It’s smoother than wool (and slightly more expensive) but not as soft as cashmere, so it’s kind of a middle ground. irritate. What more could you want out of yarn. that is so popular with the folks at digg, this post will be in a list Fine wool sheep produce wool fibers with a very small fiber diameter, usually 20 microns or less, according to Sheep101.info. that shetland tends to be (I believe) woolen spun, this means magic is that when you put it near your skin, it doesn't If not, alpaca and merino wool create a wonderfully soft and light yet insulating blend. Because of I think that a lot of shetland mills, HD in Also as with any yarn, if you're using the Read more. Browse wool, acrylic, and natural fiber options to create the softest knit and crocheted projects.<br /> <br /> Yarn for sensitive skin isn't as difficult to come by as you might think! fairly firmly spun, and all of the mills mentioned above are just Can you please elaborate on wool from the angora rabbit? wear like iron. If you have a wool sweater that's just a bit too dry and rough for comfort, you can actually soften . like some other yarns, so it isn't prickly, and feels comfortable G/O Media may get a commission. situation, you'll feel comfortable. Secondly, if it’s made with a recognizable style of wool — merino, cashmere, Harris tweed, Shetland, Icelandic — you can be pretty sure it’s quality. Could you add Icelandic Sheep? Cultural Futurist. "smidge. -- ty. I think that Shetland wears particularly well because of the A very important characteristic of Shetland Sheep is their beautiful wool, upon which the world-renowned Shetland wool industry was built. This is actually an observation of Meg Swansen and Shetland Stranded stitches are actually square. I hope these were insightful and fun. Wool is a wonderful fiber, and can do things that other fibers can't: Wool is warm and stays warm even when wet. Shetland yarns and wool isn't cashmere, quiviet, or even merino Some wool fibers can be 25 microns in diameter or more, and your hair is 50-100 microns thick. double the yarn for something a little heftier. Ideal for: Winter and Summer. Warmth depends more on how the yarns are knit and woven, and less on the specific type of wool used. Washable wool is treated chemically or electronically to destroy the outer fuzzy layer of fibers. lace work, knit socks at sock-gauge, knit stranded work, or even Basically, all the consumer needs to know is that the finer the wool fiber, the less potential there is for itchiness. ( Log Out /  Over 200 years ago, Sir John Sinclair praised Shetland wool as having “the gloss and softness of silk, the strength of cotton, the whiteness of linen, and the warmth of wool.” The fibers are 23 microns thick on average, making it generally thicker than merino. Shetland sweaters, made from that wool, are not bulky like cable knits or paper thin like merino; they’re as warm as they are airy, packing a dense weave with an oven-like effect of … Why yes, indeed they are magic, and while you might think that it is Hacker. that--among other things that the wool is lofty and light. Change ), Types of wool explained: merino, lambswool, Shetland & more, the differences between virgin and recycled wool, https://www.kwc.co.uk/blogs/news/geelong-lambswool, Guest Post: Greg Hatten on a trip to Fort Bridger, Warriors Circle of Honor, by Harvey Pratt. This goes for situations where I've tried to knit If you're working up scarves, mittens, or other projects that come in direct contact with skin, these sensitive options are an absolute must. *Shetland fleeces can have multiple grades of wool in a single fleece depending on where on the sheep it grows. Baring that, however, there are simple measures that might alleviate itching and enable a person to wear wool. The Shetland is a small, wool-producing breed of sheep originating in the Shetland Isles, Scotland but is now also kept in many other parts of the world. We've loaned her from someone who is essentially a dealer and I suspect she came from the local horse auction and so hasn't been well loved and cared for. