WoolWeenies Club

[Triskeliongirl]

I do agree, the Mollie Jacket is very nice, I just found it ran tight in the bust so I needed to size up with layers underneath, and didn't buy it just cuz I didn't really NEED a heavy wool jacket. But it is a very beautiful piece. I tried it on in charcoal gray. I was tempted, at 50% off, but just didn't need it. I was also tempted by the strato sweater that site also has at 50% off, but at this point I am done shopping for the year, and with 2 shaks I also simply don't need it. I've never seen a strato sweather but it looks *very nice*. But I gotta save to pay my kids next tuition bills, so no more wool for me.........

[Dianyla]

What's the zipper like on the current full-zip Shaks? I just picked up an older (I think two seasons back) full-zip in a really light Sea Mist blue. The zipper is a big ol' sharp toothy metal one. Not at all like the zipper on my half-zip Shak, which is a nice fine-toothed softer one (and I think is just one season back). Hmmph.

That Thistle Heather sure is purty... I might be tempted to return the Sea Mist older clearance Shak for a full-zip newer Thistle if the zippers are nicer. Help! Need enabling!

Urk. Wait. I don't need more enabling. I just ordered the Dash tights, Alyx jacket, and a pair of gloves off of Ibex last night. And then this morning I logged on and noticed the new thongs. OMG, THONGS!!! Yay!!! :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

A medium Carrie Hoody might fit you, if you are usually a 10. Why not get the last medium (in charcoal) as well as a vest?

temptation is *good*! :D

The Large carrie hoody fits me beautifully over one or two shaks. I'm 5'5" 148 lbs.
I might fit into a carrie hoody medium but I wouldn't be able to wear much under it. Then too I am small busted. (hey there's that song again!)

KNot-I think the Carrie is just a bit warmer weight fabric than the shaks. But both are wonderful. My carrie hoody goes wonderfully over a shak. I've been wearing my emerald green Carrie a lot lately.

Dianyla- my half zip black shak has the thin nylon-y zipper as you describe. My (also new) black full zip shak has a slightly heavier metal zipper. I wouldn't call it sharp or toothy though- more like a "regular" zipper. definitely bigger than the 1/2 zip's though.

[sandra]

The Large carrie hoody fits me beautifully over one or two shaks. I'm 5'5" 148 lbs.
I might fit into a carrie hoody medium but I wouldn't be able to wear much under it.
:eek: I may end up sending everything back and getting a Shak, which is what I probably should have done in the first place. I just can't resist a good sale.

[Triskeliongirl]

The zippers on my full zip shaks are made of metal, but nothing obejectionable, that is there is plenty of fabric under them so they don't bother my skin and seem very high quality. Not sure what the ones you are comparing them to are like. The thistle heather is a very nice color, a purply gray. It goes very nice with many colors, grays, blacks, purples, greens, pinks.

[Triskeliongirl]

Sandra, the shaks at uncle dan's are good sales!

[Dianyla]

Dianyla- my half zip black shak has the thin nylon-y zipper as you describe. My (also new) black full zip shak has a slightly heavier metal zipper. I wouldn't call it sharp or toothy though- more like a "regular" zipper. definitely bigger than the 1/2 zip's though.
Checking again - I'd compare my fullzip Shak's zipper to the zipper on a pair of denim jeans. Is that what yours is like?

I guess I was hoping it'd be more like the Skyline's zipper.:cool:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I forgot to add that I still think the full zip shak is the best piece to have if you are only gonna own one because of its versatility. Uncle Dan's still has them on sale. Its a a good mid-weight sweater. The kate is a light base, the ribbie is a mid-weight base (both layer nicely under shak), the shak is a mid-weight sweater, the carrie hoodie is also a mid-weight sweater more casual than the shak, while the mollie a heavy weight jacket/short coat. I would layer the carrie hoodie over either a base or shak, and the mollie definitely over a shak and carrie hoodie.

Good evaluations, Trisk. :) I think if i could only (God forbid) have two Ibex items, I would want a black full zip shak and my Ibex heavy wool tights.


Hey New England gals, save something to buy tomorrow!

DebW and Robyn and I are meeting up tomorrow in Western MA at a sports shop that carries a whole line of Ibex. It's my first time actually meeting other TE'ers- I'm hepped up! I'm bringing my camera. :p

Dianyla- yes the shak zipper is rather like jeans zippers, but not brass, more a soft dark grey finish.
Yes the full zip zipper is not as "demure" as the Skyline zipper. I actually like the heavier zipper on the full zip shak- makes it less "girly" and more commanding somehow. I was ogling that ice blue shak on Udan's, but figured it would emphasize my pot belly just like the oatmeal colored Carrie did when I tried it on. I guess I should stick to darker colors. :(

[sandra]

I can't wait to see pictures of your meet up.

I feel certain I've made mistakes with my order. Here I was being so guarded and slow to order then suddenly ordered on impulse. :eek: Oh well, the shipping is free and I can alway return or sell here. Nothing lost. At least I can see and touch a few pieces and check sizing.

[Dianyla]

I'm... adjusting to the idea of the zipper. It just wasn't what I was expecting, I guess! Hmm. I could get behind the idea of commanding. :cool:


I was ogling that ice blue shak on Udan's, but figured it would emphasize my pot belly just like the oatmeal colored Carrie did when I tried it on. I guess I should stick to darker colors. :(
It probably doesn't do my kangaroo pouch any favors, but... well, my lower belly protrudes no matter what I wear. So I might as well just wear wool anyway! :rolleyes:

[sandra]

One thing about being big busted, it keeps me in proportion. I never have to worry about my belly sticking out further than by boobs.:D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm... adjusting to the idea of the zipper. It just wasn't what I was expecting, I guess! Hmm. I could get behind the idea of commanding. :cool:


Think "Harley Davidson chick of the Andes" or something.


One thing about being big busted, it keeps me in proportion. I never have to worry about my belly sticking out further than by boobs.

Too funny!

[Triskeliongirl]

Look Sandra, I too ordered a lot of stuff I returned. At least shipping one way was free. Why don't you also order a shak, and then just keep the pieces you love. I found the sizing on the shak ran smaller (by that I mean I was a solid small in shak, but medium in mollie) than the other pieces, unless you want to size up to layer a lot under it. I can nicely get a mid-weight small base (ribbie) under my small shak, but for where I live like it best with a small light-weight base (like my kate). My bases are both size small, but the ribbie is more form fitting. If you look at their item descriptions, the ribbie is described as form fit and kate as semi-fit which is accurate.

[Dianyla]

One thing about being big busted, it keeps me in proportion. I never have to worry about my belly sticking out further than my boobs.:D
Yes! I'm just glad they stick out further! :D


Think "Harley Davidson chick of the Andes" or something.
Bwahahaa!! Oh yah, something like that.

I think I just might order a darker colored Shak. Looking at the Sea Mist pale blue again, what I don't like about the zipper is how it stands out as a dark color against the light wool. The Thistle just wouldn't have that problem. Now would it? :rolleyes:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

No, but you look so good in pale blue! :( Quick!- think "Harley Davidson chick floating in a pale shimmering tide pool with-little-bits-of-dark-coral in the Andes"!

:o

Hey I gotta go to bed!
Now all of you- step aw-a-y from the credit cards...... :mad:

[KnottedYet]

My credit card is a source of trouble...

At the moment I have a Terry order, High Country order, and Timex order winging their way toward me.

I have GOT to stop ordering!

[elk]

well dear Knot...you might have to do what I did...stay away from the wool weenies club for awhile so all the sale notices quit sailing into yr inbox!!!
OR
lose your DSL connection for 3 days...cold turkey.that just happened to me...i'm not sure it worked though.....i just bought a LST from Rooted to Nature...another place eager to meet you...:D

[Crankin]

Deb, Lisa, and I, along with my husband met at the Arcadian Shop today to BUY. Lisa was right near the door when we walked in, and Deb arrived shortly after. We spent about 2 hours looking and we all bought more than one item, at least one being Ibex, which was all 20% off. I bought a full zip Shak, in brown, along with a commuter bag. Everything at this store was high quality, the people who worked there were nice, and the coffee was excellent!
I haven't laughed this much in a long time! We got one of the employees to take pictures; only one of mine came out decently (I think I am the most un-photogenic person around). Let's just say that Lisa had the poor girl taking our picture take quite a few; the other customers in the store weren't quite sure what was going on. After coffee and talking for about another hour, we went to lunch at a great bistro where we proceeded to laugh for another hour or more. I am a lot poorer, but this was a fun way to spend the day.

[Triskeliongirl]

We need a FULL report. What did everyone else buy???

[Crankin]

Well, my husband bought an Ibex hat, a Mountain Hardwear jacket, and a Prana fleece. Oh and some thingys to hold our nordic skis together. Deb bought a pair of El Fito (sp) knickers and an Ibex base layer T. You know, I can't remember what Lisa bought. She was trying on stuff long after Steve, Deb, and I were in the cafe...

[mimitabby]

oh how fun!! thanks for the photo!

[DebW]

It was a fun day for us wool weenies. I bought a pair of 3/4 jane long underwear pants in large and El Fito bike knickers in medium. Lisa bought the lodden mittens, and I don't know what else.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh wow, we did have fun! Our router went bonko today and poor DH has been fixing things for several hours so I had to have my computer turned OFF all this time until just now....:eek: :eek: :eek:

Yes I bought the Ibex Loden mittens, I bought one Ibex black Kate (large) and one pair of Patagonia Capilene panties to check out.... :p
I loved how the dusty lavender Kate looked on me but they only had medium which was a bit too huggy. Deb had her eye on the one large black Kate....but I got it first!
Yes I took a long time- but hey I had a good excuse- I ran into TWO different other people from my town there at the store and wound up talking with them as well. (yeah, that's it....)


Ok, here are the best pix.... DebW is in the grey shirt, Robyn is in the half-zip hooded shak, Robyn's husband (whose name I know but will let her reveal it if she so chooses!) is the manly one, and I am in the skirt. I thought it was funny that he bought more stuff than any of us others. ;)

Do you see the photo with all the clothes on display?- well that was only maybe 60% of their Ibex section. (drool drool)
All the Ibex was on sale at 20% off. Yeah we might have gotten another 10% off elsewhere but at least we knew if they had our size and colors right there and then. Sales tax vs. shipping cancel each other out. Plus it was worth something to be able to try things on and feel them and also support a local store. It was great to see the Ibex online items "come to life" right there. You wound up saying to yourself Oh, that's not as cool as I thought...or Oh, this is nicer than it seemed online! We had a lot of trouble making the new two-way zippers work properly on the Pingo Jackets, so did another woman. Too bad, as they were great jackets. They are really going to have to fix that.

I think they must have thought we were a bunch of VIPs in the Arcadian Shop with all the picture taking (and what's wrong with that I ask?). :-D
Everyone was really sweet and fun to be with. We discovered yet more Ibex stuff hidden in the biking dept- that's where the El Fitos and arm warmers, etc were, plus some Ibex jerseys with back pockets.

Our lunch nearby was really nice. I wanted to have the waitress take photos of that part of the visit in the pretty restaurant (not the ArcadianShop cafe you see here), but I was afraid the other 3 would be too mortified and start a mutiny after the Arcadian Shop picture session if I attempted to do it again.

P.S. My legs are so NOT that fat! =8-O

5292

5293

5294

5295

[KnottedYet]

posed artfully amongst the Ibex!

[elk]

I have the brown FZ shak and I wish I'd bought the black...but I LOVE my brown and red Norgie...I just wish it was a wee bit longer....

I 'm going to Boston on Wed and need to layer up....!! nothing will get here in time though....:(


p.s. edit
I guess I must've really missed you guys because I just sunk another small fortune in Ibex: another echo T, the Shak jersey in black and a pair of the loose tights...

oy!! what happens in the summer!!! a whole NEW wardrobe?!?!?!?

[Triskeliongirl]

OK, you guys are so bad I broke down and made another order. I finally bought the black strato sweater at the 50%off sale at High Country. It was the first ibex sweater I saw that I really wanted but wasn't willing to pay full price for. For 77.50 with free shipping I couldn't resist. Isn't she pretty?

Did any of you guys try it on today? How did it fit compared to the shak? I ordered the last black small they had.

I tell myself a girl has to have 3 sweaters, right?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Elk & Trisk- quit blaming us for your sins! We have enough of our own!!! :cool:

Elk- you can't go wrong with the black shak. If you love your Norgie why not get the one in the reverse colors of the brown/red one you have- the red/brown?
I love my black/chalk Skyline and my heavy ribbies. I don't like the lighter colored Skylines because they are not as slimming and also the chest pocket lining makes an odd bump in the front bust area on one side. Can't see that in the black one at all.
Always love my shaks best though.

Trisk- that sweater looks gorgeous. I'm sure it must be slightly heavier than the shak- as it should be.

Dianyla- did you decide about the pale blue shak yet?

[KnottedYet]

I tell myself a girl has to have 3 sweaters, right?

Oh, much more than 3!!!

[Triskeliongirl]

Well seeing you guys in that shop surrounded by all that Ibex just did something to me......... But I did resist the Mollie Jacket which I really don't need, and the Bella Vest, which fortunatly also sold out in my color/size as I hesitated!

