WoolWeenies Club

[Eden]

For those who have everything else in wool......... (you know you need a wool bikini or perhaps a set of wool sheets)
http://www.wolltraum.de/
It's all in German, but you can get the idea about most of it pretty easily

(for those with sensitive work places, some of this stuff perhaps a bit R rated.....)

[sandra]

We went back to the store here for more Duofold. They had long sleeve crews that were not in the package marked $15 with 60% off. They were well worth $6 !!!! They seem to be perfect for our warm weather. Our days start out really cool but warm up considerably. They breathe enough that we don't get too hot.

[KnottedYet]

For those who have everything else in wool......... (you know you need a wool bikini or perhaps a set of wool sheets)
http://www.wolltraum.de/
It's all in German, but you can get the idea about most of it pretty easily

(for those with sensitive work places, some of this stuff perhaps a bit R rated.....)

Oh my goodness! I didn't dare open the "Fetish" page....:eek: ;)

[KnottedYet]

One of my favorite t-shirts: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=728&Outlet=1&VID=7704&Product=Echo-T

On sale in the Ibex Outlet. (I also really like the Qu-T, but it's not on sale.)

[Dianyla]

Oh my goodness! I didn't dare open the "Fetish" page....:eek: ;)
I dared. :eek:

The WillyWarmers are just priceless!! :p

[Eden]

I first saw the web site on the Graham Norton Show (its a British talk show - BBC America is part of our basic package lucky us) and he acutally convinced some of his audience members to model.... a man with one of the eyeless balaclavas and willy warmer and a woman with a wool bra/hose set :eek:

[snowtulip]

Hi Ladies! I figured if anyone could help me,it would be the wool weenies club. I did a search on wool bra, but it tossed out bra since it was too common, so I'm wondering if any of you know of a wool bra or have used one?

My issue is that I stink more than the normal person when I exercise (due to my medication), when we tour, I only use wool to reduce the stink factor, but I still have issues because my bra stinks so bad that it just doesn't matter if I have wool tops on.:eek:

Thanks for the help!!!

[Susan Otcenas]

Snowtulip,

Ibex has a line of women's wool undergarments, including briefs and bras, coming out within the next few months. We'll be carrying them. Keep an eye on our What's New page so you'll know when they come in.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/whatsNew.asp

Hope this helps.

Susan

[snowtulip]

Yipee, thanks Susan!!!!! I'll be checking frequently.

[sandra]

Great Susan. I don't have one, but here's one (http://www.aakamilitary.com/aclima_base_layer_wool_bra.cfm).

[sandra]

A wool fleece sports bra (http://www.devold.com/outdoor/default.asp?menu=257&collection=117), but I don't know how you purchase one.

[lph]

If someone desperately wants something from Devold I can buy it, and post it over. They make nice stuff. This is my favourite jersey, I can wear it skiing, hiking, or to work with jeans or a skirt:

http://www.devold.com/outdoor/download.asp?object_id=95395D3656E841C99B12F20D3457DBE7

It's not "swirly", just grey, the picture's just a bit funny.

[KnottedYet]

Susan, can you carry the Aclima and the Devold as well as the Ibex?

[Susan Otcenas]

Susan, can you carry the Aclima and the Devold as well as the Ibex?

These aren't brands I'm familiar with (though I did follow the links posted here). I"ll look into it - I don't know if these brands are available to US retailers, etc....

Susan

[KnottedYet]

These aren't brands I'm familiar with (though I did follow the links posted here). I"ll look into it - I don't know if these brands are available to US retailers, etc....

Susan

Thank you! (more wool, more better! I'm keepin' my fingers crossed...)

[mimitabby]

A wool fleece sports bra (http://www.devold.com/outdoor/default.asp?menu=257&collection=117), but I don't know how you purchase one.

oh. I WANT one.

[snowtulip]

Peuw! :eek: That's what DH keeps saying to me.

Anxiously awaiting the wool bra at TE!

[KnottedYet]

Ibex tank-top: http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=920&VID=10417&Product=Ribbies-Tank-Top I haven't seen this one before.

But I'm still saving my pennies waiting for a wool bra.

[mimitabby]

that's really the next thing i want too. A bra that doesn't turn into a cold wet chest wall.

[Eden]

I think that post was actually meant to go over in OT Australia ;)

[mimitabby]

gosh, you guys are too fast. yes, that was meant for another thread. I was so pleased with myself for deleting it but i see someone already captured it. :confused:

[sandra]

:eek: Oh no they didn't. Look again. :D

[elk]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,25654_Icebreaker-Merino-Tank-Top-For-Women.html


I just wrote a review of this tank which i LOVE LOVE. It's on sale...

[elk]

I just bought a Marmot softshell from STP.....havn't gotten it yet
but I keep looking at the 2 ibex softshells....I bought one awhile ago and sent it back becasue it seemed a little small...but I can't for the life of me figure out the difference between the 2 they have. It probably fit fine...I didn't understand the softshell concept then..:)

?? ANybody know?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I just bought a Marmot softshell from STP.....havn't gotten it yet
but I keep looking at the 2 ibex softshells....I bought one awhile ago and sent it back becasue it seemed a little small...but I can't for the life of me figure out the difference between the 2 they have. It probably fit fine...I didn't understand the softshell concept then..:)

?? ANybody know?

Which two?

[elk]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?searchDescriptions=true&Ne=9900000&allAnyWords=&searchWithin=&anyWords=&N=9000288+9909075&exactPhrase=&allWords=

The 2 Cirque jackets.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Gee they seem like the exact same jacket if you read all the details.
If you get one, order from the batch that offers 3 colors and has the less wrinkled picture. The wrinkle pictured black-only one is called "Climawool Lite" for some reason- maybe it's an older model that was not as good.

My best friend has the cirque jacket for years now and she just loves hers.
But if i were you I'd get a size roomy enough to wear lots of wooly base layers underneath. ;)

[Kano]

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?searchDescriptions=true&Ne=9900000&allAnyWords=&searchWithin=&anyWords=&N=9000288+9909075&exactPhrase=&allWords=

The 2 Cirque jackets.

I have the blue purple one that goes with item 44960 -- the model Lisa suggests. I bought the size Large, and there's room for a Hot Chilly's mock turtle under it, and a fleece shirt over that. That makes it snug, but not uncomfortably so!

Karen in Boise, who's not any kind of WEENIE!

[KathiCville]

I ordered the Cirque from STP a couple of weeks ago and, like you, found the descriptions of the two Cirques confusing---couldn't figure out what the differences might be. Ended up ordering the one that comes in three colors. Returned it because it hit me at an odd length and so puffed up in front when zipped up. Opted for a Pingo from another source. Much the same style and weight, but a little shorter in length. Works better on my short-waisted frame........If you order from Sierra Trading Post in the next week or so, be sure to go to www.retailmenot.com to find a 20 percent off coupon for your order. There always seems to be a code available. Last night I used 59921 in the key code box and it worked like a charm. Supposedly good through December 3. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I broke down and ordered the Ibex Cortina loden wool vest in apple green:
http://www.ibex.com/Photos/F06/208_2722.jpg
It's on sale:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=623&Outlet=1&VID=7309&Product=Cortina-Vest

I wear my orange Switchback vest so much, I wanted another heavy wool vest in a different color.
I find that wearing a couple of wool longsleeve tops and then just a heavy vest over them is really nice for being outside in about 30 degrees. I don't overheat because the air can circulate a bit around my arms, but the vest keeps my core very warm. And I can move freely- great for fitness walking. :) As long as my core, head&neck, hands, and feet are warm, I usually feel ok with a bit less on my arms and legs.

By the way- the Ibex "Ribbies Crew" just went on sale in various colors:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products.php?Outlet=1&Gender=Womens
...not to be confused with the thinner "LW Ribbed Crew".
The Ribbies crew is pretty thick and nice. It has a finely ribbed texture. Runs a bit fitted, so order a size up from your normal if you like it relaxed fit. The Larkspur color is a beautiful intense twilight blue- I have one myself. The Sand would look nice layered over a black turtleneck. :p

[sandra]

I'm not buying for myself right here at Christmas time, but I love this chocolate Zip-T right here at TE with the chocolate tights!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/products/IB-631-ALL_lrg.jpg

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sandra, I think Dianyla said she has the Pico shirt like that and she loves it.
It might work for you since it's not a heavy weight wool like some of their other pieces.

I am liking my brown Ibex Shaks more every day- the "warm brown" they use is very soft like a cocoa color- not a reddish brown. In fact, I just finished a mug of hot cocoa just now! mmmmmmmmm cocoa.........
:p

[GLC1968]

I don't know if you Weenies are already aware of this company or not...but I just got a Neve sweater in the mail today. I have always admired the designs, but the prices were more than I wanted to pay. Well, I picked out a design at Terry's 50% off sale and I am so glad that I did.

I just tried it on, and I'm not taking it off. Maybe ever! It looks fantastic on me, it's so freakin soft that I can barely stand it..and man, it fits beautifully!

I know there are about a billion 100% wool sweater makers out there...but this is one of the nicest sweaters I've ever put on. I'm even going to order some more (after Christmas) at full price...they are THAT nice. :D

http://www.nevedesigns.com/index.htm

Oh, and I'm about to order the Ibex knicker from TE with the coupon. I need another pair of biking knickers...so this will be my first experience with wool as a bottom (for cycling)! :)

[GLC1968]

Snowtulip,

Ibex has a line of women's wool undergarments, including briefs and bras, coming out within the next few months. We'll be carrying them. Keep an eye on our What's New page so you'll know when they come in.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/whatsNew.asp

Hope this helps.

Susan

I just saw this today and I want to say YAY! I love TE! :D

[SadieKate]

Thanks (she says sarcastically), I've been coveting a Neve sweater but I'm trying to be so good right now. Losing battle, I know, but I am slowing the descent a bit. So, 'nuff about Neve sweaters, m'kay? :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Those Neve items look nice, but why don't they say where the wool is from or where the clothes are manufactured? These things matter very much to me, and i think that information should be stated by companies.
I just emailed Neve and asked them. :cool:

Edit: my email to Neve's customer service email just bounced back to me. I am trying another address to write them.

[GLC1968]

SK - I have a phone interview with a company in Portland on Monday. Think it would help if I'm wearing my Neve sweater? ;)

If I get the job, can I use the move as an excuse to buy more? I'll need more wool in the PNW, right? RIGHT? :p

[Blueberry]

GLC- Congrats and Good Luck!!!!!!

We're at the very beginning of the same process it sounds like you're in (figuring out where would be more fun to live), so I'll be curious to hear about your process:)

I wish one of the states I think I'd like to live in offered reciprocity for bar admission, but it looks like I might be taking another exam...

CA

PS- Definitely much more wool will be needed:) and Fenders...

[SadieKate]

If I get the job, can I use the move as an excuse to buy more? I'll need more wool in the PNW, right? RIGHT? :pBut of course (in my best Jobob imitation). Because of my move, I just invested in two SmartWool midweight next-to-skin crew neck undershirts. Yum-yum, good. Like Rapha wool socks for my body.

Let's hope Rapha is at the NAHBS with show specials. And Swobo . . . and . . . etc., etc., etc.

[Blueberry]

Just received a couple of smartwool base layers from LLBean - they were on sale:) One for DH and one for me....Here's the link to the Women's http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=55314&sc1=Search&feat=sr

Enjoy!

CA

[SadieKate]

I just ordered these (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=fireside-slipper-socks&categoryId=43334&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503444&cat4=503422&shop_method=pp&feat=503444-tn) from Mr. Bean in the red and white stripe. I love him, free-shipping right now.

