If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

New for 2010 we’ve taken our most popular hats and developed hand knitting patterns for them.  These patterns can be downloaded from our website at http://www.northlandwoolens.com.  We have also developed them into kit form which includes the pattern and enough yarn to complete the project. 

photo credit: avlxyz

I couldn’t resist posting this as the name fits what Northland Woolens, Inc. is about.  This came from Kathy F. one of our sewers and the person that does most of our blanket stitching.

Lamb’s Wool

8 Apples, peeled, cored, coarsely chopped

1/4 cup butter

2 quarts beer or ale

1 cup Sugar

1/2 Tsp. nutmet

1/2 Tsp. Ginger

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.  Cover and cook on low 2-3 hrs.  Remove apples: mash or sieve.  Return to beer mixture and serve hot.  Makes 8 servings.

photo credit: MartynvanDeelen

One of the first questions we are usually asked is about wool washing instructions for our wool clothing. Everyone is so afraid of shrinking their favorite wool garment.  If taken care of properly, your garment will last a long time.

When it comes to our Twice Baked Recycled Wool items all of the garments used in construction have been washed, shrunk and should not do much more shrinking.  But because everyone’s water temperature is different we still suggest washing these items by hand and lay flat to dry.  Shrinking of wool is caused by shocking the item with different water temperatures.  For example washing in hot water and then rinsing in cold.  This change of water temperature is what causes shrinking.

photo credit: ingermaaike2
The natural comfort of knitwear and clothing made from natural fibres is often forgotten. In the past natural fibre products could only be found in exclusive designer shops leaving the synthetic and cheap cottons to the multiples. Cotton is intensively farmed using excessive fertilizers and pesticides while the other less well known natural fibres are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

There are some web sites now that offer natural fibre clothing and household textiles at more affordable prices. We can still look forward to the natural warmth of wool on the onset of autumn and for those with allergies linen, alpaca and cashmere provide the all embracing comfort of pure natural fibres.

Cashmere is the king of woollens and is now often hard to distinguish from the finest of sheep wool being merino wool. Merino is now often mixed with cashmere as its properties are so similar and some cashmere is not pure, especially in the cheaper multiples.

Cashmere is the finest of fibres being from the cashmere goat living in the extreme cold of Mongolia. It has developed a very fine fleece which is spun to fine counts and knitted into beautiful clothing. Scottish cashmere sweaters are renowned for quality in an industry that developed long ago. Alpaca is sheer luxury it is a relative of the llama and its fleece is a hollow fibre giving it excellent insulating properties needed to survive in the extreme temperatures of the Andes. With wide temperature variations between day and night it has developed this special insulating fibre which is a dream to wear, it is cool in summer and warm in winter.

Merino too is wonderful as the finest of all wools and similar to cashmere. Merino wool sweaters are excellent value for money giving cashmere like quality at lower prices.

Finally we can not forget linen, linen is ideal for the warm winter break and a delight to wear next to the skin as one actually can feel naked as it is so light. Linen is crisp and cool with super absorbent qualities. It also has an anti-allergenic properties. Irish linen shirts and blouses exude style and comfort coming and are now available in beautiful vibrant colours as well as the traditional natural and white. Linen bed sheets are more affordable when purchased on line, they are cool and crisp essential in Summer for a comfortable nights sleep.

photo credit: Tie Guy II

Socks have a 2 way purpose-keeping the moisture away from your foot and making a fashion statement. The later part of this statement comes from someone who truly enjoys wearing all kinds and styles of socks. But in this article I will cover both types of socks-the warm, moisture busting type and the fashion statement sock.

As to keeping your foot warm it comes down to what your socks are made of. A common ingredient in the construction of most socks is polyester. Polyester is great at reducing wrinkles and making a long living sock. But when it comes to keeping your feet warm, wool is the only choice.

There are a few fibers which have superior moisture control and thermal capabilities, they are wool and angora. Merino wool is one of the finest wools available. Angora comes from rabbits and adds not only softness but thermal qualities. It wicks moisture away from your body and improves the warmth of the sock. Wool is not just for winter time, it is for anytime of year. It keeps your feet warm in the cold months and wool in the warm months. Remember wool/angora wicks away moisture, winter or summer.