Yes it does seem heavier than the shaks, so I can say its different then, right? I just hope its not too heavy for where I live like the organic sweater was. Too bad it will arrive after my trip, but I know I'll use it on those days when I can't get my house to warm up and when I travel to a cold place.

These sweaters should last a long time, and it was such a good sale......... I resisted when ibex reduced them to $98, but for $77 I know I would have regretted not ordering it.

Lisa, enjoy your Kate! Its my favorite thing to pair with my shaks.

[elk]

OK...about the Kate...the neckline looks kind of open..wide, low....

I don't like wind on my collarbone...:eek:


Lisa...I don't blame you...it's how we bond...;)

[Crankin]

I really liked the Kate, too, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend $90.00 on what is essentially a LS T shirt. I will look for some merino shirts, but probably Smart wool or other brand that are a bit cheaper.
It's going to be in the low 40's today, so I will probably wear my new Shak full zip as a jacket today.
Lisa, Steve could out buy any woman, I am quite sure! Of course, he gets excited about buying things like special bags to pick up leaves and snow blowers, but he likes buying clothes, especially clothes for all of the outdoor activities we do. I mean, you couldn't possibly wear your cycling clothes for hiking??? (actually I wear my heavy cycling jerseys for everything).

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, I also got my Kates at 50% off..... The neckline isn't that low. I also think they look a lot dressier than a T-shirt, and aren't see through even though they are light weight. I like them a lot layered under my shak. If its cold I can zip up the shak but I find they keep me from overheating. I also like that they don't look like long underwear, but I wouldn't have paid more than I did for them either.

Thanks for the pictures and reports! Sounds like you guys had a nice day!

[sandra]

I'm on hold with high country outfitters. I have canceled the mollie jacket and the carrie hoody. I'm going to go ahead and try the vest.

[KnottedYet]

Be sure to tell them we love their prices and their free shipping and their no-tax!

[GLC1968]

Damn you, Woolweenies! :p

Thanks to this thread, I just HAD to check out HighCountry and I just HAD to get another Carrie hoody! But, to be fair, I also found the rain jacket I just tried on at REI yesterday for $30 off and no tax. I bought one for both myself and my DH. So it was worth the visit even though it did set me back another $220. :mad::D

I still covet a black full zip shak...but I can't afford it just yet. Ugh! I'm afraid they'll sell out everywhere before I can spare the cash to buy one!

Oh, and for anyone looking at both, the full zip shak is definitely heavier than the half zip one. I have last years full zip (in orange) and it's more jacket-like than my half-zip...which I would consider more of a knit shirt. And the full zip has a heavier weight zipper to go with the heavier fabric. Love them both, though!!

[sandra]

Gulp. Ok. I did it.

Since I canceled the other order, I just ordered the Full Zip Shak in Thistle Heather size L from Uncle Dan's. $105. Free shipping.

I would have ordered Black, but I have the Ibex Cirque jacket in black and most all of my bottoms are black. Thistle heather will give me some contrast. The brown was tempting. I love brown.

Finally. I hope the Large fits.

Now, please tell me again how much I'm going to love it.

[GLC1968]

Sandra - you are going to love it! And the thistle heather is a GREAT and useful color!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I still covet a black full zip shak...but I can't afford it just yet. Ugh! I'm afraid they'll sell out everywhere before I can spare the cash to buy one!

Oh, and for anyone looking at both, the full zip shak is definitely heavier than the half zip one. I have last years full zip (in orange) and it's more jacket-like than my half-zip...which I would consider more of a knit shirt. And the full zip has a heavier weight zipper to go with the heavier fabric. Love them both, though!!

Don't worry about the black shak selling out before you get one. Shaks are Ibex's top selling item and they will continue to make them- especially in black. That's also why they go on sale less often- because they are never something that has to be phased out and sold off, unless it's some odd color.

I must disagree with you about the fullzip shak being heavier than the halfzip shak though. I have both a full and half in brown, and also in black. The material is identical in the full zips and the half zips. Perhaps the heavier zipper in the full zip makes it seem heavier- also the front left chest pocket (great for keeping your cell phone from freezing in the cold) which has a pocket liner adds a bit of an extra layer on one side in front. I tried the shak hoody on once too and that was again the same weight material. The full zip has additional curved "style" seams in lower front too, which almost make it seem like they are lined jackets...but they're not, it's just a style feature.

Sandra- i think the Mollie jacket would have been to heavy for you in your area. But the Carrie might have worked- it's like a fine terrycloth-textured hooded sweatshirt but more stylin' and wool of course.

The Kate definitely looks more elegant than my Smartwool LS crew pullovers...but I like them both. I could wear the Kate over a skirt and look very nice for going out to dinner, etc. I got the Kate to wear in less cold weather when I don't need to warm my neck. If anyone sees a Kate in that lavender in size Large anywhere- let me know. :)

[sandra]

Sandra- i think the Mollie jacket would have been to heavy for you in your area. But the Carrie might have worked- it's like a fine terrycloth-textured hooded sweatshirt but more stylin' and wool of course.

It probably would work, but I feel sure the size I ordered (M, because that was all they had) would NOT have worked. I'm hoping this Large shak will fit and I don't need the XL.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Oh yeah, a medium Carrie would probably have been snug. The large shak might fit just fine (mine is a bit roomy), plus it is incredibly versatile.

Robyn- tell Steve I really get my money's worth from all my wool, because I wear many of the same items whether I'm out at a party, supermarket shopping, hiking, sleeping, snowshoeing, rollerskating, or biking! For biking i just add a chamois, gloves, helmet, and maybe a hi-res vest. I don't even put on special biking shoes. :D :rolleyes: Thus, I can use somewhat the same wardobe for each activity. :p Saves a lot of time on changing clothes!

[sandra]

Well, in just a little over a month we will be going to the mountains for our son's wedding. It snowed there last week. See how I justified my shak? I'm worried that the L will be too small, but if yours is a little loose, maybe it will be fine.

[mimitabby]

Did I just hear Trisk wondering if it was okay to have 3 sweaters?
PUHLEASE!

I have millions of sweaters! i don't know if I could count them!

[GLC1968]

I must disagree with you about the fullzip shak being heavier than the halfzip shak though. I have both a full and half in brown, and also in black. The material is identical in the full zips and the half zips. Perhaps the heavier zipper in the full zip makes it seem heavier- also the front left chest pocket (great for keeping your cell phone from freezing in the cold) which has a pocket liner adds a bit of an extra layer on one side in front. I tried the shak hoody on once too and that was again the same weight material. The full zip has additional curved "style" seams in lower front too, which almost make it seem like they are lined jackets...but they're not, it's just a style feature.


I wonder if it's because my full zip shak is from last year (or older) - it's the persimmon color - that it's different? My half-zip is this year's model. There is definitely a weight difference in mine...weird. It's so noticeable that I didn't even think that my half-zip was a shak at all until I saw the receipt from when my husband bought it for me!


Oh, and I scored a Nolita jacket off ebay for $70 last week. :D It just came on Friday and I LOVE it - such a flattering shape! (but it's a wool coat - almost too heavy for NC except on the coldest days - hopefully it'll be more usefull in the PNW).

[Natasha]

High country outfitters cancelled my order for a medium carrie hoody, saying they are out. If anybody has a medium they do not want please let me know.
Thank you.

[sandra]

They should have one...the one that I canceled this morning. Call them on the phone and check.

They told me that the mollie jacket was really heavy, like a pea jacket.

[Natasha]

I checked by e-mail and they say they are out of all mediums. Oh well.

[GLC1968]

I checked by e-mail and they say they are out of all mediums. Oh well.


Damn! When did you order? I just ordered a medium this morning but I cannot check my personal email from work to see if mine was also cancelled. I hope not! :(

[Natasha]

I ordered Saturday, but they did not let me know until today.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wonder if it's because my full zip shak is from last year (or older) - it's the persimmon color - that it's different? My half-zip is this year's model. There is definitely a weight difference in mine...weird. It's so noticeable that I didn't even think that my half-zip was a shak at all until I saw the receipt from when my husband bought it for me!


Hey maybe your older full zip "shak" is actually a full zip Switchback- which they did make last year in the Persimmon color. I don't think they had persimmon shaks. The switchback is definitely a thicker wool than the shaks. Is this what your full zip looks like?- this is a switchback persimmon full zip:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=610&Outlet=1&VID=6605&Product=Switchback-Full-Zip

Natasha- If sandra cancelled her order this morning, her medium might not show up in their inventory until tomorrow or so- changes take a day or two to process sometimes.

[Susan Otcenas]

We interrupt this program to bring you important breaking news....

Hello Woolweenies,

We've just marked down a whole bunch of Smartwool sock styles and colors that are not going forward in 2008. Prices reduced 23%-33%. Sale is limited to stock on hand. Stock levels/sizes available are quite good in some styles, a bit spotty in others, so get 'em while they last. :)

http://www.teamestrogen.com/brands.asp?brandID=24 Scroll down towards the bottom of the page for the sale items.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled programming....

Susan

[GLC1968]

Hey maybe your older full zip "shak" is actually a full zip Switchback- which they did make last year in the Persimmon color. I don't think they had persimmon shaks. The switchback is definitely a thicker wool than the shaks. Is this what your full zip looks like?- this is a switchback persimmon full zip:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=610&Outlet=1&VID=6605&Product=Switchback-Full-Zip


Nope, definitely a shak. This is the one I got - listed as the same season as the light blue one that udans.com still has in L.
http://www.zappos.com/images/731/7312003/3034-405555-d.jpg

Does anyone else have both a persimmon or light blue one and a black, brown or thistle one? Are they the same thickness?


Edited to add: I just compared the half-zip, full-zip and hooded shak descriptions on the ibex site - and they are all identical material. Perhaps they updated the full-zip from a previous year? Mine is definitely heavier - Weird!

[sandra]

Just received a call from High Country Outfitters. They said they had bad news. They do NOT have the carrie hoody they thought they might have in a large and the don't have the vest either. So, my entire order is canceled. If you placed an order with the, don't hold your breath!

Just as well. I'm looking forward to the shak.

[Triskeliongirl]

I just got an email and my order for the small black starto sweater was also cancelled, out of stock.....

Oh well, better for my pocket book. Where I live it may have been too warm and my 2 shaks really are enough (and there is always fleece..........).

[Triskeliongirl]

Sandra, I have the thistle full zip shak and you are going to just love it! So, no worries. I'm not that disappointed. Like you, I just got caught up in the excitement of the sale plus hearing about everyones purchases yesterday. I am also sure from what you say about your size that the large shak will be perfect for you. I am also busty, and at first I worried the small was a tad too tight in my bust, but it loosened up in no time, and is very flattering. Also, since you are actively losing weight you want to err on the smaller end of things so you don't have to do this all again next year!

[Crankin]

Bring all of your wool, Trisk. It's going to be fairly warm when you arrive, but then the temperature will be plummeting to about 20 by Sat.

[Triskeliongirl]

Bring all of your wool, Trisk. It's going to be fairly warm when you arrive, but then the temperature will be plummeting to about 20 by Sat.

Oh no, this is what I feared. Maybe I should have ordered that down parka, but my plan is if I am cold after breakfast on saturday to check out the EMS sale in Harvard Square. I am bringing all my wool, and my PI gavia jacket to layover. I also saw something called a down sweater that I could layer over my wool, but we'll see.... And then there are always my sons jackets......

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Everyone who lives over there will be able to lend you all kinds of warm stuff. ;)

[Triskeliongirl]

I'll just put on everything I bring at one time. I did that when we toured in chiapis. It was colder at night than I thought, so any clothes I wasn't washing out I wore!

[KnottedYet]

Got email from High Country confirming they shipped my Carrie Hoody today. (Large Thistle)

If it doesn't fit or if the fabric is too lightweight for our weather, I will offer it to Sandra first (she has dibs) and then put it up on Woolweenies, rather than send it back.

[sandra]

Oh no, this is what I feared. Maybe I should have ordered that down parka, but my plan is if I am cold after breakfast on saturday to check out the EMS sale in Harvard Square. I am bringing all my wool, and my PI gavia jacket to layover. I also saw something called a down sweater that I could layer over my wool, but we'll see.... And then there are always my sons jackets......

You will need a little excuse to shop while you are there.

You may be like us the last time we went to the beach. We got there and it was way cooler and windier than we expected. We decided we MUST have jackets, so we spent an afternoon at the outlet mall shopping for a jacket we both liked and would get additional wear out of. (Ended up buying way more stuff too.)

We were so busy, we never got around to wearing the jackets. :D

[KnottedYet]

Lisa - when you mentioned your wool hats with ear flaps, it made me think of this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=titOp7rcTEQ&feature=related

"Pretty cunning, don't you think?"

(ignore the body in the box, I'm just talking about the hat)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa - when you mentioned your wool hats with ear flaps, it made me think of this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=titOp7rcTEQ&feature=related

"Pretty cunning, don't you think?"

