Do you have a favorite yarn fiber; the material you always seem to reach for or search out? Mine is wool. Over the last several years, I have developed a love affair with sheep and alpaca wool. I wear it every day once the mercury starts to drop, but even in warm weather, you can see me sporting a wool blend top or wrap. It began once my son was born. I believe in bringing children of all ages outside daily, but, I wanted us to remain warm even on the coldest days. I discovered that wool has specific properties that make it suited for all weather and a versatile fiber choice.
Thermoregulation
Wool can wick moisture away from the body helping regulate body temperature. It keeps you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Because of wool's ability to absorb moisture, you are not left feeling damp or clammy as with cotton or synthetic fibers.
Durability
Wool is odor and stain-resistant. While absorbing moisture from the skin, wool also absorbs odor molecules until the garment is washed, where they are released. Wool fibers have a naturally protective outer layer that prevents stains from being absorbed.
Biodegradable and Renewable
Wool is a natural fiber. When it is disposed of it will decompose in a relatively short amount of time. Every year sheep grow a new fleece that is shorn to be made into yarn. However, because not all sheep are treated humanely in their upkeep or the shearing process, it is important to do your research to be sure they are treated humanely.
Feel
While wool has a reputation for being scratchy and itchy, not all wool is created equal in feel. Each wool fiber has waves known as crimps. The more crimps that are present, the finer and softer the wool. Merino wool is very fine and soft because it has many crimps. In the picture to the left, the bottom three strands of yarn are Merino wool, while the top three are virgin or new wool. Merino wool is smoother and finer than virgin wool.
Once I discovered all the wonderful properties of wool I began searching for yarn that contains wool or mostly wool. It makes beautiful, long-lasting garments that don't need to be washed too often. I will spot treat when necessary and typically bath my sweaters once or twice a season. They don't smell, look wonderful, and keep me and my son comfortable in all types of weather.
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Information obtained from Textile School https://www.textileschool.com/162/wool-fiber-basics-characteristics-properties/, American Wool https://d1cqrq366w3ike.cloudfront.net/http/DOCUMENT/SheepUSA/CharacteristicsOfWool.pdf, and Wool Mark https://www.woolmark.com/about-wool/wool-fibre/.
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