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Humans have enjoyed wool for over 10,000 years and it continues to be a coveted textile in both high end fashion and interior design due to its many qualities. Here we deep-dive into the wonderful world of wool, sharing the tale of this ancient fibre’s origin, production and inherent attributes. … View moreHumans have enjoyed wool for over 10,000 years and it continues to be a coveted textile in both high end fashion and interior design due to its many qualities. Here we deep-dive into the wonderful world of wool, sharing the tale of this ancient fibre’s origin, production and inherent attributes.
ORIGIN
Britain is said to have lead wool manufacturing through spinning and weaving pre 1900 BC, a skill highly prized beyond their shores. Sheep were first exported beyond Europe to South Africa, New Zealand and Australia toward the very end of the 1700s. We have had a long time to accustom ourselves to the incredible natural qualities of wool and it is quite literally woven in to our trading, cultural and farming histories.
How does wool come to be? Fleece is shorn from sheep annually with a new fleece produced every year (unless you are Shrek the Sheep, who avoided shearing for 6 years – once finally caught in 2004 he produced enough wool for 20 large men’s suits, or 27 kg… blimey!). Once shorn, fleeces are thrown clean side down onto a wool table, skirted (a process to remove undesirable parts of the fleece), folded and rolled to determine class by a qualified wool classer. Bales of wool are then sent to be scoured, a bathing/cleaning process to remove dirt and impurities such as sweat and vegetable matter. Quality is determined by diameter, crimp, yield, colour and staple strength. Finer wools are used for apparel manufacture and heavier for soft furnishing textiles and carpets/rugs.
There are a wide variety of ways to process wool in to differing yarns, including worsted – a very fine yarn spun from carded wool producing a lustrous and smooth product especially suited to apparel. You may also be familiar with felted wools which are produced with heat, pressure and moisture compressing the fibres, entangling them together into a matted textile with a dense, ‘foamy’ or almost spongy appearance and feel. The woollen system of preparing carded wool for spinning ensures short fibres are retained, sometimes requiring combing. Wool can be spun to yarn on its own, or in conjunction with other fibres which can add desirable qualities and attributes to the finished fabric.
Despite a reputation as a land of sheep, New Zealand is actually the 4th largest producer of wool, with the top spot being taken out by Australia, responsible for 25% of global wool-clip. International wool production is about 2 million tonnes, 60% of which is apparel. Approximately 3% of the international textile trade is comprised of wool. We would like that number to be a little higher!
RENEWABILITY
A natural fibre similar to human hair, wool is made of keratin and therefore readily biodegradable. As long as there is grass to graze on, sheep will continue to produce fleece, making it an ideal renewable fibre. Safeguarding the environment is part of the important work undertaken by woolgrowers to guarantee future production and industry longevity. Due to the high quality and durability of wool, woollen products have wonderful longevity and it is also excellent for re-use and recycling. In some instances, wool products can be returned from the interior and fashion sectors to be carded and re-spun in to yarn for re-weaving – an excellent way to reduce waste and extend the life of the material. Because of its hardy nature, when properly looked after, wool has a longer lifespan than many other fibres - if you have ever visited an antique/vintage/mid-century furniture trader, you will often find original wool and wool blend upholsteries still going strong even after a few lifetimes, albeit in need of a good clean!
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Advertise your entry-level and apprentice roles with Competenz through our free online job board, we have pre-qualified and motivated jobseekers ready to match with your organisation.
Find your next apprentice with Competenz!
Nature is far too beautiful to be kept outside. Create a haven in your home with the Resene Willow Wallpaper Collection. With designs to help you relax, recuperate and revive, this collection will help make your house a home.
View the full Resene Wallpaper Collection at your local Resene … View moreNature is far too beautiful to be kept outside. Create a haven in your home with the Resene Willow Wallpaper Collection. With designs to help you relax, recuperate and revive, this collection will help make your house a home.
View the full Resene Wallpaper Collection at your local Resene ColorShop or get a taste of the latest releases online
To end our celebration of volunteer week, we thought we'd share a few ways you can volunteer for the Graeme Dingle Foundation. Every bit of support helps make a difference in a young person's life 💚
Click the link below to find out more.
"This is a vicious cycle as the lack of sleep impairs our ability to concentrate and make good decisions. It can impact our food choices as well as our motivation to exercise and keep moving the following day" says New Zealand sleep expert Rachel Lehen.
On an average an adult should have… View more"This is a vicious cycle as the lack of sleep impairs our ability to concentrate and make good decisions. It can impact our food choices as well as our motivation to exercise and keep moving the following day" says New Zealand sleep expert Rachel Lehen.
