A Woolly Tale
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.
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...
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.6% Yes
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8% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
TRANSFORM YOUR MASTER BEDROOM INTO A LUXURIOUS OASIS WITH THESE 7 DECOR ITEMS
Hi Neighbours,
Your master bedroom is your sanctuary – the ultimate escape from a long day’s work and stress.
But, have you ever felt like something was missing in your master bedroom décor?
That extra touch of luxury that elevates it from just another room to a space fit for royalty?
We’ve compiled a list of seven luxurious items that will transform your master bedroom into the oasis of your dreams.
To achieve a luxurious look in your master bedroom, several must-have items can elevate the overall decor.
Here are seven suggestions for your master bedroom decor and layout:
Statement Bedframe. Invest in a luxurious and visually striking bedframe as the centrepiece of your bedroom. Choose a design that complements your master bedroom decor and overall aesthetic, such as an upholstered headboard or a wooden frame, for a sleek and modern platform bed.
High-Quality Bedding. Opt for high-quality bedding materials like Tencel to add a touch of luxury and comfort. Choose soft and plush duvet covers, pillowcases, and sheets in neutral or rich colours to create a sophisticated look.
Plush Pillows and Throws. Add layers of comfort and style with plush pillows and cozy throws. Opt for bamboo gel, natural silk, or cotton pillows to create visual interest and enhance the luxurious ambience.
Mirrors. Introduce large, decorative mirrors or a dresser and mirror combo to reflect light and create the illusion of a more spacious room. Choose dresser and mirror combos with beautiful frames that match your overall master bedroom decor style.
Stylish Seating Area. If you have enough space, create a cozy seating area for your master bedroom decor and layout. Include a comfortable armchair or lift-powered recliner to suit your contemporary or traditional style. Use luxurious fabrics and textures for the upholstery, and consider adding a decorative accent pillow or a faux fur throw for added comfort.
Bedside Furniture. They help to give the room a more polished and finished look. When choosing end tables or nightstands for your master bedroom decor, look for ones made from high-quality materials such as solid NZ Pine.
Tallboy. This piece of furniture not only adds practical storage solutions but also provides an elegant and sophisticated look that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your room. Choose one made from solid NZ pine, engineered wood, or pine veneer.
Your master bedroom is your oasis away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
So how can you transform it into a place where you can relax and unwind in luxury?
With beds and mattresses from Beds4U!
In addition, we have luxurious bedding items that feature materials of the highest quality.
Contact us to create your dream master bedroom today.
Know Thy Neighbour? We are getting there!
We are loving seeing everyone's posts about themselves on our Know Thy Neighbour page.
Check out the neighbours in your area, you might find a walking group or choir to join and you might learn a few more neighbours names!
Feel like getting involved? Introduce yourself too, you might win one of our $50 Prezzy® card spot prizes...
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