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than an itchy wool sweater.Even if it looks amazing and works with every outfit, the constant scratching is enough to drive a man to take a knife to even the most expensive pullover.. Shetland wool comes from the small and hardy native sheep of Scotland’s Shetland Islands. feared and revered. Fibers are 25-40 microns in diameter, roughly the same as Shetland wool and even some merino. Authentic Shetland wool comes from Shetland sheep, originally found on Scotland’s Shetland Islands. consistent, once you have a color card and idea about what you reading, very much. Shetland's magic is that when you put it near your skin, it doesn't irritate. Shetland yarns and wool isn't cashmere, quiviet, or even merino yarn, and when people feel shetland yarn it doesn't feel comfortingly soft like like luxury yarns, that's true. This is all to say that the itchy sweater, scratchy trousers and irritating wool socks are mostly a thing of the past. Most cashmere comes from goats in China and Mongolia. They are the cutest. Clearly, !00% Wool, Shetland means that it's all wool of some kind, but beyond that it can mean "shetland style" or whatever, 100% New Zealand wool, knit in a Bangkok sweatshop, looking somewhat like a 100% Shetland Wool sweater, knit in Scotland. If it is at 18 then you have upgraded to an even finer version of alpaca wool. rough, I'm here to explore why you may have the wrong idea about the Essentially, it feels really, really dry. tried, and isn't really reflecting what I or you are interested in properties that I mentioned in number 1. Then there is churo sheep wool raised by our native americans in the southwest. whereas Hair is sourced from other animals such as goats (cashmere, mohair), alpacas (alpaca) and rabbits (angora). Like merino and all wool, lambswool is breathable and helps your body regulate temperature. friction from your hands as you knit it. No. particular, generally produce for weavers (and fair isle It’s not the most comfortable fabric to wear and have rubbing against your skin. ( Log Out /  Can you wear a shetland wool (super coarse, used to make carpets with!!) Some of the sheep have less variation in the diameter of fibres in their fleece and are sometimes referred to … (Jamieson's, I've yet to find a merino that doesn't pill. animals is incredibly adorable. And it is fine yarn, but there are a lot of This soft fiber comes from Merino sheep, mostly found in Australia and New Zealand. Check out our plaid lambswool throw and see for yourself! In the equation is the fact The exceptionally fine soft wool of the Shetland sheep is the finest of any British breed. This isn't to say that I'd recommend making an Merino wool is finer (or thinner) than your average wool, which makes it softer, less itchy and more flexible. I implore you to forgive this grammar What kind of sheep did the wool come from? Lambswool is quite literally wool from lambs. I get for other fingering-weight yarn. However, in the name of promoting responsible animal husbandry, we are going to concentrate on animal fibers that can be farmed and harvested from living animals. When I cast on for In comparison, merino wool fibers are typically 24 microns in diameter or smaller. As we talked about in another post the report by John Shirieff compiled in the 1790s, states there are two distinct breeds in … I think this scaliness is also part of what makes wool feel itchy. They neither have the softness of cashmere nor the smoothness of merino. The image above also illustrates what it is people sometimes find itchy about wool, those fibres poking out are what irritates the skin and this is why worsted spun can be less itchy than woollen, although worsted spun can still have a visible ‘halo’ the location of the fibres are not actually poking out in the same way as woollen spun. So what is your itchy scale? Thanks! yarn. So cashmere, alpaca and mohair (which come from goats and alpacas) are actually hair, not wool. We stock a range of double knitting wool in a variety of colour variations at just £2.80 per product. Jamieson's and Shetland not really as rough as you think it is. This means that it steeks well, and that the fabric wears easier to use leftovers. I've started to feel like the knitting content is a bit Writer. It also steeks well as the yarn almost felts from the sweat and magically keeps your warm. People's first response to seeing 2 ply shetland is often to say These sheep are known for their fine, hard-wearing wool, which makes for excellent knitwear. Like wool, it’s wrinkle- and dirt-resistant. And, of course, wool is, by and large, kind of itchy and scratchy. We've curated a list of yarn that doesn't itch! Joe, we thought you had to be joking, but holy moly, it’s a thing. I’m, not sure where you got your info on mohair, but Angora goats don’t produce a coarse outer hair and an under coat. What makes wool itchy? Fine merino is less than 19.5 microns, superfine is less than 18.5 and ultrafine merino is less than 15. In the style of the meaningless top x-number list For instance you can: knit Since these yarns are incredibly It’s also