A Passion for Wool

October 4th, 2012 by Kristie Strasen

WoolBook

View our full excerpt from The Wool Book here. Pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble!

I attended several events that took place in NYC a week or so ago related to the Campaign for Wool. There was actually a flock of sheep in Bryant Park ( the local NYC dogs were going nuts!) and there were demonstrations and speakers – all promoting the use of wool in clothing, in carpet, and in interiors.

Sheep

Photo Credit: The Campaign for Wool

Maybe it goes back to my roots as a spinner and weaver; maybe it has to do with my time living in the North Cascade Mountains where I helped a friend with a herd of 100 sheep do the lambing and the shearing and the general tending. Maybe it has to do with my time in Ireland or Turkey or Iran and Afghanistan where, in the 70′s, sheep and their products were a critical part of life. Maybe it is a combination of all these things but I have a definite passion for wool and feel a responsibility to help inform others about the amazing properties of this timeless fiber.

We should all think about it. We should think about why choosing wool is an excellent environmental choice – how it helps the world economy by helping small and large farmers and factories that spin and weave. How wool and sheep are a natural resource that is sustainable in every way. We should think about the natural properties of wool – how it works as a natural insulator – how it is inherently flame resistant without added chemicals; how it automatically sheds soiling due to its molecular properties.

WoolFabrics

Killarney | Oban | Clare

We have this amazing, natural fiber right at our fingertips – and yes – it might be more expensive yard-for-yard than other fibers – but it gives back by maintaining its appearance, performing admirably and being absolutely beautiful!

So – my motto for 2013 is going to be – “Embrace Wool”.