WoolWeenies Club

[Owlie]

I've got to say, wool and pockets don't mix very well (much like my featherweight synthetic Sheila Moon summer jersey). I'd personally go with a wool base layer under a synthetic jersey. Seen too many people with the sh*t in their pockets hanging down below their saddle in their wool jerseys in the rain... swinging back and forth smacking their seat packs... :rolleyes:

Agreed. Unless it's really well-constructed, or the pockets are oriented so that the stitches run horizontally, knit wool at such a fine gauge has too much stretch for pockets.

[jessmarimba]

Maybe not quite what you're asking for, but I love LL Bean's shearling-lined slippers. I bought the clogs because I used to live in a place with wood or tile floors all over and wanted the traction.

Those sound yummy. I have wood floors as well - that's part of the need for slippers. I've been just walking around in socks, but wood floors combined with a very steep, narrow victorian staircase and I've come near to killing myself a few times this week. I guess at the very least I should get grippy socks to tide me over.

[Crankin]

I've been successful finding really nice slippers (Acorn) on STP.

Well, about the pockets, I've had no trouble with my precious PI wool jersey. But, I know what you are talking about, Oak. I've had that experience with lots of jerseys. Of course, it happens when I stuff my pockets with all sorts of things I think I need on a ride.

[SheFly]

Crankin - look for Earth Wind and Rider jerseys. I love mine - it's a thinner style wool with three rear pockets. I just found one on sale at Voler (http://www.voler.com/browse/product/li/1020A26PRTSML)for under $100.

SheFly

[Crankin]

Thank you!!!
ETA: SheFly, how does that jersey run, in terms of sizing? They don't have extra small, but there is a small. In my experience, Voler jerseys run small, but since this is a different brand, I am not sure. I don't mind the length a little long, but sometimes the sleeves are just huge on me.

[SheFly]

Hmm - mine is a men's cut jersey (it came from New Belgium Brewery as a gift from DH), and a size SM. With a base layer under, it's definitely NOT skin tight. I think the Voler site had a women's cut, so it would fit a bit better, with shorter arms.

SheFly

[OakLeaf]

Duh. I didn't even think of my Hincapie LS base layer as something that could be worn alone. The white one I definitely would not. It's super lightweight (which is why the white one is completely see-through even when it's dry), runs small and comes in XS. My Small one was skin tight before I lost all my upper body muscle.

http://www.hincapie.com/products/womenswear/accessories/RBL-LSWW09/

[Crankin]

I am wearing the Smart Wool quarter zip right now. It fits perfectly, tight, but I could wear a Craft base layer under it. It's not even too long. It is so soft, I don't want to take it off! I will definitely use it for riding when I have a jacket or vest on, x country skiing as a mid layer, and alone for running or hiking.
It would have to be really cold for me to wear this as a base layer.
My only complaint is that I can't stand anything touching my neck and the turtleneck comes up a bit too high for me. I have it partially unzipped, so that's fine.

[Selkie]

Couldn't resist this one: http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Womens-Long-Sleeve/Pez-Wayfarer-PO

First, I bought the purple and after receiving/loving it, broke down and got the black.

Added a new Shak---the deep blue (Oxford?) is irresistible. The rest of this year's colors aren't calling out to me.

A couple months ago, I got the Juliet Tunic in black polka dot, which is a nice piece as well. I'm not crazy about the Juliet patterns/colors this year, but I love tunics/longer sweaters. This is one that I can wear with slacks to work.

[jessmarimba]

I follow their directions, but nothing I've bought from ibex (besides the bras) seem to wash well. The seams always end up twisted, the hemlines uneven, and they shrink in length but not width so they never fit right again. It makes me sad because their clothes are so pretty.

[OakLeaf]

Do you have a good flat drying rack? I had to order a three-pack online, because they don't seem to have them in stores at all any more. Woolens always need to be blocked to dry.