Don't worry, TE has not been neglected this month. :rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I broke down and ordered the Ibex Cortina loden wool vest in apple green:
http://www.ibex.com/Photos/F06/208_2722.jpg
It's on sale:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=623&Outlet=1&VID=7309&Product=Cortina-Vest

I find that wearing a couple of wool longsleeve tops and then just a heavy vest over them is really nice for being outside in about 30 degrees. I don't overheat because the air can circulate a bit around my arms, but the vest keeps my core very warm. And I can move freely- great for fitness walking. :) As long as my core, head&neck, hands, and feet are warm, I usually feel ok with a bit less on my arms and legs.

I got the Ibex apple green Cortina loden vest and it's just wonderful! It's like a thick boiled wool texture, incredibly well made and fits beautifully. Very warm, a nice kind of green, and the two hand pockets are generous. It'll look great over my black or brown shak. I am so thrilled- can't wait to wear it often. As they say on the website, it runs just a bit small- my orange Ibex Switchback vest is a medium, but this Cortina vest fits me just right in a large. A killer bargain at $75 on sale right now, this is the by far the nicest vest I've ever encountered.
Woo-HOOOO! :p

[sandra]

Of course we want to see pictures of it on you, Lisa. Green is my favorite color. A vest would probably work nicely for me since it doesn't get too cold. I discovered a gold wool vest in my closet today that I forgot I had. I've been wearing it comfortably all day!

[KnottedYet]

I need to win the lottery... ;)

[madscot13]

does anyone have any experience with the Ibex wool legwarmers? I would like a pair for bike riding and cold days where I don't want to go through the hassle of taking on and off long underwear when I go inside and outside. Or if anyone else has any other recommendations that would be great.

[elk]

I have a decision to make....I have been ordering jackets trying to find the right one....and I realize that I need to think of all kinds of weather and in terms of how things work together.
PNW....rainy damp cold winter...wet wet spring...dry temperate summers....

Some of this is fit...I am losing weight, wear an XL, but have found alot of the XLs are just a little tight in the hips, big in the shoulders. (think hourglass :) )

I have a hardshell Bean Gore Tex Stowaway which I actually have used on the bike since the Showers Pass was returned.

So I'm trying out the following:

Sugoi Stealth....light weight /wind/water resistent...fitted soft shell.

Marmot Sharp Point.. heavier weight wind /water resistant lined with a thin fleece, I am comfortable with 2 layers of wool under it and it fits really well...smaller waist, flared at the hip...wonder if it will soften up...it's stiff and a little noisey but comfortable.

Ibex Ber.??... the loden wool zip on sale at Ibex....but I 'm not liking the fit as well.
Waiting for ONE more...a Lowe Alpine water resistant soft shell in a NICE soft grey...the fit chart and color make this one look promising.

suggestions?

[kelownagirl]

I need to win the lottery... ;)

That you do....:rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ibex Ber.??... the loden wool zip on sale at Ibex....but I 'm not liking the fit as well....
suggestions?

Elk, the only suggestion I might have is that the Ibex full zip Switchback on sale right now is a looser fit. It's not quite as heavy as the loden wool jacket you have though, it's more of a light wool jacket or heavy zip top. I have a VERY pear shape (small top, small waist, but large curvy hips) and the Switchback full zip fits me well and does not squeeze at the hips.

OK, so I have pix of the Ibex Cortina vest I got on sale from Ibex that I mentioned in an earlier post. I really love this vest. I hope these pix aren't too gigantic- if so I will then try to resize them :o . I am wearing my brown Ibex Shak under the vest, an Ibex neck gaiter, and 2 pairs Smartwool socks- green and blue. I love the color combination! :)

4952 4953


P.S. Sandra I gotta know the story behind your new avatar! What did you get crowned for?? You look like a movie star! :)

[elk]

Lisa...so cute..and so happy in her woolies....:D

YES...I have a full zip switchback and it fits perfectly. I love it...maybe I should get another one...:eek:

But it's worthless in the wind as an outerlayer...

I am collecting Smart Wool adrenaline socks...they are awesome!! I took Maudie for a walk last night in the cold rain and I had on my Sauconys with meshy tops and darn if my feet didn;t stay warm and dry!!!:D

[KathiCville]

Hi Elk......I don't know if this suggestion will help you, but you might try looking for jackets that have two-way zippers that allow you to open the jacket up from the bottom as well as from the top. Being able to open the bottom by even an inch or two can make an amazing difference in how a jacket sits on your hips.....I don't have any specific models/brands to suggest (in wool), unfortunately. Athleta has at least two or three winterish jackets that have a two-way zipper, but I think they're all fleece or other synthetic materials.....( www.athleta.com )

[Lisa, that vest is GORGEOUS! Great pick!]

[sandra]

Ok, I ordered the Ibex Switchback that is on sale at STP in the large. Got it yesterday. I love it. It is too small. Actually it fits perfectly, but too perfectly. I don't like my stuff to be fitted. I want it looser.

If any of you girls are selling XL's that don't fit, please let me know.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ok, I ordered the Ibex Switchback that is on sale at STP in the large. Got it yesterday. I love it. It is too small. Actually it fits perfectly, but too perfectly. I don't like my stuff to be fitted. I want it looser.

If any of you girls are selling XL's that don't fit, please let me know.


The Switchbacks tend to shrink a little when they are washed. You do not want to get one that fits perfectly at first. Can't you send it back?

[sandra]

yes, it is going back.

[elk]

KathiCVille The 2 way zipper is what allowed me to wear the SHowers Pass...but it was too big on top...all floppy...

I gotta say...I feel pretty hot in the Marmot Sharp Point (hot as in cool, not hot as in whew, open the pit zips) it fits really well. It breathes and with a few merino layers underneath could be perfect for cold drizzle....
It is wind stop and water resistant...

Maybe a packable rain poncho would be the ticket then if I were to really get caught in it....I don't forsee going out to ride in Heavey rain...Seattle/PDX Girls??

It's a really different proposition to stay warm in the NE than it is to stay warm and DRY in the NW!

So what am I gonna do when I have all the clothes I need, 2 bikes with all the right stuff...I guess I'll just have to ride instead of shop!!!

[elk]

Lisa
what knickers are those? you look like you were born in them!!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So what am I gonna do when I have all the clothes I need, 2 bikes with all the right stuff...I guess I'll just have to ride instead of shop!!!

I hope to be in a situation like that next year when I have my second bike. :)
I feel very lucky indeed to be able to get a second nice bike.


Lisa
what knickers are those? you look like you were born in them!!!

Sometimes if it's not deadly cold, I wear one pair of long tights, then my regular old Terry Spinnaker spinning knickers over them, and then wool knee socks. That puts two layers covering my legs. That's good for about as low as 35 degrees if there's no wind.
If it's colder, like today was in the 20's, then I wear 2 layers on my legs as well, but they will be more heavy duty. Today was wicked cold and windy, and my legs had first Ibex merino thick tights, then some SportHill wind proof tights/pants, then my Ibex short black wool skirt (I wasn't riding today). I also wore heavy boots and socks. I really bundled up this morning at 25 degrees very windy and did my 3.6 mile walk. I actually stayed toasty! :eek:

Those Spinnaker knickers have a VERY light chamois in them- so light in fact that I can wear them alone and no one can see any chamois at all. They look good just for everyday wear. You don't really feel the thin chamois- it's like 1/8" of cotton or something- not much good for long bike rides. Here's a picture of me wearing them alone in the summertime last year:
http://harmonias.com/LisaBike_1.jpg
And here is where they sell them:
http://www.terrybicycles.com/detail.html?item_no=1822
They stretch a lot, so you don't have to be skinny to wear them. :cool:

[elk]

I just ordered the Spinnaker Knickers...they look great.

I better get some kneesocks...what kind are yours, Lisa..smartwool...what are they called?

I hope I didn't order them too big, but sizes in this stuff tend to run small...I ordered an XXL which I have never ordered before...

[elk]

Ok, I ordered the Ibex Switchback that is on sale at STP in the large. Got it yesterday. I love it. It is too small. Actually it fits perfectly, but too perfectly. I don't like my stuff to be fitted. I want it looser.

If any of you girls are selling XL's that don't fit, please let me know.

Sandra...Ibex has them in 3 colors for 1/2 off..tempted myself...
I have persimmon and even though it's not my favorite color, I wear it all the time because it feels and looks great on me....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Elk,
my knee socks are Smartwool Ski socks. STP has some on sale at the moment:
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Product.aspx?baseno=11766&cdf=AffinitySale
Not sure how heavy those are compared to mine. I paid about $17 for my SW ski knee socks, medium cushion. I think mine were men's small....

XXL might be too big for your Spinnakers- they aren't that tight and stretchy- more relaxed. You'll just have to see when they arrive.

Sandra needs an XL switchback- Ibex only has that size in periwinkle color- with no photo of the color. I'm not sure what periwinkle looks like. I'm not seeing many XL switchback full zips left on the net at this point.

[KnottedYet]

I think my full-zip switchback is the periwinkle, a light blue with purple undertones. The periwinkle switchback fabric isn't as unstable as the charcoal fabric. (which shrank and shrank and is still shrinking... and that's why Ibex doesn't make switchbacks anymore) (at least according to one of the reps I talked to.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

As a footnote to the shrinking switchback issue- I now have Ibex "Shaks" and have washed them twice in the machine and low dryer....and see no shrinking problems at all. So going to the Shaks seems to be a good alternative. (except they are not on sale of course).

Elk,
I just checked my Spinnakers and they are a size medium and fit me fine- my hips are 42"- pretty substancial. The large would probably fit me fine too. So I would think the large would be plenty big enough for you (not knowing your actual hip size, but seeing your picture on your bike...)

[ktbikes]

Dear WoolWeenies,

STP has been rained on by Icebreaker sometime in the past month!
I just ordered the women's chakra zip and a few men's mondo zips - with the coupon I had they came to ~$31 a piece, and will make great xmas gifts (or maybe one will stay with me... )
See http://www.sierratradingpost.com/Icebreaker.html

Cheers,
Katie

[elk]

Elk,
I just checked my Spinnakers and they are a size medium and fit me fine- my hips are 42"- pretty substancial. The large would probably fit me fine too. So I would think the large would be plenty big enough for you (not knowing your actual hip size, but seeing your picture on your bike...)

hmmm i just went by the size chart on the site..I'm 44"...I hope I don't have to send them back!

[elk]

Hey...esp Lisa....Spinnaker model....:cool:

I got the Spinnaker Knickers today and I don't know if they fit...they slide on way easy, are high in the waist and baggy in the knees. These are the xxl...

They're not loose, but they're not tight...it's like they don't need to stretch to fit..Maybe I should go down a size and compare them...

??

[sandra]

The way you describe them sounds a little big to me. Order the next size and then send back the one that doesn't work.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Elk- they sound way too big to me- they should stretch on your legs like tights but not feel too tight of course. But .....before you send these XXL back-

Order the Large AND the XL. I really think the Large are going to fit you the best. The Mediums fit me great and you are only 2" bigger around in the hips than me. Plus I suspect you are shorter than me (5'5")

Since you have to send the XXL back anyway, if you order the other two sizes, you can send the TWO pairs that don't fit back in one package.

I strongly feel the XL will be too loose on you as well. These are capri length tights, not pants. Baggy at the knee is going to be extremely annoying. You want snug but not tight.

P.S. the sizing charts always say I should get XXL too, but it's always way too big. I don't depend so much on the sizing charts anymore.

