WoolWeenies Club [Archive] - Page 10 - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

GLC1968

04-30-2009, 05:56 PM

I don't think that wet wool truly keeps you warm. It does provide insulation that some other fabrics do not and it does not rob you of your warmth like some fabrics do. It also dries fast and wicks well, so that helps.

But any wet fabric is not going to be as warm as a dry one. I would say that a wet wool jersey is going to be warmer than a wet cotton one. Or, at least, that's been my experience. Of course, wet is still wet and that is rarely comfy for extended periods no matter what the fabrication.

madscot13

04-30-2009, 08:16 PM

Dianyla

04-30-2009, 08:56 PM

I tend to agree about wet wool not really helping retain warmth, unless you've got enough thick layers of it. Synthetic fleeces do that for me. My usual winter skiing layers are wool next to skin, and then fleece next to the wool (I really love the Arc'teryx Rho fleece layers).

The main reason I like wool even when wet is the tactile feel of it. I've often not noticed or perceived that my woollens are moist or damp, because they don't feel damp or clingy to me.

DebW

05-01-2009, 04:03 AM

Wool does hold water. The old polypropylene synthetic fabric (like Lifa long underwear) will hold almost no water so could be better for heavy sweaters exercising heavily. Don't think I've ever seen a bra of polypro, though. It's pretty stretchy stuff.

SAMbike

05-01-2009, 04:24 AM

Wool isn't necessarily going to be able to keep you warm, but it is a better insulator when wet than other fabrics so you might not get as cold as quickly. If you're getting cold when your wool bra gets wet, I recommend adding a wool undershirt too. I've loved that combo under my cycling jersey in cold weather. Remember too that there are different grades of wool - thick vs thin - so that will probably affect its properties.

madscot13

05-01-2009, 05:28 AM

Biciclista

05-01-2009, 07:09 AM

so, skierchickie, what are you doing/wearing instead?

Sorry guys, I can't resist. :p

I do love my Ibex wool bras, but the idea that they keep you warm when they are wet is a TOTAL MYTH. I wore mine skiing (nordic) for most of the winter, until I finally gave up on being completely and utterly frozen by the time I got home. I sweat. When I'd get home and change, I'd always be fairly dry except my bra and my shirt right where the wet bra was. If I quickly changed everything else, I'd still freeze until I got rid of the thing. It is soft. It is comfortable. It is great for biking, working, walking, okay for running (for those of us who don't need much support), and fine for sit-ups and push-ups. It is really not so great for high-intensity workouts in the cold. I've tried, but I just haven't had the "wool keeps you warm when it's wet" experience.

My problem is, I wear a light jacket until I get warmed up. Unfortunately, I've been going straight from "cold straight out of the car" to "cold because I'm sweaty", and end up leaving the jacket on. :mad:

Okay, ladies - let me have it! I supposed this will get me drummed out of the Woolweenies. :(

GLC1968

05-01-2009, 02:00 PM

The main reason I like wool even when wet is the tactile feel of it. I've often not noticed or perceived that my woollens are moist or damp, because they don't feel damp or clingy to me.

Yes, I totally agree with this. Wet cotton SUCKS...but wet wool is only a problem once I've already gotten cold. If I can stay warm (even when wet), it's not uncomfortable.

Skierchickie

05-01-2009, 02:24 PM

so, skierchickie, what are you doing/wearing instead?

Well, I'm not sure yet. Late in the season I got a Craft long underwear top (I've been wearing Smartwool for a few years), and went back to my old (old old old old) coolmax bras and my not as old Patagonia one. Not great, but better, actually. I may have to pick up a Craft bra before next winter.

I love the feel of the wool stuff, but it just isn't working for me in those conditions. And for me, it does seem as bad as cotton-cold. Although I haven't really worn cotton for exercising in many years. Now the Smartwool stuff I have doesn't seem to get as wet as the bra, except right where it is on top of it.

I think my problem is that it is just soaking wet after a while, and it really holds it. I thought my Patagonia one was bad that way, but this puts it to shame.

fatbottomedgurl

05-17-2009, 07:01 PM

Long sleeve. Right now at Backcountry outlet. The ones for this price are ice blue and a juniper print.

Jolt

05-27-2009, 11:15 AM

I thought I'd add my take on the "warm when wet" thing since I wore wool on Saturday on a whitewater rafting trip (the Dryway on the Deerfield River in western MA). I was wearing an Icebreaker short-sleeve tee under a long-sleeved Icebreaker midweight crew, and the water was chilly (unfortunately I don't know the temp). The air temps were probably in the upper 50s at the beginning and then got into the mid to upper 60s later when the sun came out. I was in the front of the raft and therefore got pretty well soaked, and I was never cold (if anything, a bit warm as the air temp rose) except for one point where we pulled over to shore for a snack, there was a breeze and we were in the shade, and even then I only felt slightly chilly when standing still. The wet wool definitely didn't have that clammy feeling that cotton gets and didn't seem to cling nearly as much either. Overall, I think it's great stuff for wet conditions, the only disadvantage is that it takes longer to dry than some synthetics.

divingbiker

06-17-2009, 03:17 PM

Sierra Trading Post has an unbelievable sale on wool Neve Designs sweaters (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?searchDescriptions=true&Ne=9400050&allAnyWords=&searchWithin=&anyWords=&N=9400230&exactPhrase=&allWords=neve%20designs)--70% off.

I've got the Larissa (2) and Violet sweaters and they're great.

GLC1968

06-17-2009, 04:09 PM

Thank you for the heads up, divingbiker!

I just ordered the Violet and the Ginger. They have a really good selection of sizes left, too. :)

Zen

06-17-2009, 05:00 PM

I'm saving my wool money for a snazzy PI wool cycling jacket that's coming in the fall. Think Rapha.
I was at the shop when the rep came in with samples and went crazy for it.

Grog

07-23-2009, 03:56 PM

There is a pretty massive Ibex sale right now, all the winter discontinued colours are 50% off.

I am thinking about the Pointelle longsleeve shirts (among other things!). I have heard about the colour but can anyone tell me anything else about them? Can you wear them alone or do the NEED to have something else as a top layer?

Thanks!

GLC1968

07-23-2009, 04:32 PM

Yes, it can be worn alone. I have the short sleeve one in the same fabric (that is no longer available or I'd order 10 more!) and I wear it alone all the time. My long sleeve one I usually wear under something, but only because I don't think the plainness of they style is as professional looking (and I have my Kates for that purpose). It's not see-thru or anything and the fabric is attractive. It does run large - I have a medium in it like all my Ibex stuff and it's definitely bigger than everything else I have. They may be compensating for shrinkage, but I haven't put mine in the dryer, so I don't know.

I actually have a black LS one in my shopping cart right now, but I'm trying really, really hard not to purchase (that, and a zephyr and a shak for my husband...)!

Grog

07-23-2009, 10:33 PM

Tokie

08-24-2009, 10:33 PM

Hi fellow wool weenies! Now the Ibex sale is improved, with free shipping! (oh dear) this means I can order, think about things, then order more. I wanted the Pizzi skirt last season, when it was 100% wool. this summer's model was a wool/cotton blend. anyone have experience with this in Ibex apparel? I am concerned that it might be more prone to bagging out, wrinkles, or just be too lightweight to look nice like my other (100% wool) Ibex skirt does. I ordered the men's boxer shorts on sale in small - for PJ bottoms so far......learning to sleep with hot flashes this summer - phew! Tokie

Biciclista

08-25-2009, 06:55 AM

Is that autumn I smell in the air?
THey probably added cotton to the blend for a reason.. Maybe it hangs better?

Tokie

08-25-2009, 07:28 AM

Yes, it smells like Autumn here too - got down into the 50's last night (thank heavens). They said the cotton was to make it a more summer-weight fabric. I should just call them to ask about it. Tokie I called Ibex - they said the weight and stretch of the Pizzi and Rue skirts and their dress - all with the wool/organic cotton/nylon blend - is quite similar to the Lena wool skirt from last year. Sounds good to me - I'll let you know!

BleeckerSt_Girl

08-25-2009, 09:00 AM

Autumn's in the air...the WoolWeenies thread is kicking up again! :p

Crankin

08-25-2009, 10:03 AM

I was just thinking that it's time for this thread to ramp up!
So far, been able to ignore the emails from Ibex.

GLC1968

08-25-2009, 10:42 AM

I actually like getting the summer sale emails - they are much easier to ignore! Cheap summer Ibex is so less tempting to me as I pretty much wear even my 'winter' Ibex items year round! (I'm wearing a shak right now, matter of fact...)

Though....I could use a few under layers for this winter.... :rolleyes:

tjf9

08-25-2009, 07:45 PM

I just popped into the Icebreaker store here in Portland and all Spring/Summer line is 40% off! Great prices, but sizes are moving fast. The salesguy mentioned that the online discount is 30%, so go to the store, if you can.

Unfortunately, I fell in love with something from the fall line and spent WAY more than I was planning...

Natasha

08-25-2009, 08:07 PM

Backcountry.com has the Ibex vertigo jacket in warm green color for $44.99. A great price for a wonderful jacket, but I'm still trying to make myself like the color.

Grog

08-25-2009, 10:24 PM

I could not ignore the Ibex messages. I did get a few pieces: two LS pointelle tops (red and black), a cute top that I hope I can wear for work, and a t-shirt for my husband. (Don't tell him.)

We were away hiking last weekend and as we did I thought about wool (I was wearing a lot of it). All of my Ibex pieces, without exception, are up there in the pantheon of my favourite pieces of clothing. I wear them ALL the time. And they still look great.

So I decided it was okay to add a few more pieces. I'll just have to get rid of a few other things in my closet.

Biciclista

08-26-2009, 07:07 AM

I am succumbing to that green Ibex jacket. and some incredibly beautiful orange smartwool socks!

Cataboo

08-26-2009, 07:09 AM

I am succumbing to that green Ibex jacket. and some incredibly beautiful orange smartwool socks!

I've been tempted by the green, but I have a purple & black vertigo already.

emily_in_nc

08-26-2009, 03:32 PM

Glad I am not on their mailing list! And it's still HOT here.... :D

GLC1968

08-26-2009, 03:41 PM

Last night I was straightening in our living room when I came across a pile of catalogs that must have been our mail over the past few days. One was from Terry. I flipped through it briefly, saw a few cute non-bike items including some new things from Ibex (Terry carries Ibex now?) and was about to toss it out. I mentioned to my H that there were some cute things in there, so he asked to see the catalog. I'd like to think that he's planning ahead for Christmas, but it's more likely he wanted to see the cute cycling girls. (To be fair, my H went to school with one of the girls who often models for Terry, so he probably just wanted to see if she made the latest version). Anyway, about 20 minutes later I see my H sitting on the couch with his laptop in his lap. He's got an Ibex window open, a backcountry outlet window open and he's doing a search at Sierra Trading post for wool. Apparently the cute fall Ibex items in the Terry catalog inspired my husband to hunt out some new wool items for himself.

Conversion to woolweenie, complete! :p

Biciclista

09-01-2009, 07:53 AM

oh my goodness I LOVE LOVE my new Ibex jacket. I finally have something lightweight that doesn't look like a parka or a sweatshirt! :D (and I am so cheap, i never would have gotten it without that 70% off sale)
I wore it saturday; when we went downtown. I kept noticing all the other women wearing that color :eek:

Looeez

09-01-2009, 02:41 PM

Has anyone got the Ibex Pingo jacket? I'm wondering what the sizing is like as it says a Small is a US 4-6 and a Medium is a US 8-10. I'm sort of inbetween and I'm not sure which to go for.