This (http://www.amazon.com/Sweater-Clothes-Stackable-3-Pack-27Sqx5/dp/B0010XIWTW/ref=pd_sim_hg_2) isn't exactly what I have, but similar. Pretty cheaply made, but they get the job done. I was so disappointed that Lehman's Hardware, with all the different gear they sell for air drying clothes, doesn't sell even one flat rack, not even a cheap Chinese one like those, let alone I would've paid three times the price for a half decent Amish made wood and string version if they'd offered one.

[Jolt]

A couple months ago, I got the Juliet Tunic in black polka dot, which is a nice piece as well. I'm not crazy about the Juliet patterns/colors this year, but I love tunics/longer sweaters. This is one that I can wear with slacks to work.

I am planning to get one of those when the winter sale comes around...don't want to pay full price but that is a piece I'd like to have. I'm with you on the colors this year...what happened to the black argyle they had last year?

[tulip]

I am planning to get one of those when the winter sale comes around...don't want to pay full price but that is a piece I'd like to have. I'm with you on the colors this year...what happened to the black argyle they had last year?

I've been drooling over my Ibex catalog. Just can't justify the expense, though. GLC has some nice pieces for sale...but I'm just not in the position to add anything new to my life at the moment. I have one Icebreaker short sleeve shirt that I wear all the time, one Ibex turtle-neck long sleeve shirt, and one Ibex long sleeve cycling jersey, and that'll have to do for the time being. I enjoy reading this thread, though and living vicariously through all of you!

[jessmarimba]

Do you have a good flat drying rack? I had to order a three-pack online, because they don't seem to have them in stores at all any more. Woolens always need to be blocked to dry.

Yes, I've actually had decent drying things (wide variety) because I had no dryer for years and there are creepy disgusting bugs that get in the laundry here if you hang it outside. It seems like it's a problem in the way the fabric is cut. Probably not as much of a problem on the solids, but my one patterned pullover is clearly longer on one side than another, visible since the pattern is pretty much linear and there are more lines at the left hem than the right despite a straight, horizontal line across the upper seam! Not quite as obvious, but the twisted wool t-shirt seems to have been sewn with the fabric the "wrong" way, so when it shrank, it shrank twisted rather than horizontal or vertical. I'm sure it isn't a problem with all of their stuff but I've been unlucky and I don't want to order anything else sight-unseen.

[Selkie]

I am planning to get one of those when the winter sale comes around...don't want to pay full price but that is a piece I'd like to have. I'm with you on the colors this year...what happened to the black argyle they had last year?

Not to be an enabler (ahem) but REI carries the Juliet tunic. I was able to get mine for 20% off when REI had one of its "members" sales.... ;)

[Jolt]

Not to be an enabler (ahem) but REI carries the Juliet tunic. I was able to get mine for 20% off when REI had one of its "members" sales.... ;)

I did see that REI carries it...if they have a big sale before Ibex has theirs that is something to keep in mind!

[GLC1968]

I think I need this in the teal or the wasabi. Can I justify buying new wool while I'm selling so much of my older stuff to make room?
http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Womens-Long-Sleeve/Carrie-Button-Up

Arggggggghhhhhh!

[OakLeaf]

It seems like it's a problem in the way the fabric is cut.

That's too bad. :( I think it's more of an issue with their lightest things. That fabric has to be super hard to cut straight. DH does have a super lightweight Ibex short-sleeve base layer that's not cut perfectly. But of all our pieces (and we have WAY too many :rolleyes:) that's the only one. Wish I could say the same for Smartwool - the difference in quality is really noticeable on that particular aspect.

[Crankin]

I rode in my Smart Wool 1/4 zip top today. I now have 3 of them, thanks to GLC, you enabler :D. Worn it hiking, just around town, and riding today, in temperatures of 57-61, with a short sleeved base layer and a wind vest. It was perfect.