[elk]

Ok...I ordered the L and the Xl...we shall see! Yes, I am shorter...I'm 5' 3.5"

BTW I have worn my new wool stuff every single freakin' day since I got it...good thing I got so much! Changed my life...!!

[KathiCville]

Just got an e-mail from Ibex a little while ago announcing a week-long special on Woolies. Buy two tops, get a bottom for free.......Ends 12/13........Enjoy!

[sgtiger]

Yay! Ibex sale. I just saw my email from them a little while ago too. Wool=good, more wool=better. :D :D :D

[songlady]

REI Outlet has a Smartwool Brushed wool jacket as their deal of the day!

[KnottedYet]

Like the gray/black heather http://www.rei.com/product/757950?cm_re=dotd*757950*SmartWool+Brushed+Wool+Jacket+-+Women%27s+-+%2706+Closeout&vcat=OUTLET_HP_DOTD

[sandra]

Like the gray/black heather http://www.rei.com/product/757950?cm_re=dotd*757950*SmartWool+Brushed+Wool+Jacket+-+Women%27s+-+%2706+Closeout&vcat=OUTLET_HP_DOTD

me too, but dry clean only? :eek: Do y'all do that?

[KnottedYet]

Heck no! I don't dry clean anything! Gentle wash in cold water, dry flat or hang.

The nylon mix that Smartwool is made of might help keep it from shrinking, anyway.

[sandra]

I got a catalog yesterday with this (http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/JG-Hook-Boiled-Wool-Blazer.aspx?PfId=112010&DeptId=8210&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G) in it. It is on sale plus with code: CH12511, it is an additional 50% off (any one item, not just this).

[mimitabby]

I got a catalog yesterday with this (http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/JG-Hook-Boiled-Wool-Blazer.aspx?PfId=112010&DeptId=8210&producttypeid=1&pref=ps&PurchaseType=G) in it. It is on sale plus with code: CH12511, it is an additional 50% off (any one item, not just this).

no pockets as usual!! but it IS nice.

[Dianyla]

Like the gray/black heather http://www.rei.com/product/757950?cm_re=dotd*757950*SmartWool+Brushed+Wool+Jacket+-+Women%27s+-+%2706+Closeout&vcat=OUTLET_HP_DOTD
Mmmmm, Black Heather Size Large, come to Momma!!!!! :D

Thanks a lot, Knot. :rolleyes:

And ditto on the dry clean only sentiments. The only stuff I take to get dry-cleaned is really tricky stuff like expensive interview suits. Everything else, I just wash and dry very carefully at home.

[sandra]

I got this Cirque Jacket (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,44961_Ibex-Cirque-Jacket-Climawool-Lite-For-Women.html) from STP. This was the cheaper of the two that appeared to be just alike. Plus I got an additional 20% off.

It came today. I am thrilled. It is just what I've been looking for. Apparently I wear an XL in this stuff where I normally wear a L. This XL fit just fine with extra room for layers if I needed it, where the L fit to perfectly.

[elk]

SO glad it fits you Sandra!! Its a great looking jacket.

[KnottedYet]

Sandra- how'd you get another 20% off?

(Knot doesn't need another jacket... really... but look, it's a nice black and it comes in my size still...)

[sandra]

I get an email from them almost every day! See if this works. (http://email.sierratradingpost.com/dm?id=6D69EC979BB2BBFFBFFC8176FC3075B3)

Yep, when you put it in your cart it takes the 20% off.

[madscot13]

not that I am enabler but if you type siera trading post into google there will be a few websites that have updated coupons for percentages off and free shipping.

Think of all of the money you could have saved had you known earlier. I did and it made me sort of sad.:rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Sandra that's a great jacket and a great price! :)

[SadieKate]

Dang, I just went to the LBS' wool night with the Ibex and Smartwool reps. Not a dang thing for me -- and I'm even a medium which is what all the sales samples are sized. The one thing I really, really liked didn't fit. Bubba got 3 undershirts and he wasn't even there.

I do feel virtuous though - didn't buy the red Swobo jersey because it was only 10% off. Ooh, it is such a purty red! :rolleyes:

[KnottedYet]

Wooly redemption story:

I have a pair of the fab-o MUSA pants from Riv. I sweat like a crazed weasel (and it shows), so for warm weather and longer rides I'll stick with my tried and true skorts.

The pants are nice for shorter rides or sort of cooler rides, but they were uncomfortable for chilly rides. Next cool day I tried putting them on over my Ibex capris. Oops. The fabric dragged and pulled and bound and made me grumpy!

I fell out of love with my MUSA pants for a while.

Today I wore UA compression shorts, Ibex long underwear over them, and the MUSAs over that. Whoopee! Everything slid easily, no binding, very warm and cozy and breathable for sweaty-weasel me!

Moral of the story; MUSA with Ibex capris, not perfect. MUSA with Ibex long johns, blissful!

(and I love my MUSA pants again)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Knot- your story reminds me of what I did today...
Since it's been in the 20's an awful lot lately, I have been doing less bike riding and more fitness walking.
This morning was in the 30's, so DH and I decided to brave a bike ride. I bundled up good....and I put my SportHill wind resistant winter pants on OVER my Ibex thick wool tights. Oooohhh-my legs were nice and warm! :p

A few miles after we started our ride, I suddenly realized that I had completely forgotten to wear something with a chamois pad. All my fitness walking had gotten me out of the habit of automatically reaching for chamois tights. Our ride was going to be 30 miles, about 3 hours long. My Brooks saddle has no padding whatsoever. :eek: Yes, Brooks saddles are nicely molded to one's butt, but they are still rather hard leather!

DH said we could shorten the ride, but I said no I'll get through it, it's only 30 miles. Well, I did manage just fine- a tad sore towards the end, yes, but only because my sit bones were accustomed to having a decent chamois pad on rides over an hour.
At least my butt was nice and warm though. ;)

[KnottedYet]

I didn't have a chamois either, and I was kind of using the ride as a test of my chamois-system. (I brought my bus pass in case I got too sore to ride home.)

The 3 layers I rode in today were pretty darn comfy, a close second to the old style chamois i like so much, and much better than the way the new 3-d chamois (don't) fit my sits bones.

I only had a momentary bit of soreness under my right sit bone after I walloped a bunch of cracked pavement. That's my low bone as it is, and it has made a nice nest for itself on the right side of my Brooks. Don't think a chamois would've prevented that (opening my damm eyes and picking my butt up before I hit the cracks would've been good!) so I'm starting to wonder if I can safely skip chamois shorts under my "street" shorts and capris in the future.

I'd like to try my Ibex boxer briefs under a pair of street capris when it gets warmer.

[elk]

hmmm

I only did 10 miles...but was uber comfortable the whole time. i did have to stop on the way back---INTO the wind--- to put on my new present from DH (which he picked out with no prompting from moi) a smartwool headband for my ears...

i had on my icebreaker 3/4 leggings, ibex skirt over, smartwool ski socks (with superstripes:) ) Under my shak zip i had a longsleeve Riv crew and over it I wore my new Marmot sharp point softshell.

I LOVE that jacket. It has so far been great in cold weather, rain, and if I get too hot I just unzip the pits for instant regulation.

Plus I looked ...:cool:

and listen to me...talking woolies with the big girls...:D

[elk]

Elk,
I just checked my Spinnakers and they are a size medium and fit me fine- my hips are 42"- pretty substancial. The large would probably fit me fine too. So I would think the large would be plenty big enough for you (not knowing your actual hip size, but seeing your picture on your bike...)

Terry doesn't communicate well, but WOW are they fast shipping! I ordered the L and XL Spinnakers, what, 3 days ago? and they came today.

SO! The L fits and the XL fit too. What to do?
The L fit like tights and are comfortable...maybe a tiny tiny bit tight in the crotch (not short, just the material is pretty much stretched ACROSS..I can tell by trying to pinch it. The material, there) The XL is a little baggy in the knee and also feels like the waist is a bit high and yes, they are a little looser than a pair of tights.

which to keep? I'm leaning towards the L.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

With all the biking you're going to be doing now, you'll more than likely lose couple of pounds over the coming year. Tights are sexy. Keep the Large if they feel comfortable.

[Natasha]

Thought I would add my 2 cents worth on the chamois discussion. The past couple of years I have been riding without a chamois. Previously I liked the Terry T-shorts, but recently the chamois would just drive me crazy on longer rides. I switched to compression shorts with no chamois (running shorts) and have had no problems, even on centuries. During colder weather I use my Sporthill cross-country pants with long underwear underneath.
Each spring I get some soreness over the sit-bones, but after 2 or 3 rides I seem to have broken my sit-bones in and have no further discomfort.

[SadieKate]

Dang, I just went to the LBS' wool night with the Ibex and Smartwool reps. Not a dang thing for me -- and I'm even a medium which is what all the sales samples are sized. The one thing I really, really liked didn't fit. Bubba got 3 undershirts and he wasn't even there.

I do feel virtuous though - didn't buy the red Swobo jersey because it was only 10% off. Ooh, it is such a purty red! :rolleyes:Well, heck, virtue is its own reward at the time. Didn't find a thing for me, but I won the Shak Jersey!

So I have to call them back today with a size. I have what I think is a Woolie Zip-T in a medium. Plenty big. Frankly, I can't tell the difference between the Woolie and the Shak from the pictures. Anyone have a clue? Can I go with the same size?

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=845&VID=9599&Product=Shak-Jersey

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well, heck, virtue is its own reward at the time. Didn't find a thing for me, but I won the Shak Jersey!

So I have to call them back today with a size. I have what I think is a Woolie Zip-T in a medium. Plenty big. Frankly, I can't tell the difference between the Woolie and the Shak from the pictures. Anyone have a clue? Can I go with the same size?

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=845&VID=9599&Product=Shak-Jersey
Holy Cow- you lucky girl!!! :eek: :p :p
The Shaks are a much more substantial, thicker weave wool than the woolies. They have a nice square weave micro texture. Also like a light sweater item, but not bulky at all. in warmth, one Shak layer = about two woolies layers, more or less.
If a woolie zip-T in medium fits you, then a shak jersey in medium would fit you too I believe. BUT...if you want to wear your Shak layered over a couple of base layers for instance, then a Large would be more like a slightly loose sweater type thing. The shaks shrink only a TINY TINY bit in the laundry.
I wear medium woolie base layers. I get my half zip Shak in medium, but i get the full zip Shak in Large beacuse I like to wear it over stuff like a light wool cardigan type item. If it's really cold out, I'll a woolie crew base layer, then my shak half zip in medium, then my shak full zip over them in large.

I was xmas shopping today in our little town, and in the shoe store the salewoman said Hey I have that vest too!- on sale from Ibex! Mine is Blue!....she had the same Cortina vest I just got! :)

[SadieKate]

Thanks, Lisa. I'm off to talk to them. I think I'll go for the chocolate brown. I love the green, but it don't love me.

Would you correct all my apostrophe and spelling abuse in the quote? I was typing as I was talking to someone on the phone. :rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Would you correct all my apostrophe and spelling abuse in the quote? I was typing as I was talking to someone on the phone. :rolleyes:

Too funny. Did I catch the errors sufficiently? :cool: :D

[SadieKate]

Deja vu thanks. :p

[elk]

Smartwool skisox for 6 bucks on SAC now....2:20Tues,PM

[KathiCville]

As I was zipping around to various websites today, I spotted several Ibex items at nice sale prices on backcountryoutlet.com---all of them too small or too big for me, grrrr.... Ibex items were all L's and XL's. Icebreaker stuff was either XS or XL.......Thought I'd pass the info along in case anybody wants to buy herself an early Christmas present!....:D

(Of course, as addicted as this group is to wool, y'all probably monitor websites hourly for Ibex, right??)

