WoolWeenies Club

[emily_in_nc]

Hi Emily!
I'm just curious about where the LLBean merino items come from- does the label say where it's made?

Hong Kong, unfortunately. But I love it, and I just couldn't afford Ibex at the moment (have to buy a $1400 sail for our boat )

I wore it today, and it was really nice! The XS fit great -- perfect in the shoulders and sleeves. I normally wear petites (tho' occasionally find them too short in the sleeves, so trying on is best), so it might be a wee bit short in the sleeves for someone taller than me (I'm just under 5'2" but with longish arms for my height, I think). The length was nice (could tuck it into low-rise pants, but it's not a tunic), the fit was easy (not skin-tight), and it didn't itch. It was also not see-thru in the teal with a suntan bra. It was definitely a good buy.

Emily

[Triskeliongirl]

Hey guys, I wanted to report that the small fuzz completely washed out of my shak after brushing with a lint brush and laundering. So, I am sure it was a combination of newness, and overuse, nothing more. She looks as smooth and beautiful as new now. I was on the phone with my sister today who lives near Boston, and she suggested wearing silk bases under my merino ones to prolong the time between washings on the wool and get a bit more warmth out of the lighter bases in a cold place. Good idea (and I actually have some that are 20+ years old that fit me too)! She also talked me into making another LLBean order, convinced me that I deserved a warm coat that was my size so I ordered a few to try on, as well as few more merino pieces after hearing Emily's rave review (thanks Em!). It didn't hurt that the reason for the phone call was arranging for her to pick up my dear daughter who caught bronchitis and walking pneumonia upon her return to the harsh boston climate after her xmass holidays here in south texas. I really don't want that happening to me. I orderd both a primaloft and a down coat. Any opinions? Primalofit is supposed to be warm without as much bulk as down, but my son think down is the way to go for Boston in winter. Remember, my body is not going to be used to the cold.

At this point I think the entire sierra/icebreaker order is going back!

I wore my ibex ribbie today, and I am definitely used to the ribs. While not as soft as the Kate, no itch or irritation, and it was oh sooooo waaarm on a very cold day in south texas.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

My favorite (not most irreplacable though) clothing item to wear these days is my Ibex Cortina loden merino vest in Apple Green. I want to wear it almost every day! The apple green wool makes me feel good.

Trisk- we were mulberry ribbie sisters today!

[Crankin]

Trisk, I really don't think you need a down coat for Boston. Northern N.H., maybe. The temperature varies so much. The normal winter daytime temp is usually 25-38. I think prima loft with other layers underneath would be sufficient. I have a wool dress coat that's fine and a regular EMS parka type thing for regular wear. I use a Go lite jacket over my layers of fleece, wool, and silk when I'm x country skiing, snow shoeing, hiking. Some of the layers come off when it's in the 40s.
So even though the nighttime temperatures are in the teens or single digits now, the days are around 30. Just gt good gloves and a hat!
Robyn

Sorry your daughter got sick! This is the first winter I haven't had bronchitis, since I moved here. Maybe since I'm not around those nasty kids anymore...

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks for the advice Robin. My sister told me she wears a primaloft coat. The third type I ordered is one of the 3 in 1 style parkas with a zip out fleece. Do you think this would be warm enough? It does have the advantage as a travel coat of versatility.

[Crankin]

If you think the 3 in 1 would meet more travel needs, then buy it. The fleece lining will keep you warm enough, especially with a wool piece underneath. Is it a long coat? It really helps to have the legs at least partially covered, esp. if you have to wear a dress.

[Triskeliongirl]

Thanks Robin. I really appreciate the help. Actually in view of your comments I stopped the order cuz I have a very old Columbia 3 in 1 ski parka that while its a bit large on me (its a medium and I am now a small) with the waist cinched it looks fine (and I think sizes have changed over the years) and its probably better quality than the new stuff I ordered (breathable waterproof, high tech features, etc.). It is long (32"), which I like, sometimes an advantage of Mediums over Smalls. The zip in fleece liner is too big on me, but if I just layer one of my old small fleeces over my ibex shak and ibex ribbie, I think I'll be just fine. I like this idea cuz it will be easier to adjust depending on the exact weather while I am there and my activity. The worst case scenario is I'll pick up something locally.