[malkin]

I think I need this in the teal or the wasabi. Can I justify buying new wool while I'm selling so much of my older stuff to make room?
http://shop.ibex.com/Apparel/Womens-Long-Sleeve/Carrie-Button-Up


Of course you can justify it.
How's this: "This one wonderful item is taking the place of the 12 things I got rid of. I am still way ahead."

[Jolt]

Not to be an enabler (ahem) but REI carries the Juliet tunic. I was able to get mine for 20% off when REI had one of its "members" sales.... ;)

I ended up finding it on sale on Amazon...still more than I would normally pay (was going to hold out for 50% off in the Ibex winter sale, but then thought they might be sold out by then) but for something high quality that I'll wear a lot I could justify it, especially since I just did a big clean-out and sold a bunch of stuff on Ebay. Probably won't get it until next week b/c the black/gray one that I wanted was back ordered (wanted to get the most neutral pattern so I can wear it with anything).

[GLC1968]

Of course you can justify it.
How's this: "This one wonderful item is taking the place of the 12 things I got rid of. I am still way ahead."

Thankfully, Ibex does not take paypal or I would have pulled the trigger! And so close to the holidays too... Phew!

I'm putting on my 'idea list' for my husband though. :cool:

[Jolt]

Interesting video by Ibex...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvCh1QIHbmk
Something to think about if you hang around campfires etc.

[Catrin]

Interesting video by Ibex...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvCh1QIHbmk
Something to think about if you hang around campfires etc.

Very interesting, thanks for posting the link!

[Owlie]

Yeah, they tell us in our lab safety training not to wear synthetics if we're working with a flame or flammable materials because synthetics melt. It's hard to ignite wool, and cotton, while it burns easily, doesn't melt so you don't suffer more skin damage.

[Crankin]

So far, since yesterday morning, I have worn my black Smart Wool 1/4 zip 1) hiking 2) doing yoga 3) to a friend's house for dinner, and 4) over my tank top to boot camp this morning. I had various layers on under it, and yes, there was a shower involved sometime yesterday, but now I don't want to take it off.
I think I'll wear the purple one to work today!

[MMEZ]

I'm new to wool - just purchased my first jersey. I'm looking at wool base layers and one of my team mates recommended IBEX, which reading this thread, seems to be a very loved brand. After looking at their website I am confused as to what to purchase. I would love to purchase all of them in an order to try them out and determine my favorite, but at their price, I can't justify it (active duty military and we don't make a whole lot of money).

What should my purchase consist of? I would use it as a base layer/undershirt for riding, but maybe use it most days under my uniform as I have a tendency to freeze! I would prefer a white/off-white/eggshell color since it would be less noticeable under my uniform top as opposed to something in a dark plum or bright teal.

I'm excited to try this product as both of my children had wool diapers when they were babies (cloth diapered due to sever allergens to the chemicals in disposables) and I'm quite famIliar with the amazing properties of wool. Our team jerseys are also going to be wool, so I'm excited to join this group! Thanks!

[goldfinch]

I have a lot of Ibex stuff and love it but my favorite base layer wool tops are the thinner Smart Wool tops. Warm. Wash easily. When I am up north I wear them as undershirts in cold weather. http://www.smartwool.com/womens/baselayer/w-s-microweight-crew-32.html This tank is my favorite undershirt: http://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Womens-Microweight-Tank-Silver/dp/B005LCOFXA/ref=sr_1_4?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1354982138&sr=1-4&keywords=smartwool+microweight+women Here is a long sleeve in natural, but only available in large: http://www.amazon.com/Microweight-Crew-Long-Sleeve-Shirt/dp/B002LKEG2A/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1354982540&sr=8-17&keywords=smartwool+microweight+women

[Triskeliongirl]

First a wool tip, then a wool question! I am in Boston visiting my daughter. Yesterday we picked up some great discounts on wool sweaters and dresses at the Ralph Lauren Rugby store on Newbury Street. They are dropping the line, and offering an additional 40% off the already reduced prices, so most items were 70%. Very nice quality, for both men and women.