I just scored a new beige Ibex Pingo jacket on eBay this week for $50 plus shipping. (Insert image of small woman doing happy dance.....);)

[SadieKate]

Holy Cow- you lucky girl!!! :eek: :p :p Could you hear me laughing last night? Last night, I went to the monthly Web Cyclery movie (a fundraiser for the local trail alliance) at McMenamin's. They showed "Off Road to Athens" with Adam Craig and Carl Decker in attendance. I won a Web Cyclery beer glass and filling of choice. :p

BTW, Adam Craig is a hoot. Though I didn't ask him, a Giant team member, why he has a huge Cannondale trailer parked in front of his home. Oops, now it'd be easy to stalk him.:rolleyes:

[sandra]

I got the new Cirque jacket and it has been 80 degrees every day since I got it! :(

[elk]

Sandra...quit braggin!!!! 80 degrees...cheesh.

(although seriously, I do understand...I went out today..33 degrees.. LOVE it!!but I had ZERO stamina.:( )

[elk]

DH just asked me what I wanted for a holiday gift....(I got him a big pile of Smartwool sox which ol Mr FussBudget LOVES and a Buff...SCORE!)

I want another mid layer of wool...and really like Lisa's black skyline zip...but i can't find one in XL in black....keep an eye out, eh?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

DH just asked me what I wanted for a holiday gift....(I got him a big pile of Smartwool sox which ol Mr FussBudget LOVES and a Buff...SCORE!)

I want another mid layer of wool...and really like Lisa's black skyline zip...but i can't find one in XL in black....keep an eye out, eh?

Mine is a Large and it's plenty relaxed on me and the sleeves are LONG. I wear it over a couple of base layers if it's cold. I'm thinking it'd be fine in Large for you too- you might want to try a large. It doesn't shrink much at all either- tested it.

[elk]

Lisa what do you wear in the shak? Mine is XL and I wouldn't want it smaller.

[KathiCville]

Elk....Don't know if this might be of interest to you, but there's a nice mid-weight Icebreaker sweater in black XL on Sierra Trading Post right now. The Sport Ltd. $72 today. (Price might go up tomorrow?) Inventory is marked as "almost gone," which usually means they have just one or two in stock.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,13866_bIcebreakerandb-Sport-Ltd-Upstate-Sweater-Long-Sleeve-For-Women.html

I ordered one about a week ago and it arrived today. Much more substantial than a base layer, but not as heavy as the Ibex Long Trail sweater. Not sure how it would compare to the Shak.

Also, Backcountryoutlet.com has an Ibex Pico T in Graphite, XL. Like the Icebreaker Sport Ltd., it's a nice midweight sweater, but is more fitted than the Sport.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa what do you wear in the shak? Mine is XL and I wouldn't want it smaller.
Hmm...my half zip shak is a Medium, and then I wear a Large full zip shak over it like a cardigan. Maybe you are bustier than me?

I'm not finding any black/pumice XL skylines online anywhere either. :(

sandra?-you're good at searching online.... :cool:

[sandra]

sandra?-you're good at searching online....

I had a boss once that told me I should be someone's research assistant. :cool: I am a detective!

Elk, sorry, none to be found online. :(

[elk]

http://www.backcountry.com/store/ICE0134

Thanks KathiC, Sandra and LSH....I found this last one in black XL and boom I bought it...oh oh oh I hope it has thumbholes...I covet thumbholes!!!1

[KnottedYet]

It has thumbholes.

[elk]

It has thumbholes.

:D yay

[sandra]

That was a great price Elk! and I like it. I was tempted, but it says "slim fitting". I can't do slim fitting. It IS going to turn cold here...Sunday.

[GLC1968]

So last night I beat my husband home by a few minutes. As I went outside to plug in the christmas lights, I glanced at the front step and saw a box sitting there. Just then, H comes up the steps and grabs the box to take it inside. He said it was a gift for me.

What he doesn't know is that I noticed the Ibex graphic on the box right before he grabbed it. YIPEE! :D

(Is it wrong that I am now excited about Christmas because I know I'm getting something from Ibex?)

[Brandi]

Not at all! I got a wonderful sweater a few years ago from dh for christmas! It finally has gotten cold enough to wear this season. Lucky you!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

So last night I beat my husband home by a few minutes. As I went outside to plug in the christmas lights, I glanced at the front step and saw a box sitting there. Just then, H comes up the steps and grabs the box to take it inside. He said it was a gift for me.

What he doesn't know is that I noticed the Ibex graphic on the box right before he grabbed it. YIPEE! :D

(Is it wrong that I am now excited about Christmas because I know I'm getting something from Ibex?)

Oooohhh.....that's EXCITING!!!! :D :D :D

[elk]

[QUOTE=GLC1968;270465

(Is it wrong that I am now excited about Christmas because I know I'm getting something from Ibex?)[/QUOTE]

you're just foolin' right?

[Dianyla]

Busy day in Wool for me today! My smartwool jacket arrived at REI in-store pickup (the one that Knot so kindly enabled me to purchase) and right afterwards I headed over to the new Icebreaker retail store here in Portland. Oh, yum! Bought some of their nice Legless shorter leggings which are sort of a capri-length which works really nicely with ski-boots in their heavier weight 260. I also bought two very light short-sleeved shirts for warm weather hiking.

While checking out at REI I had a chance to do a little wool evangelizing. I noticed the clerk was wearing an Icebreaker shirt and he was asking me whether I preferred Smartwool vs. Icebreaker. I said it depends on the garment (ok, ok, I'm a complete wool **** and I love it all) but confessed that, if I had to pick just one... my true love lies (mostly) with Ibex. He was completely unaware of Ibex! I noticed he was a cyclist so I made sure to inform him about the wool bike shorts and knickers, and pointed him to an LBS that carries these.

My wool shopping excuse for today? I just had to get a few more woolen wonders before departing for the Mecca of Wool. My sweetie and I are boarding a plane for NZ tomorrow to spend some time tramping in Fiordlands. I will be sure to wave to all our beloved sheep from the plane window. :D

[elk]

OMG...an Icebreaker store in Portland!?!?! WHere?

I washed all my wool today and was thinking that I actually like my IB pieces as much as my Ibex...it even feels a little silkier....

I'm in BIG trouble!!!

[Grog]

my true love lies (mostly) with Ibex. He was completely unaware of Ibex! I noticed he was a cyclist so I made sure to inform him about the wool bike shorts and knickers, and pointed him to an LBS that carries these.


That's weird: last winter I saw a few Ibex pieces (including the Carrie hoddie) at the big REI store in Seattle.

I hope they have some in stock this year because I'll stop there again!

And where's that Icebreaker store?

[sandra]

OMG...an Icebreaker store in Portland!?!?! WHere?

I washed all my wool today and was thinking that I actually like my IB pieces as much as my Ibex...it even feels a little silkier....

I'm in BIG trouble!!!

uh oh.

And she's OFF like a prom dress........:D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

....I have been ordering jackets trying to find the right one...

Ibex Ber.??... the loden wool zip on sale at Ibex....but I 'm not liking the fit as well.

Hi everyone! Back from our enforced TE fast. I lasted a while, but then this afternoon I broke down and ordered the loden wool jacket that Elk mentions above...it's the Bregenz jacket and I got it because
1) It is on sale -almost half price!
and 2) It appears to be the very same loden fabric as the green apple Cortina vest I got a few weeks ago and am wearing almost every day- i absolutely adore that vest and it would be cool to have a matching jacket, especially at that low price.
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=407&Outlet=1&VID=10229&Product=Bregenz-Jacket
I hope it fits me better than Elk's experience. We'll see, we are all different shapes after all. Got a chocolate brown neck gaiter as well, which will match my chocolate shaks. :p

[sandra]

Which jacket are you talking about Lisa? (oh, never mind, I see now)

I finally wore my Cirque jacket yesterday. It was supposed to be cold, but the temp got up to 82 and I had to come out of it. A cold front came through last night and today is perfect weather for it. I really like it a lot, for more than just biking.

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, I have to go check this one out: http://www.woolsportswear.com/

[Natasha]

I got an Ibex Bregenz jacket from STP. The fit is wonderful, much better than the Switchback full zip which has incredibly long sleeves. I do believe that it is the same weight loden wool as the cortina vest. Beautiful fabric and berry color.

[sandra]

Lisa LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,54638_bIbexandb-Cortina-Vest-Loden-Wool-For-Women.html) oops. not your size

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!! (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/,54638_bIbexandb-Cortina-Vest-Loden-Wool-For-Women.html) oops. not your size

Yeah but for only $5 more (and free shipping!) I already got it in my size (large) and in the lovely Apple Green right from Ibex:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=623&Outlet=1&VID=8715&Product=Cortina-Vest
(I'm not into purples or pale blues much, so I'll stick with the apple green)

[sandra]

I'm not into purple or pale blue either.

Green is my favorite color. I'm just sayin'......:D

[KnottedYet]

I got an Ibex Bregenz jacket from STP. The fit is wonderful, much better than the Switchback full zip which has incredibly long sleeves. I do believe that it is the same weight loden wool as the cortina vest. Beautiful fabric and berry color.

The Switchback full zip sleeves are perfect length for me, so I guess I'll no longer have to be tempted by the Bergenz! Now, onward to *new* temptations!! :D (where's that Ibex underwear and camisole line?!?!)

[mtbdarby]

Ugh, I am having an aweful problem with my smartwool. Tis the dry air season with winter and EVERY time I wear my smartwool I get so much static cling I change. I despise the smell of static guard - does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this??

And I do have a humidifier that I need to dig out and get running....

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ugh, I am having an aweful problem with my smartwool. Tis the dry air season with winter and EVERY time I wear my smartwool I get so much static cling I change. I despise the smell of static guard - does anyone have any ideas on how to deal with this??

And I do have a humidifier that I need to dig out and get running....

What I do goes against most wool care advice.
We have 3 indoor cats and the hair sticks to everything bigtime- especially to wool! I wash my wool on gentle cycle in the machine, and then I put them on very low air dry in the dryer (no heat) with a fabric softener dryer sheet. This goes against what they all advise....but it's the only way all the cat hair comes off! I get a dryer sheet that I like the smell of (squeeze the box in the supermarket and sniff, or buy the unscented if you prefer). Sometimes they only need *some* time in the air fluff dryer cycle, then can finish drying by laying out. (We have a small wooden folding clothes drying rack in our bedroom. The rules are to always leave a couple of rungs for the other person, and to take your stuff off when dry)

Static can be a real problem in winter. My own feeling is that the dryer sheets are my friend, keeping my wool soft, relaxed, and cat fur free. ;) :cool: If you use it only to control static and not to help remove cat fur, then you might only need to use the sheets occasionally.

[KathiCville]

I let all my wool stuff air dry in the basement---I find that helps with the static cling quite a bit.......If anything still has a bit of static when I put it on, I gently and lightly rub in a little bit of moisturizer. Works especially well with socks that are threatening to hold your pant legs hostage........Hope that helps!

[xeney]

Barging in again to share a photo. It's a bad photo of me, but I thought you would all like Penelope's SmartWool hat. (She has matching mittens and two pairs of socks, and the socks are awesome, she can't kick them off!)

http://www.xeney.com/images/Penelope/bethandpennyatchristmasparty.jpg

My daughter, the wool weenie.

[sandra]

awwwwwwww. How adorable. I can't imagine that it is a back picture of you either. You are both precious.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My daughter, the wool weenie.