On an average an adult should have a well rested sleep of 7-9 hours. An uncomfortable mattress, sleeping position, and even excessive use of blue light before bed can be the cause of an unhealthy sleep cycle.
Begin the journey to a healthy sleeping habit by popping into one of our 13 Beds4U store and our sleep experts will help you find the right mattress :)
Be entertained by feathered friends enticed to your garden by making your own bird feeder painted in favourite Resene colours. Find out how to create your own.
How do you know it’s winter? When the windows start dripping. While it might seem like just another staple of New Zealand homes, you don’t have to put up with a pool of water at the bottom of your windows every morning.
How condensation forms and why it matters: Condensation is the result of… View moreHow do you know it’s winter? When the windows start dripping. While it might seem like just another staple of New Zealand homes, you don’t have to put up with a pool of water at the bottom of your windows every morning.
How condensation forms and why it matters: Condensation is the result of water warming up, evaporating, then turning back into a liquid once it touches a cold surface. You know when you breathe onto a mirror and you can use your finger to write messages in the remaining mist? That’s condensation. The same thing happens with the moist air in your home and your cold windows.
What's the big deal about moisture anyway? Moisture doesn’t just make your home feel cold and damp, it causes mould too. Mould has all sorts of nasty effects on your health and it thrives in wet environments.
The condensation on the inside of your windows is a good indicator that there is too much moisture in your home. You can get accurate readings from a ‘hygrometer’; a cheap little device that you can get from many hardware stores that tells you exactly how humid the room is.
Ideally, you’d use one in each room of your house over the course of a few days to get an idea of which room is in most need of attention. If the reading is over 65% relative humidity and below 18 degrees Celsius, it might be time to take the following steps, depending on the room.
Kitchen
Boiling water and cooking kai releases up to 3 litres of water every day---it’s one of the worst offenders in the fight against wet windows. Doing the dishes isn’t much better, contributing up to 1 litre per day. To reduce the impact, remember to:
• Keep the extractor fan on. Your range hood should be larger than the cooking surface it’s venting, and should be venting directly outside---not to the roof space. Otherwise, it might end up damaging the insulation and internal roof structures. If you’re renting and the extractor fan doesn’t tick those boxes, it’s worth discussing with your landlord. They don’t want moisture or mould in your home either.
• Keep pots covered. If you’re boiling potatoes, pasta or just making a cup of coffee or tea, keep the lid on while the water heats up and while the contents cooks. Not only does this keep the steam inside, it also means the water boils faster---less energy used, a lower utility bill, and a faster dinner!
BATHROOM
Don’t worry, cleaning your teeth isn’t spreading moisture into the air, no matter how vigorously you scrub. But the bath and the shower certainly are, with each person releasing 1.5 litres of water per day with their washes.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Hi everyone,
We're looking into how some common claims about NZ stack up and would be interested in your thoughts on whether New Regent Street in Christchurch deserves its title of 'NZ's most beautiful street'. Do you think it is the best-looking street in the country? Or is … View moreHi everyone,
We're looking into how some common claims about NZ stack up and would be interested in your thoughts on whether New Regent Street in Christchurch deserves its title of 'NZ's most beautiful street'. Do you think it is the best-looking street in the country? Or is there another street you think is more beautiful? Please put 'NFP' (not for publication) in your comment if you do not want it included in an article. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.
Hi neighbours,
Ever wondered why we cover the stories that we do? Or what our policy is on swear words on Stuff? What about why the homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' and not 'Hello, New Zealand!' ?
The Backstory is an occasional email newsletter giving you … View moreHi neighbours,
Ever wondered why we cover the stories that we do? Or what our policy is on swear words on Stuff? What about why the homepage greets you with 'Kia ora, Aotearoa!' and not 'Hello, New Zealand!' ?
The Backstory is an occasional email newsletter giving you behind-the-scenes insight into stories and newsroom decisions, from Stuff Editor Patrick Crewdson. It's sent every one to two weeks and it's free!
Sign up here.
If there's an element of Stuff's operations you'd like the inside scoop on, email Patrick with suggestions here.
Want to grow your knowledge and skills to boost your career options?
We can help you develop your skill set with one of our courses in Team Leadership, Adminstration & Technology or Money Management.
Enrolments are now open with classes starting in July 2021. Don’t miss out! … View moreWant to grow your knowledge and skills to boost your career options?
We can help you develop your skill set with one of our courses in Team Leadership, Adminstration & Technology or Money Management.
Enrolments are now open with classes starting in July 2021. Don’t miss out! Sign up today.
