Wool Journal¶
I will be using this page to collect and save informatio I learn about wool during my Fabricademy Journey.
What is wool¶
It's a natural fiber that grows from the skin of sheep and is one of the oldest fibers known to humanity. Wool is a sustainable fibre with excellent properties, like thermal and acoustic insulation, moisture absorption and odor control. It is biodegradable and offers eco-friendly alternatives to plastics in many fields!
We focus on the wool produced by the Thônes et Marthod sheep, a French breed. It yields coarse, durable fibers that, while less soft than fine wool, are a sustainable resource valued for their strength.
Data collection¶
I started using a Google Docs to collect data I found on websites and articles and then created a visualization in Canva. Most updated information I have are about 2023.
Thanks to the partnership with EU Woolshed, I now have access to more accurate information and I will be updating my documentation as I go.
Main issues¶
This summer, I started collecting data and studying its use in Sardinia. I was shocked to discover that farmers complain they are not paid much for their wool and that the unsold wool, classified as "special waste" with high disposal costs, is constantly illegally burned or buried.
Processes learned¶
Wet felting method¶
We learned the wet felting method using water and Marseille soap. The process takes time, consists of several steps, and requires full physical engagement using water and Marseille soap.
Process
-
Prepare layers of carded wool, alternating fiber directions, and repeat the operation four times.
-
Moisten the wool with warm water and Marseille soap (the soap helps open the wool scales).
-
Cover the layers with bubble wrap (bubbles facing the wool) and roll them around a cardboard tube, applying firm pressure.
-
Roll the wrap several times and then unwrap it. At this stage, a significant portion of the previously added water is expelled from the fibers.
-
Massage the wool using warm water and Marseille soap, working the fibers in multiple directions.
-
Repeat the wrapping, rolling, and massaging steps three times. Increasing the number of repetitions improves the quality of the final result.
-
Rinse the wool thoroughly with clean water and strike it repeatedly against a flat surface (the impact further compacts the fibers).
Note: Pressure, rubbing, and rolling are essential to interlock and bind the fibers. Repetition gradually compacts the wool, resulting in durable felt.
After drying, the felted wool is ready for use. At the end of the process, hands are wonderfully scented and moisturized by the Marseille soap and the natural lanolin released from the wool.