....The teenie weenie Wool Weenie


oooh.....anyone old enough to remember the Name Game Song?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MJLi5_dyn0
Teenie weenie wool beanie- ba nana fanna fo feanie...fee fi mo meenie....weenie!

[mimitabby]

Here are really long wool socks, along with 'dress' knickers.
http://www.bicyclefixation.com/prod_knickersox.html (http://www.bicyclefixation.com/
prod_knickersox.html)



http://www.bicyclefixation.com/prod_wool_knickers.html

[KnottedYet]

Love the picture of the Teenie Weenie Wool Weenie!
(that's it, get 'em started young!) :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I was actually too hot this on a 5 mile walk in 25 degree F weather. :eek:
That is a truly bizarre statement coming from someone who has been cold all her life, someone who avoided going outside at all during cold weather....ever.

I just looked at the outdoor thermometer through the window this morning, saw 20 degrees, and didn't take into account that it was sunny and no wind. So I piled on about 2 layers of merino too many and set out. An hour, a few miles and 5 degrees warmer later, I wound up having to remove my heaviest sweater and tie it around my waist just to be bit less sweaty. I could have removed yet another layer but it was too much trouble unwrapping myself. :cool:

My green Bergenz loden wool jacket should be arriving tomorrow- I hope it fits well.... :o

[Susan Otcenas]

After a very long wait, the Ibex Wool Undergarments have finally arrived!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/brands.asp?brandID=124

Susan

[Blueberry]

Thanks, Susan!! I'm trying to lose more weight before I purchase - but how cool!!

For those who are thinking of partaking, there's 2 day fed ex for $6 in a recent TE email:)

CA

[snowtulip]

Thanks Susan! I've been anxiously awaiting those bras!!!!

[snowtulip]

Yipee! Just ordered a green bra and briefs (never thought of wearing wool panties).

[KnottedYet]

After a very long wait, the Ibex Wool Undergarments have finally arrived!

http://www.teamestrogen.com/brands.asp?brandID=124

Susan

YAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!! :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I will be interested in hearing feedback from the first buyers! :)
I like the burnt red.
I am also wondering what the policy is on exchanging tag-still-on unworn items if they are not the right size when we try them on (while wearing underwear of course).

[KnottedYet]

I want red undies!

A bit concerned that the bra won't be good for my floppy 34 C "girls," and my beloved CW-X is cheaper than the Ibex (which might not be supportive enough). Any feedback on how supportive the Ibex sports bra is for us older-bodied chicks?

[sandra]

reading this makes me think it may not work so well for larger breasted women ~ "best for A, B cups in medium-low impact activities in all seasons"

[KnottedYet]

that's what I'm afraid of.

the wool bras Duck found sound like they've got a bit more "oomph".

Snowtulip - be sure to report back to us on your order! Inquiring minds want to know!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm an A cup, and I don't do any "high impact" things to my boobs. :eek:
So the bras might work for me. I worry about whether they will stretch out too much over time though. (the bras, I mean!)

[mimitabby]

where are the ones Duck found?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I got the apple green Bregenz Ibex jacket and it fits me great! (with my hips, I'm lucky.) :)
The XL was a bit too big and roomy, but the Large fits me smoothly, just right with a couple of merino tops on under it. I can actually even wear the green loden vest under the loden jacket, if I ever was out in really horrible cold conditions. My vest is a large as well.
It's a great versatile jacket at a great price on sale. The loden wool material is quite thick, soft, and warm. Sort of like a good thick boiled wool.....Not stiff and heavy like the German "loden cloth" wool I remember from when I was little.

[snowtulip]

Since TE is so fast with sending items out, I should be able to report back quickly. I'm a 36 B, so not sure how good my report back will be for some of you, but I'll let you know how it works running (which I consider high impact).

And since I have next week off, I'll let you know how bad the stretch is from wearing it every single day (ok, admitedly not a strong indicator, but will report back regularly):D

On a side note, I wore my new Ibex Echo Tee under my new Sugoi Stealth Jacket, talk about a match made in heaven!!

[Trek420]

www.sierratradingpost.com

ends 3 pm MST.

Sorry gals, I didn't buy wool, got new lined curtains.

[sgtiger]

:eek: Oh, my.... :eek:

Must resist. Muuuust reeeeesisssssst..... Kids, quick! Hide mommy's wallet!

[bmccasland]

Glad I didn't see this until 9 at night.

I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around the thought of wool undies. :confused:

[KnottedYet]

I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around the thought of wool undies. :confused:

Wool undies are wonderful! Better than silk, even! When I get over my "I didn't do enough for the holidays" guilt, I will order a pair of Ibex undies. I already have 3 pair of their women's boxer briefs, and they are my favorite underwear of all!

[mimitabby]

"I didn't do enough for the holidays" guilt, I will order a pair of Ibex undies. I already have 3 pair of their women's boxer briefs, and they are my favorite underwear of all!

hm, I have some guilt going too. It will pass. And then I'll order some woolies too!

[KathiCville]

I just checked the Sierra Trading Post website this morning and notice that the persimmon Ibex full-zip switchback is down to $45 this weekend. And one of the Ibex Cirque Climawool jackets is $66.......:)

[sandra]

:o I got that Cirque jacket back when it was $79.99. It's great though!

[Grog]

IBEX ALERT!!!!

There is, at last, a store carrying a decent selection of IBEX wool shirts in Vancouver, BC.

They didn't have much: Shaks in black and green, skyline full zip in green, and men's shaks (full zip in black and short zip in black and gray I think), and a few woolies.

Nonetheless, I am very, very excited.

I got myself a Shak, and some undeclared (for now) goodies for my sweet partner, who'll be getting lotsa wool under the tree this year.

This made my day! I talked the store employees into Ibex and told them to get the manager to order MORE!!!

Plus, thanks to a strong Canadian dollar, the prices were the same as in the USA. Yeah!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

According to the Ibex homepage, their Free Ground Shipping policy is going to end with the new year arrival. Alas!

[Grog]

According to the Ibex homepage, their Free Ground Shipping policy is going to end with the new year arrival. Alas!

It never applies to non-USA shipping anyway. They don't even give us a discount. :(

[snowtulip]

Yipee, I got my undies late Saturday and I am going on a ride today with my new wool bra! I'll let you know how it goes. Fingers crossed it keeps my whole stinky bra issue to a minimal issue. I'll let you know how it goes.

[Natasha]

www.udans.com has a bunch of Ibex stuff on sale, including Shaks (my favorite piece).
Merry Christmas to everyone.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

www.udans.com has a bunch of Ibex stuff on sale, including Shaks (my favorite piece).
Merry Christmas to everyone.

Good find!!
Note that Ibex is currently out of most men's shaks in L and XL, but you can apparently still get some at Udans.com. :)

[snowtulip]

Where have wool bras been all my life?:eek:

So I went on a mountain bike ride today. It was very chilly and windy, worked up a good sweat because of all the snow and ice that made climbing a little more difficult.

My bras are usually soaking wet, this bra transferred the moisture very well, I even kept this bra on after the ride (usually to soggy to do to this with other bras). There was still some moisture but not like I'm used to.

Must say I still stink like there's no tomorrow (apparently the medication is still too potent for wool). But love my new Ibex wool bra for the soggy factor! And it kept me nice and toasty! Thumbs up, plan on ordering more when the pocket book allows.

[itself]

[QUOTE=Lisa S.H.;146674]The Twelve Principles of WoolWeenies:*

1. We admitted we were powerless over wool.

2. Came to believe that wool could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of wool as we understood it.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of our wardrobe.

5. Admitted to WoolWeenies, to ourselves, and to another TE members the exact nature of our wool needs.

6. Were entirely ready to have wool remove all our defects of layering.

7. Humbly asked wool to remove our polyester odor annoyances.

8. Made a list of all wool items we had ripped, and became willing to mend them all.

9. Made direct mends to such wool items wherever possible, except when to do so would fray them further.

10. Continued to take wardobe inventory and when we were running low promptly bought more wool.

11. Sought through websearches and discounts to improve our conscious contact with wool, as we understood it, seeking only knowledge of wool's will for us and the budget to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of wearing wool, we tried to carry this message to other woolweenies, and to wear wool in all our activities.



I love the 12 rules! Women wool weenies, I love this forum. Thanks!

Lisa :)

[Trek420]

Wools socks are the gateway drug.

I just got myself an Ibex Breakaway jacket from Sierra Trading Post. Merry Christmas to me :p

[Sheesh]

I got wool (http://www.icebreaker.com/site/icebreaker_woman_sport320_rock_zip.html) for Christmas! Mr. Sheesh bought it on SteepandCheap a couple of weeks ago. :D

[KathiCville]

I just ordered that Ibex Breakaway jacket, too, when it hit @$53 on STP a couple of days ago. I'm hoping that the "yellow green" color of the description is same or similar to the two yummy Ibex "Tonic" yellow-green pieces I already have.....And if not, I'm sure I'll love it anyway---at that price, it was tooooo tempting to resist! ;)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wools socks are the gateway drug.


OMG Trek that is TOO funny- and too true!!! :eek: :D

Those jackets you guys are getting so cheap are SO tempting!! That maple red Pingo jacket.....mmmmmmm.... :(
But I am RESISTING!!!- I just bought myself the Ibex Cortina wool vest AND the Ibex Bregenz jacket this month.....and there is NO way I can, make further excuses to buy yet another jacket right now. :o
Besides, when I'm biking down in the 30's I seem to stay just fine and toasty with my merino base layer and 2 Ibex shaks AND a vest, etc. I think I would be just too durned sweaty in a wind proof jacket like the Cirrus material. I like the way the wool sleeves breathe -I can feel cool breeze on my arms, yet I never get cold and my core stays toasty. I've done this same layering while snowshoeing too, and it seems to be the perfect layering for me.
Of course some of you ladies, like in Seattle, are riding in cold rain- that's different and I can see a weather-proof layer jacket for that. I usually do not go riding in the rain- we don't get rain as often, so it's easier to avoid it here.

[elk]

So...I havn't read backwards yet...but I am assuming you gals got some nicey wooly presents this year???

I got this: http://www.rei.com/product/757199?vcat=REI_SEARCH
in black...and I have been wearing it practically 24/7....
It fits beautifully and is muy soft...

p.s. to Sandra....I DO have to send that "form fitting" icebreaker top back...now I know!
this smartwool sweater in XL is sexy!

pps to all Woolweenies ( why WEENIES??? it takes a tough woman to chose wool!!) Are you ready for the onslaught of SALE!!! emails you are about to recieve??? I'm afraid to look...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I got this: http://www.rei.com/product/757199?vcat=REI_SEARCH
in black...and I have been wearing it practically 24/7....
It fits beautifully and is muy soft...

p.s. to Sandra....I DO have to send that "form fitting" icebreaker top back...now I know!
this smartwool sweater in XL is sexy!

pps to all Woolweenies ( why WEENIES??? it takes a tough woman to chose wool!!) Are you ready for the onslaught of SALE!!! emails you are about to recieve??? I'm afraid to look...