Applications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2022. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and… View moreApplications are now open to Auckland Grammar School’s boarding hostel, Tibbs House, for 2022. Founded in 1962, Tibbs House provides accommodation, study and recreational facilities for 120 boarders. Boarders are supported by eight full time Masters who offer a wide range of teaching subjects and activities, as well as nightly study guidance.
Boarding Scholarships are also available. Apply now.
To apply, visit our website to download an application form. Alternatively, contact the Director of Boarding, Mr Frank Haszard at f.haszard@ags.school.nz.
Every student has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning. Customised tutoring programmes help ensure your child is learning effectively in a way that works for him or her.
Come and see how NumberWorks'nWords maths and English professional tutoring programmes can help.
Give some plain store-bought pots a fresh new look using Resene Crackle Effect. These small, plain herb pots were from The Warehouse. I used Resene Crackle Effect to give them a shabby chic look with on-trend paint colours.
You will need
• Test pot brushes
• Plants of your choice … View moreGive some plain store-bought pots a fresh new look using Resene Crackle Effect. These small, plain herb pots were from The Warehouse. I used Resene Crackle Effect to give them a shabby chic look with on-trend paint colours.
You will need
• Test pot brushes
• Plants of your choice (succulents and cacti look great with these paint colours!)
• Resene Smooth Surface Sealer Resene Crackle Effect
• Resene test pots
Instructions
Step 1: Start of by removing any price stickers and sticky residue. Next, prepare your pots for painting by applying one coat of Resene Smooth Surface Sealer all over. I painted my pots inside and out using a test pot brush. Leave to dry.
Step 2: Once your base coat has dried, paint each pot in a different colour. You will need to apply two coats, waiting for dry time in between. I chose the following colours for my pots: Resene Florentine Pink, Resene Wild West, Resene Moccaccino and Resene Wafer.
Step 3: Next, apply one coat of Resene Crackle Effect to the top third of the outside of each pot. I was after quite a strong crackle effect, so I applied quite a thick coat. You could also achieve this by applying two coats. Leave to dry completely. Repeat for all pots.
Step 4: Once the Crackle Effect is dry, apply one coat of your chosen white shade over the top of the Crackle Effect; I chose Resene Half Pot Pourri. You will need to work fast applying your paint, as the Crackle Effect will start to show quickly! Repeat for all pots. Leave to dry and let the effect work its magic. Once dry, add your favourite small plants and find a sunny spot for your cute new pots! You might like to try this effect on larger pots too.
Full DIY with pictures here: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
Kia ora koutou!
You don't have to cast your eyes too far down a newspaper or watch the news to know that Aotearoa's weather can be rather unpredictable.
To help you dress and gear-up for those crisp winter mornings, we have $1000 worth of Torpedo7 Gift Cards to share between 10… View moreKia ora koutou!
You don't have to cast your eyes too far down a newspaper or watch the news to know that Aotearoa's weather can be rather unpredictable.
To help you dress and gear-up for those crisp winter mornings, we have $1000 worth of Torpedo7 Gift Cards to share between 10 lucky members.
If your name's on the list, get in touch with us to claim your prize! If you know any of your neighbours listed, be sure to give them a neighbourly congrats!
Well done to:
Jonathan Howe from Gisborne
Alaina Luxmore from Auckland
Kelly Ryan from Ngāruawāhia
Hunish Segran from Pukekohe
Kirsten Mcmullen from Christchurch
Fereti Lualua from Auckland
Saniya Thompson from Invercargill
Annelize Kratz from Wellington
Kate Bonne from Christchurch
Martyn Simes from Whangārei
Stay safe and warm and remember to keep checking in to Neighbourly for more giveaways from the team!
Hi Neighbours, make simply delicious dinners with HelloFresh! Start today and use code “NEIGHBOUR” for up to $100 off pre-portioned fresh ingredients delivered right to your door. You can dish up some of our all time favourites as rated by Kiwis.
This includes wholesome dishes like:
• … View moreHi Neighbours, make simply delicious dinners with HelloFresh! Start today and use code “NEIGHBOUR” for up to $100 off pre-portioned fresh ingredients delivered right to your door. You can dish up some of our all time favourites as rated by Kiwis.
This includes wholesome dishes like:
• Lamb Shortloin & Mint Chimichurri with Honey-Roasted Carrots & Pistachios
• Southern Crumbed Chicken Tacos with Charred Corn Slaw & Garlic Aioli
HelloFresh is flexible around your schedule with no lock-in contracts, 20+ recipes to choose from each week, and plan sizes to suit every household!
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