or hobby, like knitting or crochet. These crafts are easy to learn and can be very relaxing. You can take your project with you wherever you go too, from the bus ride to work to sitting in a children’s play area watching your kids. Natural wool is a great basis for simple garments like scarves and cushion covers, and once you’ve honed your skills you can use the huge range of different woollen yarns to create beautiful handmade items that you – and others- will really treasure.

So, whilst it might be a good time to retire your chunky woollen sweaters, don’t rush to pack away the wool. There’s plenty more use for those wool throws, cosy socks, fine base layers and balls of yarn yet.

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5 Must-haves for A Perfect Summer Picnic

June 22, 2017 Tags: , , , 1 Comment

With the warm, long days of summer many of us love eating outdoors, whether in our own gardens, a local park or out in the wilds. Wherever you choose, we’ve gathered up the 5 essential things you will need for the perfect picnic. To make sure you are comfortable, well fed and fully able to make the most of the glorious weather and scenery, read on.

1.Picnic blanket or rug

Perhaps the most important of all picnic accessories, a good blanket is key. You want something hardwearing yet soft to touch, something that can be cleaned easily and that is light enough to carry. Our wool throws tick all these boxes. Made from merino, alpaca, mohair and cashmere our wool throws come in a wide range of designs so you can pick one that works with your interior as well as being a beautiful picnic accessory. We love this throw in dusky pink – a perfect match for tupperware and picnic plates in fresh summer pastels and ice cream tones. Ideal for stretching out on under a tree, or for sitting all the family around you as you share some food.

canyon-rose-wool-throw-roberto

2.Durable plates and cups

You needn’t settle for tacky plastic plates and cups, or disposable paper ones. If you want a stylish picnic with sustainably-made dining accessories, choose something like these gorgeous bamboo bowls by Habitat. Mix up different colours for interest, or choose a co-ordinated set if you want a more coherent look.

bamboo picnic bowls

3. Picnic basket

Go for a traditional wicker picnic basket (this one is cute) or something more contemporary, like this nifty boat-shaped vintage-inspired basket. You need something spacious enough to carry your supplies, but not too unwieldy and bulky. A basket is better than a bag as it gives more structured support for its contents, avoiding crushing and squashing. Once the picnic is over, use the basket to store those annoying bits that are usually lying around the house, like Sellotape and stray batteries, then simply decant these into a tub when you need the basket again.

4. A good knife

A decent, versatile knife is essential to happy picnicking. Choose something with a guard, to prevent you cutting yourself. You want a knife that will be as happy cutting bread as slicing through a watermelon, something you can wipe clean and store safely away once you’ve finished with it. We love these stainless steel knives that can handle anything a picnic might throw at them.

5. Napkins

If you want an environmentally-friendly alternative to baby wipes, pack a few linen napkins in your picnic basket. These pure linen napkins are machine washable, meaning you don’t need to worry about stains, and are soft but extremely hardwearing. Their inherent creases are part of their charm, making them an easy go-to for mopping up spills, wiping sticky fingers and dealing with all eventualities.

linen napkins - summer picnic

Just add some deliciously simple food, a flask of tea or cooled bottle of bubbly, and great company for the perfect picnic.

For more ways to enjoy our wool throws and blankets in your home or outdoors, go here and here.

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