Elk,
That is one good lookin Smartwool sweater!! :eek: :p I don't suppose we could get to see a picture of you in it? It is very elegant.
I have a Smartwool midweight zip turtleneck in black from last year that I wear a lot- it's very soft and thick. It's a bit form fitting what with those tapered side seams, so when I'm having a "feeling fat day" I wear it underneath as a warm base layer. ;) (....she says while making a serious dent in her 1 lb. box of Xmas hand dipped chocolate covered cherries as we speak)

I avoid ordering Icebreaker stuff partly due to their main blonde model who is seemingly shaped like a graceful giraffe: http://www.icebreaker.com/site/icebreaker_woman_sport320_rock_zip.html
- those clothes look so long and thin they don't seem like any of them could ever possibly fit me! I have ample hips. I have sturdy thighs. But I have a small waist and I'm not overweight, mind you. ;) But that Icebreaker model looks like she is from another planet than the one I came from. ;-D

I don't remember who it was who suggested starting the "Wool Weenie" thread and naming it that...it was Knot who actually started the thread going, after a bunch of us wool nuts talked about wanting to start a special thread where we could go on and on about wool clothes and compare notes on specific items and alert each other to sales, etc. But I can't remember who specifically suggested the name "wool weenies"- was it Knot? Dianyla? Trek?
I think the word weenie was meant as in a nerd, like a computer nerd or something. A wool nut/wool weenie, something like that, beats me. :confused: :rolleyes: :)

This is the place to post questions about wool clothes, since all of us wool crazies surely check this thread regularly and together we have pooled a large amount of collective experience and "cardal knowledge" (get it? ha ha).

I did NOT get any wool for Xmas- but that's OK! It's because my DH is a Wool Weiner too, and so the two of us just get wool for ourselves as we see fit and whenever there is a clear need. We don't buy each other wool because we each know exactly what we want and need in our own wardrobe. For xmas we get each other good books, chocolates, biking goodies, and little things. We have an understanding that works well.

[elk]

:p
i know what you mean about the Icebreaker model...a giraffe from a very very cold climate...Sweden...maybe Germany...cold....cold cold...and thin and rather dry....

i love the Ibex F models....they all look like my cousins..:)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

i love the Ibex F models....they all look like my cousins..:)

Yes, exactly! (laughing my butt off here while wiping chocolate off my chin)

Who would you rather get lost in frozen Siberia with, I ask you?

http://www.ibex.com/Photos/F07/208_2722.jpg
or
http://www.icebreaker.com/icebreaker/new/images/large_product_image/fw0708/fw0708_w_ibg134102_cwh.jpg

...The first one would sing you comforting songs while you both huddled together against the cold.
...The second one would strangle you in your sleep and eat your liver while it was still warm.

[KnottedYet]

EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW!!!!!

I love my Icebreaker, but that model would turn me off Icebreaker in a second!

eeeeewwwwwwwwwww....

(BTW, I'm built like Annie Lennox, though I look nothing like her, and my Icebreaker zip turtleneck fits over my waist and hips beautifully.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

(BTW, I'm built like Annie Lennox, though I look nothing like her, and my Icebreaker zip turtleneck fits over my waist and hips beautifully.)

Hey, I'm built like Annie Lennox too....maybe we should start a "Built Like Annie Lennox" thread?? :cool:

[KnottedYet]

"eat your liver while it was still warm"

Oh, my Lawrd, Lisa, you are SOOOOO funny!

[mimitabby]

I wish I knew....


well, my poor as a churchmouse son bought me wool for Christmas. he went to Value Village and picked out 3 sweaters. One was a celadon green/blue merino perfect fitting
lovely sweater. I liked it so much I wore it for christmas.
then an orange hoody; nice and perfect for around the house.
The last one is a purple/maroon made of this bumpy stuff, 50% wool.

I keep missing the very best Ibex sales.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wish I knew....


well, my poor as a churchmouse son bought me wool for Christmas. he went to Value Village and picked out 3 sweaters. One was a celadon green/blue merino perfect fitting
lovely sweater. I liked it so much I wore it for christmas.
then an orange hoody; nice and perfect for around the house.
The last one is a purple/maroon made of this bumpy stuff, 50% wool.

I keep missing the very best Ibex sales.

Maybe you miss the Ibex sales but you sure score bigtime in the loving child dept. Which is better? ;)

[Velobambina]

Patagonia Wool Baselayers--Santa brought me a poppy colored zip-T neck (wool 2). It seemed thin, compared to my Smartwool base zip-T necks (med weight--these are my new holy grail baselayers, making me abandon my Craft winter baselayers). This morning, I wore the Patagonia on my ride. Very very soft. Softer than the Smartwool base layers. Felt heavenly against my skin. Well made--no cheapo construction. Seams nicely finished, etc. Kept me warm and dry, even though I worked up a sweat. I give it 4.5 stars out of 5, just because I am not yet sure how it will do when it's bitter cold outside (it was in the mid to high 30s when I rode today).

Found a Wool4 Patagonia zip T-neck on sale and ordered it. LOL.

[mimitabby]

Maybe you miss the Ibex sales but you sure score bigtime in the loving child dept. Which is better? ;)

My kids are great. but I'm a sales junky too. and esp. for wool.
and today is a wooly day here, let me tell you!

[KnottedYet]

mens, in black and in molasses/light brown.

I can wear a men's medium, but I already have the women's version.... can I justify it? SURE! Always room for more woolies, eh?

[itself]

I broke down...we have two mortgages, but I had to take advantage of the fact that Ibex had free shipping and NO tax! Here is Arizona, the 8.3% tax is a killer.

Two mint green woolie zips on there way...had to get one for my partner/stoker! I can't wait!

Lisa :)
ICE X2 Tandem
Aero 24

[Trek420]

Ibex Vertigo Jacket - Women's on SAC, 67% off, oh dear. :eek:

[GLC1968]

Man, I've been checking SAC all day (super bored here at work today) and I still missed the Ibex Vertigo? How does that happen?!? :mad:

I did score some nice Ibex for Christmas. DH bought me the Shak jersey in warm green (I would not have guessed that color would flatter me, but it does!) and my mom got DH and I EACH a $250 GC! I can't decide what I need (vs what I want!). Oh the sheer agony and joy of it...all rolled into one! :p

I also bought DH a few pairs of smartwool socks...so it was definitely a wooly holiday at our house! :D

Speaking of spending my gift certificate: Does anyone have the Carrie Full Zip Hoodie? Do you love it? I'm thinking it'll be a nice 'around the house/town' top. Yes? And then I can also don it for extra cold cycling days (that aren't all that common here)... Opinions?

[trickytiger]

Ahhh, a wool short-sleeve zip neck for $19.99? Yes please! I've had my eye on NAU clothing for awhile- they seem like an interesting company, with a focus on sustainability and eco-design. www.nau.com

I ordered last night- and got my package this morning using NORMAL ground shipping! Amazing! I picked up the woolie tee off the clearance sale, and a pair of bouldering capris (non-wool). Capris I need to exchange for a smaller size, but the shirt will fit in a medium, if only because the small wouldn't fit my shoulders.

The fabric: Very light-weight stretchy wool, soft, beautiful color. I got charcoal grey, and it has almost a lavender-y sheen to it. Good as a summer-weight shirt or first layer.

Construction: Very nice. Seams are well made. The body of the shirt is quite long- it would work well for those of you with long torsos. Includes one small side zip-pocket. This is definitely an understated shirt- simple and clean. No logos or identifying anything. That's why I liked it! Would work with jeans or khakis or my climbing pants!

[KnottedYet]

Ibex Vertigo Jacket - Women's on SAC, 67% off, oh dear. :eek:

Didja buy one?

[KathiCville]

TrickyTiger....You're a shameless enabler, LOL! Thanks to your post, I ordered the same zip-up T in the stone and the charcoal. At that price, it's well worth trying them out......Thanks for the tip!

[snowtulip]

Yup, thanks for the tip, I also bought one for me and they had a similar tee for men, so dh got one too!:D

[Trek420]

65% off on the Womens Arc'teryx Regent Cardigan - Wool :D right now on SAC. Looks very nice but I have wool on order and all my discretionary (and non discretionary) income is going to the remodel

[Bad JuJu]

33 degrees F in northwest Florida when I woke up this morning! See, even Florida provides an occasional opportunity to wear wool--time to raid the cedar chest!:D

[GLC1968]

Trickytiger -

Thanks for posting that Nau site! I also picked up a t for me and for my husband, but I've definitely bookmarked the site. Really interesting clothing (if a little out of my price range) and neat company. I loved picking which charity gets the 5% of my order!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Big wool news here at our house.....

My DH, who is a big wool/merino fan as well, went off by himself today doing various errands in MA.
Well whaddya know...he comes back this afternoon with a black IBEX SHAK that he bought for himself at a MA sporting goods store!!! :eek::eek::eek: His first Ibex piece, and he's always poked fun at my Ibex obsession, calling me an "Ibex Snob". (like there's something wrong with that?) :rolleyes:;)
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=810&VID=9099&Product=Shak-Jersey
He got a half zip Shak in black.
I ribbed him about it of course, but I am actually very pleased and I know it will work well for him and look handsome.

Funny thing is, I kept trying to get him to let me buy him a Shak for Xmas, and he kept saying he didn't want or need one, that his other wool shirts would do him just fine. Hmpf.


P.S. UncleDan's has some very good sale prices on some Ibex items right now:
http://www.udans.com/istar.asp?a=29&manufacturer=IBEX&sortby=&numperpage=60&pos=0

[mimitabby]

for my birthday in late november, my DH bought me some Patagonia capeline underwear. (Is that right?)
Patagonia, I said? OOOO they have wool.
So we went back to the store today and I traded it in for a beautiful wool sweater!
http://static.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/PAT0866/MTTQT.jpg

[Dianyla]

I'm back from New Zealand. OMG, wool heaven! Accidentally *cough* wandered into an Icebreaker store located right in the Queenstown airport. Accidentally *cough* found various pieces here and there on clearance racks in various sporting goods stores in Auckland and Te Anau. Accidentally *cough* came home with, erm, about *cough* 10 *cough* more wool garments than I left home with. Whoops! :eek:


OMG...an Icebreaker store in Portland!?!?! Where?
Yes, it's true! Icebreaker actually moved their main US headquarters to Portland a few months ago, and the Portland storefront is their only retail presence here in the US. Just opened about a month ago. :D

The Icebreaker "Touch Lab" is located downtown in the Pearl District on NW 11th, right across the street from Powell's and right on the streetcar line. They have all sorts of yummy woolies in stock, and they have one of those big pictures with face hole cutouts to stick your head through. So you can even get a photo of yourself as a sheep humping or being humped by another sheep. Classy! :rolleyes:

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Lisa, thanks for the sale tip. How do the sizes run on top? I am a small in shebeest and a med. in PI? Any idea what size to try in IBEX? Is it really not itchy to wear?

[Grog]

Hey Lisa, thanks for the sale tip. How do the sizes run on top? I am a small in shebeest and a med. in PI? Any idea what size to try in IBEX? Is it really not itchy to wear?

I don't know about Shebeest and PI, but I find that the Ibex pieces are not very consistent. Based on my narrow experience, pieces like the Carrie Hoodie and the Ultimate Guide Sweater and the cycling stuff from 2006 are bigger than I expected for a size S. I was told (by Ibex people) that the 2007 cycling gear would be made a bit smaller, but I haven't seen any. I have a size S Shak, however, that is just fine with me (I am a boobless but broad-rib-caged 5'4" 120lbs). The rest was too big. (Although I love the Guide Sweater, even if it's a big big.)

[Triskeliongirl]

I am in love with the strato sweater
http://www.backcountry.com/store/IBX0104/?view_large_image=1&swatch=SSBLK,
pricey, but I don't own any wool sweaters and if I'm gonna buy just one........
From what you say I am tempted by the S. The hip measurements on the M are way too big, but I am borderline in the bust. Do they usually stretch? If they stretch then the S will probably work for me.

[mimitabby]

Nice sweater Trisk. Wool does stretch, sometimes a lot more than you want!

