Wool Yarn; Fall Fashion on the Brain

Colour Hanks Tapesrty Wool UseLately I’ve been thinking about wool. I know, I know, we’re right smack in the middle of one of the hottest summers in a long time (at least on the east coast of the U.S.) but in terms of design and fashion, all the fall looks have hit the shops and press.  So, I can’t help it, that’s what’s on my brain.

In light of last weeks SpinExpo (Did any of you attend?  What were your thoughts?), I decided to highlight a few wool yarn qualities suitable for wovens and/or knits.  Do you work with wool? If so, in what capacity?  I’m thinking I would like to incorporate the natural fiber into my own work in the coming seasons.  Anyway, here a few options if you’re considering doing the same.

  • Virgin Wool: Wool spun for the first time
  • Recycled or Shoddy Wool: Made by tearing apart existing wool fibers and re-spinning
  • Worsted Wool: Strong, long-staple combed wool with a hard surface
  • Woollen Wool: soft, short staple wool usually for knitting
  • Ragg: sturdy wool used for rugged applications
  • Superwash: comes from a technology that allows the wool to be washed without shrinkage
  • Organic Wool: Limited but sought after.

See, now aren’t you imagining lush winter coats, classic wide leg trousers, and soft draping scarves? Me too.

Nicole Giordano

Nicole is the founder of StartUp FASHION, an online resource and community supporting for independent designers around the world with building their businesses. A deep love for the craft of fashion paired with an adamant belief that success is defined by the individual, led her to found StartUp FASHION, where she helps independent designers and makers screw the traditional fashion business rules, create their own paths, and build businesses they truly love. More than anything else, she’s in the business of encouragement and works every day to remind makers and designers that they have something special to offer the world and that they can, in fact, do this thing!