(ignore the body in the box, I'm just talking about the hat)

Oh that's funny! I didn't know such hats were "stylin'" now!
Here is my favorite hat....it was knit for me by a singer friend in NC up in the mountains in her cabin. It has 4 long braids that hang down the front. I love it and wear it most of all....
5300

[Crankin]

I bought one of those hats with ear flaps when I was in Lake Placid and it was -10 F (with no snow). It's so warm, I didn't even wear it up in Vermont last month, when it was 15 out. Too sweaty!
Trisk, I honestly don't know anyone who has a down coat. You will be fine. Just put on another layer of wool under your coat if you feel cold. Like I said before, get really good gloves and a hat and you will be fine. And wool socks. Also, I just realized that I really don't go out and walk around in my "regular" clothes when it's really cold out. The things I have for outdoor sports keep me warm up to many degrees below zero. So, be like the natives and plan some indoor activities that don't require a lot of outdoor time if the cold is bothering you.

I wonder how far of a walk it is to Zoe's from the T in HS..... you might see me arrive in quite an outfit!!!

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Robin. I was just thinking I would walk there from my son's dorm. The dorm is on mass ave. next to the MIT athletic fields, and I think it will be just as far to walk to the Kendall T and then walk from the Harvard Square T stop. It sounds like if I just head down mass ave. from from the dorm I'll find it between central and harvard square. This part of town I know well, since I lived in the apt. complex right across from the Orson Wells Theater when I was a post-doc at MIT 22 years ago. I know there is a bus that runs down mass ave, but I'll probably be colder waiting for the bus than moving.

p.s. My son just bought a down jacket! But I agree, I prefer items that can be layered. I am off tomorrow, not sure about internet access but you have my cell phone if there is any change of plans. I am looking forward to meeting you. At least I know what you look like from your recent post, and I do have a pic of my here somewhere.

[Crankin]

Trisk, the last weather forecast I saw shows 40 for Saturday, but it will be cold in the AM.
I might have had a haircut by Sat. Usually, I have very short hair, but I've let it grow for 3-4 months. And, I hope I don't look as bad as my pictures in person... I've never photographed well and now they show all the wrinkles!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Robyn, you look totally cute- with your short hair, freckles, and yes even with wrinkles! I'm having to deal with wrinkles now too, and the "gee, whose neck IS that??!" syndrome. But our cuteness and goodness shines right through from the inside, there's no stopping it!! :p :p

[Dianyla]

Dianyla- did you decide about the pale blue shak yet?
Nah, still hemming and hawing. I may just go ahead and order the Thistle shak and see them both in person to compare. Maybe I just need to keep both of them! :D


Did I just hear Trisk wondering if it was okay to have 3 sweaters?
PUHLEASE!
Fine wool sweaters are like boyfriends... you can never have too many! :rolleyes:

[GLC1968]

Dianyla - what size did you get in the light blue? If it happens to be a M and you decide that you don't want it, I might be willing to take it off your hands. :)

[Dianyla]

Dianyla - what size did you get in the light blue? If it happens to be a M and you decide that you don't want it, I might be willing to take it off your hands. :)
It's a size L, actually. I got it on backcountryoutlet.com so it's fully returnable.

[GLC1968]

It's a size L, actually. I got it on backcountryoutlet.com so it's fully returnable.

Yeah...and they still have larges... but no M! Wah! ;) That's ok, I don't NEED it.


Edited to add: I actually think they don't have them, but Uncle Dan's does...someone has just L...I forget who!

[Dianyla]

That's ok, I don't NEED it.
Heh, neither do I. But that's beside the point!!! :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Fine wool sweaters are like boyfriends... you can never have too many! :rolleyes:

Let's see now....one of them you shouldn't wash in cold water or it might shrink, right?....or... was it the other way around?....D'oh!..... :(

[GLC1968]

Let's see now....one of them you shouldn't wash in cold water or it might shrink, right?....or... was it the other way around?....D'oh!..... :(

One will shrink in hot...the other in cold....right? There's a riddle in there somewhere, I think! :p

[Dianyla]

Let's see now....one of them you shouldn't wash in cold water or it might shrink, right?....or... was it the other way around?....D'oh!..... :(
Shrinkage! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hamptons_(Seinfeld_episode)) Bwahahaha!!!

[sandra]

Well, my first ever SHAK is scheduled to be delivered on Thursday. I'm tracking it and can't wait to check it out. :p

[emily_in_nc]

Calling all Woolweenies...just got a notice that purchases at rei-outlet.com will be discounted 20% at checkout for ONE item through Feb. 7 (no coupon code needed, best I could tell). They have a lot of Ibex already on sale:

http://www.rei.com/Search.do?query=ibex&vcat=REI_SEARCH&storeId=8000

Enjoy! :D
Emily

[KnottedYet]

Feelin' the love...

I love TE. I've placed online orders with 6 different companies in the last week and a half. (combination of retail therapy and Christmas bonus from work) TE has notified me immediately of a problem with my order, AND packages have arrived from TE before the other companies' packages did.

Yay, Susan O!

[KathiCville]

Thanks to an unbridled wool shopping spree about two months ago, I've managed (so far) to resist the current High Country Ibex clearance, as well as the higher-end delights of the Ibex Winter Sale.....

BUT I did fall prey last Friday to the Ibex Climawool gloves and the Ibex loden mittens, both of which are on sale! I ordered one set of each; they arrived today. Does anyone have either model? If so, what do you think of them warmth-wise for winter cycling??

Even in Small, they're both a little big on me, but I figure I can add a liner glove and make them that much warmer.......

Temps today were in the low 70s (yes, you read that right) here in Central VA, so no chance to try 'em out until at least the weekend!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

BUT I did fall prey last Friday to the Ibex Climawool gloves and the Ibex loden mittens, both of which are on sale! I ordered one set of each; they arrived today. Does anyone have either model? If so, what do you think of them warmth-wise for winter cycling??
Even in Small, they're both a little big on me, but I figure I can add a liner glove and make them that much warmer.......

Hi Kathi- well oddly enough I have BOTH those items...they happen to be the only Ibex glove items I have, so don't be thinkin' I have them all now! :rolleyes:

I got the Climawool glove in 2006 and wore it a lot last winter. It has a lot of nice features, but will not keep my fingers from getting cold on my bike if it's 35 or below UNLESS I wear 1 or 2 glove liners under them. I have not found a glove yet that can do that without liners for biking.
I just bought the Loden mittens and have not had the opportunity to try them out yet. It's not very cold here right now. (30's, 40's). Of course you are in VA and might not need gloves for 20 degree conditions.

Both these items I purposely got a bit large so I could wear other thinner gloves under them. Both of them also have no trouble keeping me warm when snowshoeing or fitness walking down to 10 degrees. It's the wind when biking that's the killer. One combo I use is a pair of thin soft cashmere ladies' gloves or merino glove liners, then my Gore Volcano windstopper gloves (not bulky), then the Climawool glove. This i would typically wear for a 2 hour bike ride at 30-40 degrees. I got the loden mittens for the most severe cold, to wear over other gloves too that same way. Can't wait to try them out- the loden is nice and thick and soft wool.

[Dianyla]

The #1 Reason To Visit the Portland Icebreaker Store In Person...

[KathiCville]

It's the wind when biking that's the killer. One combo I use is a pair of thin soft cashmere ladies' gloves or merino glove liners, then my Gore Volcano windstopper gloves (not bulky), then the Climawool glove. This i would typically wear for a 2 hour bike ride at 30-40 degrees. I got the loden mittens for the most severe cold, to wear over other gloves too that same way. Can't wait to try them out- the loden is nice and thick and soft wool.

Thanks, Lisa! Too bad that even beloved Ibex hasn't been able to come up with the *ideal* winter cycling gloves/mitten!....

I have the Gore Volcano gloves, too. I absolutely LOVE them fit-wise for my small hands, but they sure don't do much to keep me warm! I've been layering a heavy fleece glove over them in temps under 45. Now, I'll use the Ibex gloves or mittens instead, with a Smartwool liner sandwiched in there somewhere, if necessary. The wool is bound to be warmer than the fleece.......

I don't last long on the bike if my hands are freezing, so I even toss in chemical warmers, too, when it's really cold. My rides don't last more than two hours, so I can usually get two to three outings out of a $1/pair, if I wrap 'em up air-tight between uses.

I now have so much Ibex in my wardrobe that friends are asking me why my jackets, sweaters, hats (and now gloves) all have "horns" on them, LOL! :D

[Natasha]

I get the questions about horns on my clothes too.
I probably shouldn't raise the temptation, but rei-outlet has some great prices on some ibex items, including the pingo, nolita and mollie jackets. Limited sizes and colors. Its their .83 sale.

[sandra]

Anyone have the PINGO jacket? Does it run short? It looks like a short jacket.

[KnottedYet]

For only $49.83, I'd get one of those Pingos... IF I hadn't just spent a gazillion dollars on Ibex this month already. http://www.rei.com/product/756403?vcat=REI_SEARCH

And look at the cozy Nolita for only $69.83. Same color as my full-zip Switchback (the one that didn't shrink) so I'm not too tempted. http://www.rei.com/product/756406?vcat=REI_SEARCH

[KathiCville]

Sandra......I have two Pingos. Yes, it is a short jacket--shorter than, say, the Cirque. That's why I returned the Cirque I got on STP and opted for the Pingo instead. The Cirque hit me at a point on the hip that made the jacket puff up; the Pingo is a little shorter and so doesn't hit the same point.........Given the rock-bottom price on REI, I'd grab one and give it a whirl; at worst, you end up returning it, right?

[sandra]

I ordered the L and the XL in the chocolate. I will return or offer up here the one I don't keep. My Shak is out for delivery today, so I'm still not real sure about size yet.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Robyn and DebW and I admired the Pingo jackets in the Arcadian Shop. The chocolate is a very dark brown and all the Pingos were really handsome and looked great on me. But....several of us had trouble getting the two-way zipper to get started properly. Kathi, do you have the 2 way zippers on your Pingos, and if so are they easy to work? Or did they switch to a 2-way zipper more recently?
The Large Pingo fit me beautifully, so Sandra I imagine the XL will fit you (see previous Johnny Cash song post for reference).
I hope the zipper works well on yours because it's a GREAT jacket.

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival announcement of Sandra's first shak!! :)

[DebW]

How about $25 for a Wooly Warm sleeveless merino top at Rivendel (http://www.rivbike.com/products/list/web_specials_if_any#product=22-400)? Available only in men's xs, which may fit up to a couple sizes bigger. They also have a long-sleeved top for $35.

[KathiCville]

I wish my Pingos had the two-way zipper! I like being able to open a hip-length jacket even just a couple of inches at the bottom so it sits better on the bod, especially if I'm going to be sitting down. Fortunately, the Pingo is short enough to miss the widest part of my hips.....

I guess I have older models of the Pingo, because both have the single-action zipper, bottom to top only. So far, I haven't found the zippers on either jacket difficult to handle. The jackets on which I have two-way zippers are always more difficult to close---the gizmos have to be lined up *just so* to make 'em work....:)

[Natasha]

I have a full zip Shak from a previous year that has a two-way zipper. It has never worked very well in the two-way mode so I just use it as a single action zipper with no problems. The newer Shaks all appear to have regular one-way zippers.

[sandra]

I'm in LOVE already. My first Shak in thistle heather size L has arrived. I'm sitting here with it on. The fit is perfect. It is so soft, it is hard to imagine that this is wool. It is a lot lighter weight that I imagined, but for here it should be great!

My XL black cirque jacket works great over it for when the weather is colder, which is why I originally wanted another piece of Ibex. I'm not sure where the Pingo jacket will fall in here with these, but if it's anything like the other two pieces, I'm sure I'll love it too.

Knot, have you gotten the carrie hoody yet?

[KnottedYet]

I ordered the L and the XL in the chocolate. I will return or offer up here the one I don't keep. My Shak is out for delivery today, so I'm still not real sure about size yet.

Oh, please, offer it up here first!:D

[KnottedYet]

I'm in LOVE already. My first Shak in thistle heather size L has arrived. I'm sitting here with it on. The fit is perfect. It is so soft, it is hard to imagine that this is wool. It is a lot lighter weight that I imagined, but for here it should be great!

My XL black cirque jacket works great over it for when the weather is colder, which is why I originally wanted another piece of Ibex. I'm not sure where the Pingo jacket will fall in here with these, but if it's anything like the other two pieces, I'm sure I'll love it too.

Knot, have you gotten the carrie hoody yet?

No Carrie Hoody, but I'm eagerly awaiting it!

Hey, and I'm sitting here wearing MY size L Thistle Shak! (over a size L dusty pink Qu-T)

[sandra]

Oh, please, offer it up here first!:D

Will do. You want first dibs? :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yay!....Knot and Sandra are both now "shakked up"!!! :D:D:D

The size Large shaks fit both of you well?

Knot, I wear a medium halfzip shak, often with my Large fullzip shak over it, and then a Large green Carrie over that. I'll be interested in seeing how the Large fits you.

Sandra- the non-heaviness of the shak is what makes it so incredibly versatile. I love how it keeps me totally warm while still letting a little air circulate so I don't get overheated. It's so great on a cold day with a vest. The Carrie is just slightly thicker, making it an ideal lightweight cozy hooded zipper sweatshirt/jacket. The Carrie is not heavy or dense like loden wool at all. A Carrie over a shak and a thin base layer will keep you warm down to 15 degrees or so if you're out walking for a an hour or two.