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Mimi. But I'll hold off, its still too expensive. The sale ones aren't in my size and I can only find my size at full price. I also wish it were gray instead of black, as I want it not just for sports, but as an everyday non-bulky but warm cardigan and gray goes best with my clothes. But, I'll watch this thread for sales alerts. Its really hard to buy wool sweaters where I live, but on cold days we really need them since we don't have much for indoor heating systems (or at least my 100 year old victorian house doesn't). Maybe I'll have better luck if I visit a ski store. It is nice to also try stuff on, especially since I am between sizes on top right now. My bottom is reliably a small, but top can depend on the garment.

[itself]

Well we received the Woolie shirts from Ibex, gosh they fit really nice! Question: does it soften up as you wear it? It feels slightly itchy, not bad, but I suspect that washing will soften it like my smartwool.

Lisa :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Well we received the Woolie shirts from Ibex, gosh they fit really nice! Question: does it soften up as you wear it? It feels slightly itchy, not bad, but I suspect that washing will soften it like my smartwool.

Lisa :)

Yes, the ibex woolies do soften up just a bit as they break in.
The other factor is rather subtle- but I found that as I wore merino more often, I began to develop a real liking for that very slight scratchy surface on my skin- it's almost like a soft delicate skin massage, and I have become such a fan of it that I love to sleep in my merino woolies and tights now, just because they FEEL so good on bare skin. :p Wait and see if the same thing happens to you.

Here's a skin ritual i love to do about once every 2 weeks or so:
First I take a hot shower and scrub all over with some fine grain loofah-type shower gloves and shower gel. Then when i get out of the shower I massage some Dr. Hauschka's Arnica & Birch oil all over from head to toe. It's a very fine light silky oil that smells a bit like a forest. It feels satin-y and warming, never oily. Then I slip into some fresh soft merino duds and enjoy the tingly luxury. Aaahhhhhh :D
It's my own "home spa" and the rejuvenating satin effect lasts me for days.

[KnottedYet]

I was wandering around Ibex's site and read their guarantee. If you aren't happy with something, they'll take it back. whenever!

Now, why didn't they tell me that when I wrote about my incredible shrinking Switchback? Ok, fine that they replied it's an unstable fabric and the Switchback is being phased out and replaced by the Shak, but.... could I have sent the mutant Switchback in and traded it for a Shak that wouldn't shrink so much it leaves 4 inches of my wrist hanging out and is so tight it HURTS?

(I washed it exactly ONCE in cold water, I've never had a problem with any other of my 10 or 15 Ibex pieces)

I'm a whiney woolweenie.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am almost positive they will take it back and give you credit. Why wouldn't they, with their guarantee??
Call them on the phone though!

[kjay]

Lisa S.H., I LOVE Dr. Hauschka's products so will definitely try the Arnica & Birch oil. I just wish these products weren't so expensive. Using the Normalizing Day Oil is a very "scentual" experience. Thanks for the tip!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa S.H., I LOVE Dr. Hauschka's products so will definitely try the Arnica & Birch oil. I just wish these products weren't so expensive. Using the Normalizing Day Oil is a very "scentual" experience. Thanks for the tip!

I love the "Moisturizing Day Cream" for my drier more "mature" face skin. :cool:
I agree, if they weren't so damned expensive I'd buy way more of their products. I limit myself to just a few items and try to make them last. So far in my search I have not found any face cream that agrees with me more than the Dr.H's. I just added a few drops of water to the last bit in the bottle this morning so I can coax it out and use up every molecule. :o
If the Birch/Arnica oil didn't last so long I wouldn't buy it again- scarily priced. :eek: But thankfully a little goes a long way- especially if you put it on after the shower, before you are completely dry.

[3weight]

Hey Knotted~
I had an Ibex Guide sweater that I bought last fall (2006). I got it out this winter and I noticed that it had pilled (sp?) really bad even though I had only worn it less than 12 times and never washed it. I emailed Ibex and they offered to replace it for me with another style of sweater (they no longer make a W Guide). I returned it for a Full Zip Shak, no questions asked! I didn't even have to pay for shipping!
That's great customer service!
Teresa :)

[mimitabby]

And Knot, if they don't take it back, there's always someone a little smaller than you around (hint, hint) that might be interested in the sweater (please describe better please?)

you have 15 pieces of IBEX! You are THE QUEEN!!

[KnottedYet]

Not only did it shrink like mad, but it pilled horribly. and the zipper looks funny because it DIDN'T shrink when the fabric did.

Mimi, I really don't think you'd want it.

I'll call them this time instead of emailing.

[mimitabby]

ah, pilling, the death knell of fabric. You're right!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

And Knot, if they don't take it back, there's always someone a little smaller than you around (hint, hint) that might be interested in the sweater (please describe better please?)

you have 15 pieces of IBEX! You are THE QUEEN!!

I dare not count mine, but it way over that. :eek::cool:

[itself]

All right, I admit it, I wore my new Ibex Woolie all day yesterday...we went to REI in our matching green Woolies to get our Ibex Pingo Jackets. I was surprised to see how light these jackets are...do they really keep you warm? They are super comfortable, and we can't wait to try them on the bike.

Thanks for all of the great info on Ibex!

Lisa :)

[KnottedYet]

I dare not count mine, but it way over that. :eek::cool:

Oh, yeah, Lisa has me beat by a mile!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

All right, I admit it, I wore my new Ibex Woolie all day yesterday...we went to REI in our matching green Woolies to get our Ibex Pingo Jackets. I was surprised to see how light these jackets are...do they really keep you warm? They are super comfortable, and we can't wait to try them on the bike.

Thanks for all of the great info on Ibex!

Lisa :)

Next on the long slippery slope you need to experience the Ibex Shak :cool: ....here are some on sale, both men's and womens....:
http://www.udans.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=619!IBEX

[Dianyla]

I dare not count mine, but it way over that. :eek::cool: Oh, yeah, Lisa has me beat by a mile!
Ummmmm....

I sense a POLL coming on! Except... some of us would have to keep changing our answers! :rolleyes:

[GLC1968]

I just got my shipment of Ibex and found another reason to love them. I've discovered (at least for the stuff I've ordered so far) that I am a perfect medium in their clothing! Both tops and bottoms, everything fit perfectly!! That almost NEVER happens to me! :eek:

I've also done a bit of an unintentional side by side comparison of Ibex and Icebreaker. The two items I wear on the weekends most often are an Ibex l/s crew shirt (not sure of the style name) and an Icebreaker zip neck light weight sweater. The shirt gets about twice the wear of the sweater (this is the south, you know!) and yet it looks brand spankin' new. The Icebreaker sweater is all pilled down the inside of the arms and the side of the body. :mad:

Now that I have so many more Ibex items, I won't have to wear the hell out of any one piece and they should all last much longer. See...that's a good reason to purchase more, now isn't it? :D

[mimitabby]

Ummmmm....

I sense a POLL coming on! Except... some of us would have to keep changing our answers! :rolleyes:

you mean like SHOW ME your IBEX???

[KnottedYet]

Ibex Returns?

Called Ibex and told them my tale of woe about my incredible shrinking/pilling switchback. They said to send it in, and depending on the damage when they look at it they'll decide if I can return/exchange it or not.

If they won't take it back, I guess I'll have to put it up for grabs here on Woolweenies. Hopefully they will take it back, cuz both the emails I had with them and the woman I talked to today said they had a problem with the fabric on the switchbacks.

sigh.

GLC - I share your joy over Ibex's sizing. I'm a perfect Large in their tops and bottoms. And the sleeves and legs are long enough! Bliss!

[Natasha]

GLC1968
I noticed the same thing about Ibex and Icebreaker pieces. The Ibex seems much better made and holds up better. Most of the Ibex is made in the US while the Icebreaker is made overseas. I have a few full zip Shaks and I wear them all the time. They never seem to get smelly or dirty, so don't need washing very often. They are very durable also. The norgie crew and zepher are other great Ibex pieces.
My next purchase may be a pair of el fito knickers for biking. What is the experience of those who have them? Thanks for the input.

[KnottedYet]

Natasha - I have a pair of the El Fitos, they must be about 2 years old now. I love them! Even after a couple years of pretty hard use (and washing after every use) they still look just as good as they did when they were new. No pilling, no thinning.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=27055

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Ibex Pico is now on sale from $95 to $65:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=841&VID=9569&Product=Pico-Zip-T

I too like that most of Ibex's things are made in USA from New Zealand merino.

I have Ibex lightwt woolie base layer top and also Smartwool lightwt base layer top. I've been wearing both for months, washed both quite a few times.
They both seem the same weight. The Ibex ones have raglan shoulder seams and long cuffs, whereas the SW sleeves have regular shoulder seams and a simple hem at the ends of the sleeves.

The SW ones have had two little holes where my fingers actually went right through the fabric when pulling them on (i've repaired them). Plus the SW ones have a problem with the hem stitching unraveling here and there. The Ibex base layers have not had either problem so far.
Still, they are small annoyances and I still like my Smartwool things a lot for other reasons.

[GLC1968]

"Steep & Deep" winter sale at Nau! http://www.nau.com

50% off most of their stuff...

I'm still waiting on the s/s merino tee I ordered last week, but I'm tempted to try one of the long sleeve versions now that they are so much more affordable! :)

[Triskeliongirl]

www.udans.com has a bunch of Ibex stuff on sale, including Shaks (my favorite piece).
Merry Christmas to everyone.

Thanks for the tip (and all the great recs on this piece as well as the sizing info. from all)! I just ordered my first IBEX sweater, the shak in gray on sale. I ordered it to go with some black and dark gray wool pants I just got, and I especially want to use it for a feb. trip to the northeast, as well as when a cold front hits us here in south texas. Based on what you guys said about sizing, I ordered the small, hope it works out!

[Triskeliongirl]

Its been years since I owned wool. Even though I live in a mild climate when I lost weight I found I got cold a lot more easily, so recently I bought a wool suit, pants and the above sweater. What do you think of those Dryell cleaning products (where you briefly put the items in a large zippered bag in the dryer w a treated sheet). Will the pieces last longer cleaned this way, dry cleaned, or hand washed?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks for the tip (and all the great recs on this piece as well as the sizing info. from all)! I just ordered my first IBEX sweater, the shak in gray on sale. I ordered it to go with some black and dark gray wool pants I just got

I'm not so sure the "Thistle heather" color is actually gray. I think it's more like a grayish purple/eggplant. On my monitor the full zip shak in Thistle looks clearly grayish purple:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=846&VID=9608&Product=Shak-Full-Zip
Might go well with your grey pieces anyway though. :)
Anyone have a 'thistle heather" piece and can let us know?

Hope your shak fits well when it arrives!

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, if it isn't perfect I can always send it back, but the pants are a very dark grey, almost a charocoal, so even if its a purple gray I think it will work. While I got it on sale it was still expensive, and at least I didn't have to pay shipping to me, but I will send it back it I am not 100% happy with the color and fit. I am much more into owning a small number of pieces I love than a lot of so-so stuff that I got on sale. Also, when I travel I want to be able to pack a min. of pieces to get a lot of different outfits.

I am nervous about the size, since while on the bottom I am a solid small on top I am between a small and medium. I went with the small since Catherine said she is a perfec M in it, and at the moment I am lighter than her. I do like a slim fit, (will put only one light layer under it), and I do find that I prefer smalls in stretchy fabrics (its my bust that is a tad large rel. to the rest of my body), since they usually have no problem stretching over my boobs. Sometimes smalls run short in the bodice and sleeves, but the reported sleeve measurement looks good on this in small. We'll see.......

But please answer my query on wool care. I am about to put my new pants in the dryer with the Dryerell unless you guys tell me to take them to the dry cleaner.