KnottedYet

09-01-2009, 02:49 PM

Has anyone got the Ibex Pingo jacket? I'm wondering what the sizing is like as it says a Small is a US 4-6 and a Medium is a US 8-10. I'm sort of inbetween and I'm not sure which to go for.

I have it. It runs small. Order one size larger than usual.

Cataboo

09-01-2009, 02:50 PM

Has anyone got the Ibex Pingo jacket? I'm wondering what the sizing is like as it says a Small is a US 4-6 and a Medium is a US 8-10. I'm sort of inbetween and I'm not sure which to go for.

with the pingo, I'd say go larger - it does not stretch, so it can be kind of constricting if it fits too well and you're trying to move your arms.

Looeez

09-01-2009, 03:00 PM

Thanks! I'm glad I asked as I was erring towards the small previously. I'll be wearing it on my bike so I larger would definitely be better for the arms/shoulders.

I forgot to add a link - they are on offer at Sierra Trading for $102 which seems like a good deal: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,1760Y_Ibex-Pingo-Jacket-Soft-Shell-For-Women.html

Biciclista

09-01-2009, 04:21 PM

that's the jacket i got. Medium is roomy for me...! I mean, its just right, roomy enough to wear over stuff. I take medium most of the time.

Looeez

09-01-2009, 08:40 PM

I'm now dithering over the colour - for those who already have one, what colour did you go for?

For wearing normally I'd go for black but since I'll be wearing it on my bike quite a bit I'm thinking of the green or yellow.

Grog

09-01-2009, 10:02 PM

Oh MY!

Just got my Ibex shipment.

I haven't touched the Pointelle tops yet (I got a red and a black) but that scoop-t is SPECTACULAR.

I am quite distressed that they do not have the kelp colour in small anymore. Only black. Now I would order a black one but I just got lots of new black tops so it would be a bit much.

But I LOVE it. I wish I had ordered it in more than one colour.

Yelsel

09-03-2009, 03:55 PM

Oh my gosh. Why did you start this thread? Sales at Team Estrogen, Ibex, and Backcountry, oh my. (And the Pingos are now 45% off / $68 for the Labor Day sale at Sierra Trading.)

Cool summer usually means a cold winter following in Minnesota... I'm using that as my excuse for stocking up on woolly items. Um, I can save on heating, right?

Tokie

09-04-2009, 10:15 PM

I got my Pizzi skirt from Ibex today - it is cute! The wool/cotton combo still has a nice feel and lays smoothly like all wool. It is apparently cotton side on the inside and wool on the outside from what I can tell. It has a nice soft feel, and the little pocket near the hem is barely noticeable. I am very pleased! Tokie

Trek420

09-05-2009, 09:56 AM

Cool summer usually means a cold winter following in Minnesota... I'm using that as my excuse for stocking up on woolly items. Um, I can save on heating, right?

Right. You're doing it for the economy and the enviornment. Yep. :p

emily_in_nc

09-20-2009, 01:59 PM

Just ordered a couple lightweight Smartwool tops on sale:

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/SWL0145/SmartWool-Microweight-T-Shirt-Short-Sleeve-Womens.html

and

http://www.teamestrogen.com/product-view.ep?pID=101270 (right here on TE, in black)

These should be good on our boat when it's warm and as base layers during cooler times of the year. The black one will be nice under my (one and only) black Shak!

GLC1968

09-21-2009, 08:28 AM

Scored big time at Nordstroms Rack this weekend. They had sleeveless smartwool tops for $24.97 and short sleeved t's for $29.95. I bought two of each! They also had a bunch of other 'summer' wool things like a strappy tank with a shelf bra and a short sleeved shirt with a collar. I really needed some layering wool pieces (sleeveless for cycling, t's for work) so the timing was excellent! :D

Blueberry

09-21-2009, 11:18 AM

Right. You're doing it for the economy and the enviornment. Yep. :p

I should use that in my ongoing lobby to convince by DH that we *need* another golden retriever;):rolleyes: That, and our dog would really like a friend...

Cataboo

09-26-2009, 08:22 PM

Grog

09-26-2009, 08:55 PM

I need Ibex pants.

Anyone has had success with their pants at work? In a business-on-the-casual-side kind of office?

kmehrzad

09-26-2009, 09:12 PM

It's fall!

I spent the day in an ibex sport bra, with a short sleeve merino t shirt, with the ibex serrano full zip bike jersey (my favorite layering piece ever currently), smartwool socks, and an ibex softshell over top.

I'm all snuggly, soft & warm.

Does the Ibex Serrano jersey run small or if I normally wear a Medium jacket, is it safe to say that a Medium Ibex jersey would fit me?

Cataboo

09-26-2009, 09:20 PM

I have the medium - I can show it to you on Thursday. You're much thinner than I, but probably have longer arms. But I think ibex sizing if fairly normal.

Grog,

I'm not sure whether or not you can get away with knit wool pants as business casual attire - but I have the loose tights & the izzi pants and like them both...

Then they have the more softshell like pants- the alpstar.

Crankin

09-27-2009, 05:50 AM

Oh yeah. I wore my Shak for the first time since June last night.

As far as the pants, I can't really wear Ibex pants. I am in between an x small and small. And of course, they are all too long. I would even pay to have them hemmed, if I could find some that fit. I ended up buying a pair of Jones Ware semi-custom wool pants, that I wear for x country skiing, hiking, and snow shoeing. It was only $10.00 extra for them to hem them to my length and tweak the waist measurement a bit.
I think Ibex pants are made for tall, skinny people. All of the ones I've tried on, I could barely pull up over my knees, when I tried on my usual size. Since I am thin to begin with, I gave up!

redrhodie

09-27-2009, 08:00 AM

I wore my Smartwool turtleneck yesterday. 2 days ago I was in short sleeves. It all happens so fast.

kmehrzad

09-27-2009, 08:17 AM

I wore my Smartwool turtleneck yesterday. 2 days ago I was in short sleeves. It all happens so fast.

I totally agree. I was sleeveless on Thursday, Friday afternoon I was transitioning to my Smartwool Lightweight long sleeve top.

Grog

09-27-2009, 09:02 AM

Hmmm...

Maybe I'll try the Izzi pants.

On Fridays it might pass. :)

Cataboo

09-27-2009, 09:24 AM

Ibex pants are all too long for me... I just hem them. Or roll them up. Smartwool pants too long as well. But I'm 5'1, so I expect that.

Jolt

09-27-2009, 11:34 AM

Hmmm...

Maybe I'll try the Izzi pants.

On Fridays it might pass. :)

I found a pair of the Izzi pants for a ridiculously low price on Amazon recently and bought them--they fit great (size XS)! I haven't worn them yet (it's not cold enough) but am looking forward to it. The length is actually just right for me; I hope they don't shrink at all when I wash them. I also have a pair of Icebreaker Lily pants--talk about WAY too long!! They also had zippers at the hems so I had to take them to a tailor to have them shortened (I had them not put the zippers back since there's no need for them) so they wouldn't drag on the ground. Those pants must be designed either for really tall people or those who will wear them with freakin' stilettos...

BleeckerSt_Girl

09-27-2009, 12:13 PM

All the Ibex pants don't fit me right. I have hips.
When I try on ones that are big enough to fit my hips, the waist is just gigantic with a huge 3" open gap. :cool:
Funny, I don't look particularly odd shaped. :(
My friend who is shaped like a boy fits in to all the Ibex pants perfectly. :rolleyes:

OakLeaf

09-27-2009, 08:04 PM

Wore my SW sleeveless base layer two days in a row (and it's the only thing that didn't smell).

Never took off my PI wool arm warmers today.

Relaxing after the ride in fuzzy SW socks.

Crankin

09-30-2009, 09:57 AM

Wearing my Icebreaker hoodie today...

Cataboo

09-30-2009, 10:06 AM

Wearing my Icebreaker hoodie today...

had my icebreaker nomad on last night with some ibex loose tights.

Bleecker street girl - ibex loose tights look godawful on me with my hips. but I was at home and don't really care whether I look terrible if I'm swaddled in wool by myself.

Been wearing my ibex alyx jacket the last couple days - has been a great wind block, and putting pitzips on a softshell's great. Backountry outlet has some left in l & xl for 70% off in kind a yicky color:
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0171/Ibex-Alyx-Jacket-Womens.html

BleeckerSt_Girl

09-30-2009, 12:05 PM

Bleecker street girl - ibex loose tights look godawful on me with my hips. but I was at home and don't really care whether I look terrible if I'm swaddled in wool by myself.

I can relate. The loose tights looked positively awful on me too!- I had to get the size large to fit my hips nicely...but then I looked like I had elephant legs (which i don't) and the waist was swimmingly huge as usual. They simply felt uncomfortable because they fit so poorly, i wouldn't even wear them around the house. What I do instead is wear thick Ibex wool tights (sometimes with another pair of warm tights underneath) and a short dress or short skirt...or some stretch knickers and wool knee socks over that...looks cute and I'm WARM. :p

Today was 50'sF but felt cold and windy and cloudy....I was out on my bike doing errands. Smartwool base LS crew, Descent Coldout tights, wool socks, short dress, Ibex full zip Shak. Felt great! :)

Cataboo

09-30-2009, 12:09 PM

I can relate. The loose tights looked positively awful on me too!- I had to get the size large to fit my hips nicely...but then I looked like I had elephant legs (which i don't) and the waist was swimmingly huge as usual. They simply felt uncomfortable because they fit so poorly, i wouldn't even wear them around the house. What I do instead is wear thick Ibex wool tights (sometimes with another pair of warm tights underneath) and a short dress or short skirt...or some stretch knickers and wool knee socks over that...looks cute and I'm WARM. :p

I just went with the smaller size which was tight around the hips and didn't gape... but merino wool is not flattering at all when tight on rolls of fat.

I can try the skirt thing if I want to wear them in public.

Generally, I just shove them underneath ski pants because I want them as a baselayer for skiing.

Crankin

10-01-2009, 02:27 PM

It was downright cold today (high of 53). It seems that my internship site believes in AC even in the cold. I wore my Kate and Shak, although I took the Shak off for a lot of the day.
I think I will be investing in some Ibex base layers/tops. I'd like to get some of the camis, but I know they are super long and I am just too short for that.

GLC1968

10-01-2009, 03:03 PM

Today I'm wearing my black Kate under a Pez vest that I got off SAC a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday it was a t under a full zip shak...the day before, a wool t under a thin wool sweater... It's all I wear! :rolleyes:

I have noticed that SAC has been having quite a bit of wool items lately. I picked up this vest (on which I get lots of compliments!) a few weeks ago and a mid-weight smartwool zip top just yesterday. I was actually about to order a different smartwool top for my husband today when I got a phone call and missed out on the deal. Don't you just hate it when work interferes with a wool addiction? :eek:

Susan Otcenas

10-01-2009, 03:30 PM

I'm wearing an Icebreaker S/S tee with an Ibex full zip Shak over it.