[KnottedYet]

Yay!....Knot and Sandra are both now "shakked up"!!! :D:D:D

The size Large shaks fit both of you well?

Knot, I wear a medium halfzip shak, often with my Large fullzip shak over it, and then a Large green Carrie over that. I'll be interested in seeing how the Large fits you.


Large half-zip Shak fits me perfectly, like all Large Ibex seems to. I just hope the large Carrie fits me OVER the Shak.

I'm counting on that "relaxed fit" going over a couple layers.

[sandra]

Yay!....Knot and Sandra are both now "shakked up"!!!

Trek, it's not like it sounds. really. :D

[sandra]

:eek:I sorta wish I hadn't gotten this Shak.

because NOW I want another one!!!:p

Yesterday I tried it on. Today I'm wearing it. It is so soft and comfortable, I can see where I'd need TWO. One to wash and one to wear. OK, who else had a good deal on Shaks in a L? Uncled Dan's still has them. hummmmmmmm Warm green, soft brown, or black?

The Pingo jacket is not going to be soft like this, right?

[GLC1968]

The wool weenies are KILLING ME!!! :eek:

Today I just ordered a Pingo jacket from REI. Today I am also wearing my new (and 2nd) Carrie hoody from High Country Outfitters (it came in 2 days!) with my Nolita jacket (scored off e-bay). I also have a Breakaway jacket in my closest that I haven't even worn yet! What is wrong with me?

Seriously, I need to not come into this thread any more. :mad:


But, I will say that if I like the Pingo better than the Breakaway (which is, admittedly, a bit too big for me), I'll offer the Breakaway up to the wool weenies. :)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

:eek:I sorta wish I hadn't gotten this Shak.

because NOW I want another one!!!:p

Yesterday I tried it on. Today I'm wearing it. It is so soft and comfortable, I can see where I'd need TWO. One to wash and one to wear. OK, who else had a good deal on Shaks in a L? Uncled Dan's still has them. hummmmmmmm Warm green, soft brown, or black?

The Pingo jacket is not going to be soft like this, right?

Get a black full zip shak. It will go with everything.
Don't forget you'll need merino things to sleep in too. :cool:

The Pingo is not wool on the outside, so it will not be shakish. Has a thin wool flocking/lining on the inside. The outside is uber-cool hi tech material. It's very handsome. I hope your zipper works well though....let us know!

[sandra]

How do the men's Shaks run? Hubby normally wears a L in everything. Think a L would work for him in a Shak? He won't want it fitted like a cyclist. I'm sure he is going to want one. He is usually colder than I am just sitting around the house.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

How do the men's Shaks run? Hubby normally wears a L in everything. Think a L would work for him in a Shak? He won't want it fitted like a cyclist. I'm sure he is going to want one. He is usually colder than I am just sitting around the house.

My husband is usually a Large in tops, and the Large halfzip shak fits him beautifully. He got himself one black one, then wore it almost every day, and 2 weeks later he ordered a second one to wear while one was in the laundry. Ahhh, the classic shak behavioral pattern! :rolleyes: (and he doesn't even usually wear black!)

[sandra]

Two black full zip Shaks on the way. One Men's L and one Women's L. I didn't have to think long on this one. :p We don't normally do anything for Valentine's Day, but this year I have it covered!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Two black full zip Shaks on the way. One Men's L and one Women's L. I didn't have to think long on this one. :p We don't normally do anything for Valentine's Day, but this year I have it covered!

Yeah, you can have fun zipping and unzipping each other's shaks! :D :eek:

[Crankin]

Oy. I need to stop reading this. I succumbed to the STP email today and ended up buying 139.00 worth of stuff. Of course I saved $89.00.

It's not Ibex, but it is wool. I swear, I can't even remember what I bought. Maybe I should remove myself from their list.

[KathiCville]

I know what you mean, Robyn! Seems like every time I check this thread, I end up yanking out my credit card.......Yesterday's talk about the Pingo jacket (I already own TWO) had me eyeing the sale on REI's website. I put a Small chocolate Pingo in my shopping basket in the morning, resisted the temptation to check out, went back later in the day---and to my relief---they'd sold out of my size, yayyyyy!.....

Lisa, I wore my Ibex Climawool gloves yesterday for a late afternoon 10-miler in high 40s temps. Love 'em, very comfortable, but you're right---they're definitely not built to fend off a serious wind chill factor on a bicycle. They did just fine yesterday, but in lower temps I'll add a liner glove. Next ride, I'll give the Ibex loden mittens a whirl.....

[sandra]

Boo Hoo. I got an email saying that the men's L shak is out of stock. :( They have one in mustard seed, but that sounds yuck. I'm so disappointed. I was just bragging on them to hubby and he was wanting one.

I need to find another source with a good price.

[Crankin]

Trisk and I met for breakfast in Harvard Square today. We both were wearing our full zip Shaks, but, ah, she had on a lot more layers over hers when she came in. We had a very nice breakfast at Zoe's (omelets) and then we walked over to EMS to check out the supposed 70% off sale. There wasn't anything really great there, so Trisk went off to Boston to shop for at the Prudential Center. Since I really have nothing I need to buy (really), I headed back on the train.
It was great to meet a TE person from another part of the country (although Trisk qualifies as an honorary New Englander, since she went to college here). Too bad it was a little too cold for a ride at 9 AM today (21 when I left my house, but quite a bit warmer after we ate).

[Triskeliongirl]

Yes indeed Robyn and I had a delightful breakfast in Harvard Square this morning. I arrived with almost everything in my suitcase on. I had on tights, jeans and goretex pants on the bottom, and my ibex kate, full zip shak, PI gavia jacket and leather jacket on top. And a balaclava and wool hood on my head, and gloves. AND I WAS STILL COLD! As Robyn said it is always great to meet another TE'er and we had a very nice time together.

At the pru, while I didn't find what I wanted in a coat, I picked up the matching WOOL blazer to the 2 pairs of WOOL pants I bought recently from Ann Taylor Loft, turning them into a suit! Very nice find, as my store at home didn't carry the blazer either in my size or in as nice a style, and it was on the sale rack at 80% off.

Then I met my daughter back in Harvard Square to go to the Fogg Museum, and later we were met by her friend. When I saw the coat she had on, it looked just like what I needed (North Face Boulevard Jacket). It was stylish and non-bulky, yet weather-proof and warm. She let me wear it the rest of the day so I could see how I felt in it. It layered beautifully over my shak or wool blazer, and still looked trim. And Ahhhhhhhhhh, it was sooooooooo warm as we traipsed all over Harvard Squre. But, it also ventilated well so I didn't overheat when we'd go inside. Very hi-tech.

But, my feet were still a problem. So, we found a shoe store with a 70% off sale and my daughter bought me a wonderful pair of boots, again, that cross between stylish and bad weather appropriate. She said it was her present to me for birthing her (she turned 21 this week). The lady asked if I wanted to wear them out of the store. Did I ever as it was snowing outside so she quickly sprayed them with waterproof spray and off we went. Then my son joined us and we all went out for a birthday dinner. When we got back to his room, we ordered me the coat online. I attached a pic. Sorry girls, not WOOL, but I wanted something waterproof, and it layers beautifully over all my lovely wool!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Very nice coat! Casual yet elegant. Glad you finally got enough to keep you warm.....poor thing!

Hey that Robyn sure gets around! :cool:

[KnottedYet]

sexy coat, looks good!

We had a Meeting of the Shaks at Salsa's TE party today: I was wearing my thistle and Mimitabby was wearing her Persimmon. (both pullovers)

Pictures are somewhere...

Edit: Paprika, Persimmon, whatever the name it was a lovely orange!

[mimitabby]

yeah, when are they going to put up those pictures??

[emily_in_nc]

Beautiful coat, T. - love it. I can't believe you were wearing all those layers, though, and were still cold. You are a Texan! :cool: :D

Emily

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

We had a Meeting of the Shaks at Salsa's TE party today: I was wearing my thistle and Mimitabby was wearing her Paprika. (both pullovers)

Pictures are somewhere...

We want pictures!!! :mad:

I had a strange Ibex encounter this morning. DH and I were having our usual lovely Saturday morning breakfast at Ralph's Pretty Good Cafe (the small town cafe where everyone is friendly and sits and visits at each other's tables), when I noticed the couple at the next table whom I had never seen before- the woman was wearing what looked like a persimmon pullover zip shak! I had never seen one in persimmon before (I have a persimmon Zephyr and persimmon switchback items but not a shak in that color- I have only black and brown shaks).
Well, I had to know for sure. I actually got up and *casually* walked around behind her, pretending to look out the window and stretch... to see if the little Ibex head logo was on her back....and BINGO, there it was! A successful espionage move! :-D
I was wearing several Ibex items (as usual)- my beautiful larkspur blue Ribbie under my apple green Cortina vest, a burnt orange neck gaiter, and my Ibex Approach tights. I waited for the right moment when she got up and then I went to greet her and compliment her shak and point out my Ibex things too, hoping to commune with her as an "Ibex Soul Sister". She smiled cooly and thanked me but didn't seem the least bit friendly and just turned and left.
I felt like hollering after her- "You are not WORTHY of your Ibex!" but that would have been too much I suppose. Besides, my husband would have had to kill me then. Plus, Ralph would surely have thrown me out.
But I ask you- how can one not be happy and sweet natured when wearing a shak???

Clearly she wasn't from around here.

[Triskeliongirl]

Beautiful coat, T. - love it. I can't believe you were wearing all those layers, though, and were still cold. You are a Texan! :cool: :D

Emily

Emily it was TWENTY DEGREES OUTSIDE and I had no time to acclimate! I had three problems. One was breathing the cold air which my terry cycling balaclava helped with. The second was my leather jacket is short, leaving my butt only covered by the goretex pants. The third was that I spent a lot of time just standing in the cold waiting for buses, both in the early morning hours and late evening hours

I tried on new jackets, but there is a general problem that as I am fitting into smaller sizes, they are cut shorter in length as well as width. I think the new coat worked so well cuz it is longer than the jackets. I like that while it works as a dress coat, it also looks nice with jeans. And I like the flattering cut, I worked too hard to lose weight to cover up with one of those big puffy coats. Its basically sport technology applied to dress wear. It is pricey, but I managed to snag a good internet sale.

[KnottedYet]

Lisa - a while back one of my patients was wearing a piece of Ibex. I got all excited, and waxed rhapsodic about Ibex and wool. She listened, then said she didn't know anything about Ibex, she just bought it cuz it was on sale, and oh, it's made of wool?

I wanted to offer to buy it from her right then and there, just so it could have a loving home...

[mimitabby]

We want pictures!!! :mad:

I had a strange Ibex encounter this morning. DH and I were having our usual lovely Saturday morning breakfast at Ralph's Pretty Good Cafe (the small town cafe where everyone is friendly and sits and visits at each other's tables), when I noticed the couple at the next table whom I had never seen before- the woman was wearing what looked like a persimmon pullover zip shak! I had never seen one in persimmon before (I have a persimmon Zephyr and persimmon switchback items but not a shak in that color- I have only black and brown shaks).
Well, I had to know for sure. I actually got up and *casually* walked around behind her, pretending to look out the window and stretch... to see if the little Ibex head logo was on her back....and BINGO, there it was! A successful espionage move! :-D
I was wearing several Ibex items (as usual)- my beautiful larkspur blue Ribbie under my apple green Cortina vest, a burnt orange neck gaiter, and my Ibex Approach tights. I waited for the right moment when she got up and then I went to greet her and compliment her shak and point out my Ibex things too, hoping to commune with her as an "Ibex Soul Sister". She smiled cooly and thanked me but didn't seem the least bit friendly and just turned and left.
I felt like hollering after her- "You are not WORTHY of your Ibex!" but that would have been too much I suppose. Besides, my husband would have had to kill me then. Plus, Ralph would surely have thrown me out.
But I ask you- how can one not be happy and sweet natured when wearing a shak???

Clearly she wasn't from around here.

This is so funny! I hope the Ibex people are reading this!

[uforgot]

This is so funny! I hope the Ibex people are reading this!

I have that very same persimmon zip shak. Got it on Steep and cheap for around $54. I love the thing!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Lisa - a while back one of my patients was wearing a piece of Ibex. I got all excited, and waxed rhapsodic about Ibex and wool. She listened, then said she didn't know anything about Ibex, she just bought it cuz it was on sale, and oh, it's made of wool?

I wanted to offer to buy it from her right then and there, just so it could have a loving home...

We should start an Ibex Rescue League. We should arrange Interventions to rescue Ibex items from unworthy and negligent owners. Forcefully if necessary.

Ever notice how you hardly ever see used Ibex stuff on Ebay? No one ever wants to sell theirs!

[Bad JuJu]

Ibex Bregenz Jacket on sale at Steep and Cheap right now--$75 for a jacket originally priced at $195.

[Natasha]

Thanks Bad Juju. Just got my second Bregenz, a black one from SAC. The temps here in Minnesota are well below zero. I have been wearing my Bregenz with a shak underneath and staying warm. The dense loden wool really cuts the wind, and looks good enough to wear to work.