I'm not so sure the "Thistle heather" color is actually gray. I think it's more like a grayish purple/eggplant. On my monitor the full zip shak in Thistle looks clearly grayish purple:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=846&VID=9608&Product=Shak-Full-Zip
Might go well with your grey pieces anyway though. :)
Anyone have a 'thistle heather" piece and can let us know?

Hope your shak fits well when it arrives!

[GLC1968]

Yep, I have the Carrie Hoodie in the thistle heather. It's definitely a greyish purple color. Mine has a charcoal grey stripe and the thistle part is clearly much more purple-y than the stripe. I do think it would go nicely with dark grey or black though. Anything does...those are neutrals! :)

For washing, I have washed most of my knit Ibex stuff in the washer on gentle (in cold). I make sure not to use fabric softener and I air dry everything. I do use Dryel for wool work wear...particularly jackets or pants that have a lining. It freshens them up nicely and allows you to go much longer between dry cleanings.

I have also found that with the exception of dog hair (a big issue in my life!), my wool items just don't need cleaning as often as other stuff.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Catherine! I do think the purply tint will work well for me. I bought 4 wool pieces on sale at Ann Taylor Loft, one jacket in charcoal gray with 2 pairs of pants in the same fabric/color (i.e. a separates suit), and 2 pairs of pants in black. While I can wear the gray pants with the matching jacket to make a formal suit, I thought the shak would be good for dressing it down a little, but still looking neat, and also to pair with the black pants for I guess what one might call a 'business casual/sporty' look. Or even pair it with jeans for going really sporty.

I hope the small works out, sometimes I order both a small and medium and send one back. Catherine, based on our relative sizes do you think I ordered the right size? I could always phone them if it hasn't shipped yet and add the M to the order. For comparison, the suit I bought was size 4 in the pants and 6 in the jacket (yay for separates!). In the AFTER pic I posted on the 2007 results thread ( post #30 at http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=20639&page=2)
I am wearing a small in the shebeest tights and jersey. I am more often a small than a medium, but do sometimes have to size up to M, especially in garments with no stretch.

[GLC1968]

I don't have a Shak (yet) but my guess is that you probably are a small. I don't have your 'endowment' ;) but based on the items I do have, they seem to be pretty generous in that area. I'm actually boderline between M and S, and since you are now smaller than me, I'm sure you chose correctly. I've not had any of my Ibex stuff shrink on me, either. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Trisk.- It sounds like the small shak would be the right size for you. I'm usually a medium size in tops in general, and the shak half zip in medium fits me very well. I also have a shak full zip that I often will wear over it like a sweater set, and I purposely got that in large so it fits well over the medium shak.
If you are normally small, the shak in small should fit.
I have washed my shaks quite a few times already on gentle, lukewarm water, in the machine, using Woolite, then dried on LOW dryer setting (with a fabric softener because that's the only thing that really gets the cat hair to come off), and they come out just fine and have not shrunk more than a microscopic amount, nor pilled or anything. Shaks are great.
I agree, the Thistle will go well with your black and gray items, and will look elegant but sporty. :)

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Catherine and Lisa! Yeh, I love that I can move from work to play in it. Sometimes I bring my bike on a professional trip, or even go to meetings at ski resorts, so I think I will get a lot of uses from this one piece. I am convinced I'm gonna like the color but now I just hope that I will like the fit. That's the worst thing about internet shopping, you really just don't know until you try it on.

[Natasha]

I have a full zip Shak in the thistle heather color. It is purply-gray. Kind of a muted color. I wear it with black mostly, but it would look good with gray also. The shaks seem to run pretty true to size, though somewhat slim. If you wear a small in Shebeest tops, you probably want a small shak. I usually wear a medium in Shebeest and the Ibex pieces usually fit great in medium. The shak fabric is pretty stretchy and very comfortable.

[itself]

Ok, this is going to be a long post, but we will need your recommendations! It was high forties last night, when we went for our first ride with our new Ibex Woolie Shirts and Ibex Pingo jackets. We wore light fleece tights, and backlava for our heads.

Observations: We both started out a bit chilly, but about 15 minutes into the ride, I felt great. Good enough to zip down my Pingo jacket. My stoker, however, was comfortable, but kept hers zipped.

An hour into the ride, we begin a half hour ascent up a 4% grade hill. Still feeling really comfortable. Ah, but then the descent...we both froze! But once that was done, I felt comfortable again, Laurie was hanging in there.

The Woolie shirt is comfortable, and absorbed the sweat well. The Pingo jacket was great for the wind. It's so light you feel like you have nothing on. So "A" for comfort for sure.

Two hours into the ride (it's night time!), I still felt good, but my arms were cold. Laurie was cold on her chest (and her jacket was still zipped).

Ok, so what could we change/add?

1. I perspire a lot. I definitely felt post ride that I was not frozen like I was in my smartwool mid and bellweather jacket. I think the lighter layering worked for me, but my arms were still cold. When I took my pearl izumi backlava off, my head was soked. Ideas on how I could change/add to my layering. I'm so close to being perfectly comfortable!

2. Laurie was frozen post ride. She has in the past worn a lot more layers than me and doesn't perspire and is more comfortable. Ideas on what she should add for layers?

The woolie base layer is without question, the best one I have used yet, but I was using a smartwool midweight (we used to live in Maine). Living in Arizona we can definitely lighten up, but I can't explain the cold here,it CAN definitely get to you.

Thanks for your help gals...we really appreciate any suggestions!

Lisa & Laurie
ICE X2 Tandem bike riders

[GLC1968]

Hi Lisa!

I would add layers where you are coldest. My husband and I have similar issues...when he gets cold, it's usually his arms. For me, it's my chest. I just bought an Ibex tank that I plan to wear under my wool baselayer or jersey. Often, I can get away with just a wind vest where my husband needs a full jacket. And I've also been known to keep an extra wind vest with me for cases where I'm not quite layered enough. My H, on the other hand, just purchased the wool armwarmers from Ibex. His plan is to wear them under his jacket (over the wool baselayer) to add warmth where he needs it.

Of course, neither of us have tried this yet because wouldn't you know it...our new wool arrives and we get a warm front! :p

[SouthernBelle]

Ditto wearing arm warmers over the base layer. I just tried it last week and it helped a lot.

[sandra]

Not Ibex, but Eddie Bauer has this wool sweater (http://www.eddiebauer.com/eb/product.asp?product_id=32000&nv=3|21473|21291|21296&lview=&cm_cg=C21296&tid=&c=&sc=&lp=w1i004)50% off. It's cute for you ladies in colder climates.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa/Laurie- I would add a half-zip Ibex Shak....over your woolie, under the pingo jacket. If that proves to be too hot, then skip the woolie and wear the shak instead with the pingo on top. That should do it. :) Look a few posts back to the link to Udans.com for shaks on sale right now. They run pretty true to size.
Another solution would be to wear two woolies instead of one. That would probably work too, but the shak might be more fun to have in general. :p



P.S. My husband just ordered his second shak. When he got the first one, he said he was "only going to wear it for biking". Hah! I knew that wouldn't last, because they are just too damned comfy and tempting to put on. Sure enough, he was wearing it every day this past week....said he was "testing" it. Hah!
He confessed today that he has ordered a second shak. :D :D

[Duck on Wheels]

I want to thank expert wool weenie KnottedYet for the advice she gave Trek420 on woolie items for me for Channuka. I wore the Ibex glove liners and the woolie boolie socks today (inside my OR mittens and NorthFace down boots respectively) and my fingers and toes have never before been so toasty on a January day here before. Admittedly, it wasn't all that cold for this time of year, but colder than yesterday when my toastiness level left that little bit extra to be desired.

[Zen]

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb14/zencentury/WoolWeenie.jpg
Woolrich, fleece lined :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

No cell phone pocket?


A woof wool weiner!

[Zen]

No cell phone pocket?




It's in the back ;)

[wavedancer]

XL only :(

[Triskeliongirl]

The Shak arrived, and it is even nicer than pictured. Lisa was right, the color is a purply gray, but that is fine, still goes very nicely with my black and charcoal wool pants, jeans, and bike tights. The small is perfect, and I really can see using this to bike, ski, work, or lounge around the house in. Not cheap (even on sale), but a great piece. Its a tad lighter than I was expcting, but no worries, it still layers well over my T-necks, or layers under my cycling vests and shells and everyday jackets. Already I can see cycling in it with my terry windpro vest with the back pockets on the vest........ The quality is impeccable, and the wool really is soft, not at all scratchy.

So, thanks for all the sage advice from the senior wool weenies!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Now you should get the full zip shak in matching color, in medium (one size larger), to wear like a cardigan over your small half zip shak...a sweater set! I "double shak" for extra warmth. :p The full zip shak has a cool little cell phone pocket, too! :D
I think you are going to find you want to wear it every day.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I did get the full zip shak, so too late, but that's OK. I would still rather have silk or cotton directly on my skin, but it layers beautifully over the cotton and silk base layers I have already.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I did get the full zip shak, so too late, but that's OK. I would still rather have silk or cotton directly on my skin, but it layers beautifully over the cotton and silk base layers I have already.

Oh that's nice! I tend to like the full zip just a bit more than the half zip- it's more "sleek". But they ARE nice to double up when it's really cold.

I can't wait to see what colors they will be offering in the shaks next autumn. I have only gotten black and brown from this year's color offerings. I'm hoping that maybe one of the colors for next year will be so yummy that I'll "have to" get another one. :cool:

[Libbitz]

My boyfriend bought me a Warmfront chest warmer for Christmas when he was in Colorado over the holidays. I thought it was a little ridiculous, but I love LOVE L-O-V-E it!!!!

:) After reading this thread, I thought it would help a lot of us...

[Triskeliongirl]

:eek: Well, I haven't removed my shak since I 'tried it on' (except to cut off the tags and sleep). I thought I couldn't wear wool, allergic, but this stuff is different. Today was a drizzling chilly day for south texas (40s rain) and it kept me toasty warm outside with just a columbia shell, and took the bite out of the dampness indoors too. So what did I do tonite? I ordered the "organic sweater" on sale at the ibex site. This time I went with a M to layer over my heavier cotton ribbed turtlenecks. I also like it will go with my black and charcoal gray wool pants, and jeans. I thought I didn't need this stuff, but without central heating it gets chilly in south texas. I can't believe I am spending money like this. The full zip shak is great, but a tad light and small for layering over heavy pieces. I think this piece will be very complementary. Now, I am ready for my feb. trip to the chilly east coast!!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

:D :D :D :D
Ibex sale!!! Bella vest was $130, now $89 until Jan 31!!!!
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=849&VID=9657&Product=Bella-Vest

(Note: the black color is marked as not available until Jan 23....)

[itself]

The Ibex Boucele is on sale. Anyone have one and what is the difference from their other pieces?

Lisa :)

[Triskeliongirl]

The ibex organic sweater I just ordered above was also a good sale, $125 marked down from $225.

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=678&Outlet=1&VID=7318&Product=Organic-Sweater

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The Ibex Boucele is on sale. Anyone have one and what is the difference from their other pieces?

Lisa :)

I don't have any Ibex boucle pieces, but the Ibex boucle description says:

Boucle must be French for “this much indulgence can’t possibly be legal.” This ultra-cozy, smooth-on-the-inside, looped-on-the-outside double-knit merino provides superior warmth retention and the softest exterior you’ve ever felt.


Sounds kind of thick but soft. NZ Merino wool, of course.

[Libbitz]

This photo was on the Warmfront website. I like that Ibex jacket!:)