Last weekend at the Grand Canyon, I realized I was wearing FOUR pieces of Ibex while sitting in front of the campfire. As it got colder at night, I kept adding a layer. :D A s/s Q-Tee, then a l/s Zephyr, then a Shak Hoodie on top. Plus an Angeli Hat.

Dianyla

10-01-2009, 03:54 PM

I have noticed that SAC has been having quite a bit of wool items lately. I picked up this vest (on which I get lots of compliments!) a few weeks ago and a mid-weight smartwool zip top just yesterday. I was actually about to order a different smartwool top for my husband today when I got a phone call and missed out on the deal. Don't you just hate it when work interferes with a wool addiction? :eek:
Yes! I picked up a bunch of knee-high ski socks and two smartwool shirts. It was a rough day on the pocketbook. :)

Yelsel

10-01-2009, 06:09 PM

Been wearing my ibex alyx jacket the last couple days - has been a great wind block, and putting pitzips on a softshell's great. Backountry outlet has some left in l & xl for 70% off in kind a yicky color:
http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/IBX0171/Ibex-Alyx-Jacket-Womens.html

To each her own - I picked this color over a black(?) jacket when it was available, and love it. The tan is a nice neutral, and burnt orange is much more visible... I also got the light green fulled-wool jacket at closeout prices, and I like it (it is hard to find a green that I don't like though). Most of my pieces happen to be the lovely maroon color though!

Cataboo

10-01-2009, 07:53 PM

To each her own - I picked this color over a black(?) jacket when it was available, and love it. The tan is a nice neutral, and burnt orange is much more visible... I also got the light green fulled-wool jacket at closeout prices, and I like it (it is hard to find a green that I don't like though). Most of my pieces happen to be the lovely maroon color though!

I don't do tan. I like orange. I got it in the dark brown with tan highlights. The green jacket was nice, but I already had it in a few other colors.

GLC1968

10-01-2009, 08:32 PM

Crankin

10-02-2009, 04:26 AM

My DH bought his first Shak in the orange color, last March, when we were in Vermont. Since it was half off, the color didn't seem to bother him!
Orange actually looks good on me, but I don't have any clothing in that color right now, except a Hind cycling hoodie that I won't give up, even though it is grease stained.

kmehrzad

10-02-2009, 05:01 AM

SmartWool lightweight Zip Top on Sale at SteepandCheap.com - $33.99 (for 15 more minutes).

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-02-2009, 06:28 AM

Speaking of colors...can I complain about Ibex's fall colors? What is up with using pretty much all the same colors with the addition of only white. White? Really? Ugh.
Why no orange or rich blue...or some other vibrant color? The names have changed, but the colors are basically the same as what I already have! I see no reason to buy an 'alligator' full zip shak when I already have a 'warm green' one... I'm annoyed. Of course, my wallet is happier as a result. :mad:

I feel exactly the same way. Endless browns, murky greens, muddy purples and maroons...enough already! I have no reason to buy stuff that looks almost the same as what I've had (and not been crazy about) for 2 years already. Dull. Where are the happy colors? I keep wishing for tomato, emerald or celery, sky blue, pumpkin, mango.... :(

There, that felt good. :cool:

Biciclista

10-02-2009, 09:47 AM

your post is making me hungry. I agree. bright colors are what i like!

Susan Otcenas

10-02-2009, 11:14 AM

I feel exactly the same way. Endless browns, murky greens, muddy purples and maroons...enough already! I have no reason to buy stuff that looks almost the same as what I've had (and not been crazy about) for 2 years already. Dull. Where are the happy colors? I keep wishing for tomato, emerald or celery, sky blue, pumpkin, mango.... :(

I think they're making a little progress, actually.

Pink Woolies: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_0123_0.html

Rose Hoodies: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_655.html

Turquoise Indie T-necks: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1359/8877/womens-indie-turtle

Rose & Turquoise Indie Zip Ts http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1358/2488/womens-indie-zip-t

Zephyr Zips in violet & red http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1362/3878/womens-zepher-zip-t

I've seen Spring 2010 & there's some nice pop colors there too.

Susan

GLC1968

10-02-2009, 11:50 AM

I think they're making a little progress, actually.

Pink Woolies: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_0123_0.html

Rose Hoodies: http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_655.html

Turquoise Indie T-necks: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1359/8877/womens-indie-turtle

Rose & Turquoise Indie Zip Ts http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1358/2488/womens-indie-zip-t

Zephyr Zips in violet & red http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1362/3878/womens-zepher-zip-t

I've seen Spring 2010 & there's some nice pop colors there too.

Susan

Susan - you are right. They do have some good colors. I should have more clear in my whining...they need to do the full zip shak in better colors!! I would gladly pay full price for a full zip shak in that turquoise...it's beautiful!

Susan Otcenas

10-02-2009, 12:39 PM

Susan - you are right. They do have some good colors. I should have more clear in my whining...they need to do the full zip shak in better colors!! I would gladly pay full price for a full zip shak in that turquoise...it's beautiful!

Best start saving your egg money then, because in S10 there's a full zip shak in a gorgeous crystal blue. Slightly different from the turquoise, but really lovely.

GLC1968

10-02-2009, 12:54 PM

Best start saving your egg money then, because in S10 there's a full zip shak in a gorgeous crystal blue. Slightly different from the turquoise, but really lovely.

Score! Yay! I'll just have to be patient! :)

malkin

10-02-2009, 02:27 PM

I read that the loose tights have a 'new fit' this year, but there was no further info. Anyone know what they changed? Everything would be a good start.

Dianyla

10-02-2009, 04:12 PM

Ahhhh! SAC (http://www.steepandcheap.com) is trying to bankrupt us! :eek:

Whole buncha lightweight smartwool zipneck tops are there right now, all light blue, all sizes. :D

Crankin

10-03-2009, 10:44 AM

I just got a post card for the Ibex tent sale at their headquarters in Quechee, VT next Fri., Sat., and Sunday. Seriously thought about driving up there, but, it's a bit much for a one day trip. Plus, it's a holiday weekend and I don't feel like fighting the crowds of leaf peepers.
Still...

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 12:00 PM

High-Vis wool, baby!!!!

http://www.joneswares.com/item/Men_s_Robinson_Cycling_Jersey_/268/c61

Available in short or long sleeves, and without pockets and zipper as a running shirt.

ETA: uh-oh, I posted the men's link. Here's the women's: http://www.joneswares.com/item/Women_s_Robinson_Cycling_Jersey_/299/c70

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 12:06 PM

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 12:14 PM

Oooh, wool bolero....
http://www.joneswares.com/item/Women_s_Bolero/285/c70

'tis the season to buy more WOOL!

Be sure to check out the Sugoi Wallaroo wool on TE, too. I've got a hankerin' for a bunch of their stuff. Matador red wool boxers, yeah! I love Sugoi, I love wool, put 'em together and what do you get? (knot goin' bankrupt, that's what) http://www.teamestrogen.com/search.ep?keyWords=sugoi+wallaroo&search-form-submit=go

OakLeaf

10-04-2009, 01:36 PM

High-Vis wool, baby!!!!

Knot, you are EVIL. I just spent way too much at TE last week, and now you post something I must. have. ????!!!!

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 02:44 PM

Knot, you are EVIL. I just spent way too much at TE last week, and now you post something I must. have. ????!!!!

Did you buy one of these? http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSU_19702F_0.html

Isn't that color just delicious? I love the red with the charcoal. And 210g wool is a nice weight, kind of a heavy t-shirt weight and good for blustery days under a cozy wool vest. I keep thinking how awesome it would look with a pair of slightly faded jeans.

And it would go so well with the red and black theme of my Cross Check!
And it's on sale!

How can I resist?

Trek420

10-04-2009, 03:03 PM

Knot, you are EVIL. I just spent way too much at TE last week, and now you post something I must. have. ????!!!!

She's doing it for the economy; using her powers of persuasion for good, not evil :cool:

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 03:12 PM

Magenta. Tiger-striped. Wool and silk. TIGHTS.
http://www.nevedesigns.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=443&cid=26

There're matching tops, too. Neve is a dangerous site. Their stuff is waaaaaay expensive.

Trek420

10-04-2009, 03:52 PM

Magenta. Tiger-striped. Wool and silk. TIGHTS.
http://www.nevedesigns.com/productdetails.aspx?pid=443&cid=26

There're matching tops, too. Neve is a dangerous site. Their stuff is waaaaaay expensive.

I'm confused. Joneswear? I thought you were lusting after the wool on the Riv site. I can't keep up with which wool this woman wants to wear :D ;) :cool:

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 03:56 PM

I'm confused. Joneswear? I thought you were lusting after the wool on the Riv site. I can't keep up with which wool this woman wants to wear :D ;) :cool:

It's very simple: ALL wool. :p

Grog

10-04-2009, 04:14 PM

I'm feeling dizzy...

Dianyla

10-04-2009, 04:15 PM

And Ibex may have made the terrible mistake of DISCONTINUING the women's Roaster Boxer, but Joneswares has what I believe will make a fine replacement (and cheaper, and made in the USA)
http://www.joneswares.com/item/Women_s_Distance_Short/317/c71

If it is as comfy as the Roaster Boxer, and doesn't bust out in holes like the Ibex Balance Runner, I will be a happy camper!
Very interesting. I'm still pissed about the Roasters, and will be wearing mine until they die. :mad:

I'm confused. Joneswear? I thought you were lusting after the wool on the Riv site. I can't keep up with which wool this woman wants to wear :D ;) :cool:
Maybe Knotted's polywoollenous? :D

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 04:25 PM

Very interesting. I'm still pissed about the Roasters, and will be wearing mine until they die. :mad:

I even wrote to Ibex about the Roasters. No luck. They said they have no intention of bringing them back and suggested I search Sierra Trading Post and BackCountry for hidden leftovers.

Did you notice that they've ditched the heavier weight long janes, too? (the ones that were the same weight as the Roasters, the remaining longies are only 150g and 230g)

However... Joneswares to the rescue! Their relaxed running tights (270g) will make fine replacements for my Roaster Long Janes when/if they wear out! http://www.joneswares.com/item/Women_s_Interval_Relaxed_Running_Tights/310/c71

Trek420

10-04-2009, 05:02 PM

But what about these?

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/clothing?a=1&page=5#product=22-606

and

http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/clothing?a=1&page=3#product=22-271

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 05:07 PM

Joneswares are cheaper and made in the USA.

Someone tell Grant there IS a wool made in the USA that he could sell.

Dianyla

10-04-2009, 05:29 PM

Did you notice that they've ditched the heavier weight long janes, too? (the ones that were the same weight as the Roasters, the remaining longies are only 150g and 230g)
I had not noticed that! I wasn't quite as sad about that one, but they'd better not discontinue the 3/4 Long Janes. Those are, hands down, my favorite long underwear bottoms. Damn, this makes me want to run out right now and get some to hoard. :eek:

blackhillsbiker

10-04-2009, 05:35 PM

http://www.6pm.com/product/7321095/color/3
I wonder if they'll fit over my liner shorts, under my windpants?

Deb

Cataboo

10-04-2009, 05:44 PM

they should, patagonia wool3's not all that thick... but it depends on how much room you have under your wind pants.

it's probably comparable to smartwool's midweight, if you know how thick that is

blackhillsbiker

10-04-2009, 05:48 PM

I think at that price I'm gonna chance it. After all, if not for cycling, there's plenty of other times when I have wished for another layer, and I love wool!