I also had my first visit to an actual Ibex store. I picked up some energy free tights to go with the wool dress I bought at Ralph Lauren Rugby. I noticed they also have a few full zip energy tops, the Izzi FZ and the Energy FZ. Does anyone have any experience with the how the Energy Fabric holds up to wash and wear, relative to the classic shak fabric. I have had shaks forever, although one is finally starting to show holes in the elbows so wondering what to replace it with. The energy fabric reminds me a bit of boucle, so I worry it might pull or pill more easily than the shak fabric.

[itself]

I am a huge Icebreaker and Smartwool fan. I am afraid that the two Ibex pieces I own have not held up, and IMHO, I just don't think Ibex is as good a quality.

For high aerobic activities, like cycling, running and hiking, these two Icebreaker jackets come highly recommended:

The Rapid
The Quantum

These are great to wear over a base layer. I love my Icebreaker 260 half zip shirts as they are so versatile and do not hold odor at all!

[OakLeaf]

I am a huge Icebreaker and Smartwool fan. I am afraid that the two Ibex pieces I own have not held up, and IMHO, I just don't think Ibex is as good a quality.

That's weird, since I have a LOT of wool, and have found Ibex much better constructed and more durable than Smartwool. No experience at all with Icebreaker though.

Any chance that your Ibex pieces were the made in China stuff?? Most of mine is USA. And most of my SW is the newer Chinese stuff ... pill-y and cut off the bias.

[itself]

That's weird, since I have a LOT of wool, and have found Ibex much better constructed and more durable than Smartwool. No experience at all with Icebreaker though.

Any chance that your Ibex pieces were the made in China stuff?? Most of mine is USA. And most of my SW is the newer Chinese stuff ... pill-y and cut off the bias.

I just checked and the Ibex pieces I have were made in Fiji.

BTW, Smartwool has greatly improved their clothing. None of it pills on me!

Also, check out the Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 or similar product. It's 100% merino wool, more midweight and my favorite shirt. As you look at their clothing, notice that some of it is 100% merino wool, and some of it is mixed with Lycra. I love their pure wool products.

[SadieKate]

Just want to share the info about some wool shorts I just found and they're so cute! When I run in cold temps (for me, sub-25), my entire body including extremities can be close to spontaneous combustion while my posterior is still freezing. Regular Sugoi compression shorts aren't enough. I just received these and have only worn them around the house but they're very comfortable and soft - and just adorable in their stripeyness!

15894

I did splurge and buy a T-neck (http://www.skhoop.us/merino-all.html) to match.

[Crankin]

These look awesome. I have the Ibex boy shorts and they just don't fit me well. It's not the brand, it's the style. These look like they won't, ah, ride up into the nether regions.

[OakLeaf]

Ooh, those do look nice. Do you have an issue with shorts riding up (on the thighs, not so much the "nether regions"), and if so, do they? And, would the weight be appropriate to wear by themselves year round?

[SadieKate]

Weeellll, I just got them and have yet to wear them running or skiing. I've been wearing them today here in the house under some loose Lycra running pants (my fancy work clothes). Super comfy. They are warmer than Sugoi's compression running shorts (Jackie model?). I have historically had problems with the legs on shorts riding up but these haven't moved at all, even without leg grippers. The pair I have on are a size large which I would consider a tad loose in the thigh for use under formfitting tights, as opposed to pants. I think they'd roll up as I pulled on the tights. For comparison, I wear a medium in Sugoi's running tights and the medium in the skhoop shorts fits the same. I also bought a large because it was the only pair I could find at the time when we were having a cold spell. Of course, as soon as I bought them, a heat wave hit. However, the extra pair will give me a pair to wear during the week while sitting at my desk. You'd think we didn't believe in furnaces but I'd rather put on extra clothes than bake my sinuses.

As far as being seen in public, I think they'd be fine. The stitching is high contrast hot pink flat lock which can be a little long underwear-ish looking but today's bike shorts have contrast stitching also.

