Thread: Wool, wool, wool.

Originally Posted by Frodo

I'm going backwards. Getting sick of how fragile (and expensive) a lot of the synthetic stuff is. Would rather put up with some physical discomfort but have gear that actually lasts the distance.

Will be to be switching to woolen garments for the durability, fire retardant qualities, and long lifespan. The weight doesn't bother me.

I'm researching various options, and I've been looking into what the Scandinavians are into, as they've got a very long history of wool use.

I discovered something called Vadmal which is a type of felted wool - supposedly quite waterproof and very warm. The fabric was once used as a currency in Scandinavia (hundreds of years ago). I'm half Swedish myself, and I think I may have actually come across some of the stuff before - but I can't quite remember. Should probably get in touch with my parents.

I'm curious to know how it compares to your standard NZ wool options: Swanndri etc.

@norsk @Sideshow Have you guys stumbled onto the stuff? Be very interested to hear your thoughts on it if you have.

Cheers,
AJ

For comfort, keep an eye out for Merino/possum blend wool. The hollow fibres of the possum fur and the fineness of the merino make for a soft and slightly lighter product. I have had my wife knit me a couple of jerseys in this and can vouch for the comfort. Alpaca / wool blends or pure Alpaca is also soft but not sure how it compares to comfort with the merino - but price is higher.

One point to make, if you are getting someone to knit or make woollen garments for you, do not cut corners on the wool itself. It takes the same amount of time to make no matter what you choose and labour (if paying someone to do this) is the biggest cost, all you do is get a lesser product. (EG if you are considering $60 worth of cheap acrylic wool versus 100 for better wool and pay $200 to knit it, you will either get a $260 acrylic jersey or a $300 really good one... )

If anyone is after woollen Beanies, fingerless gloves, jerseys etc my wife is a knitter and knits all sorts .....including a lot of designer "test knits" where designers want to make sure they get the pattern right before releasing it to the public...