Ten good reasons to cosy up to wool products

With winter looming on the horizon, there is no better time to explore why wool is this year’s champion material.

Sheep farmers and many small businesses such as retailers and designers count on the wool industry for their livelihood.

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The Campaign for Wool, whose patron is the Prince of Wales, aims to educate people about the benefits of wool in fashion, furnishings and everyday life through its Wool Week that is running until October 18.

Adriana Gentile, who hand-makes all her 100% wool in her Leeds-based studio at Hainsworth Mill, is an enthusiastic advocate of the campaign.

She is passionate about the use of British wool in her luxury brand, Adriana Homewares, which includes super-soft throws, country-inspired cushions and stylish scarves.

Adriana, pictured, outlines ten reasons why wool should be this winter’s staple...

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1. 100% natural. There is nothing man-made about this fabric, it comes from sheep. The wool used in Adriana’s products comes from the Bluefaced Leicester sheep and is prized for its softness.

2. It’s super soft! The wool of the Bluefaced Leicester sheep has longer fibres which produces a yarn with a silky sheen. It is perfect for newborn baby blankets or a stunning sofa throw.

3. Renewable and sustainable. Wool is a by-product of sheep shearing which needs to happen to keep the sheep healthy. As long as they have grass to graze on, each sheep will produce a new fleece annually without depleting finite natural resources.

4. Recyclable. 100% wool can be recycled back into new yarn or felted into a new item, For wool fibre which has reached the end of its useful life, it can be returned to the soil where it composts and adds nutrients.

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5. Hypoallergenic. Wool’s fibres absorb and desorb moisture which creates an environment hostile to the growth of dust mites and bacteria.

6. Insulator. Wool helps to regulate our temperature, keeping us warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm. When used in the home, it can help to reduce energy use and costs.

7. Flame retardant. Wool has a high nitrogen and water content, meaning it has a high ignition threshold and does not melt.

8. Durable. With good care, a woollen item can be timeless both in style and longevity. The fibres resist tearing and are naturally elastic, and when crafted into a product, will hold the appearance without wrinkling or stretching.

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9. Stain resistant. Wool is naturally covered in lanolin, a waxy protective layer which helps to prevent staining and is also anti-static.

10. It looks amazing. Wool has a stunning natural lustre which gives a very desirable look. The colours don’t fade easily, and the fabric drapes beautifully.

To celebrate Wool Week, Adriana Homewares is offering 25% off all online orders for its products placed throughout October 2020 via the website www.adrianahomewares.com using the code WOOLWEEK25.

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