Deb

Cataboo

10-04-2009, 05:49 PM

ugh.

You showed me on sale patagonia.

I love their organic cotton among stuff.

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 06:07 PM

they should, patagonia wool3's not all that thick... but it depends on how much room you have under your wind pants.

it's probably comparable to smartwool's midweight, if you know how thick that is

It's the same (230g) as Ibex's "zephyr" fabric. Nice midweight. Ohhhh, the temptation! And so cheap, too!

(luckily they don't have any left in my size... whew!)

Cataboo

10-04-2009, 06:10 PM

If you go to cashback by bing.com, they give 5% for 6pm.com.

It may take like 2 months to get the 5% back, but it's 5% still :)

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 06:13 PM

I had not noticed that! I wasn't quite as sad about that one, but they'd better not discontinue the 3/4 Long Janes. Those are, hands down, my favorite long underwear bottoms. Damn, this makes me want to run out right now and get some to hoard. :eek:

The heavyweight 3/4 are gone, like the boxers and the long janes.

The midweight "zephyr" is available, http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1365/8990/womens-zepher-three-quarter-long-janes

kmehrzad

10-04-2009, 06:13 PM

If you go to cashback by bing.com, they give 5% for 6pm.com.

It may take like 2 months to get the 5% back, but it's 5% still :)

Catriona, you are such the savvy shopper ... I'm in awe.

KnottedYet

10-04-2009, 06:24 PM

6pm.com has a gazillion Ibex! Oh, noes! No self-control AT ALL now! Lookit all the pretty full zip Shaks in solid colors! The t-shirts! ohhhhh, stop me now! All the sizes! It's even better than the Ibex outlet!

Cataboo

10-04-2009, 06:48 PM

arc'teryx emissary hoody on steepandcheap.

More wooly goodness.

rubywagon

10-04-2009, 06:51 PM

arc'teryx emissary hoody on steepandcheap.

More wooly goodness.

They have the emissary on Amazon.com in sundried tomato for $49!

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-04-2009, 07:50 PM

6pm.com has a gazillion Ibex! Oh, noes! No self-control AT ALL now! Lookit all the pretty full zip Shaks in solid colors!All the sizes! It's even better than the Ibex outlet!

They are out of many of the colors and sizes of solid shaks, you aren't told until you click on the color and size you want. :cool:

Cataboo

10-04-2009, 08:05 PM

They have the emissary on Amazon.com in sundried tomato for $49!

sold through backcountryoutlet.com/backcountry.com (owners of sac)... 12% cashback via bing.com

OakLeaf

10-04-2009, 09:25 PM

Did you buy one of these? http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSU_19702F_0.html

No, one of these: http://www.teamestrogen.com/product-view.ep?pID=107206

and a bunch of other stuff.

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-05-2009, 04:58 AM

What does "MAPP" merino wool mean? :confused: I can't find any definition on the web. "100% MAPP merino wool".... huh?

Cataboo

10-05-2009, 05:04 AM

What does "MAPP" merino wool mean? :confused: I can't find any definition on the web. "100% MAPP merino wool".... huh?

http://www.mapp.co.nz/

KnottedYet

10-05-2009, 07:37 AM

http://www.mapp.co.nz/

That is a very very cool website! Thank you for finding it!

(oh, man, I love the picture on the home page!)

I wonder if Joneswares' hi-vis wool is this stuff? http://www.mapp.co.nz/work_wear/hi-vis.php (they have the Zque logo on their site, so seems like it could be)

Biciclista

10-05-2009, 07:38 AM

what I want to know is why does my new Green Ibex jacket have a label that says "FINE AUSTRIAN WOOL" on it??
(Not australian!?)

KnottedYet

10-05-2009, 08:15 AM

what I want to know is why does my new Green Ibex jacket have a label that says "FINE AUSTRIAN WOOL" on it??
(Not australian!?)

Because the loden wool fabric was bought from a factory in Austria? Is it a loden jacket?

ETA: oooh, this is a nice looking loden.... now look at what you made me do! http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1403/7660/womens-europa-jacket

EATA: Is this what you got? http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1222/9473/womens-vertigo-jacket?Outlet=1 The wool is from Australia, which was sent to Austria and made into loden fabric, which was sent to the USA and made into that LOVELY jacket which is on sale RIGHT NOW, dang it....

Biciclista

10-05-2009, 08:21 AM

oh thank you Knott! i thought it was a typo! LOL~! I had no idea wool was still being produced in Austria :D

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-05-2009, 11:35 AM

http://www.mapp.co.nz/
Ok, so it's NOT 100% merino wool? "Merino Advanced Performance Programme (MAPP)"....From what I'm reading on their site (and they sure make it damned HARD to figure out just what it is), "MAPP" is a fabric made of merino wool combined or layered with with recycled polyester fiber. "MAPP TECH" fabric using 100% merino wool- in it's content.
It would be nice if the content was made clear.
And what do they mean by:
"MAPP Merino wool, named after New Zealand's famous, specially-bred Merino sheep".....:confused: "named after"???

Hmmm....... :cool:

What does the label say the content is?

Cataboo

10-05-2009, 11:46 AM

I don't know if MAPP tech is a different fabric from just plain MAPP. Because I can't see how they can claim MAPP is 100% natural & renewable if it's recycling polyester involved.

I can't tell on their website. I know the one t shirt that I have that I know is MAPP just feels like wool.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodHN_WLSW09.html
http://www.chocolatefishmerino.co.uk/clothing/mapp.html
http://www.mapp.co.nz/attributes/MAPP-Attributes.pdf
http://www.howies.co.uk/content.php?xId=7&xPg=1

although this swobo page says:
http://www.bicyclinghub.com/swmewojeor.html
MAPP Matrix is a new range of technical fabrics designed with a performance edge. Lightweight, robust and comfortable, MAPP Matrix maximizes the performance potential of the wearer, by promoting the balanced regulation of core body temperature and providing protection and comfort in competitive, extreme conditions. At the core of any MAPP Matrix fabric is an inner base-layer of 100% Natural MAPP Merino, which is linked with a protective outer-layer of technical performance fabric. Next to skin core comfort with a technical outer edge.
MAPP Merino is an annually renewable, natural product. It is durable when in use, yet recyclable and biodegradable at the end of its life cycle
It is produced in free range farming systems, which are animal - and environment friendly. Our selected farms are chosen for their commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability in farm management practices, as well as the superb quality of their Merino wool. Our philosophy reflects our dedication to environmentally friendly fabric manufacturing and finishing processes, to ensure our fabrics remain a sustainable and biodegradable resource.

Susan Otcenas

10-05-2009, 11:54 AM

What does the label say the content is?

The paper hang tags *and* the sewn-in garment tags all say "100% New Zealand Merino Wool".

Susan

Susan Otcenas

10-05-2009, 11:58 AM

KnottedYet

10-05-2009, 12:47 PM

"MAPP Merino wool, named after New Zealand's famous, specially-bred Merino sheep".....:confused: "named after"???

Hmmm....... :cool:

"Merino" Advanced Performance Programme named after "Merino" sheep. Works for me.

Merino sheep were a crazy new creature back in the 1700's or so. I was reading a book on the history of wool and there was a whole section on what a closely guarded secret Merino were, and how HUGE the punishment would be if anyone sold a breeding pair outside of Spain. (I think it was Spain that bred them first) Now I've got to go find that book again. It was truly fascinating! Wool was like the life-blood and cornerstone of commerce and politics in Europe.

Nowdays I don't think we see much of any other sort of wool in clothing. National Geographic did a big spread on wool 15 or 20 years ago; I have that tucked away somewhere, too. It had a nice pictoral of the different breeds of sheep and the different qualities of their wools.

ETA: here's the wikipedia on merino, covers some of the history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merino_sheep Now I really want to find that history book again.

KnottedYet

10-05-2009, 01:24 PM

2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibers! Cool!
http://www.naturalfibres2009.org/

Oh, yummy... http://www.bluehouseyarns.co.nz/

ETA: The IYofNF site is really good! I'm like a kid in a candy shop!

KnottedYet

10-05-2009, 02:29 PM

October 17 and 18.

This looks like great fun! http://www.sheepandwool.com/

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-05-2009, 02:35 PM

As near as I can tell, MAPP, MAPP Tech and MAPP Matrix are 3 different fabrics. MAPP Tech and MAPP Matrix use MAPP combined with other textiles to create wool-blend fabrics for purposes for which 100% Merino would be inappropriate or less than ideal.

Ok, thanks for the explanation. So a shirt that's labeled "100% MAPP merino wool" is 100% merino wool ...I guess?
I still wish they would make it all a bit clearer.
If the label on an item says "100% merino wool" then that's what we must assume it is.

OakLeaf

10-05-2009, 02:36 PM

I was reading a book on the history of wool

Oooooh, title and author please? I love agricultural history!

KnottedYet

10-05-2009, 06:26 PM

Oooooh, title and author please? I love agricultural history!

I can't find it!
I last read it about 10 years ago, and I'm afraid I've misplaced it in the course of several moves. It had a green cover, and was hard bound, maybe published in the 1970's... oh, phooey.

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-05-2009, 07:12 PM

October 17 and 18.

This looks like great fun! http://www.sheepandwool.com/

Yes that's like an hour from me...and I never seem to be able to get there! :( Always something conflicting on my schedule. this year too- my husband's big family reunion that weekend in Mass. (can't miss it- the first time my husband will have seen his cousins, aunts and uncles in like 35 years or so. !)

GLC1968

10-07-2009, 09:39 AM

Oh....I feel spending coming on! Did you all get the email from Ibex about their new Carrie? It is really sharp looking and totally different from all my existing Ibex stuff. I think I might need one (or two, or three....).

I know some of you don't like the boucle fabric - but I do. I have 4 Carrie hoodies and I LOVE them. I'm so excited that they've created a new style!!

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1395/8052/womens-carrie-fz

Cataboo

10-07-2009, 10:08 AM

lol. The thing I love about you guys is that you always make me feel restrained. I can now pat myself upon the back for only having 2 carrie hoodies.

I love them both though.

While I love the red on the new carrie, I think I prefer the old style.

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-07-2009, 11:32 AM

I confess that I think I have enough nice wool stuff to last me already for a while without buying any new wool this winter. :eek: (in reality, i likely have enough wonderful wool to last me the next 10 years!)
The only thing that might have tempted me is some new Shak color I couldn't resist. But oh well, no new shak colors that appeal to me this Fall.

Can i make it through the whole Fall and winter without buying any new wool pieces?
I think I might only allow myself a thrift shop bargain if I found one.

GLC1968

10-07-2009, 11:55 AM

Can i make it through the whole Fall and winter without buying any new wool pieces?

Oh, for shame! :p

tulip

10-07-2009, 01:49 PM

I don't have any wool jerseys anymore. I used to have some fabulous Italian ones back in the 80s when they were the norm.

But that's soon to change...

I really want one of those Ride Like A Girl longsleeve wool jerseys that Terry is selling. But at $135, it ain't gonna happen. However, I'm keeping my eyes out for some that are a bit more reasonable, if not as cute.

Crankin

10-07-2009, 02:05 PM

GLC1968

10-07-2009, 03:26 PM

I want that new Shak "jersey." But, it's $135.00. Probably won't be at any discounters, since it's new...
I think I might be buying some wool LS shirts, dressier t's like the Kate. I already have 2 of those, so does anyone have any recommendations for something similar? I really can't wear wool any heavier than that next to my skin; even the Kates start to itch me a little, especially if I am wearing a Shak over it.