Recently there has been a coming out with socks and other gear for cyclists. These socks are for color, a fashion statement and moisture control. There are many people who find these socks an excellent addition to their exercising wardrobe. You can wear these socks whenever you go riding as well as around the house. A lot of these socks are made of a man made fiber called CoolMax. Coolmax is the brand name of a series of technical fabrics designed to wick moisture away from the skin. The fabrics employ specially-engineered polyester fibres to improve “breathability” compared to natural fibres like cotton. Clothing made from Coolmax is primarily intended to be worn during exertion so sweat can evaporate quickly.

Your feet will thank you for covering them during sock wearing activities!

Contrary to popular belief, not all wool is rough and itchy. There are many different breeds of sheep, each with their own characteristics. Some wools are better suited for rugs and others for fine lace. Super fine Merinos are regarded as having the finest and softest wool of any sheep. The wool industry views Angora fiber as the “crème de la crème” of the fiber production market, and it has been proven to be 7 times warmer than sheeps wool. The hollow stucture of the fiber wicks moisture away from the skin, keeping your foot warm and dry. Only the best wool makes it into our soft warm socks.

Benefits of Wool

It’s come to my attention that wool is not just for winter.  An article done in a Cayman Islands tourist brochure made me look twice.  A woman by the name of Yvonne is making swimsuits, yes swimsuits out of bright colored wool yarn.  They are done in both one piece and bikini in a number of designs.  They sell for around $50.00 US depending on size and style.  Yvonnne says she makes little money creating her swimsuits, however she enjoys what she does and plans to continue.  So as you can see wool can be a year round fiber.  When you buy quality wool it is not itchy or scratchy as the stigma goes.  So the moral of the story is do not judge a book buy it’s cover, give it a try first.

Here at Northland Woolens, Inc. we have added a new element to our “Twice Baked” line.  Our “Twice Baked” Hoodies and Vests were shown for the first time in March with rave reviews.  They have been a hot item thus far this year and we expect them to only pick up as the year goes on.  They are available in many colors and can be custom made if desired.  They are made based on the same concept as our recycled wool and a great addition to any wardrobe.

Along with the Hoodies and Vest we have made available a summer hat made out of the same great fabrics.  We are also developing at least 1 purse design made our of an assortment of cottons.  This bag is in the early stages and will be available for purchase early this summer.  Please check back for future posting and a picture on the new bag.

This year at Northland Woolens, Inc. we have added a variety of new products.  The first includes additions to our children’s line.  We have developed a “Twice Baked” Toddler Hat and “Twice Baked” Toddler Mittens that will be a great addition to any child’s outerwear.  They are available in the same great color tones as our other items.

We have also added a number of purses and bags to our line.  The most popular to date is the “Twice Baked” Cross Body Suiting Bag.  This bag is made from suiting material unlike our other items made from sweaters.  It also provides pockets for that element of organization that we all need.  Along with the new suiting bag we have added a Small Bag that can be designed with a knit or leather handle.  We have numerous colors of leather to choose from so each bag can still be designed for that one of a kind look.  The newest item, still in the works, is a clutch with a zipper.  Watch for future articles and a picture on that.

Within the past few years recycling in general has seen a renewed importance in our daily lives.  Here at Northland Woolens, Inc. we have been doing our part in this countries ”Going Green” initiative.  Our “Twice Baked” recycled wool has been extremely popular since its’ debut in 2004.  We make a wide array of products from items you can wear to ones you can use in your daily life.  Our most popular is our Twice Baked Mittens, which now can be purchased as either matched or mismatched.  They can also be purchased to coordinate with a scarf and headband for a complete look.  New for 2009 is an assortment of purses/bags that I will discuss in future articles.

Also with the beginning of a new season at Northland Woolens, Inc. we have decided to branch out in a new direction with the addition of “Twice Baked” recycled cottons.  The beginning items in this collection include:  hoodies, vest and a summer hat.  Additional items are in the first stages and will be available for purchase in the coming months.

At Northland Woolens, Inc. we strive to provide quality that cannot be found in other places.  Please check back periodically for future postings.