[Crankin]

Lisa, you are hysterical. Not everyone has the same attitude toward clothing, though. That woman must have been having a bad day!

Trisk, I'm glad you found that coat. It does look like a good cross between a dress coat and high tech stuff. Very nice. I was wondering where you were when it started snowing. I was thinking about you in your sneakers. Steve and I were taking a walk in our neighborhood when it started (my lazy day of exercise, even though it's 2.3 miles, up a hill) and it quickly became very white outside.

Yes, I was amazed at how many layers Trisk had on. I was wearing jeans, a light wool crew neck and my wool dress coat. At the last minute, I put the Shak on over my crew, because I thought it might be cold walking from the T to Zoe's (I was a little warm). I had a scarf and gloves on, but I didn't wear my hat.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Thanks Bad Juju. Just got my second Bregenz, a black one from SAC. The temps here in Minnesota are well below zero. I have been wearing my Bregenz with a shak underneath and staying warm. The dense loden wool really cuts the wind, and looks good enough to wear to work.

I love my apple green Bregenz coat! It's definitely not for warmer places though- very heavy dense wool.
I wore it this morning with my ribbie and a woolie base layer under it. Stayed toasty warm walking a slow mile in 32 degrees and flurries. It's way too warm for my 5 mile fitness walks though, even if it's 15 degrees out. Walking hard works up the body heat. :p

[KnottedYet]

An Ibex with special needs.

My poor, shrunken "unstable fabric" Switchback pullover might be a lost cause.
But I can't bear to send it back to Ibex because I'm afraid it will just be thrown out.

It was a Large. It's now probably a medium after one wash in cold water. I'm thinking it will end up a small after the next wash.

The fabric is bagged and pilled, but I will do my best to shave the pills off and re-shape the bagged elbows.

Is there someone out in Woolweenie Land who would consider giving this poor needy Switchback a loving home? Someone who wears a size small, and is willing to de-pill the fabric every so often? Someone who can forgive this Switchback its faults and love it, "unstable" fabric and all?

It is heathered charcoal gray, with lime green accent stripe on the back of the collar and lime green Ibex logo embroidered on the back.

After I wash it and work on it, I'll post pictures.

[KnottedYet]

Ok, washed/drip-dried/defuzzed.

It did shrink again. I would definitely consider this a "Small" at this point.

Width across shoulders (seam to seam) 14 inches
Sleeve length (top of shldr seam to end of cuff, the long way) 24 inches
Torso length down center back (bottom of collar to hem) 23 inches

Over all it's in pretty good shape, the bagged elbows reshaped fine. There are still some fuzzies here and there, and a dog hair or two.

Not bad for a freebie-up-for-grabs. (I'll pay shipping)

No picture, sorry, my camera and I are not getting along at the moment.

[sandra]

Knot, send that thing back or offer it up to someone with a baby! :p

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey Knot, I'll take it, but are you SURE you don't wanna send it back. They really should replace it with a shak!

[KnottedYet]

Hey Knot, I'll take it, but are you SURE you don't wanna send it back. They really should replace it with a shak!

I'm afraid they would just throw it away, and it's still a good sweater. It's just now waaaaay too small for me and it pills easily. I only wore it for a couple months. It still has a long life ahead of it!

BTW: a measurement i didn't include - bust is smaller than my 34c, painfully tight.

[Triskeliongirl]

Then it won't work, I am a 34D although I do wear a size small in their current shaks and kates.

BUT, the point is that you should get a brand new sweater. That is what their warranty says. That's what we get when we pay that much for this stuff. And how do you know they'll throw it away, maybe they'll give it to charity. Why don't you ring them up and see what they say?

[Bad JuJu]

I love my apple green Bregenz coat! It's definitely not for warmer places though
Yeah, I suspected as much--not for the Floridian, even the north Floridian :D. But I figured ONE of the woolweenies should get one, if I couldn't.

[jesvetmed]

Hey... I just found this thread, and thanks to you all have spent the last hour drooling over every ibex site you've listed. Hmmm... good thing my credit cards are in the other room!:p

[KathiCville]

KnottedYet....

If you're still looking for a home for your miniaturized Switchback, I'm game. I'm a small in Ibex (and a 34A), so it might work just fine on me?.....Let me know! Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

KnottedYet....

If you're still looking for a home for your miniaturized Switchback, I'm game. I'm a small in Ibex (and a 34A), so it might work just fine on me?.....Let me know! Thanks!

Great! PM me your address. I might not be able to mail it to you until I get back from my bike-fit seminar next week, but I'll try to get it mailed tomorrow.

[lph]

I don't post here usually 'cos I'm not really that fond of wool for biking. But I do wear wool on all-day trips, skiing or hiking in the mountains. I was on a camping trip this weekend. My camping girlbuddy had bought a new wool-fleece hoody from Devold, the Ibex of Norway.

I waaaaant one..... :o

http://www.devold.no/outdoor/default.aspx?menu=191&collection=177
and here's a photo of her wearing it (post-camping, gorging on waffles and coffee at the closest resort):
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=633687&l=d452c&id=659276922

And she took my favourite colour too! :eek:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My camping girlbuddy had bought a new wool-fleece hoody from Devold, the Ibex of Norway.

I waaaaant one..... :o

http://www.devold.no/outdoor/default.aspx?menu=191&collection=177
and here's a photo of her wearing it (post-camping, gorging on waffles and coffee at the closest resort):
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=633687&l=d452c&id=659276922



It looks cozy! I like the chocolate brown best too.
I must say however, when I buy wool blends (part wool, part synthetic) I want to know the percentage of wool it has right up front. It doesn't say just how much wool it has here, just that it's a "combination":
http://www.devold.no/outdoor/default.aspx?menu=127&collection=117
If it only has like 15% actual wool content, I might choose to get something else if I'm looking to keep warm with wool under camping conditions.

[lph]

Yes, I was a bit unclear. I wear several layers pure wool when camping. All boring navy blue and black, and I don't need any more.

But here she turns up wearing this cute hoody in MY colour, for the car ride to and from the trip, and I suddenly really really wanted to go buy myself one too... Though I'd probably just wear it around the office.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Yes, I was a bit unclear. I wear several layers pure wool when camping. All boring navy blue and black, and I don't need any more.

But here she turns up wearing this cute hoody in MY colour, for the car ride to and from the trip...

Well she had some nerve!! :D :D :D
Too funny.
I have cute but non-practical things in my wardrobe too, for sure. :p

[Crankin]

OK, I am about to leave for an interview for the grad program i am applying to. It is about 19 out, with wind chills down to about 5 degrees. It is sunny. I have to park my car, walk about a block and wait for the train outside. Then, when I get to my destination, i have to walk about half a mile to the university. The train will get there about an hour before my meeting, so I plan to hole up in Starbucks or somewhere! I have wool pants on, with my light weight silk underwear underneath, fleece lined Ugg boots, a heavy ribbed cotton crewneck, and my Shak. I plan to wear my wool coat and heaviest dress gloves, which are fleece and thick, along with a wool scarf. I am deciding whether to wear my "dress" wool cap or my hat with the ear flaps, like the one Lisa had a picture of back a few pages here. I am leaning toward the un-dressy one. I have to also wait for the return train back home at 5 PM, and it will be dark almost and COLD. I just don't want to look unprofessional when I walk in, but at this point, I am not caring.

[Skierchickie]

I feel unworthy of Woolweenies membership - I don't own a single Ibex or Icebreaker piece (and feel like I shouldn't touch it in the store). But I have been wearing Smartwool lightweight long underwear for a few years, added another l.u. top, then the tank, then 2 cute (identical except color) short sleeved shirts, many, many (manymanymany) pairs of running socks, then more & more dressier socks. Now, finally, while browsing the clearance rack at a ski shop after my race Saturday, a Synergy jacket. 40% off! Still too expensive, but I hadda have it (it has been pointed out that I may have some sort of jacket addiction). Only one, and my size. Happy Valentine's Day to meeee, happy Valentine's Day to meeee.......:D I wore it tonight for a quick 8 degree F spin on the trails (okay, with all my other Smartwool) and it was great. Granted, it wasn't windy, but I was pretty comfy, even after standing around talking to a friend before I started skiing. I like it that the 60% wool is on the inside, and the nylon is on the outside, to make it more durable & wind resistant. I think I'm going to love it.

I am right on the brink of ordering the Ibex sports bra. I am sooooo sick of dripping wet bras after skiing in the cold. Clammy. I like my Patagonias for comfort, but man are they wet when I'm done doing anything, summer, winter, hot, cold. It does not matter. I'll probably take the plunge later this evening.

[Crankin]

I did a stupid thing... it was freezing, but I was dressed right. The interview went well, one more to go. However, when I went to catch the train back to Concord, there were 2 listed; one at 4:50 and another at 5:00. The thing got out early, so I made the 4:50 train. As I was getting on, I heard the conductor say "South Acton" which is the next town after my stop. I thought he meant the train wasn't going to the end of the line, as not all of them do. But, when I got on and the doors were shut, I found out it was an EXPRESS to South Acton, no stops :eek:. So, I got on my phone and called my 2 friends who live right near the station, to ask if they could drive me back to Concord, where my car was. No one home. I even called an old colleague who lives near the station. I waved as we went by the lot where my car was. So, it was almost dark and about 20 degrees out when I called my husband, very embarrassed. I walked about 3/4 a mile in the dark to a Thai restaurant, where I ordered some wine. Finally, Steve got there and we ate. Boy, was I glad I had my Ibex, long underwear, and my super hot ski hat on.
I am a country bumpkin! To think i was riding the subway in 6th grade, into Boston. I guess I spent too many years in AZ.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Skierchickie- welcome to wool weenies! :D You don't need to own Ibex or Icebreaker to be one of us...just to love wool and enjoy wearing it and talking about it!
I've had humble moth eaten Salvation Army wool sweaters that I have loved dearly....or something a friend knits for you that doesn't even fit right. :p
I love my Smartwool things too, and my thrift shop wool.

Robyn- glad you got home in one piece and had your wool to keep you warm. It's really COLD in the northeast here right now!! :(

P.S. Ibex has added a few yummy items to their winter sale!:
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products_Landing.php?LPID=55

[KnottedYet]

I got my thistle Carrie Hoody.

I am trying to love it.

It fits nicely, though a little snug under the arms. The hood is nice, sits just right on my head and zipped up it keeps my neck cozy. Nice color, goes with my thistle Shak. Nice big pockets that zip. Nice flattering waist that comes in, but hem that widens out for the ol' hips.

I'm trying to love it.

But I just don't feel delirious burning passion.

[Triskeliongirl]

Knotted Yet, so send it back (or sell it on wool weenies, wasn't Sandra interested?). I also had the opportunity to buy one at 50% off, and while its a very nice piece, I also didn't LOVE it. While this stuff, even on sale, is expensive, I only keep those pieces that I really do LOVE.

[sandra]

I don't believe it would work for me either when I heard the words "snug" under the arms. That alone would make me send it back. I'm busted, remember?

If you don't love it, don't keep it. I decided to get another shak because I loved it so much. Plus I have the Pingo jacket on the way. If you you don't love it enough you would want a second one, you probably won't wear it that much. You will always go to an old favorite.

[KnottedYet]

I'm gonna wear it around some more, and then decide. It looks incredibly cute. And it does go nicely with my Shak and Collo and Twizel.

I was taken aback by how thin the fabric is... I think I might be getting over that.

[Natasha]

Sandra: I agree with you, if I don't love it enough to consider getting a second one, then it's not a keeper.

KnottedYet: Sounds disappointing about the Carrie Hoody. I have one coming later this week, it may end up going back. Is it a lot thinner than a shak and how does it compare warmth wise? Let us know what you decide.

[Triskeliongirl]

I did find that the carrie hoodie ran small rel. to a shak. My shak is a small and fits well, but the only carrie hoodie I tried on was a medium and also fit similarly, at least in the bust, but then I think it was too loose in the waist and hips. I didn't care for the 'boucle' weave. Its very rough when it touches your skin, and its not shaped so it just looked like a very expensive sweat shirt to me. On the other hand, GLC/Catherine looked great in the pic of her in it, that it must really depend on body type. I too am big busted, and maybe its just not that flattering for that body type. Its hard to say how warm it is, since I only tried it on in a store, but I'd guess its comparable to a shak, or a piece to layer over a shak if you want extra warmth.

But Knotted, I still think if you don't love it you should send it back. I struggled with this a lot, but in the end I am glad for my rule of only keeping pieces I love. It was funny, I went through that coat shopping in Boston on sat. I tried a lot of coats on, but didn't love any of them so I didn't buy one. Then my daughter's friend shows up in a coat I LOVED, I tried it on, I wore it for the rest of the day (she was so sweet to trade coats with me for a while), and I ordered it knowing I really LOVED it. Same thing when wool pants/suit shopping. Almost bought a suit cuz they had the top and bottom both, and while they fit me, I didn't love them, so I bought a different pair of pants I loved instead, and then while in boston I found the matching jacket, so now I have a suit I love. I like the love rule.

[GLC1968]

Natasha - the Carrie Hoody is defintely a bit thicker than the shak, but it's not 'heavy' like a thick sweater or anything.