Yakkity-yakkity. Blah-blah-blah. Hope something in there helped you.

Oh yeah, for once I didn't notice the cold car seat when we went to coffee this morning. :)

[OakLeaf]

Thanks SK. I might just give them a try.

Also, ran across this site while looking for something else. You know what I know now. But it looks possibly interesting. http://www.winteroutfitters.com/clothing.htm

[SadieKate]

Thanks for the link. One of these days I might try a brief but I really wanted the longer legs as I do get thigh creep with many shorts.

[SadieKate]

Better report of the skhoop merino shorts. LOVE THEM! Wore them for a snowshoe run today under Sugoi Subzero tights. Temp range of 8F to 19F. My bunnies didn't notice. Even while all the other bunnies around were whining. :p

[Crankin]

Those sound promising. I am tired of thigh creep.

[OakLeaf]

Icebreaker on sale at EverestGear.com (http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=bfp7b6aab&v=001v2ezZPmZ_it8hLPBtNf8-a8qdmn8XP6-AkfL308acpIaiSvylcR6xpdtBDvCdSIMWPafQxE2ZQuDA04FsHfLz3wj-Vx_vB9Xv89AMOaU0WRsG1ZdHU2QEA%3D%3D)

[Natasha]

50% off ibex.com code VIPWINTER expires today 1/31/2013

[OakLeaf]

Wool on the runway at Milan! :D http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/24/hot-and-bothered-at-bottega-and-jil-sander/?hp

[malkin]

Wool insoles!!!!

http://www.zappos.com/superfeet-merino-white-white

I have these and they are wonderful!

[Owlie]

I have an Ibex bra and while I love it in winter, I feel like the band is stretching out and isn't quite as supportive as it once was. Has anyone tried one of the Smartwool bras?

[OakLeaf]

So. Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I owned a pair of Acorn shearling slippers. So long ago they may even been made in the USA. I wore them until there wasn't a shred of wool left on the insides and they were getting ready to get holes in the soles. By that time a new pair weren't in my budget ... and by the time a new pair came back into my budget, there were no more local retailers and I never got around to trying to order myself a pair.

Fast forward to a month ago when my toesies were getting chilly and I started poking around on the Internets and here's what I found: Shepherd's Flock (http://www.shepherdsflock.com/). Hand made to order in Vermont from US-raised sheep, and even US-tanned when they can get the hides, which they say is most of the time, and which I know is also pretty darn rare.

You've heard me whine about my ginormous duck feet. They actually recommend you send a foot tracing. So I sent one, and let them know I was fine with any surcharge for the custom sizing. I asked when I might start looking for my slippers ... they responded that they were a little backed up. No surprise there - it was late September, and all the "grasshoppers" were busy getting their holiday gift lists in order, while all us "ants" were just noticing our cold feet and thinking maybe we ought to do something about them. :rolleyes: They said, it would be about two weeks. Two weeks is backed up? Mmmmm-kay. No surcharge, they'd just add an extra 3/4" to the width at the forefoot onto their regular women's large. Right on time, two weeks later, they shipped. USPS, even, which is SUCH a convenience for us country folk. :)

And they are the best thing that has ever been on my feet. They are beautiful, sturdy appearing, warm in the way any wool is temperature-regulating ... and if you've never had shearling wool on your bare toes you don't KNOW what you're missing.

I have one pair of huge happy feet right now.

[Owlie]

Ooh. Not that I need such things in this climate, but if/when I move up north again...

[Catrin]

OMG Oakleaf, those look amazing! The slippers aren't in my budget right now....but those ear muffs look great, and their standard ear muffs are quite affordable, thanks for drawing our attention to them! Perhaps I can justify a pair of their slippers to myself in December :)

[OakLeaf]

I lost my wool cap yesterday.

It was the only knit cap I have here outside of the screaming yellow one, so obviously I needed to replace it. And obviously I couldn't go to Ibex's website and order just a cap. And obviously I couldn't order more wool for myself without offering DH a chance to get in on the order, too.