The long sleeve pointelle is really soft and nice next to the skin (and it's on sale). It's a bit sheer though so while it's not see-thru, it may not be a good protection from a shak if you find that itchy.

I like the look of the Tarrah and I believe that's the same fabric as the Kate...but it's new and therefore still expensive!

OakLeaf

10-07-2009, 03:31 PM

I really need some wool Injinji socks.

Wish I could find somewhere around here that stocks them. I haven't been much in the mood for mail order lately. except for that big order I just got from TE

Jolt

10-07-2009, 03:50 PM

KnottedYet

10-07-2009, 07:14 PM

Running in the Ibex Izzi pants: not recommended!! I did that today and tripped by catching my toe on the bottom of the opposite pant leg b/c the pants are flared. At least this happened on wood chips in the park rather than on the pavement or on a rocky trail, so it was a soft landing (plus I wasn't going that fast). The pants are comfy and great for general everyday wear, but not so much for running (or am I just a klutz?).

Joneswares www.joneswares.com has several wool pants and tights that look like they'd be good for running in. I'm going to order the Trail pants (cuz I think I can wear them at work, on the bike commute, and for running) soon.

KnottedYet

10-07-2009, 07:16 PM

I really need some wool Injinji socks.

Wish I could find somewhere around here that stocks them. I haven't been much in the mood for mail order lately. except for that big order I just got from TE

Be careful you don't buy any of the older wool injinis. The wool was very poor quality and fell apart quickly. (don't buy the ones on the sale page)

Jolt

10-07-2009, 07:41 PM

Joneswares www.joneswares.com has several wool pants and tights that look like they'd be good for running in. I'm going to order the Trail pants (cuz I think I can wear them at work, on the bike commute, and for running) soon.

That might be something to check out. I also have a pair of the Ibex Loose Tights and those will probably be my cool-weather running pants since they are much less likely to trip me up than the ones I wore today.

OakLeaf

10-08-2009, 04:21 AM

Be careful you don't buy any of the older wool injinis. The wool was very poor quality and fell apart quickly. (don't buy the ones on the sale page)

I didn't know that. Thanks for the heads up, Knot!

malkin

10-09-2009, 08:29 PM

About that wool book...

Amazon has a few possibilities:

The History Of Wool And Woolcombing (1889)

The Sheep and Its Skin: A Text-Book of the History, Breeds, Feeding, Diseases, and Afflictions of the Sheep; and of the Pelt and Wool Conservation, Fellmongering ... of the Pelt Prior to Tanning [ 1913 ]

A short history of wool and its manufacture (mainly in England)

An Illustrated World History of The Sheep and Wool Industry (Hardcover)

KnottedYet

10-10-2009, 06:53 AM

A short history of wool and its manufacture (mainly in England)

When I couldn't find my book I searched Amazon, too, and this is the one that sounded right. But there weren't any pictures or excerpts, so I can't be sure.

blackhillsbiker

10-10-2009, 07:48 AM

The Patagonia tights came yesterday. I wish I could've bought 2 pair. They're wonderful and will be perfect for under wind pants.

Deb

malkin

10-10-2009, 08:19 AM

Hey, here's that book for free!

http://www.archive.org/details/historywoolandw00burngoog

KnottedYet

10-10-2009, 09:16 AM

Hey, here's that book for free!

http://www.archive.org/details/historywoolandw00burngoog

*swoon!* :eek:

That. Is. Beautiful!

I am beside myself with excitement! It's not the book I lost, but wow, what a cooooooool book and cool find! How on earth did you find that? Oh, man, too bad I have so many errands to do today, or I'd stay in with a cup of tea and READ!

I'm in awe! You rock! :D

malkin

10-10-2009, 04:12 PM

Aw...shucks...
My mom was a librarian.

KnottedYet

10-10-2009, 06:53 PM

So was mine.
(and so was I!)

But I left the library world just as the internet burst onto the scene, so I'm very behind the times.

Man, that Internet Archives site is AWESOME!

You TOTALLY rock!

jennrod12

10-10-2009, 09:03 PM

DH and I just stopped by Marshalls on a whim (in San Jose at Stevens Creek & Lawrence) and they have TONS of wool and cashmere sweaters for both men and women. Got a lot of xmas shopping done!

Jenn

Yelsel

10-10-2009, 10:41 PM

OakLeaf

10-11-2009, 05:37 AM

Hey, here's that book for free!

http://www.archive.org/details/historywoolandw00burngoog

Oh cool!

Haven't looked at it much yet, but that's great. I mostly use archive.org to download jam band concerts... Thanks! :D

malkin

10-11-2009, 04:11 PM

Ravelry looks like fun!

Crankin

10-12-2009, 06:30 AM

Owlie

10-12-2009, 09:46 AM

I know there are some knitters on TE; there is a gorgeous (free!) pattern for a wool cycling aran: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cycling-aran

This is in my queue, maybe someday my friends will stop reproducing and I can stop knitting for babies and get this done for me instead.

That has been on my "To knit" list. Except that I don't have the attention span for anything more than one sock. One day, perhaps.

Dianyla

10-13-2009, 12:57 PM

I just scored a cranberry full zip Shak for 99.00 at Oregon Mountain Community on line. Never heard of this place before, but it came up in a search. Looks like they have cool stuff and free shipping over $50.00. There were a couple of other Shaks left, mostly L and XL sizes.
OMC is great. Unfortunately for us locals they've pared down their storefront significantly and are moving to a mostly online business. I know it's working well for them but I miss being able to go in and just browse endlessly. :D

SadieKate

10-13-2009, 01:02 PM

I know there are some knitters on TE; there is a gorgeous (free!) pattern for a wool cycling aran: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cycling-aran

This is in my queue, maybe someday my friends will stop reproducing and I can stop knitting for babies and get this done for me instead.

Here's a link that non-Ravelry members can use.

http://www.helloyarn.com/cyclingaran.htm

PamNY

10-14-2009, 12:03 PM

I just got a Smartwool microweight top from Steep and Cheap. I am in love, and pondering just how much of my net worth I'm going to spend on this stuff.

Pam

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-14-2009, 12:24 PM

Wool is the new currency. Stock up.

Crankin

10-14-2009, 05:54 PM

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-14-2009, 07:18 PM

Crankin

10-15-2009, 03:40 AM

You know, I think size creep has reached men's clothes, because when he was in HS, he wore a medium. My DH, who is bigger even wears a small in some tops.

hoffsquared

10-16-2009, 05:35 AM

Was browsing this thread and saw 6pm show up quite a few times. Thanks for the reference. Already scoped out quite a few purchases!

redrhodie

10-16-2009, 06:18 AM

I was in TJ Maxx and I looked for wool for my son, who is obsessed with cycling, but doesn't have so much $. Why do they only have really nice merino/cashmere sweaters in sizes XL to 2XL? Is no one short and skinny? He wears a small... There were tons of good sweaters for him to wear commuting, with zippers/buttons down the front to ventilate, but no go.
Frustrating.

Thanks for this post, because I went to TJ Maxx yesterday, and got 3 wool sweaters for under $100! I got a zippered boiled-wool cardigan that's super comfy and looks vintage, a black cashmere v-neck pullover, which definitely fills a hole in my wardrobe, and a burnt orange Merino pullover. I guess I never look there at the right time for wool. It was really crowded in the store. I bet if I waited, I might have missed the boat.

Biciclista

10-16-2009, 06:50 AM

Was browsing this thread and saw 6pm show up quite a few times. Thanks for the reference. Already scoped out quite a few purchases!

huh? anyone know what this means?

Cataboo

10-16-2009, 07:03 AM

huh? anyone know what this means?

6pm.com - zappos.com's clearance site. they have discounted icebreaker & ibex. smartwool too I think.

I'm gonna break out my merrell chill slides for the season. bestest fuzziest warmest comfiest winter shoes. Not wool, but I love them. I do have some knee high felted wool simple boots that I got out of the box yesterday.

Crankin

10-16-2009, 09:37 AM

Red, what department did you get the sweaters in? I am so short that I can't really wear regular women's sweaters. But maybe in the junior department? They have no petite sized sweaters, or if they do, they're big sizes.
I need some stylish wool that doesn't cost a fortune.

redrhodie

10-16-2009, 10:15 AM

I'm a small in the women's dept. I think the x-small selection was relatively small, but I wasn't really focusing there. I didn't see what they had in jrs. Every time I look there, I feel a little bit older. :rolleyes:

pdxgal

10-16-2009, 03:13 PM

Has anyone bought this yet? Just wondering. I saw it in the Terry catalog and started lusting after it, then it seemed to be recalled from both Terry and Ibex, now it's available again.http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1400/7463/womens-merino-kurta

Looks interesting and versatile. I plan to try one on next week at a LBS (Clever Cycles in Portland). They're fellow Wool Weenies.

Crankin

10-23-2009, 02:22 PM

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-23-2009, 02:53 PM

Has anyone bought this yet? Just wondering. I saw it in the Terry catalog and started lusting after it, then it seemed to be recalled from both Terry and Ibex, now it's available again.http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1400/7463/womens-merino-kurta

Sad about that model having no feet though. :cool:

(Um, is that supposed to be the new stylin' look?)

Crankin

10-23-2009, 05:01 PM

I want that Kurta.
But I won't spend the $ for it.

KnottedYet

10-23-2009, 07:23 PM

I wore my Ibex boy shorts under my running tights today and I have come to the conclusion that no boy short style will ever fit me right. How come these are universally described as "flattering to all body types."They ride right up my leg, into my nether regions and I constantly feel like pulling them down the whole time I wear them.

My experience exactly! With all "boy short" brands I've ever tried. I think I just move too much? If I stand verrrrrrry still..... ;)

I miss the Ibex Roaster Boxers desperately. They don't go anywhere they aren't supposed to. The Ibex Balance Runners are long like the boxers, but ride up horribly for the first few months, and after a year they develop holes. So I'm not pleased with them.

Very soon I will have a pair of these (and made in the USA, not Turkey like the Ibex Balance) http://www.joneswares.com/item/Women_s_Distance_Short/317/c71 I'm hoping they will be a joyfully similar critter to the be-mourned Roaster Boxer. They're cheaper, which is kinda cool!

I'll review them once I've gotten them and worn them running, on the bike, and as undies.

(I don't wear chamois, just shorts; so I might be harder on Ibex's Balance Runners than the average bear. However, my 5 year old Roasters are still FINE where my 1 year old Balance have holes.)

OakLeaf

10-24-2009, 04:41 AM

Crankin

10-24-2009, 05:57 AM

No one has ever described my butt as muscular... (although it is a lot smaller than before I started cycling), but I do think it has something to do with having a "cycling" body that is slim and fit, rather than someone who is just skinny.
I never thought the problem could be that the shorts are too big, though. I have a pair of boy short swimming bottoms that are size small (my usual size for a swimsuit) from Athleta and they do the same thing. I wear them canoeing on the neighborhood pond, but that's about it, because I am so uncomfortable in them.
Knott, I could see how these boy shorts might rip easily. They are very thin, but warm.