I do agree that part of the reason I like the hoody is how it fits so perfectly all over on me. That would make it not fit so wonderfully on someone who is shaped differently than me (I am NOT big busted).

As much as I love my Carrie hoodies (I now have an all black one, too), I have found one small annoyance. The boucle fabric is like a dog/cat hair magnet! It grabs onto that hair and just holds on to it for dear life! :mad: This is particularly irritating on the all black one, but at least the thistle heather color camoflauges it a bit!

And yes, I'm wearing it AGAIN today. :o These two items get MORE use than pretty much anything else I own (except maybe my Kates)!

[Natasha]

Thanks for the input GLC1968. The hoody I ordered is thistle heather and I have a samoyed who has long white hair. Could be a problem.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

About the Carrie hoody....

I am fairly small busted and it fits me just right, very flattering and cozy. The Large fits me perfectly. Knot, I really think you and Sandra might need an XL- you do not want it being snug. I think part of its coziness appeal lies in its slightly loose hooded sweatshirt-like feel.
It is slightly thicker than a shak, but not "heavy". I myself don't find it scratchy at all- the texture reminds me of those little baby terrycloth washcloths- the boucle terry loops are tiny. Besides, the material is smoother on the inside than the outside.
Cat hair?- my other wool items seem to be just as much magnets for cat hair as the Carrie. Wool grabs onto fur in a big way.
I find the Carrie great for throwing on over my shaks to go to the store, etc. If it's 15 degrees out and I am going in and out just between my house, my car, and stores, then I don't want a heavy coat- the Carrie over a base layer and my shak is plenty. It also breathes a bit, and if you take it off in a store it's nice and light to carry or tie around your waist- you don't have to haul some heavy coat around with you.
I love my Carrie. I think of it as my nubbly/comfy hooded outer shak. I love the green- it's an intense emerald green exactly like you sometimes see on moss covered rocks in the forest.

[KnottedYet]

I'm gonna keep it. It's just too cute.

It fits me the same way it fits the model on Ibex's site, so I guess the fit is right.

[KnottedYet]

High Country doesn't have any more Carrie Hoodies at all.

It's fine. Fits over my Shak over a Twizel.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

High Country doesn't have any more Carrie Hoodies at all.

It's fine. Fits over my Shak over a Twizel.

Well it sounds like maybe it is big enough then. It should look awfully nice with the matching Thistle Heather shak! :)

I got to love my Carrie more each time I wore it. It's very practical, like the shaks are. The high neck and the hood are great, too.

[sandra]

After a few days of temperatures in the 70's, it turned cold. Today I'm at work wearing charcoal gray trouser slacks, a black ribbed turtleneck (it's cotton, but it's ok) and my thistle heather shak. I wore my black Cirque jacket outside. :) Loving my Ibex!

[uforgot]

After a few days of temperatures in the 70's, it turned cold.

Awww. I'm sooooooo sorry you had to endure 70 degree weather and couldn't wear your Ibex. Is that guest room ready yet? Today wind chill. 0.

[sandra]

The guest room at my house stays ready at all times.

[uforgot]

I'll be down as soon as the ice clears off of the roads. Should be sometime in April.

[Natasha]

I'm wearing my thistle heather shak today too! I seem to be wearing a shak most days. Keep getting comments on the little guy on the back.

Thanks for all the input on the Carrrie Hoody. I'm looking forward to getting mine on Friday.

[jesvetmed]

Maybe most of you are already signed up for this, but below is a link to the website to sign up for a SHAK GIVEAWAY... first of every month they give away a free one! I've signed up -- maybe one of us can win!

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Shak_Attack.php

[Triskeliongirl]

I am thinking to order the Meru on the Ibex sale site. The gray would like nice with my new coat. But, I can't find a model with ear flaps. Will the normal one cover my ears and be warm in a cold place for everyday use, or is it really best to wear under a cycling helmet?


I have the Ibex Meru hat (as does Trek) and just love it as a helmet liner. It fits great under the helmet, breathes and wicks like only wool can, and covers my ears perfectly.

Edit: I see the Meru with earflaps is also on sale for $15. Trek420 and I have regular Merus.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I am thinking to order the Meru on the Ibex sale site. The gray would like nice with my new coat. But, I can't find a model with ear flaps. Will the normal one cover my ears and be warm in a cold place for everyday use, or is it really best to wear under a cycling helmet?

I find mine to be pretty thin- better as a helmet liner. Actually, I like my smartwool helmet liner even better, it covers my ears better and is stretchier so it stays put better. My helmet liners look too weird if I try to wear them like regular hats- my head then looks too small! :cool: I thought the Ibex Orbit hat looked pretty cool in the Arcadian shop....it has flaps too.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thank you Lisa. I couldn't find the orbit hat, but when I googled for it I found the satellite hat, which had orbit in the description so is this the one you meant http://www.rootedtonature.com/product/ibex_847/Satellite.aspx ? I ordered it in the indigo heather to match my new gray coat. While I was there, I found the energy tight on sale in my size, so I ordered that too. I was looking for something to layer over my cycling shorts in sub-40 temps, but the Ibex site didn't have any left in my size by the time they put them on sale. I also thought they'd be good to layer under goretex pants for cross country skiing or even layering under pants when visiting a cold place.

While winter is winding down here, so I will probably not be able to wear this stuff much, I will be all set for my next trip up north.......... At least I am getting most of it on sale, and after visiting Boston with what I have I did get a better idea of what I still need.

[Triskeliongirl]

Ohhhhhhhhhh, tight not available in small. DARN IT ALL, why do these websites let you put stuff in your shopping cart and pay for it that they don't have?????

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Tri- yes that's the hat I was thinking of. Satellite/orbit..... :rolleyes:

Way too bad about the Energy tights! They are really good and warm- way warmer than the "Woolie" base layer bottoms. Keep looking- Ibex's thick wool tights are fabulous. Mine are last year's model, and were called the "Approach" tight- so you could search for that as well.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks again Lisa. I ended up cancelling the hat order, cuz they wanted way too much money to ship a single hat. So I tried my local outdoor shop who had the ibex on 50% off, and while they didn't have any ibex hats they had a nice selection of smartwool at 50% off. I scored a striaightline hat in medium gray for $14.95 (the one in the rear of the 3 in the picture), which also matches my coat well, and it did cover my ears.

[Natasha]

Lots of Ibex on sale at Backcountry.com and Backcountryoutlet.com.

[sandra]

I have a wool weenie confession. I now have an Ibex folder in "my favorites" where I save all of the good Ibex stores/sites. :D

[DebW]

I have succumbed to more Ibex: the 300-weight loden Cortina vest (same one Lisa has) in the Ibex Outlet. I ordered yesterday at 10 am and it was on my doorstep this morning. The loden wool is wonderful. All their newer vests seem to use the lighter 150 loden, so glad I grabbed the Cortina now.

I also got a Zephyr skull cap for $15 on the winter sale. It is described as midweight, whereas the Meru is described as lightweight. The Zephyr seems pretty thin by my standards, however. It's almost too long for my head - covers well below the ears and down my forehead, but I have a small head.

[mimitabby]

has anyone found a good hat that fits under a helmet and covers the ears better?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

has anyone found a good hat that fits under a helmet and covers the ears better?

My Smartwool helmet liner covers the ears completely and fits beautifully. It does not creep up and leave earlobes exposed as I ride either, it stays put. But it's not a "hat", it's a helmet liner. Every "hat" I tried under a helmet is too bulky.

[mimitabby]

can you find me a link for it?
I'm going to try and snag something when they go on sale

[Triskeliongirl]

MIMI- I saw a smartwool helmet liner right here on TE. Ask Lisa if that is the one she has.

Yes, I was *looking* cuz I did order MORE WOOL. This time I made a TE order for 2 pairs of those stripy smartwool knee socks that are on sale (I have NO wool socks), and decided to try a couple of their Hind closeout bras designed for larger cup sizes. Funny how everything shrank except my boobs this time.... I would have loved to try the wool bra, but knew it wouldn't work for my cup size. -e

[DebW]

can you find me a link for it?
I'm going to try and snag something when they go on sale

Mimi, I have the Smartwool helmet liner, and it is too big for my head. I would be willing to sell/trade/deal. PM me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Mimi, I have the Smartwool helmet liner, and it is too big for my head. I would be willing to sell/trade/deal. PM me.

Have you tried washing and drying it on low in the dryer? I have a teeny head, and mine was just a bit loose too (my Mero was a bit loose as well), but I washed and dried it in washer and drier on gentle and it then fit perfectly.

[DebW]

Have you tried washing and drying it on low in the dryer? I have a teeny head, and mine was just a bit loose too (my Mero was a bit loose as well), but I washed and dried it in washer and drier on gentle and it then fit perfectly.

Tried that. Mimi is doing me the great service of giving this hat a good home.

[Crankin]

I have a great helmet liner, but it's not wool. It's just a cheap Performance fleece liner in a size small. It was my son's when he was in high school and he has a teeny head like me. It stays over my ears and keeps me very warm.

[KathiCville]

I have the Ibex Meru hat--wonderful--but I probably reach for my Lands End cheapy ($7) black fleece hat just as often, with no noticeable difference in terms of warmth. Both keep my ears covered, and both have about the same bulk under the helmet........

By the way, doooohhhhhh, I realized today that both of my Pingo jackets DO have double action zippers. (Asleep at ye old wheel when I answered Lisa's question about a week ago. :D) I ran 'em both through zip-up tests today and neither was difficult to close......Definitely easier, in fact, than some other items I have with double action zippers.

Sandra, I've lost track---have you received your Pingo from REI yet? If so, how do you like it? (I'm wearing one of mine right now--just in from a walk....)

[elk]

I got a 1/2 zip black shak...I like it although I prefer the full zip....and another echo T in purple(yum) and a pair of Loose tights.

I have to shorten the loose tights, but I'm not quite sure what to do about that sheild-y seamed thing at the bottom of the legs....???

[Dianyla]

Today was just a big ol' shipping & receiving day at my house, most of it revolving around Wool.

Received:
Ibex Dash Hybrid Tights - these are the climawool front, wool wool in back. I wish they were just 1/2" shorter at the ankles, but otherwise I love these!

Ibex ClimaWool Gloves - also a blend of climawool, with leathery palms. My hands started feeling toasty just in 5 minutes of trying them on for size. Keepers!

Exchanging:
Ibex Alyx Jacket - While I take a size L in most Ibex top layers, this size L jacket was huge on me! I'm exchanging it for a M. I absolutely love the the blue color and styling.

Returned:
Ibex Vertigo Vest - Not boobage compatible. Had to go.

Ibex Full Zip Switchback - Even though I anticipated shrinkage and bought a size larger, it still shrank more than one size. It was still alright over the boobage, but it fit me really strangely over my shoulders. I think it is meant for a more narrow-shouldered person, not broad footballer shoulders like mine. And the zipper didn't shrink, so it was all wonky. Also, I think I've decided that I'm just not a Loden-Lover.

On order:
Shak Full Zip in Thistle - OK, I went for it. I just had to! I still haven't returned my Sea Mist Full Zip Shak either. I might just keep them both!

Roaster Boxer and Balance Thongs - I'm so excited that somebody is finally making wool thongs!


PS: Erm. Sorry about the whole sheep humping pics thing. Didn't mean to offend anyone. ;)

[sandra]

Ok, I got the Black Shak yesterday. I wore it all day long today, even though our high was in the 70's. It was cool this morning when I put it on and it was so comfy, I never took it off.

The Pingo just came (and it's almost 8 p.m. here on Friday night. I'm glad I'm not married to a UPS man! :eek:) I love it. It is just what I wanted, another layer to put over the shak. It is very similar to my Cirque which I love except way cuter. I didn't have a problem at all with the zipper. It is a little bit trickier because you have to get it in both, but not really a problem.

I ordered the L and the XL. Either one would work, but I'm keeping the XL. I'll offer up the L here if anyone wants it, PM me, otherwise, it's going back. It's a really pretty dark chocolate.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Wow, you girls have all been really busy ordering wool back and forth across the country!

Glad no one else is happen trouble with that double Pingo zipper. I was one of 3 women in the store who could not get them to work on several different pingos. Maybe there was a defective run of them? Or maybe the ones in the store had been treated roughly by people trying them on.

I'm just going to sit back and enjoy all your purchase descriptions vicariously for a while. :p
Can't we see any pix of you guys in your new items? :o

[sandra]

nope, no picture of me. I was in the bathtub when the UPS man came so I tried mine on on top of my pajamas. :p

Lisa, why the name change?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I kept finding my name when googling bike info and my own posts kept popping up. I've used it on another forum too for several years, and it's time for a change. Sort of gave me the creeps seeing it in Google so much, so I decided to have a new username without my real name in it. :cool:



nope, no picture of me. I was in the bathtub when the UPS man came so I tried mine on on top of my pajamas.
Hey he must have loved that! :-D

[sandra]

Hubby took the package, thankyouverymuch.:p and delivered it to the bathroom too!

[Dianyla]

SAC Alert: Ibex Switchback Full Zip, $62. Various colors/sizes.

