Wool Find

I found some wool in a box. 100% pure sheep’s wool—terribly itchy.



     

My mother-in-law knitted clothes for my husband out of it over 70 (!) years ago.

I’m glad I didn’t have to wear something that scratchy.

Marlies, what you found is a really rare find these days. I also remember that wool used to always be itchy. It’s completely different today. There’s even very fine, soft yarn available for sensitive skin.

Your find could be a great idea for felting—for example, to make containers or slippers. In that case, it doesn’t really matter.

@ Monika: But the label says “non-felting” :-(

Oh, I didn’t see that. Then a blanket for the cute doll babies would be a good idea. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind the wool. ;-)

The color immediately made me think of a doll’s sweater. I love the color.

Is it itchy to knit with, or is it comfortable? 

Marlies, that’s a beautiful color.

I immediately thought of your babies too—they’re not sensitive at all.

I like the color, too. I’ve already pictured my husband in that gorgeous color...

Of course, babies aren’t as sensitive, but I am when I’m working with it.
It really is extremely unpleasant to the touch. I’ll probably just keep it as a memento of “what used to be.”

Marlies, try Googling “how to make scratchy wool soft.”

Thanks, Ruth—I’ll look into it. Maybe I’ll be able to use it after all.

Take a look there; I saved it in my watchlist just in case

Wool is scratchy: what to do? (No advertising) - Chit-chat Forum (crazypatterns.net)

Thanks, Petra—I saved that right away.

Soak it overnight in a 5:1 mixture of water and vinegar.
Then squeeze it out well and let it dry. It should become much softer.
Or get some lanolin online or at a pharmacy.