WoolWeenies Club

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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

Hmmm.......

What does the label say the content is?

[Cataboo]

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

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

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

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

[Susan Otcenas]

What does the label say the content is?

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

Susan

[Susan Otcenas]

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

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

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

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

[KnottedYet]

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

Hmmm.......

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

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

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

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

[KnottedYet]

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

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

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

[KnottedYet]

October 17 and 18.

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

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

October 17 and 18.

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

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

[GLC1968]

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

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

http://www.ibexwear.com/shop/product...mens-carrie-fz

[Cataboo]

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

I love them both though.

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

[OakLeaf]

I was reading a book on the history of wool

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

[KnottedYet]

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

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