[Crankin]

I got my Icebreaker order late Thursday. The 2 "skin" shirts fit me perfectly in the extra small. I bought a black and a persimmon one, with designs on the bottom half. Funny, I read reviews of the shirt and they all said they are skin tight, can't wear to work, get a bigger size. I found they fit me perfectly; suspiciously perfectly, since I usually wear petite sizes. They are not as tight as some of my lycra stuff and the sleeves fit perfectly (usually that's where things are always too long on me).
Anyway, I wore the persimmon one, under my Shak, for my first day of work. When I first got to school, my boss asked me all about the Shak, so I gave her an Ibex lecture. My classroom is always too hot; I opened the window so I could keep the Shak on! Then, later I took it off after lunch. One of the girls saw the little Icebreaker tag and said, "Oh my God, do you have Abecrombie on?" I guess they have a similar tag. The thought of a teacher wearing Abecrombie was too much for them....
I am now washing the shirts to soften them up.
I thought about changing my screen name here, since an old colleague DID find me by googling me and my TE posts came up. But so do a bunch of references to me on the AMC site about rides I lead. Plus, the old posts would still be there.

[Triskeliongirl]

You gals are killing me. I succumbed to make another ibex order. I *almost* ordered the purple kate yesterday from back country, but I said, heck winter is over and I got through it with what I have. But then, I wore my cotton sweater to work yesterday. It was in the 70s outside and I WAS FREEZING. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME????? IS IT THE WOOL ADDICTION, THAT DOWNLREGULATES OUR BODY TEMP TO DRIVE US TO BUY MORE WOOL??????????? Well, after logging on to the woolweenies this morning, I wandered over to the Ibex sale, and noticed the solid color norgie crews on sale. How did I miss this, or were they recently added? I tried them on in the store and loved them, for those days when a shak is too much and perhaps a kate isn't enough, but didn't like the two tone look that was available. So, I ordered a blue and green solid to get me through the warmer days of winter and cooler days of fall and spring. Of course, together with my shaks they'll get me through anything. I also ordered the wool glove liners. I don't own any, but thought they would be perffect to layer under short fingered cycling gloves when its cold, and a nice goretex outer glove when it rains. Gosh, when will this lust for wool STOP?

I was freezing at a party at work yesterday, and one of the gals commented the same thing happened to her when she lost weight. I never realized how much I counted on my 'insulation.' My biggest fear used to be overheating. Will I ever be able to wear cotton again? Maybe only with a wool layer underneath........

I am finally getting a sense of what my various pieces can do, and how they can be combined. Like this morning, pouring rain and I had to bring my car in for service. Normally I'd throw the bike on the rack and ride home, but too wet for that. So, I bundled up in my ribbie, shak, and columbia omnitech hooded shell, which was perfect for a rainy walk in the low 50s. At least it felt good to move. I don't like to ride in the rain for safety reasons (brakes just don't work well) but the walk, with the right clothes on, felt great. I get to do it again in a few hours to retieve the car.

[Natasha]

Got my Ibex Carrie Hoody and I love the color and the fit. I am disappointed however because it isn't very warm. I have been wearing it around the house (we keep our house pretty cool) and it doesn't keep me warm. I keep warm with a shak or fleece, but not the Carrie Hoody.
Anyone else had more experience on temp range with the Carrie Hoody?
Thanks.

[GLC1968]

Got my Ibex Carrie Hoody and I love the color and the fit. I am disappointed however because it isn't very warm. I have been wearing it around the house (we keep our house pretty cool) and it doesn't keep me warm. I keep warm with a shak or fleece, but not the Carrie Hoody.
Anyone else had more experience on temp range with the Carrie Hoody?
Thanks.

I'm glad it fits you, Natasha! That's weird about it not feeling very warm. Perhaps the weave is looser than your other items, so it's allowing a 'breeze' to get through? I tend to wear mine either layered over a l/s wool shirt (like a Kate), or over just a T and under a wind breaker type jacket. I was amazed at how warm the Carrie Hoody kept me when worn with a t-shirt and under a rain jacket in Portland a few weeks back. It was cold and rainy, but I was toasty warm. Maybe it was the combo of the Carrie with the windbreaking properties of the jacket that made it work?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I wear my Carrie over a base layer or shak, never by itself around the house. It keeps me quite warm if I'm fitness walking 5 miles outside down to 15 degreesF. It does let in a slight breeze, whcih is why I really like it while walking because I don't get stuffy and sweaty, but I stay very warm in it. Not sure why you are cold in it. :confused: The wool is thicker than a shak but a bit looser weave, more like wool terry cloth.

[Natasha]

Thanks for the feedback on the Carrie Hoody. I bet it is the looser weave that I am feeling. I've been wearing it over a capilene base layer. I'll try it over a shak.

[Crankin]

I tried using the hood on my half zip Shak for a head cover while cycling yesterday. It fit fine, but it was just a bit too loose over my ears; it was very windy and my ears felt cold. I replaced with my cheap beenie on the way back and that was much better. I think it would work on a less windy day, though.

[Dianyla]

Score! Picked up a quarterzip Shak yesterday at REI's winter clearance sale. It's a size medium, black.

My other quarterzip Shak is a size large in light blue and it's always been a tiny bit baggy. The size medium is much more form fitting, so it's nice to have it in the sleek slimming black color.

I feel very stealthy today with my black corduroys and black shak. *mrawr*

[sandra]

My other quarterzip Shak is a size large in light blue and it's always been a tiny bit baggy.

hummm. I know someone who wears a large if you decide you need to sell it. ;)

[Dianyla]

hummm. I know someone who wears a large if you decide you need to sell it. ;)
Ha! Not a chance! :p

The large is nicer to wear over more layers, and being a pale color I like the slightly looser fit (otherwise it just highlights the backboobs, sigh).

[KnottedYet]

I wore my Carrie Hoody for 4 days. I'm thinking of it as a hooded shirt, rather than as a hooded sweatshirt. It's warm as long as I wear a good layer under it and a vest over it.

And it's cuuuuuuute!

[Triskeliongirl]

I ended up cancelling the ibex order. The norgie crew just isn't dressy enough for what I want. I just noticed some nice looking cashmere t-necks on sale at llbean. Is cashmere also soft and non-itching, like merino wool? I am looking for something dressy to pair with my wool suits.

[sandra]

Since the men's black Shak was out of stock at Uncle Ben's, I substituted with a Mustard Seed Shak for my hubby. It came today. It's really a nice color and probably better for him than black would have been. It is really sort of a dark gold. Very similar to the gold thread on his jeans and looks great with them too. He likes it a lot, but just wait until he wears it!!!

[KnottedYet]

At this very moment, I'm wearing a pair of Ibex Balance "runner shorts". Very similar to UnderArmour, but wool.

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/Products_Landing.php?LPID=45

I'll post a review soon.

[Blueberry]

I ended up cancelling the ibex order. The norgie crew just isn't dressy enough for what I want. I just noticed some nice looking cashmere t-necks on sale at llbean. Is cashmere also soft and non-itching, like merino wool? I am looking for something dressy to pair with my wool suits.

I have several cashmere sweaters from Bean - a couple of turtlenecks, a v neck and a few others. It is soft and non-itching. I have handwashed my sweaters for over a year, and they're fine. The downside is that they do pill. Some colors more than others, but it is quite noticeable (I think this is a cashmere trait, but I'm not sure). I've been able to pick the little balls off and keep wearing them, but it's annoying...

[SouthernBelle]

I have several cashmere sweaters from Bean - a couple of turtlenecks, a v neck and a few others. It is soft and non-itching. I have handwashed my sweaters for over a year, and they're fine. The downside is that they do pill. Some colors more than others, but it is quite noticeable (I think this is a cashmere trait, but I'm not sure). I've been able to pick the little balls off and keep wearing them, but it's annoying...

Do you turn them inside out when you wash? That may help defend agaisnt pilling.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks for the input! I decided to give their ribbed merino T-neck a try. It looks a little slimmer and shorter than the sale one I didn't like, and has more finished edges. I will report back when it arrives.

[Blueberry]

Do you turn them inside out when you wash? That may help defend agaisnt pilling.

Yep. I actually think it's where my fat lil arms swing against my body - it's pretty localized. And with Cashmere, it's easy to remove. They do feel yummy:)

CA

[Natasha]

I'am considering a shak in the soft brown but have never seen one in person in this color. To those of you who have laid your eyes on the soft brown, what do you think?
Thanks.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'am considering a shak in the soft brown but have never seen one in person in this color. To those of you who have laid your eyes on the soft brown, what do you think?
Thanks.

It's a pleasant sort of cocoa brown. I like it because it's not a reddish brown. Here I am in my brown full zip shak under the green Cortina vest:
http://images2.powerreviews.com/images_customers/06/40/1086717_23029_full.jpg
(Note: I get the full zip shak in size large, a bit roomy, so I can layer it like a cardigan over a medium shak and a base layer)

[Triskeliongirl]

Just in case anyone hadn't noticed.........

[Crankin]

I had to quickly delete this email this morning. I really want another Shak, but I need to reign in my spending...
Robyn

[Dianyla]

I had to quickly delete this email this morning.
Yeah, talk about a double-whammy. Solicitous emails from both Icebreaker and Ibex. Halp!!! :eek:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I had to quickly delete this email this morning. I really want another Shak, but I need to reign in my spending...
Robyn

Oh Robyn, I see you changed your user name too now! :p
It's so disorienting when people change their user names or avatars, isn't it? :D

[Dianyla]

It's so disorienting when people change their user names or avatars, isn't it? :D
Name changes don't throw me off so much. Avatar changes do. I guess I identify people visually most of the time. :)

[sandra]

ummmmm. how do you change your user name? do you have to get an admin to do it?

[Dianyla]

ummmmm. how do you change your user name? do you have to get an admin to do it?
Yes. :)

[crazycanuck]

Can someone tell me if ibex is made from Merino? I'd like to purchase the GRound Effect Ristroetto and want to know if it's the same thing as an Ibex item.

Ground effect mentions the Ristroetto wicks sweat away, which is fine but is it scratchy?

Perth isn't really really cold in the cooler months but it does get windy :eek:

HEeeeelp

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can someone tell me if ibex is made from Merino? I'd like to purchase the GRound Effect Ristroetto and want to know if it's the same thing as an Ibex item.

Ground effect mentions the Ristroetto wicks sweat away, which is fine but is it scratchy?

Perth isn't really really cold in the cooler months but it does get windy :eek:

HEeeeelp

Can you give us some links to the items you are curious about so we don't have to start searching on the web for them to help you out? Can you find descriptions of the material used?- most places should state what the clothing item is made of.
And yes, all Ibex wool items are made from merino wool. They also sell some items that have other materials as well, such as a synthetic shell outer wind layer, etc...but they always say what the thing is made of.

[Natasha]

Thanks for the picture Lisa. The brown looks beautiful. I'm eyeing the brown shak with free shipping.

[Crankin]

Yes, I changed it because while I'm not opposed to people finding me on the net, I don't want any old person reading some of my posts! This way, if you google my real name, all you will get is stuff from AMC (bike club) and links about rides we lead.
I'm not on the Icebreaker email list, thankfully.

[crazycanuck]

www.groundeffect.co.nz

Sorry!

[KnottedYet]

I don't know who anyone is anymore...

but I know I like my Ibex Balance Runner shorts. (not as much as my Ibex Roaster Boxers, but close) (review to come soon)

I'm also bummed that I won't get to go say "Howdy!" to my favorite Ibex rep at the Seattle Bike Expo.

[Dianyla]

but I know I like my Ibex Balance Runner shorts. (not as much as my Ibex Roaster Boxers, but close) (review to come soon)
I'll be curious to hear your compare/contrast of the Balance vs. Roaster shorts. I've got a pair of roasters arriving soon to my mailbox, yay! :cool:

[KnottedYet]

Well, so far all I've done is wear the Runners to work. Didn't run or ride in them, and don't feel I can write a complete review until I've done that.

The Runners are thinner, and a bit scratchy, and creep a little. (but I also have ummm "meaty" thighs which cause fit problems occasionally) For whatever reason, the Runner's rise seemed longer and the legs shorter than I expected.

Compression-wise, the Runners are about like a pair of UnderArmour.

Roaster Boxers are still the absolute best women's boxer briefs I've ever worn. I would give up all my other women's boxer briefs if I could replace them with Roasters. I've run in them, walked in them, biked in them, kayaked in them, slept in them, worn them alone, worn them under Long Janes AND pants, and they are just the best things for my bod that I've found. They are the paragon, the gold standard, the creme de la creme.

Well, I tell a lie. I'd keep my UnderArmour for swimming and tri.

(and as far as women's briefs, my epitome there is Patagonia's "Active brief" in the French cut. Darned expensive, but oh-so good. But I haven't tried the new Ibex briefs yet.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Can someone tell me if ibex is made from Merino? I'd like to purchase the GRound Effect Ristroetto and want to know if it's the same thing as an Ibex item.

Ground effect mentions the Ristroetto wicks sweat away, which is fine but is it scratchy?

