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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...
Dear neighbours, take a look at what flowers and plants Wellington's Maryflower Nursery have in their wind-tolerant garden.
Dear neighbours, take a look at what flowers and plants Wellington's Maryflower Nursery have in their wind-tolerant garden.
Wellington East Girls' College is seeking a host family for one of it's international students. The family would need to be living within the school zone. Host families provide a comfortable room, three meals a day and some kind hospitality. Families receive $305 per week to provide … View moreWellington East Girls' College is seeking a host family for one of it's international students. The family would need to be living within the school zone. Host families provide a comfortable room, three meals a day and some kind hospitality. Families receive $305 per week to provide this service. If you are interested in finding out more please email international@wegc.school.nz and we will be happy to provide the information you need.
Book your free Sound Experience in your local bloom hearing clinic and try the newest almost invisible hearing aids.
They stream sound seamlessly from your phone (Android and iPhone) and can adjust to any situation to fit your lifestyle.
Our friendly, qualified, staff is here to support you… View moreBook your free Sound Experience in your local bloom hearing clinic and try the newest almost invisible hearing aids.
They stream sound seamlessly from your phone (Android and iPhone) and can adjust to any situation to fit your lifestyle.
Our friendly, qualified, staff is here to support you on your journey to better hearing. Don’t miss out, book today.
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!
Our SPCA Pet of the Day is Opal, who is approximately ten months old.
"Hi there, my name is Opal and I am special girl looking a special home. If you are looking for a goofball dog then I'm the girl for you. I can be very silly, so if you are looking for a laugh then look no further. I … View moreOur SPCA Pet of the Day is Opal, who is approximately ten months old.
"Hi there, my name is Opal and I am special girl looking a special home. If you are looking for a goofball dog then I'm the girl for you. I can be very silly, so if you are looking for a laugh then look no further. I am looking for a home with adults only and without small animals due to my quirks and behaviours shown previously. This kind of environment will help me to thrive in training and help me to settle into my new home. I always have a pep in my step and worm my way into peoples' hearts in very little time. I look forward to continuing training with my new owners and am sure to put a smile on your face at the end of a long day. I do come with a medical waiver that my new owners would need to be made aware of. If you think I am the gal for you, contact the canine team for more information."
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
The days are getting shorter and wetter. Winter is a few weeks away. To help get Winter ready keep your drainage flowing properly on your property. Take some time to make sure that drains and gutters are free from debris.
Maintaining your existing drainage solutions and freeing them from any … View moreThe days are getting shorter and wetter. Winter is a few weeks away. To help get Winter ready keep your drainage flowing properly on your property. Take some time to make sure that drains and gutters are free from debris.
Maintaining your existing drainage solutions and freeing them from any build-up of natural debris (such as grass, weeds, summer growth, fallen leaves and silt) on your property is essential during this time of the year.
If you have any questions or need help with drainage solutions, give us a call. We're a local family business and here to help.
Our Pet of the Day is Rio who belongs to Sonia Saba from Martinborough.
"Rio comes to work in the vineyard everyday, rain, shine or even frost. Hence the Jacket."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember … View moreOur Pet of the Day is Rio who belongs to Sonia Saba from Martinborough.
"Rio comes to work in the vineyard everyday, rain, shine or even frost. Hence the Jacket."
Remember if you want your pet featured on Neighbourly, email us on yourpet@dompost.co.nz with a recent photo. Please remember to say what suburb you live in.
Wellington health authorities are redistributing coronavirus vaccines across the region to try to ensure the most vulnerable people are inoculated – in case supplies run out before the next Pfizer shipment arrives.
This effort to eke out the remaining doses comes amid soaring demand for Covid … View moreWellington health authorities are redistributing coronavirus vaccines across the region to try to ensure the most vulnerable people are inoculated – in case supplies run out before the next Pfizer shipment arrives.
This effort to eke out the remaining doses comes amid soaring demand for Covid tests and for vaccinations as the capital region nervously awaits news on the infected Sydney traveller who visited a range of eateries and tourist attractions in central Wellington over the weekend.
This picture of a well known Wellingtonian should not be too difficult. What do you remember about her?
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.
The Wellington City Council is proposing to extend paid parking hours in the CBD by two to four hours every night, as it continues its push to reduce the number of private vehicles on the capital’s streets.
The change would apply to about 3300 central city parking spaces, and is another clear … View moreThe Wellington City Council is proposing to extend paid parking hours in the CBD by two to four hours every night, as it continues its push to reduce the number of private vehicles on the capital’s streets.
The change would apply to about 3300 central city parking spaces, and is another clear message to motorists to leave their cars at home as the council looks to free up road space and manage demand.
If approved by councillors on June 30 as part of the council’s 10-year plan, paid parking hours would be extended to 8pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 10pm on Friday and Saturday.
What do you think? Is it a good idea
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