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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...
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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
Congratulations! & Winners for the Gisborne Petanque Mixed Pairs Tournament went to these 2 amazing top players, Ray Young - Milieu (Captain) & Lyn Clark - Pointeur (Placer) who won 1st Prize. They had 4 straight wins and no loss. Well done⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Gisborne Petanque Mixed Pairs… View moreCongratulations! & Winners for the Gisborne Petanque Mixed Pairs Tournament went to these 2 amazing top players, Ray Young - Milieu (Captain) & Lyn Clark - Pointeur (Placer) who won 1st Prize. They had 4 straight wins and no loss. Well done⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Gisborne Petanque Mixed Pairs Tournament!
16th May 2021
Congratulations went to these 2 amazing top players Dave Frazer - Milieu (Captain) and Christine McKnight - Pointeur ( Placer) winning 2nd Prize in the GP Mixed Pairs Tournament. They had 3 wins & 1 Draw. Well done⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Gisborne Petanque Mixed Pairs Tournament!
16th May 2021
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.
Hot water makes up around 30% of an average power bill. Check your hot water temperature and turn down to 60 degrees at the tap (an economy temperature). Hot water for washing dishes is a good guide - if you add cold water to do the dishes you might want to turn the thermostat down.
Showers also… View moreHot water makes up around 30% of an average power bill. Check your hot water temperature and turn down to 60 degrees at the tap (an economy temperature). Hot water for washing dishes is a good guide - if you add cold water to do the dishes you might want to turn the thermostat down.
Showers also use less water than a bath, especially when using an energy efficient showerhead.
Be sure to check out our other efficiency tips
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.
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!
Looking to build your team's skills? Let us customize a training plan that meets your business needs and supports your team to get nationally recognised qualifications!
Get in touch to find out more
Everyone deserves a warm, comfortable home.
See if you're eligible for 80% off insulation and a heater with a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant.
The latest edition of SuperSeniors is out now!
In this issue, we profile one of the unsung heroes of the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) and learn more about the help the service offers.
We also chat with Dr Doug Wilson, 2021 Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau, and … View moreThe latest edition of SuperSeniors is out now!
In this issue, we profile one of the unsung heroes of the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) and learn more about the help the service offers.
We also chat with Dr Doug Wilson, 2021 Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau, and Andrea Gaskin, Director and Founder of charity organisation Connect the Dots, about how she’s making the art scene in Auckland accessible to seniors.
There’s advice on how to eat healthy, how to get tech savvy, and updated laws for renters and landlords.
Check it out and be sure to share!: bit.ly...
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