Photoflygirl

10-24-2009, 06:44 PM

okay, I am having a really hard time dressing warm enough to bike under 50 F. I don't have any merino tights yet, anyone have any suggestions? My face gets really cold.

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-24-2009, 07:25 PM

Try the thin Louis Garneau balaclava sold right here on TE:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodLG_1014002.html
It's lightweight and breathable...not wool, but but keeps my cheeks and chin and ears etc all very nice and warm. It's so stretchy that you can cover as much or as little of you nose, chin, and mouth as you want....you can pull it under your chin to just warm your cheeks and ears and neck, you can even pull it back off your head entirely like a little hood and use it just for a turtleneck too!
I LOVE mine, have used it several years already.

i would suggest getting some Ibex brand merino wool tights- get the heaviest weight you can manage to afford- you'll get addicted to wearing them! :p I have some I wear for pajamas now too. :p

Photoflygirl

10-25-2009, 11:10 AM

Thanks, Lisa. I'll try one and also get some tights. I had been checking out the tights online, but have never worn a balaclava.

Selkie

10-25-2009, 11:25 AM

Lisa - I think you might as well give in and get yourself some sheep and/or alpacas! That way you can spin your own wool. ;) Then again, what would Ruby do to the sheep.....

I haven't tried wool tights but have switched from bike tights to wearing my bib shorts under non-chamois tights. It's a lot warmer, particularly if I'm wearing my smartwool snowboarding socks. Add knee covers and you've got two layers from waist to ankle. The Sheila Moon wool knee covers are toasty....

Medianox

10-25-2009, 12:03 PM

:)This is a great book (http://www.amazon.com/Sheeps-Clothing-Handspinners-Guide-Wool/dp/1931499381/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1256497175&sr=1-10) for describing sheep breeds and the characteristics of their wool...I refer to it a lot for my spinning, knitting and weaving adventures. Its not too big so you can carry it with you when going to fairs and wool festivals too!

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-25-2009, 01:14 PM

Lisa - I think you might as well give in and get yourself some sheep and/or alpacas! That way you can spin your own wool. ;) Then again, what would Ruby do to the sheep.....
Hey, 'the girls' are doing great with their 4H goats...so far.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3472129130_b4b96b8e0c_o.jpg

By the way, I had to give up knitting in order to have time to ride a bike. :( So I don't think spinning is in my future.
Soon to get some honeybees, though...and then there's my worm-powered compost bin. :D If only I didn't have to actually work, I could theoretically do it all. :cool:

The Sheila Moon wool knee covers are toasty....
Keep in mind that those are actually only 11% wool....being 89% polyester and Lycra.

OakLeaf

10-25-2009, 02:29 PM

Hey, 'the girls' are doing great with their 4H goats...so far.

Are they Angora goats? Can you teach Ruby to spin? Oh wait... Sleeping Beauty... Rumplestiltskin... maybe not such a great idea. ;)

Eden

10-25-2009, 02:31 PM

I'm the same way with boy shorts.

It can't be that you're supposed to sit all day long.

It must be that our butts are too muscular. Yeah, that's it. ;)

As to sizing, I wear a small Ibex brief where I take a medium in just about all other underwear. Generally if a brief rides up on me, it's because it's too large.

Hmmmmm I love boy shorts. Hate bikini style - don't think I could ever be comfortable with thongs as what I dislike about bikinis is where they end up.... so I always get boy shorts or "hipsters". They must be very, very thin though. I have some that are cotton and I only wear them to sleep in. They do get very uncomfortable and bunch up if I put them under pants. The best boy shorts (and my favorite underwear period) are microfiber -really thin and comfy. I'm not sure if you could get wool to be thin enough.

malkin

10-25-2009, 02:50 PM

I tried to learn to spin (fiber) and did ok with a spindle, but using a spinning wheel the teacher said I was less successful than anyone she'd ever seen in years of teaching.

Some things are just not meant to be. It's ok. I have other strengths (on some days, at least).

Crankin

10-25-2009, 04:50 PM

Lisa, those dolls have a scary, creepy look to them! Perfect for Halloween...

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-25-2009, 08:28 PM

I can't quite understand the purpose of boy shorts that crawl up your crotch and give you a wedgie. Isn't that the whole idea they are supposed to fix?? :confused:

Lisa, those dolls have a scary, creepy look to them! Perfect for Halloween...

Why Robin, whatever do you mean? :cool:

Eden

10-25-2009, 10:00 PM

I can't quite understand the purpose of boy shorts that crawl up your crotch and give you a wedgie. Isn't that the whole idea they are supposed to fix??

For me boy shorts don't do that - bikini style undies often do though...
the only problem I have ever had is with cotton boy shorts. They are too thick to wear under jeans comfortably. Microfiber ones are very comfy for me (and show no panty lines under dress pants, which I have to wear to work). The cotton ones are like wearing shorts, they are just too bulky to wear under pants. I do like to wear them to sleep in though.

Crankin

10-26-2009, 03:50 AM

That's why I think I am a freak of nature... boy shorts just don't work on me, but I keep wearing the Ibex ones for running, hiking, x country skiing, since they don't show. I have tried wearing them under regular pants in very cold situations, but they are so bunched up, it's horrible.
I know we've had this discussion before, so I won't belabor the point. For regular underwear, I wear thongs. I get expensive ones, they stay put, and I forget about them.
Still thinking about that Kurta, though.

pdxgal

10-26-2009, 04:23 PM

Sad about that model having no feet though. :cool:

(Um, is that supposed to be the new stylin' look?)

Well, I checked out the kurta at LBS Clever Cycles. The knit fabric is gorgeous, very soft and smooth and a nice medium weight that drapes well. The styling is elegant yet practical, with a handy slim zipped pocket built into the seam. Not the best style though for someone with a long, thin neck. Made me look like a lollipop head. But it looked fab on Martina, one of the owners. She wore it over a striped shirt with the collar turned up next to the cowl, worn over leggings and boots. She's not slender, which goes to show that this garment can look good on different body types. So there you have it.

Dianyla

10-26-2009, 06:03 PM

Not the best style though for someone with a long, thin neck. Made me look like a lollipop head.
That's really good to know, since I have a short and stout neck. Not my favorite feature about myself!

OakLeaf

10-27-2009, 04:53 PM

I want that Kurta.
But I won't spend the $ for it.

Off topic, it isn't even wool, but "not spending the money for it" came to mind when I got an ad for this (http://www.outdoordivas.com/outdoordiv/product.asp?s_id=1&prod_name=KJUS+Famara+Jacket&pf_id=PAAAAAPGJOMNEKHB&dept_id=6078) in my email box. Are they KIDDING????

Crankin

10-27-2009, 05:11 PM

I guess you must really have to like skiing?
You could buy a nice bike for that. Even I am not that jaded.

GLC1968

10-27-2009, 05:48 PM

Off topic, it isn't even wool, but "not spending the money for it" came to mind when I got an ad for this (http://www.outdoordivas.com/outdoordiv/product.asp?s_id=1&prod_name=KJUS+Famara+Jacket&pf_id=PAAAAAPGJOMNEKHB&dept_id=6078) in my email box. Are they KIDDING????

WOW. Maybe that price is in pesos? ;)

OakLeaf

11-04-2009, 08:01 AM

So I'm sitting here in one of these (http://www.dohmhats.com/index.cfm?pageName=Dohm%20Mountain) and one of these (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodIB_614.html) and a pair of these (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodSW_10350.html) and a bunch of other layers that I wish were wool, and wondering if I ordered a pair of these (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1356/9200/womens-woolies-bottom), whether they'd get here before the propane truck...

Biciclista

11-04-2009, 08:30 AM

sgtiger

11-04-2009, 03:40 PM

My wool purchases from SAC have been trickling in. Most of them are not for me, but now I wish that I had ordered some of them in my size.:rolleyes::o The SW microweight zip-T is very nice. The fabric has a light ribbing and feels so soft - softer than my wool base layers, anyway. Maybe I'll wear it around for a bit before I send it off to Dh.

SadieKate

11-04-2009, 03:49 PM

Patagonia Merino 1 crew - like silk, the softest, thinnest, yummiest wool base layer I've ever had (and that's over Smartwool, Ibex, Io/Bio, Icebreaker, REI, Helly Hansen, and probably others I have forgotten). Has a nice scoop neck which lends a more feminine touch.

Patagonia Merino 4 bottoms - Wow. Layered under a pair of medium weight fleece pants, I was toasty warm through 4 cold days of steelhead fishing in 46 degree water over my hips. Sized and fitted more like loose tights, so if you want to layer under tight clothing buy a size smaller. Washed up like a dream. Wish I had these for my Alaska fishing trips.

Patagonia Ultra Heavyweight mountaineering socks under neoprene wader feet and a lt pair of neoprene wader socks and who knew my weakest point was standing in 46 degree water for 8 hours a day for 4 days! Cold? What cold! So far only Patagonia and Cabelas make mountaineering weight socks sized for small feet. I like the denser weave of the Patagucci's but you pay for it.

And the piece de resistance (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product/1419/6432/womens-rosie-cap) when the winds came up.

GLC1968

11-04-2009, 04:40 PM

SK - I LOVE that hat! Can you tell me...is it stretchy at all? I have a huge head and would need a larger size unless it's stretchy and that's hard to tell from the picture. ;)

(please, please, please let it not be stretchy so that I'm not compelled to buy it.....)

SadieKate

11-04-2009, 06:23 PM

(please, please, please let it not be stretchy so that I'm not compelled to buy it.....)Um, you may be in luck.:D :( :rolleyes:

I'm a pinhead. Happened to have a tape measure handy and my noggin is 21.5". The hat would accomodate a 22" head at most.

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-04-2009, 07:01 PM

I'm a pinhead. Happened to have a tape measure handy and my noggin is 21.5". The hat would accomodate a 22" head at most.

Mine is 21". Most hats are gigantic on me. :o

SadieKate

11-04-2009, 07:03 PM

I know the feeling . . .

Crankin

11-05-2009, 03:39 AM

Another 21" head...

MommyBird

11-05-2009, 08:20 AM

This thread is soooo long and technology has probably changed a bit since it started so I am going to ask a question that has probably been asked before...

Does anyone avoid wool because they break out in a rash of welts?
This has been a life-long, head-to-toe problem for me.
I have avoided wool for much of my 49 years because of this.

I purchased two pair of Smart Wool socks for hiking last summer because I was tired of getting blisters. They did not cause welting on my feet or ankles. I just purchased two more pair and plan to cycle out my non-wool fashion socks as well. (Slowly because SW is $$$$$)

Are these technical wool items different than the fashion items I have never had the pleasure to enjoy? Will my legs, torso, arms, neck and head be able to tolerate this new generation wool?

I am tempted to try a base-layer-T. Has anyone who welts tried the newer sports-tech stuff and survived?

GLC1968

11-05-2009, 08:35 AM

Um, you may be in luck.:D :( :rolleyes:

I'm a pinhead. Happened to have a tape measure handy and my noggin is 21.5". The hat would accomodate a 22" head at most.

Oy, thanks!

Yeah, I don't have a tape measure handy but just rolling a ruler around my head tells me that mine is bigger than 2 ft...no surprize. :eek: Too many brains, I guess! ;)

Thanks, though!

(and phew!)

Biciclista

11-05-2009, 08:41 AM

Eden

11-05-2009, 08:55 AM

yeah, my itchy twitchy husband. He LOVES his merino underlayer teeshirt.

it IS different but i don't know how or why.

