Sheep 101 - About Wool

Nature's Own Wool is the fiber that grows on the bodies of sheep. It replenishes itself each time the sheep is sheared, and continues to grow over the lifetime of the sheep. Wool is an extremely complex protein, evolved over millions of years for the protection of warm blooded animals in a great variety of climates and conditions. By comparision, synthetic fibers are silmple, having been designed for specific limited purposes. Wool fiber is so resilient and elastic that it can be bent 30,000 times without danger of breaking or damage. Every wool fiber has a natural elasticity and wave or crimp that allows it to be stretched as much as one third and then spring back into place. Its complex cellular structure also enables it to absorb moisture vapour but repel liquid. No synthetic fiber has been able to combine all these characteristics. The natural wave in wool fibers is called crimp.	Wool is a natural, biodegradable fiber that is both renewable and recyclable. Wool absorbs many different dyes deeply, uniformly and directly without the use of other chemicals. Because of this ability, wool is known for the beautiful, rich colors that can be achieved.
Warm in Winter, Cool in Summer Wool is comfortable to wear in both warm and cool climates. This is because wool is an absorbent fiber. When the air is cool and damp, wool absorbs moisture and keeps a layer of dry, insulating air next to the skin. When it's warm, that same absorption capacity takes up perspiration and keeps insulating dry air next to the skin, making the body's natural cooling system work better.	Bedouin in Egypt
Invest in Quality Wool garments are a great investment. Since wool fibers resist pilling, snagging and breaking, woolen garments typically outlast synthetic sweaters. Furthermore, since wool fibers are naturally elastic, woolen garments don't wrinkle, bag or sag out of shape. Wool sheds dirt easily, so it doesn't need to be cleaned as often as other fabrics. Doctors have written in Medical Journals that their studies indicate that people who sleep with wool get a longer more restful sleep - approximately 15% longer deep sleep period. Because of its unique properties, wool has many other uses besides clothing, blankets, and rugs. Wool can be used to clean up oil and chemical spills. Wool mulch is easier to lay and more aesthetic than black plastic, plus it's biodegradable. As an insulation material, wool is has an R value of 3.5 in. per inch of thickness and is more environmentally friendly.	Shepherd's Lead Class Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival
	Flame Retardent Wool is the only fiber that naturally resists flaming. Unlike many artificial fibers which often melt and stick to the skin when on fire, wool usually smoulders or chars instead of bursting into flame. Although wool will burn under intense fire, it normally self-extinguishes when the flame source is removed. For safety reasons, many airlines use wool or wool blends for the upholstery fabric on their seats.
. Woollen or Worsted Most wool is made into yarn using either the worsted or woollen system. Worsted yarn consists of long fibers that lie parallel, so that the materials made from it are smooth and lean, and stronger than woollens. In woollen yarn, there are long and short fibers lying in different directions, so that the woollen fabrics on the whole are harsher to the touch, more rugged to look at, and warmer that worsteds. Click HERE to learn how wool is processed into yarn.	Scouring is the first step in processing wool. Wool Scouring Plant in Texas
Why does wool itch? The itchiness of wool that some people experience is related to fiber diameter. Finer fibers, such as pure Merino wool, give greater comfort.The comfort limit for garments worn next to the skin is 28 microns. Many people experience discomfort if more than 3-4 per cent of the fibers are over 28 microns thick. Wool can be treated with chemicals or blended with other fibers to remove the itch factor. Some wools, such as SmartWool are guaranteed not to itch.	Got an Itch!

. . New Words . .

Crimp - a fiber's waviness, which determines the capacity of the fiber to cohere.

Elasticity - the tendency of a body to return to its original shape after it has been stretched or compressed.

Resilient - capable of returning to original size and shape after deformation.

Micron - one millionth of a meter.

Fine - thin in thickness or diameter.

Woolen - a system of processing that utilizes the shorter length wools within a grade. Fibers are neither as long or as parallel as worsted yarn

Worsted - well-twisted yarn spun of long-staple wool which has been combed to lay the fibers parallel, used for carpets, cloth, hosiery, gloves, and the like.

Biodegradable - capable of being broken down by naturally into environmentally harmless products .

How does wool keep us warm (and cool)?

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