TAKING CARE OF YOUR WOOL,
                                  ……While Taking Care of your Earth

Our O~Wool hand knitting yarn has already experienced an alternative processing path to keep it, the sheep and the environment healthy. Now that you have bought this yarn, you too are participating in this endeavor.

Begin your project by untwisting the hank. When your hank is an open circle again, you can have a friend hold it to make a round ball, or you can use a swift and ball winder. If you use a swift and ball winder, you can pull from the inside or the outside of the ball, or both for double strand. After you have finished knitting your project, continue with a final
soak, the last but very important part of your processing! Remember that no softening chemicals were added earlier, so this last step really brings out the loft and softness of the merino wool.

Use your favorite wool wash and let your knitting gently rest in tepid water for 15-20 minutes. (We recommend Eucalan or Soak.) Remove from water and roll in a towel to remove excess water. Let your piece dry horizontally. You will notice how much softer it has become once it has dried completely. And the wool continues to soften as you wear it. So go out and change the world in comfort, warmth and good cheer!

An important part of sustainability is continual caretaking. To take care of your wool garment remember that this complex, multilayered fiber is a protein animal product. Contrary to the frequent, agitated washing that synthetics fibers require; wool responds best to frequent airing, gentle handling, surface sponging and rest between wearing. Wool fibers will naturally resist soil,

odors and wrinkles, and return willingly to their original shape. If necessary, a steam iron (without direct touching) can further encourage shaping. If you have suffered a direct spot or stain, washing the area immediately with cold water is a good first response. See the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association website for a complete listing of stain removal suggestions.

At O~Wool, we understand that our farmers, our spinners and our customers are all part of a new awareness of the impact of human activity upon the earth and its diverse ecosystems. When every one of us alter some part of our daily pattern to promote conscious change we feel the energy and mindset of problem solving, and we know that everything is possible. We are all part of a creative global movement.