D@mn cap cost me $400.

[Catrin]

...
D@mn cap cost me $400.

Sorry about the lost cap, but this made me laugh out loud. I've had lost items cost me much more in the same way...though I didn't have a DH to add to the order :) At least YOU have that excuse ;)

[Crankin]

This sounds like my house, Oak.
"I'm ordering some _______. Do you think you need anything from _____?"
This situation tends to spiral quite quickly!

[GLC1968]

D@mn cap cost me $400.

LOL! I know that pain!

[crazycanuckoz]

:( Darn..the skhoop website doesn't have overseas shipping options...darn...darn...

[GLC1968]

Hey there fellow weenies!

I'm posting here to let you all know that I'm going to be putting an awfully large amount of wool up for sale very shortly. I'm keeping *plenty* so I'm not in any danger of losing my weenie status by any stretch of the imagination. It's just that now that I've lost weight - there is just too much lovely wool going unused for our tiny space (and we have zero room for storage).

There will be a ton from the three big brands (Ibex, Icebreaker and Smartwool) to be listed as soon as I take photos. Keep your eyes peeled!

[GLC1968]

Added a few more items yesterday and there is likely to be more coming as soon as soon as I have time to weed out my drawers (later this week)!

[Jolt]

FYI, Ibex is having their winter sale now, if anyone feels the need for any new wool. I don't really need any but am fighting the urge to buy the bright red Shak...it would be good for visibility when biking/running/etc.

[DebW]

Did you all see the Ibex announcement today? They're introducing a new natural fiber called DFF (http://shop.ibex.com/dog-fur-fiber/april-fools).

[salsabike]

I DID see that. I especially liked the labels. :)

[ny biker]

Not sure if this is the right place for my question, but it's about wool so here goes.

I recently bought these two wool scarves.

http://www.jjill.com/jjillonline/product/product.aspx?item=W6031W&rPFID=51&sk=A&h=A

They're 100% woven wool and the label says dry clean only. Today I wore the red one, and it turned my white shirt red. :(

Any ideas for something I can do to make that not happen again? Or should I just return them?

I've never been a scarf person before, but I find that having one around my neck helps me stay warm when my office is cold. So I was really happy to find these colorful wool scarves on sale. But colors bleeding onto my other clothes is not a good thing.

[Catrin]

Return them, or...you could try soaking them in cold water with vinegar to help set the color - then dry stretched out on the floor. I would soak for 30-40 minutes in cold vinegar water and then switch to plain cold water for a good rinse. This is how I block my 100% wool knitted objects (without the vinegar). It's an old way to color-fast wool, and yarn manufacturers will still do this (occasionally they open a bag of yarn at my LYS and it has the lovely vinegar aroma. As long as the water is cold and you are careful how you handle it when wet it will be fine. Don't hang, twist, or stretch it when wet. Scrunch/ball it up in a towel (then step on the rolled up ball) to get the water out and lay out flat.

[ZoneFive]

You can also try a soak in cool water and a ColorCatcher (http://www.shoutitout.com/en-US/Products/Pages/shout-color-catcher.aspx?cid=SEM_G_+color%20+catcher_off-us-spr14&sid=SEM_G_329.kw34872)sheet. They should be at the supermarket with the laundry stuff, but Amazon has them too. It'll pick up any surplus dye -- red is notorious for running. A sink or a basin of cool water, put the ColorCatcher in and smushel it around a bit, then lay the scarf in the water, pressing it gently down to get the water soaked through. Don't agitate or scrub, but just a little motion. Let it sit for ten minutes or so, then drain the sink and let the excess water run out. Roll up the scarf in a clean towel that you don't mind getting red/pink on. Press on the rolled up towel to soak out the water, then let the scarf dry flat.

ETA: just the way Catrin told you, only without the vinegar. Sorry, Catrin, I somehow managed to miss your post.