This totally depends on whether or not you experience irritation from wool or have a true wool allergy - the allergy is a reaction to lanolin and causes contact dermatitis. A person with an allergy will react to lanolin in any product - so a hand cream could cause an outbreak without ever being near a sweater.. Irritation from wool is not uncommon and can be pretty severe, but isn't a true allergy. Finer, softer wools will be less irritating so indeed someone who finds wool sweaters to be generally itchy can be just fine with a soft merino.

Biciclista

11-05-2009, 09:15 AM

This totally depends on whether or not you experience irritation from wool or have a true wool allergy - the allergy is a reaction to lanolin and causes contact dermatitis. A person with an allergy will react to lanolin in any product - so a hand cream could cause an outbreak without ever being near a sweater.. Irritation from wool is not uncommon and can be pretty severe, but isn't a true allergy. Finer, softer wools will be less irritating so indeed someone who finds wool sweaters to be generally itchy can be just fine with a soft merino.

no one said they had a true allergy, they were asking for anecdotal information.

Eden

11-05-2009, 09:32 AM

no one said they had a true allergy, they were asking for anecdotal information.

and you said there was a difference and you didn't know why so I was just attempting an explanation..... well softer wools, merinos, smartwool etc. are finer and softer - less irritating to the skin. If you are just sensitive to this irritation then yes, there will be a difference in today's wools to the old scratchy wool sweaters that people remember. OTOH if you have a true wool allergy any wool, soft or not will make you react as it is the lanolin and not the wool fibers themselves that cause the allergy. The thing is some people really can get a bad skin reaction just from the irritation - so you may not know if its an allergy or not unless you know you can either wear soft wool and be OK or react to lanolin products that are unassociated with the wool fibers.

I get itchy from old school wool and can't wear it next to my skin. No problems with merino, smartwool, cashmere etc.

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-05-2009, 10:16 AM

Are these technical wool items different than the fashion items I have never had the pleasure to enjoy?.....Has anyone who welts tried the newer sports-tech stuff and survived?

Just to clarify, the new softer merino wool items we tend to rave about are not 'sports-tech' or 'technical wool'. They are just WOOL. But they are 100% merino breed sheep wool- which is much finer and softer to begin with and tends to not make people break out and itch like the wool sweaters we were used to when growing up.
There's nothing 'technical' or 'sports' about it aside from the fact that the merino breed of sheep produce the finest softest fiber sheep wool there is.

Maybe buy a sleeveless Smartwool base layer vest and give it a try? Smartwool, Ibex, and I believe Icebreaker use only fine merino wool in their 100% wool items. Others offer it too, like Patagonia.
You can also look for labels saying "100% merino wool" in thrift store sweaters.
Always read the labels....and beware of things labeled like "wool blend" or "wool tech", "wool fleece", etc....usually indicating only part wool content.

GLC1968

11-05-2009, 10:28 AM

There's nothing 'technical' or 'sports' about it aside from the fact that the merino breed of sheep produce the finest softest fiber sheep wool there is.

I would have to slightly disagree. I've been wearing Merino wool for more than 30 years. When my friends were wearing sweatshirts at camp, I had big cable knit wool sweaters! Over time, there have been major advancements our ability to knit/spin the wool into these thin, soft, delicate fibers that make these garments suitable for athletic/sports base layers. The merino wool sweaters of my HS days were wonderfully soft, but they were entirely too thick and too 'fuzzy' (for lack of a more technical term) to be worn for potentially sweaty athletic pursuits. We would wear the fine silk under garments and then put the wool on top. Even 100% merino can be too 'itchy' when it's not woven into these wonderful fabrics. I'd say that qualifies them as 'technical'.

Mommybird -

I would guess that since you can wear smartwool socks with no welts forming on your ankles, then you are probably just sensitive to the texture more than to the lanolin and you'd probably be fine with a soft base layer. Give it a shot...come to the wooly side! ;)

Eden

11-05-2009, 10:34 AM

Very true - technical companies (like smartwool) tend to use merino, but that doesn't mean all merino is technical wool and may require more gentle care than say, Smartwool socks and base layers, which can even be thrown in the dryer. Do that with a merino sweater and you'll probably find it a suitable size for a 6 yo... not that you cannot wash wool. I have a nice cashmere-silk blend turtleneck that I wash often. I just make sure to air dry it. Unlike the wool of old times, it is thin, soft and dries quickly.

SadieKate

11-05-2009, 11:11 AM

Are these technical wool items different than the fashion items I have never had the pleasure to enjoy? . . . I am tempted to try a base-layer-T. Has anyone who welts tried the newer sports-tech stuff and survived?
Sort of.

Washable wool is created by using acid to remove the scales so the fiber doesn't felt when washed. Additionally, the fiber may be coated with polymers or teflon. Perhaps, the lack of scales, the coating, and a potential loss of lanolin from the acid bath may mean people may be less likely to react to the wool.

Anyone who knits and/or felts with wool can tell you that superwash yarns behave very differently than wool that still has its natural scales and lanolin (and even "normal" yarn has varying degrees of lanolin depending on how much the wool has been processed prior to spinning). It not only doesn't felt, it can remain stretchier. Fair Isle knitting can be tricky with washable wool because the yarn scales aren't there to grab onto the neighboring strand, so the garment stretches more and doesn't have the same memory (i.e., shrink back to original size).

Editing to add that all wool is technically "washable" but what the industry calls washable wool or superwash can be much more roughly handled (a washing machine) and maybe even thrown in the dryer. When washing non-superwash, don't use agitation, warm water or heat to dry. Otherwise, you'll get shrinkage and felting.

Here's some more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wool
Superwash wool (or washable wool) technology first appeared in the early 1970s to produce wool that has been specially treated so that it is machine washable and may be tumble-dried. This wool is produced using an acid bath that removes the "scales" from the fiber, or by coating the fiber with a polymer that prevents the scales from attaching to each other and causing shrinkage.
http://knitting.about.com/od/knittingglossary/g/superwash_wool.htm

http://www.thevillaandshoestoo.com/Pendleton/washable%20wool.html

SadieKate

11-05-2009, 11:23 AM

Depending on the garment part wool can be fine. Socks for instance. You need some nylon for durability (knitters have added a nylon running thread to the heels of socks for years) and elastic or Lycra can help them hold their shape (not sag, the bane of my hiking/skiing life).

Nylon and polyester used appropriately can make a far more durable garment and help the garment hold its shape, especially in a woven fabric. You just need to learn how to gauge when it's used appropriately and when it's just a way to cut cost and, therefore, quality.

Crankin

11-05-2009, 11:30 AM

I was super sensitive to wool as a kid and while I tons of wool sweaters, I could only wear them with a heavy turtle neck underneath.
I have to have the finest (17-18 micron) merino to have it next to my skin. The Ibex tees I bought are on the edge of bothering me, but I wear them. But, I can't layer my Ibex Kates with a Shak, because the wool over wool makes me itch. I can only wear wool pants if they are lined and even a stretchy cotton/lycra button down shirt will itch me enough that it's OK alone, but not with a merino sweater over it.
So, from my experience, you probably can wear the lightest weight Merino with no issue. I find Ibex and Smartwool the least bothersome. Haven't done so well with Icebreaker, though.
Of course a seam that is too thick will irritate me and make me break out in welts, so take this for what it's worth.

Eden

11-05-2009, 11:40 AM

very interesting Sadie Kate - thanks!

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-05-2009, 12:03 PM

Ok, I guess we may have definition variations going on.

I agree that finer/thinner weight merino fabric and washable (shrink resistant) merino fabric does make it more useful for sporting activities and base layers, as compared to more traditional 'regular' merino wool fabric.

I just don't think of 'superwash' merino or lightweight/thin merino as being something one would label as 'technical wool'. It's good for athletic/sporting uses but is also good for 'non-technical' every day use.

What makes a fabric 'technical' anyway? :confused: I used to think it was just a marketing term designed to imply special/professional sports usage. Is there an official definition?

SadieKate

11-05-2009, 12:14 PM

Who knows? I tend to categorize wool more from the production/processing of the yarn point of view.

First the aminal - sheep, alpaca, llama, camel, goat, whatever

Then the processing - to remove lanolin, coat it, de-scale it, oil it, whatever. I guess in a simplistic form: oiled/unprocessed, washable and "standard". I'll use unprocessed wool for hunting/fishing gloves because the amount of lanolin and less processed fibers produces a very weather/water resistant fabric. It can be somewhat harsh to work with but the lanolin leaves my hands and cuticles soooo soft. I'll actually try to alternate projects because processed wool will dry out my cuticles. This is probably the wool that causes the most itchiness also, but, if you can tolerate, it's wonderful for bad weather.

SadieKate

11-05-2009, 12:32 PM

Has anyone tried one yet? How thin? How silky?

https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_126

Getting ready to put in an order for Bubba and me.

Biciclista

11-05-2009, 12:37 PM

Has anyone tried one yet? How thin? How silky?

https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_126

Getting ready to put in an order for Bubba and me.

why do they make them LONGER than the original?

GLC1968

11-05-2009, 12:39 PM

why do they make them LONGER than the original?

Yeah, no kidding! My original ones are too long as it is!

SadieKate

11-05-2009, 12:42 PM

I've sometimes wished my microfiber buff was longer so I could double it without exposing my neck. I think I'll like the extra length in the middle of a snow storm.

I think jobob has cut her microfiber buff and it hasn't raveled.

GLC1968

11-05-2009, 01:09 PM

Yeah, I cut all my buffs except for my Amici Veloci one, actually. But I'm pretty sure we won't be able to cut the wool ones!

Phooey. Oh well, that's just one more wool item I don't have to buy. :D

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-05-2009, 01:20 PM

So....our heads are shrinking and buffs are getting bigger.... :eek:

SadieKate

11-05-2009, 01:55 PM

That's weird. I saw the text about the merino buff being longer (not bigger in circumference) but the dimensions don't agree.

Merino Buff:
Dimensions: 20.7” x 9.6”

Original Buff:
Dimensions: 52cm x 24.5cm or 20.7” x 9.6”

BTW, I saw that they now have a headband buff would might make some of you happier. ;) I think my big-headed hubby likes the length of the standard Buff.

PamNY

11-05-2009, 07:07 PM

I almost wish I'd never tried Smartwool socks. I like them so much that if I won the lottery, I would immediately buy about $1,000 worth of Smartwool socks.

Pam

MommyBird

11-05-2009, 08:36 PM

Thanks again for all the great information.

From the personal experience of other "welters" to the textile experts, this is very helpful.

I now know that I will still not be able to partake of those wool must-have fashion essentials that fill the department stores each winter. Sometimes I linger among the racks and stare at the soft looking colorful beauties and pretend that they would not make my skin crawl. Then I come to my senses and head for the stiff, rough, cotton sweaters.

I am going to start looking into the finer merino brands mentioned. A tank would be a good start. Keep my initial investment small.

I am glad I have discovered TE. Not only is it a great source for bike info but who knew that I would get answers above and beyond my expectations for this little wool issue that I started experimenting with this past June!

MommyBird

11-05-2009, 08:44 PM

My son has one of these.
His favorite style is the "pirate".
He does crew and likes to use it to protect his bean and absorb sweat.
He hasn't used it for warmth but his is not wool.