Perth isn't really really cold in the cooler months but it does get windy :eek:

HEeeeelp


Well the ristroetto:
http://www.groundeffect.co.nz/product-detail-RIS-MER.htm#
is a polyester tank with an inner lining of merino wool. You can expect the inner merino to be a very thin flocked layer that is bonded to the polyester.

Ibex has a few "Climawool" jackets that have windproof poly outsides with a merino lining like this. I've seen them and though my friends like them a lot, I would prefer myself to have a thicker lining of merino- the merino layer almost seems paper thin and is somehow glued/bonded onto the outer fabric. Not my cup of tea when I'm looking for wool. But- some people really like that bonded wool lining stuff, and I suppose it would be more rain/wind proof than straight wool. But then if you wear this as a base layer you might get the stuffy/smelly polyester effects. Straight merino breathes so beautifully and doesn't get stinky.

Just some rambling thoughts about it.

I must add that the ristroetto certainly looks really stylin' and looks comfy. :)



P.S. Robyn- you should keep your name Robyn at least in your signature for a few weeks to give us all a chance to know who the heck you are now! ;)

[elk]

Hey you guys who have FZ and HZ shaks.....

I have a brown full zip that I wear all the time...so I bought a half zip (on sale in black...cause i couldn't get a FZ in black)

and I find the FZ is softer and a wee bit stretched....or is it just because I've had it longer?

[Natasha]

Hi Elk,
I have 3 FZ Shaks which I wear one of almost daily. I like the extra venting of the FZ, but am considering getting a HZ shak while they are on sale. Other than the softness, which do your prefer?
Thanks.

[elk]

Oh, the Full Zip...by far.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

The full zip and half zip shaks are exactly the same material. If one is softer or more stretched out it's just because it's older or has been washed differently, etc. Another possibility is that you wear the full zip OVER more other stuff, so it stretches more than the half zip which you might wear by itself or over only a thin base layer.

And yes I prefer my full zip shaks a bit more because they are so versatile. Wear them alone like a pullover, or wear them over stuff like a cardigan.

[elk]

well that's good news, Lisa.....cause the more I wear my FZ, the more I like it!
If the HZ breaks in as nicely...it too will be a good friend....:D

Hey, LSH...when's your LUNA coming? DId you pick your colors?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Hey, LSH...when's your LUNA coming? DId you pick your colors?

They are painting the frame right now. :p I'll likely be getting the completed bike in about 3-5 more weeks I think.
I picked a beeswax/honey color for the bike, and will have the cork tape and honey brooks saddle. The bike will have a lot of black components on it as well....black rims, hoods, etc. :p There will be a little honey bee on the top tube.

[elk]

well...float like a butterfly, sting like a bee!:)

[elk]

I finally got around to trying on my Ibex loose tights ...and I swear, I don't have a single piece from Ibex that I haven't "tried on" and then worn all day for days in a row.

These are awesome. I have a hard time with pants...cause I am pretty curvy and gotta a BIG butt...and it ain't an image problem..it's a big butt...and these look pretty good on me...even the tight part of loose tights.

comfort? a given. nice weight. soft, but substantial enough to not be flimsy.

i have to shorten them...i've been wearing them rolled up...but what luxury! what joy! it is to have been turned on to this company!!!

[sandra]

They are painting the frame right now. :p I'll likely be getting the completed bike in about 3-5 more weeks I think.
I picked a beeswax/honey color for the bike, and will have the cork tape and honey brooks saddle. The bike will have a lot of black components on it as well....black rims, hoods, etc. :p There will be a little honey bee on the top tube.

Lisa, do you know the song by Van Morrison "She's as sweet at Tupelo honey"? That bike sounds sweet. 3 - 5 more weeks!!! That's soon!!!

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey guys, I am considering one or both of these (trying to get outfitted now for next winter while its fresh in my mind):
smartwool headliner:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10364

smartwool headband:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10364

sheilamoon headband:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=22478

For any of you that have these pieces, I am wondering what temp. range they are usable in without being too hot or cold. I know that varies with the user, but in general, I worry about overheating in a hat, but maybe not if its wool.......

I prefer the smarwool headband to the sheila moon in terms of actual wool content, but I worry it may not cover my ears as it doesn't have ear flaps.

Currently I use a PI microsensor headband, combined with a helmet cover when its really cold, so you could relate these pieces to those if you have both. Maybe I am fine, and just going wool crazy...........

[mimitabby]

the first two are the same link.
I just got one used ( I guess it's called a headliner). It is nice and light. If you are in really cold weather you're going to want something else. OR do as I have done, use it in concert with another hat.
I have this castelli skull cap which does NOT cover my ears. Wearing both at the same time, i'm cozy and warm (at least my head/ears are)

[DebW]

Hey guys, I am considering one or both of these (trying to get outfitted now for next winter while its fresh in my mind):
smartwool headliner:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=10364

For any of you that have these pieces, I am wondering what temp. range they are usable in without being too hot or cold. I know that varies with the user, but in general, I worry about overheating in a hat, but maybe not if its wool.......


How about the Zephyr skull cap (http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=955&VID=11078&Product=Zepher-Skull-Cap) from Ibex. I just got one for $15 on sale. It has ear flaps and covers the ears very well. It's a tighter knit than the Smartwool headliner but still thin for easy fit under a helmet. I haven't biked in it yet, but it should work out well for 30-45 degrees, lower if you combine it with a helmet cover (but then I'd switch to a balaclava anyway to cover my chin).

[Triskeliongirl]

sorry the link for the headband is this:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=21867


the first two are the same link.
I just got one used ( I guess it's called a headliner). It is nice and light. If you are in really cold weather you're going to want something else. OR do as I have done, use it in concert with another hat.
I have this castelli skull cap which does NOT cover my ears. Wearing both at the same time, i'm cozy and warm (at least my head/ears are)

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks for the tip Deb. I went ahead and ordered the zepher cap. Your review helped a lot! I didn't realize it would cover my ears from the picture, and I have been so impressed by quality of Ibex, even over smartwool. In fact, I added to the order some ibex glove liners so I'll be all decked out in ibex from head to toe on the bike now (to add to my arm and knee warmers). I'd struggled to find leg warmers that fit, but the ibex knee warmers in a small (sizes posted here on TE) fit like a dream (w diff. thigh measurement than leg warmers, odd but true) and are on a really good sale now at ibex site. They took a few rides to learn how to position, the lycra/windblocker fabric goes on the front, and they are right and left specific (follows the curve of your knee) but if you pay attention to positioning they work like a dream. I think they will effectively work like full leg warmers when paired with wool socks, and therefore are a very versatile piece, especically for touring. They are great now for our in between weather where mornings are still cold enough to have my knees covers but its warm to downright hot by afternoon.

I should add that I have a sugoi helmet cover to keep the wind out of my helmet's air vents if its really cold, but wanted something to use between lycra headband and balaclava weather. Seems like the zepher skull cap will fit the bill nicely!

[mimitabby]

I have a zephyr, and it doesn't cover my ears any better than the castelli...:(

[Triskeliongirl]

Hmmm, well if it doesn't cover MY ears I can send it back and order the headliner, but it shouldn't cost too much for return shipping. Out of curiousity, what helmet size are mimi and Deb? I wear the old S/M Giro stopped making, smalls are tight and mediums feel a tad too loose.


I have a zephyr, and it doesn't cover my ears any better than the castelli...:(

[mimitabby]

I have a small head. I have a medium helmet BELL, but it adjusts WAY down.

[DebW]

I'm a small (~6.75 hat size). I found the Smartwool cap a bit too big, but the Ibex fits me. The Zephyr skull cap that I got is not symmetrical - it's cut longer in back and on the sides that it is in the front. Ibex did have the Meru hat in a regular and with earflaps version. My Zephyr has the "with earflaps" cut, but maybe there was a symmetrical version also.

[Triskeliongirl]

Well, I did order the sale one in the link Deb sent, so lets hope for the best....

[Crankin]

I guess the arrival of spring shortly is bumping this thread down! I keep getting emails from all these places about wool sales, but I can't spend any more money! I am having withdrawl. I did buy a bolero that arrived and fits perfectly and one of the new flared skorts from Terry, but that is on back order. At least when it comes in March, it will satisfy my bike clothing cravings.

[Triskeliongirl]

I am *thinking* about doing another sale order (rooted to nature also sent me a 10% off coupon.........):

Has anyone seen or tried on this piece in crab apple red?
http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/ProductDetail.php?GID=865&VID=9828&Product=Razzel

I am trying to figure out
1) Is the red as dark as the pic, or is it a bit lighter like the norgie crew I saw in a store. THe color has the same name, crabapple red, but looks diff. in the pix. In general, when ibex uses a color name, are all pieces with that name the same color (I have also noticed that dff. images of space blue and warm green also look diff depending on the piece). I want a color to wear with my charcoal gray and black suits. Bright red is great, I just wonder if this will be too dark a red.

2) How does the fit compare to the kate and full zip shak. In both those pieces I am a small, but they are billed as semi-fit and this is billed as fitted. I also have the ribbie which while snug fits well in small. I am just trying to figure out if I need to size up to a medium or not.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Tri- I don't know nothin' about the Razzle.

If any of you guys order from Root to Nature, just be sure to check to make sure their sale prices are not higher than some of the sale items right now at Ibex! I noticed a couple were higher than Ibex's own sales prices at the moment.
ALERT: Ibex winter sale ends in a few days....as does their free shipping deal.

I really have so many merino wardrobe items at this point (mostly Ibex, but some Smartwool and thriftstore too) that I really am starting to be able to resist their endless sale coupons now. Sounds crazy, but it's true! I have a LOT of ibex & smartwool stuff. :cool:
It will be interesting to see what develops as Spring comes around. I might need a few sleeveless lightweight merino tanks. I have enough knickers, tights, capris, and bike shorts for an army, so I definitely have my butt covered! :p

[elk]

Triskeliongirl
Just fyi.....I have a smartwool headband and I love it. I wear it over my ears, under my helmet and it really does the job.


I just did a "last" hurrah on Ibex...ordered a black bella vest and a zephyr half zip...
I have yet to meet an Ibex piece I haven't developed a crush on EXCEPT for the Bergenz jacket...which just seemed like a duplicate of oher things I have...:p

[Tokie]

Well you guys got to me! I ordered the loose tights,a kate shirt,a shak,and the ribbies tank from the Ibex sale. I actually don't expect to like the tights in the brown, but I can check the fit out with the free shipping. If I like them, I can get them in black here at TE. I have a really short inseam (27 or 28) so they may look wierd anyway hemmed up that short. By the way, did you guys see the leopard print smartwool socks here on TE? http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=30923 .... so cute! I ordered both colors. I'll let you know how the Ibex works out! Carol

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Welcome fellow WW. Carol! :)

[elk]

Carol
I have the loose tights and have to hem them...I've been wearing them rolled up a bit...but I don't think they'll look weird hemmed shorter..

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks so much Elk! My zepher hat arrives tomorrow from ibex, and if it doesn't do the trick then maybe I'll give the smartwool headband a try. So, I take it that its wide enough to cover your ears as well? Is it the one on TE since that one says its one size fits all?

I confess, I also did a last ibex order today as well, one red razzel, one blue norgie crew, and one neck gaitor on the way.....

Today the ibex gloves and and blue short sleeve polo arrived. Both are lovely. The glove liners fit perfectly and layer exactly as I hoped under my cycling gloves. The short sleeve blue polo lets me lengthen the seasonal wear on my gray suit.

I guess the only bad thing about buying all this stuff now, is that I won't need a thing next winter!

On another note, how do you store your wool over spring and summer to keep the mothies away?


Triskeliongirl
Just fyi.....I have a smartwool headband and I love it. I wear it over my ears, under my helmet and it really does the job.


I just did a "last" hurrah on Ibex...ordered a black bella vest and a zephyr half zip...
I have yet to meet an Ibex piece I haven't developed a crush on EXCEPT for the Bergenz jacket...which just seemed like a duplicate of oher things I have...:p

[elk]

Yup...that's the one. I think M got it at REI, it was a present;)

It's soft , thick, stays in place and covers my ears perfectly.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Everyone is slightly different.... :p

personally, I found my Smartwool headband to be too narrow and thin to really keep my ears warm well. What I discovered however is that an Ibex neck gaiter will do it ALL!:

The Ibex neck gaiters are double layer merino- very warm and plenty wide. I go out walking for miles in 20 degree cold and wear a neck gaiter over my shak neck but tucked under any jacket or vest. I can also pull it up to cover my chin if it gets cold. Sometimes if my ears are getting cold I just pull the gaiter up and fold an edge under a bit and it makes a fabulous thick warm headband that really covers your whole ear area and even most of your head too if you don't fold it much. If it starts to drizzle I just wear it like a hat with a hole on top, it looks like a cute chimney hat like that. Then if I get overheated, I just take the neck gaiter off and it folds right into my pocket, so it's more convenient than carrying a bulky hat around if you are trekking along and having to keep carrying all your stuff. On really cold days sometimes I will go for my 5 mile walk wearing TWO neck gaiters- one on my neck and one as a wide headband ear cover. I know I will warm up during my walk and then I can either fold one or two up and pocket them, or sometimes I have even twisted the gaiters into figure-8's and just stuck them on my wrists while I finish my walk. :p