topic Re: Anyone Knit With Wool? in Community Chat

Anyone Knit With Wool?

funinthesun — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:17:13 GMT

I am starting a new blanket and knitpicks.com is having a sale on wool. My image of wool has always been scratchy. Is that still the case? And there are many different types of wool, which is best to use? I've always just bought I Love This Yarn from hobby lobby.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

sidsmom — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:24:45 GMT

My dearly departed sissy used to knit up a storm!

I remember her always saying,

'If someone handed me some steel wool, I would knit them a car!'

I'm sorry I can't answer your question, but you

definitely put a smile on my face today...thanks!

Happy knitting!

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

ALRATIBA — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:27:10 GMT

@funinthesun

There are SO MANY different types, blends, weights of wool yarns!

A book you should consider gettting ... The Knitter's Book of Yarn by Clara Parkes. You can read about it at Amazon. I have the Kindle version. Very handy book.

One thing to consider when knitting a blanket ... but sure that the yarn you use is machine wash and dry.

Are you a member Ravelry dot com? If so - that's a great resource for info on patterns, fibers, techniques, etc.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

software — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:28:41 GMT

Make sure it's machine washable and dryable.

Washable wool is sometimes labeled as "superwash"

I don't care for knitpicks personally, but I think I am in the minority!

"Swish" is a brand name of a knitpicks wool yarn

IMO wool is not "scratchy" but people can be allergic.

"Comfy" and "Brava" are non-wool choices in knit picks.

@funinthesun

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

SilleeMee — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:43:42 GMT

Merino wool is not itchy or scratchy. It's the only kind I can have on my skin.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

KingstonsMom — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:01:13 GMT

My MIL is a member of our local fibre guild and we have an animal education center which has a couple of sheep.

In the fall, when the sheep are shorn, she and other members of the fibre guild do demonstrations for the public and school kids, showing how the wool is cleaned and prepared for knitting, as well as the knitting process itself.

They use the wooden looms and spinning wheels, used back in the day.

The scarfs, etc. that they weave are soooo soft!

I can't wear any fashions containing wool, due to the itch factor, but I sure use the pure wool scarfs she makes!

Maybe the 'itch factor' comes in with the commercial processing of the wool, I don't know.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

KaySD — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:31:05 GMT

I love wool. It's beautiful and natural. I never found it scratchy, and have no reaction to knitting with it or wearing it. But some people do--it's like an allergic reaction--so you just have to find out for yourself.

As the price of wool has gone up, many new blends have been introduced. Some are washable, which is an advantage. Go to a real yarn shop, not a big craft store, and talk to the folks there to find out everything you need to know.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

mistriTsquirrel — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 20:38:11 GMT

If your dog is soft, there's always "dog wool."

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

funinthesun — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 21:56:31 GMT

Thank you all for your tips. Love starting new projects.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

lulu2 — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:06:43 GMT

As others have stated there are so many different kinds and qualities of wool. What one person considers scratchy, another person may think soft.

Before you choose your wool, make sure it is washable (and it won't shrink) as a dry clean only blanket can be costly when it comes to upkeep.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

Nomorebirthdays — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:15:42 GMT

Yes I do and knit picks is where I get it. No it is soft. The wooden needles are great also.

The merino wool is especially. Nice. I hand wash what I make. But they do have washable wool that I use if making something for a child.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

Poodlepet2 — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:17:31 GMT

I have been ordering from Knit Picks for awhile now: everything they sell is high quality.

High quality wool is soft and not scratchy. The higher quality fibers come from the wool closer to the skin. The cheaper stuff comes from the outer layers.

Another company I love is Pattern Works.

Which blanket are you making?

BTW, Knit Picks has awesome tutorials and great customer service.

If you have questions about fibers a great resource is "Knit and Crochet Today", available online.

Poodlepet2

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

Kachina624 — Thu, 27 Apr 2017 22:44:47 GMT

The first major afghan I ever crocheted was done in shades of brown wool. It's a very solid ripple pattern with no holes. It's too warm and has never been used much for that reason. You'd be hot in a blizzard under that thing.

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

funinthesun — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 00:53:37 GMT

I am looking at the merino wool blends on knit picks. It looks like they are machine wash but flat dry. Can you not put these in the dryer?

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

Poodlepet2 — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 02:47:36 GMT

Hi @funinthesun! You can't put wool in hot water or a dryer: heat will cause it to shrink and felt. You have to dry items made with wool flat.

In the 30's and 40's before synthetics came out, women used to knit diaper covers with it...I can't even imagine....yucky!

If this is going to be something that could possibly inadvertently be soiled-either from a child or pet, you might want to reconsider your yarn choice of yarn. I think superwash is a very good idea, or a blend of wool and cotton or wool and synthetic.

The sales personnel at Knitpics are all familiar with their products: give them a call-they will gladly help you and advise you.

Poodlepet2

Re: Anyone Knit With Wool?

sfnative — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 07:12:25 GMT

@funinthesun

Merino wool for sure.

Take a look at what LoveKnitting, WEBS, Lion Brand Yarn, Yarnspirations, Craftsy, Annie's and KnitPicks have to offer.

Since we're moving into sping and summer, you may find some excellent sales on merino wool, but be sure to purchase sufficient amounts for your project, all in the same dye lot.