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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...
Advertise your entry-level and apprentice roles with Competenz through our free online job board, we have pre-qualified and motivated jobseekers ready to match with your organisation.
Find your next apprentice with Competenz!
Our native praying mantis - Orthodera novaezealandiae:) The South African import is far more common these days, but if you're interested, you can identify our native by the vivid blue spot on inside of forelegs(first pic), or by the chonky neck (second pic). SA mantis has a narrow neck. … View moreOur native praying mantis - Orthodera novaezealandiae:) The South African import is far more common these days, but if you're interested, you can identify our native by the vivid blue spot on inside of forelegs(first pic), or by the chonky neck (second pic). SA mantis has a narrow neck. Also, if it's some funky colour, it's South African! Our guy is always that same green 😁
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
Hi,
Does anyone have any old tractor implements sat in their garage they would like to sell?
Compatible with an old Ferguson tea20
Many thanks
Sheep for sale, some in Lamb + a young Wiltshire Ram .PH 0212513978. or 06 3679727. Rings 9 times B4 ansser PH cuts in .
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 has anyone used either Simple or Skin food skincare products?
My skin reacts to a lot of stuff and was thinking of trying one of these products, and they are affordable. Thanks 😊
The Partners of Evans Henderson Woodbridge welcome Cindy Cotter to the team. Cindy has a wealth of experience in Conveyancing, family and commercial matters and has a particular interest in Trusts and Elder Law.
For your Commonsense legal solutions call Cindy on:
Phone: +64 6 327 7159
Email:… View moreThe Partners of Evans Henderson Woodbridge welcome Cindy Cotter to the team. Cindy has a wealth of experience in Conveyancing, family and commercial matters and has a particular interest in Trusts and Elder Law.
For your Commonsense legal solutions call Cindy on:
Phone: +64 6 327 7159
Email: cindy@ehw.co.nz
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.
Do you have a copy of this book? I'd very much like to read it and looking forward to hearing from you.
Preferred contact - 0274595913 or lyninlevin@xtra.co.nz
Thanks - in much anticipation. Lyn M
Kia ora koutou!
You don't have to cast your eyes too far down a newspaper or watch the news to know that Aotearoa's weather can be rather unpredictable.
To help you dress and gear-up for those crisp winter mornings, we have $1000 worth of Torpedo7 Gift Cards to share between 10… View moreKia ora koutou!
You don't have to cast your eyes too far down a newspaper or watch the news to know that Aotearoa's weather can be rather unpredictable.
To help you dress and gear-up for those crisp winter mornings, we have $1000 worth of Torpedo7 Gift Cards to share between 10 lucky members.
If your name's on the list, get in touch with us to claim your prize! If you know any of your neighbours listed, be sure to give them a neighbourly congrats!
Well done to:
Jonathan Howe from Gisborne
Alaina Luxmore from Auckland
Kelly Ryan from Ngāruawāhia
Hunish Segran from Pukekohe
Kirsten Mcmullen from Christchurch
Fereti Lualua from Auckland
Saniya Thompson from Invercargill
Annelize Kratz from Wellington
Kate Bonne from Christchurch
Martyn Simes from Whangārei
Stay safe and warm and remember to keep checking in to Neighbourly for more giveaways from the team!
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
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