Shara

11-05-2009, 11:05 PM

staceysue

11-06-2009, 12:01 AM

I have not read all 165 pages of this awesome thread :eek: ! :D So sorry if this is a repeat. But do many people here knit? And if you do have you ever tried making underwear? I can only knit scarves, blankets and other straight things but was thinking about branching out. I found this underwear pattern. http://fibremonkey.blogspot.com/2008/07/unders-size-xl-sock-yarn-i-found-there.html I don't think I'm at that level yet but if you used some fine merino wool they might be quite nice!?

I'm a knitter and spinner. I only knit in the round. I've knit about 40 pairs of mittens and some socks and hats, but never anything straight!

I was just wondering if it would be worth trying to knit a lightweight wool sweater. I've never done a sweater and I'd hate to knit one up and have it turn out the wrong size . . . .

lph

11-06-2009, 01:01 AM

I am going to start looking into the finer merino brands mentioned. A tank would be a good start. Keep my initial investment small.

I have a couple of T-shirts and tank tops in a very fine merino/silk blend, that are noticeably softer than my merino stuff. But even then, after wearing them for a while, especially if I sweat in them or wear a backpack, I fall back on cotton as indoor wear because it's gentler on my skin. I don't welt, I just get prickly.

OakLeaf

11-06-2009, 05:16 AM

very fine merino/silk blend

Are they super staticky?

A distant memory of the days when natural fibers were plentiful, that kids used to do an elementary school science experiment by rubbing silk and wool together, to generate sparks?

I just hate being really staticky, and it seems to happen to me easily. Merino alone doesn't bother me, even several layers. But add a layer of silk, and I could power a toaster (or fry my laptop :eek:) with my index finger.

lph

11-06-2009, 07:12 AM

No, I never thought of that, don't think so.

Jolt

11-06-2009, 07:18 AM

Merino alone doesn't bother me, even several layers. But add a layer of silk, and I could power a toaster (or fry my laptop :eek:) with my index finger.

Or how about getting out of the car while wearing wool? That's always good for a ZAP when you touch the door!

Eden

11-06-2009, 07:34 AM

Are they super staticky?

A distant memory of the days when natural fibers were plentiful, that kids used to do an elementary school science experiment by rubbing silk and wool together, to generate sparks?

I just hate being really staticky, and it seems to happen to me easily. Merino alone doesn't bother me, even several layers. But add a layer of silk, and I could power a toaster (or fry my laptop :eek:) with my index finger.

I have a couple of wool/silk blend sweaters too, and I haven't noticed that they are extra static prone. They are blends not layers, so I don't think that they get the opportunity to rub together so much and create static. They are incredibly soft.

SadieKate

11-06-2009, 07:39 AM

Or how about getting out of the car while wearing wool? That's always good for a ZAP when you touch the door!Since here is the Juniper High Desert we zap cars no matter what, I haven't thought about this. We regularly see warnings about touching the car to de-zap before filling the gas tank.

SadieKate

11-06-2009, 07:45 AM

I'm a knitter and spinner. I only knit in the round. I've knit about 40 pairs of mittens and some socks and hats, but never anything straight!Handknit items can fit better than store bought. Join Ravelry (http://www.ravelry.com/), then join the two forum groups, Top Down and Seamless Knits, and you'll get some wonderful help. Read the book suggestions. Perhaps start with Wendy Bernard Custom Knits (http://www.amazon.com/Custom-Knits-Designer-Improvisational-Techniques/dp/1584797134%3FSubscriptionId%3D1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2%26tag%3Dravelry-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D1584797134).

I knit everything in the round except scarves.

/hijack

Jolt

11-06-2009, 07:57 AM

Since here is the Juniper High Desert we zap cars no matter what, I haven't thought about this. We regularly see warnings about touching the car to de-zap before filling the gas tank.

I think those warnings are at all gas stations. My question is, how does one NOT discharge their static when they get out of the car? It pretty much just happens (and some cars seem to have more than others--even without wearing wool, mine is pretty shocking)!

SadieKate

11-06-2009, 07:59 AM

I'm talking about TV PSAs and the news shows. We never had those in CA even though we had low humidity summers there.

Becky

11-06-2009, 08:48 AM

I think those warnings are at all gas stations. My question is, how does one NOT discharge their static when they get out of the car?

<public safety announcement>If your door handles are plastic (as many are), or get back in but don't shut the door, you could conceivably not discharge. This is why you shouldn't get back into your car while pumping gas, especially during the winter. If you do, make sure to touch something metal- the car, or the metal part of the gas pump- before touching that nozzle or the filler cap. If there's a fire, never remove the nozzle, but run for the emergency stop switch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAA5w8PLs-0 <end public safety announcement>

I work in the petroleum equipment field- there'a reason that we all wear blue jeans and Carhartts when at a site! Static is a very real danger.

(Sorry for the threadjack!)

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-06-2009, 09:50 AM

I almost wish I'd never tried Smartwool socks. I like them so much that if I won the lottery, I would immediately buy about $1,000 worth of Smartwool socks.
Pam

Believe me, having that big a stash of smartwool socks isn't all it's cracked up to be.

:cool: :D

OakLeaf

11-06-2009, 10:07 AM

Believe me, having that big a stash of smartwool socks isn't all it's cracked up to be.

:cool: :D

I'm with you as far as "crack." ;)

If I spend a day without wool socks when the outside temperature is below 50°F, I remember why I try not to do that any more.

Then I do laundry. Or buy some more socks.

Shara

11-06-2009, 10:09 AM

I'm a knitter and spinner. I only knit in the round. I've knit about 40 pairs of mittens and some socks and hats, but never anything straight!

I was just wondering if it would be worth trying to knit a lightweight wool sweater. I've never done a sweater and I'd hate to knit one up and have it turn out the wrong size . . . .

If you can knit on the round I think you would be fine with a sweater. I've only ever knit a sweater with help. And I mostly just did the straight parts :eek:

I found this sweater pattern last night and it seems to give good instructions on how to knit a basic raglan that fits. http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/From_the_Top_-_EZ-style_Basic_Raglan

I think I'm going to start with a few pairs of socks and then try to do a sweater by myself.

Let me know if you start anything!

pdxgal

11-06-2009, 11:50 AM

Has anyone tried one yet? How thin? How silky?

https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_126

Getting ready to put in an order for Bubba and me.

I tried one at REI. Wanted a thin neck gaiter to pull up over my chin when riding. Found it was too big around (circumference) for this purpose. It wouldn't stay up. It didn't work for me as a neck gaiter either, just too wide. But then I have a really long thin neck. My TurtleFur neck gaiter is fabulous for keeping my neck warm, but it's a tad too heavy for bike riding.

pfunk12

11-06-2009, 01:28 PM

I apologize if this question has been posted previously. I did a search but didn't come up with any answers. I'm in the process (and nearly finished) of upgrading my wardrobe for the cold weather. After reading this thread, I decided to purchase a Smartwool base layer shirt. It arrived today - 2 minutes before my ride (karma! :) ). I loved it! It was comfortable and kept me really warm. I could almost feel it wicking the sweat away from my body. But...when I finished my ride and I took off my jacket, wow...what a smell! :eek: I just washed it and even after I took it out of the washer, it reeks. It is now hanging in my bathroom and the whole room smells. Is this common? Or is my nose ultra-sensitive? ;)

OakLeaf

11-06-2009, 01:37 PM

If it smells like wet wool, that's normal. :) It goes away when it's dry.

PamNY

11-06-2009, 02:25 PM

Believe me, having that big a stash of smartwool socks isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Spend a lot of time organizing your sock drawer, do you?

BleeckerSt_Girl

11-06-2009, 03:15 PM

Spend a lot of time organizing your sock drawer, do you?

More like trying to yank back the socks that are swarming like suicidal lemmings out and over the back of the drawer into the no man's land of the inner bureau depths, desperately seeking to avoid being crushed by their sock brethren.... :cool:

In fact, just this morning I had to get DH to work the weird release gizmo so I could remove my bottom bureau drawer in a fruitless attempt to locate a 'missing in action' SmartWool sleeveless base layer vest. I know it's got to be in there somewhere!..... :cool:

Crankin

11-06-2009, 03:24 PM

My cycling socks (and hiking and running and ski socks) now occupy the 2 drawers in my nightstand. Mostly, the wool ones take up the space.
My dresser only has my "regular" socks.

GLC1968

11-06-2009, 03:47 PM

If it smells like wet wool, that's normal. :) It goes away when it's dry.

On a related note:

When we replaced all the carpet in our last home, we opted for the expensive real wool berber for the main downstairs room figuring that it was the most visible room and worth the splurge.

When we left the house empty and moved to Oregon, we steam cleaned that carpet before we left (on a Thursday). The house remained empty and closed up until Sunday when our realtor held an open house.

The report from the open house said that most buyers were turned off by the strong 'pet' smell in the living room. I was stunned - neither of our dogs had EVER messed in that room!

When he told me that it was so bad that the carpet was still wet, I realized what the problem was. I explained that it was a wool carpet and that wet wool smells like wet dog and that it would go away once dry. He immediately went over there and cracked the windows for a few days so that it would dry. The house actually sold to the next couple to look at the place.

I was so annoyed that 1) he didn't know quality wool carpet when he saw it and 2) that he assumed that we'd leave we dog pee on the carpet when we moved out :eek: and 3) that he didn't bother telling us about the smell that same day so that we could explain (and he could tell the open house people). :mad:

Stupid non-wool-weenie. :rolleyes:

lph

11-07-2009, 12:53 AM

Heheh. This reminded me of the, uh, characteristic, uh, aroma, in the drying rooms of the mountain chalets here. Entering a small hot room filled from floor to ceiling with wet wool that has been xc skied in all day is quite a kick in the head :rolleyes:

pfunk12

11-07-2009, 07:53 AM

The smell in my very small bathroom from one wet Smartwool shirt was almost...toxic. But I'm happy to report that the shirt is dry and now there is no smell. I can't wait to wear it again.

OakLeaf

11-07-2009, 02:29 PM

You will learn to love that smell. :D

Today I got a compliment on my "vintage" Cortina jersey, some 22-24 years old. "That's worth some money," the guy said, "people are into that retro stuff now." :D:D

Really I am amazed at how the color has held up. It's still as bright, bright red (with white and blue accents) as it was the day I bought it.

MommyBird

11-08-2009, 06:02 PM

My first attempt at wool was a pair of low cut Smart Wool footies this past June. No welting or itching. Loved the feel and bought a second pair. They quickly became my favorites.

Ventured a little further up my leg with two pair of SW cycling footies in October. The skin under the higher cuff is still happy.

Purchased two pair of merino dressy crew socks on Saturday. Wore a pair to church today. Still no welts or itching.

I feel ready to test out the torso area.

merlin

11-10-2009, 08:59 AM

The wooliferousness of my house is so embedded that I think I no longer notice it. I make felt, spin, knit, dye with many types of wool. I have loads of wool in my stash. I imagine I have wool fibers in my lungs.
But I want to mention that alpaca is a good choice for people who prefer an even softer, and possibly less odiferous, fiber. It is silkier and even warmer than merino wool, which I love. Alpaca is best for sox, hats, etc. as it is expensive and not as elastic as wool.
My dog, a low shedding labradoodle, smells very different. He gets Truly Stinky!

beth