The Yarn Podcast

The Yarn is a AWI’s (Australian Wool Innovation) fortnightly audio podcast designed to be listened to on a smartphone. It’s main aim is to principally inform Australian woolgrowers about the latest wool research, development and marketing strategies. The AWI has staff and networks around Australia and various locations around the world.  Reports cover a broad scope: from the paddocks and shearing sheds on Australian farms to wool processing facilities, design studios and catwalks in the main consumer markets around the world.  To turn in click here.

Why Wool Felts?

Recently I have been thinking a lot about this question. Why exactly does wool felt? Must be my science background coming out in me again… I’ve taken to researching this topic and recently gave a lecture to the Victorian Feltmakers association about the subject. I would like to share with you a few thoughts on the matter.

Researchers as earlier as the 1930’s have been interesting in understanding Why Wool Felts. Much of their interest in understanding the felting properties of wool was focused on the potential economic benefits that would be gained by keeping wool in garments from felting.  Their early research paved the way in the development of new wool technologies like Super Wash Wool (machine washable wool).

Some of the factors the scientists were researching about wool involved issues dealing with fibre diameter, fibre length, crimp, scaliness of the wool fibre, scale height, its differential frictional coefficient, the ease of the fibres deformation and recovery, moisture, soaps (lubricants) and pH.  Each of these factors  play an important role in the complex story of the felting process. In subsequent newsletters we will exploring more about the actual mechanism of felting.

Amazing Postage for NZ!

Maybe NZ is the lucky country?…  With our special Treetops overseas postage rates, we can post parcels to New Zealand less expensive than we can post parcels to Sydney! I know it seems impossible, but stranger things have happened. So hey, all you lucky New Zealanders, get on board and take advantage of a great deal compliments Australia Post and Treetops.

Wool4School Design Competition

If you are a teacher or a year 7-12 student this amazing opportunity created by The Woolmark Company is for you! Wool4School is an annual student design competition encouraging budding fashion designers to show the nation what they’re made of and learn more about wool in the process!

Open to all Australian school students from years 7 to 12, the Wool4School competition invites students to design an outfit for their favorite musician to wear on stage, using a minimum 80% Australian Merino wool. The outfit must contain a minimum of one piece with a maximum of four pieces, and in addition also include a wool accessory.

First launched in 2012, Wool4School has gone on to involve more than 40,000 students nationwide, not only learning the fundamentals of fashion design but also exploring the benefits and versatility of wool and the fabric it creates.

By putting wool into the minds of Australia’s future fashion designers, Wool4School encourages students’ innovative thinking and creative design, in keeping with The Woolmark Company’s tradition of fostering the education of the future generation.

Its a bit late to join this year’s competition but next year is just around the corner!

For more information see www.wool4school.com

 

Just Landed, New Fabric Shipment

We are so happy our new custom woven fabric shipment just arrived safe and sound! All 7000 metres of Silk Mesh is now in our possession and waiting for us to dye it. Along with 3000 metres of Paj Silk Fabric, both 4.5 momme and 5 momme.  We are so very grateful for small miracles when the boat arrives safety into the Port of Fremantle.