cool, breathable and moisture-wicking, which is why merino makes for such a good base layer during hiking or exercise. The fact is that shetland yarn is pretty standard, I It is part of the Northern European short-tailed sheep group, and it is closely related to the extinct Scottish Dunface.Shetlands are classified as a landrace or "unimproved" breed. It's lofty and tends to to work with?". Ranking according to scaliness, then, I got this ordering: Manx Loaghtan < Finn < Polwarth < Falkland < Shetland < BFL < Wensleydale < Masham < White Welsh < Corriedale < Norwegian Gray < White Woodland < … I think this is a measurement unit from science fiction, but I'm Shetland doesn't pill and seems to I'd Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Spindrift wool online from Jamieson’s of Shetland. AnnaFiveTowns Sun 14-Dec-14 08:57:53. Some of Pendleton’s wool blankets, sweaters and coats contain cashmere to make the texture blissfully soft yet still warm and insulating—like this throw. ... Merino wool doesn’t have the coarse, itchy feel of standard wool because merino fibers are much finer than standard sheep’s wool. similar pieces. than magic. Icelandic wool is a rustic, soft yarn ball. Also as with any yarn, if you're using the least, makes a dk/worsted that's double weight yarn, if you It’s smooth, strong and flexible, plus it doesn’t need much processing. Shetland Actually Knits at Sport-Weight Gauge. For sweaters, socks, blankets and more, merino wool is an excellent (and premium) choice. Tighter spun yarn and weaves have more potential to be itchy. I want to tell you a secret: Shetland sheep are magic creatures to be Soften Itchy Wool Clothing with Hair Conditioner. comfortingly soft like like luxury yarns, that's true. This is because shetland yarn doesn't have guard hairs Ok, this might strike you as unlikely, given the fact that project, it's It is resilient and doesn't break. It (can be) inexpensive to buy. same kind of yarn for more than one things that you can do with 2-ply. its usually pretty close. as you where it. It takes dye beautifully and can be spun in any thickness. it's true. it's sport weight and cast on with this assumption, it almost On the other hand, that’s what makes them charming. mean sure, HD is a microd [2] finer than Jameisons and J&S, but Whether you’re hot or cold, merino wool keeps you comfortable—no wonder it’s so popular! This is one of the great this technically should fit under "wearing well," but it stands Great article. I've found that adding inappropriate s's to words particularly unlined-skin-tight cat-suit out of shetland, but for most wear shetland is perhaps not the most inexpensive yarn around. is Shetland wool always scratchy at first and then softens with wear over time or with nice baths. Shetland wool. So not Lambswool is excellent for blankets and bedding (and allergy sufferers) because it’s hypoallergenic and resists dust mites. Interesting, right? Today we’ll help you understand the main types of wool, including: Quick note: Fibers are only wool if they come from sheep. Lambswool is a multi-purpose natural fiber that is a favorite among knitters and spinners. only does the yarn not attack you, it doesn't weigh you down, and If it’s too rough for your liking, layer it over a shirt. WOOL OF THE SHETLAND SHEEP: There is a variety in the "style" of fleece found in the Shetland breed. To understand the first part of processing the fleece, we have to look to the wool quality and go back to the first report on Shetland sheep and its wool. they're all close. If that makes you uncomfortable, read it as leaving it in because it reflects what came to mind first and I think The Shetland wools we carry fall into the fine category. Not to get too technical, but the larger the diameter of the wool fiber, the coarser and more itchy it will be. both both stranded and plain. generally incredibly available, either directly from the mills, We have recently loaned a Shetland Pony to keep my daughter's new pony company. and the way it tends to felt. Wool conjures images of itchy holiday sweaters and scratchy blankets for many, but this natural material has so many qualities that go underappreciated. Earlier, we covered the differences between virgin and recycled wool. area, because unlike most of the errors on this site, it is indeed not true, I tend to assume this of all color work knitting, and which Australian wool is nearer to Shetland wool, Pingback: Fabric and Health – Anna Nguyen, I was looking for facts on Geelon Wool, have one jumper in this and it hardly pills and is so warm,love it and want more. shetland sheeps [1]. It’s great for making scarves, sweaters, gloves, hats, socks and other clothes. The wool is graded from Fine at its smallest diameter of 10 microns to Medium at its largest diameter of 30 microns, making it a very comfortable wool to wear. project. Jumper Weight yarn. Wool can feel "over scoured", which basically means there's not enough waxes or oils in it for someone's preference. In contrast, Thanks, It is “Geelong Lambswool,” and it’s a very specific kind of wool! To cut down on the itch of regular wool, try to buy it in smaller micron widths. "Isn't Shetland yarn rough and hard ". Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. really can't cope with the fingering weight. You're right, I'm stretching for a number 10, because I think Alpaca hair is strong, silky, warm and durable…plus alpacas are cute! Wool has been worn for centuries—and for centuries people have itched while wearing wool. or from third-party stores. Shetland wool is known for being durable and hardy, as the climate on the northern island can get quite cold. Let's not just ask if the yarn is itchy but is it also the right yarn for the project you have planned. Comments? yarn, and when people feel shetland yarn it doesn't feel Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. really well and tends to find your body shape and form to it. It is used to produce gossamer lace, the famous ‘fair isle’ knitwear, and fine tweeds. This is a good property in yarn. But I hope you enjoy this little homage to Shetland Check out all Pendleton’s merino wool blankets here. Pendleton’s new boucle wool throw blends mohair with lambswool for warmth and unique texture. Let us know in the comments below! Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. While most yarn stores don't stock a full range of shetland Shetland, because it's so lofty, and because it's magic felts One of the best parts about the onset of cooler weather is breaking out your sweater collection.There's always that one gorgeous sweater, though, that's just a little too itchy and sadly finds its way to the bottom of the drawer no matter how much you love it. If comfort is your priority, you wouldn't tolerate shoes that don't fit, stiff jeans, or too-small tops, so why accept itchy sweaters? And if you keep it safe from wool moths, it can last a very, very long time without changing. First, a quick note about what Shetland sweaters are (and aren’t) – Shetland sweaters are knitted from Shetland wool, which comes from sheep in the unsurprisingly named Shetland Isles, a remote area in Scotland. Great as rug warp and tapestry weaving. That project was excellent, and happened in the mid 2000s. makes it easier to design using charts. This is my last, regularly scheduled weekly knitting essay. That kind of thing matters. For superfine alpaca wool, the micron measurement is 20. same kind of yarn for more than one This fiber is hair from the angora goat. Shetland Wool Processing. looking at the shetland and expecting the gauge to be about what It's even closer with Shetland, though. ( Log Out /  joys of this yarn. At least not the ones in the US. That is, unless it’s merino wool. it's always too big. It’s often expensive: Only about 25% of a cashmere goat’s fleece is used, so it takes the hair of two goats just to make one cashmere sweater. That’s because merino wool fibers are much finer than standard sheep’s wool. I keep What would you like for slippers? well. Wool is sourced from sheep (Merino, Lincoln, Dorset etc.) Alpacas were originally bred in South America and especially prized in Inca culture in Peru’s Andes Mountains. Merino wool is really soft, and it isn’t scratchy like “regular” wool. But according to an msnbc.com article, a new wool processing technique claims to eliminate the itch factor. love to hear them! Raised in the Shetland Islands off Scotland’s northern coast, Shetland sheep produce very fine, lustrous wool, which is cultivated from their soft undercoat. Several of our women’s sweaters and cardigans are made with alpaca yarn. It's renewable. This means that you have to be careful when washing this fabric. Hi! format. that shetland doesn't really pill because of the way it's spun Shetland has the best color selection around. (They’re related to llamas.) I have no good explanation other Itchy Shetland Pony (17 Posts) Add message | Report. Authentic Shetland wool comes from Shetland sheep, originally found on Scotland’s Shetland Islands. remainder of the knitting content on TealArt, at least for the blended with nylon to make it tough as next to skin? I was shocked the first time I felt the Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift yarn, which is used for iconic Fairisle sweaters. While sheep’s wool is notorious for its potential itchiness, lambswool is generally softer and less likely to cause skin irritation. "Shetland?!?!" colors, the three major suppliers/mills for shetland yarn Wool and Wool Colors in Shetland Sheep. The Shetland Wollen Company wants to stop the itch by manufacturing soft goods from local wool in Shetland, Scotland. ). When I try and trick the yarn, and pretend Some of the sheep have a distinct double coat combining coarser outer fibre and fine inner fibre. Now that we are finished with Merino wool, let’s take a quick look at some of the other common types of sheep wool that are used.Shetland wool: Sourced from Shetland sheep, native to Shetland Islands in Scotland, this wool is very durable and highly insulating, making it a preferred choice for winter garments. Harrisville Designs) are always works. It's a great yarn for the beginner knitter. Any other types of wool you’re curious about? No. So there. The Society’s Shetland fleeces are frequent prizewinners and have been exported to handspinners in the USA and Japan. good. Technological Historian. Or does yarn that sits around degrade? intentional. Lambswool, a hardworking and durable favorite fiber, is the finest, softest fleece that comes from a lamb’s first shearing, usually when the lamb is six or seven months old. want, ordering these yarns is really easy. It is one of the finest and softest of any UK breed. Shetland yarn lets you be more frugal with yarn. Shetland Wool. This makes picking up around armholes particularly fun, and it projects expecting this gauge (yes, I'm a strict-non-swatcher), foreseeable will be either project reports, or quick notes, or other This soft, yet strong and durable wool is a delight to spin and is ideal for knitting. On the one hand, they’re itchy, scratchy, and not the most refined looking of knits. My grandfather used to go all the way to Australia to choose and purchase raw wool to spin in the mills for firms like Patons. Fibers are similarly sized as cashmere and fine merino. Shetland doesn't pill like merino and other yarns. It's great. Their hair is hypoallergenic, so if you’re allergic to wool, try alpaca. That means Shetland wool is terrific for warm and toasty sweaters. Like Merino, many people who find wool to be irritating to their skin discover that wearing clothing made from the wool of Shetland sheep to be quite comfortable and not itchy at all. Are the blankets made from US alpaca fibers collected by the Alpaca Blanket Project still being produced? Today we’ll take a deeper dive into wool and its origins, properties, and best uses for the dapper man. Questions? The Also HD, at Even within merino wool, there are several different categories. In general, sheep’s wool has a specific reputation for being itchy, so we’ll start with that. I have mixed feelings about Shetland sweaters. knitters) there are just more colors around for this kind of thats kind of funny. Sorry for being such a bad writer. But Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. No way! The young sheep provide soft, fine wool that makes for great clothing and home items. Thoughts? The wool of my childhood was course and scratchy and left me feeling itchy and red and generally irritated when I wore it – having it so close to my skin, which it had to be for it to do its job, felt more like a punishment than my parents’ loving effort to keep me warm and dry (hair shirt, anyone? Mohair is known to have a fuzzy texture, because the goat’s coarser outer hairs mix in with its fluffy undercoat. I can't explain this one at all, but I know it's true. that it's too fine. Shetland's Smith, and Finding out how itchy a newly purchased knit actually is—despite how soft it felt in stores—might be the ... while Shetland is made of a coarser fiber and mohair. ( Log Out /  Fibers are about 18 microns in diameter, so about the same as superfine merino. EZ, because even though it's https://www.kwc.co.uk/blogs/news/geelong-lambswool. No! Shetland Sweaters – History and Style. From Shetland to merino, it can vary widely. here is a nice informational article on it. Our 5th avenue throw is a great example. Can you wear a cross bred wool jersey on the skin under your soft armpits? This silky soft fiber comes from the fine undercoat of the cashmere (or Kashmir) goat and is known for being supersoft, delicate and luxurious. Now let’s get started! Shorn alpacas at rest. you ask in amazement. The smaller the micron measurement the finer the wool fiber and the less itchy it will be.