WoolWeenies Club

**Crankin** · 11-05-2009, 10:30 AM

I was super sensitive to wool as a kid and while I tons of wool sweaters, I could only wear them with a heavy turtle neck underneath.
I have to have the finest (17-18 micron) merino to have it next to my skin. The Ibex tees I bought are on the edge of bothering me, but I wear them. But, I can't layer my Ibex Kates with a Shak, because the wool over wool makes me itch. I can only wear wool pants if they are lined and even a stretchy cotton/lycra button down shirt will itch me enough that it's OK alone, but not with a merino sweater over it.
So, from my experience, you probably can wear the lightest weight Merino with no issue. I find Ibex and Smartwool the least bothersome. Haven't done so well with Icebreaker, though.
Of course a seam that is too thick will irritate me and make me break out in welts, so take this for what it's worth.

**Eden** · 11-05-2009, 10:40 AM

very interesting Sadie Kate - thanks!

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 11-05-2009, 11:03 AM

Ok, I guess we may have definition variations going on.

I agree that finer/thinner weight merino fabric and washable (shrink resistant) merino fabric does make it more useful for sporting activities and base layers, as compared to more traditional 'regular' merino wool fabric.

I just don't think of 'superwash' merino or lightweight/thin merino as being something one would label as 'technical wool'. It's good for athletic/sporting uses but is also good for 'non-technical' every day use.

What makes a fabric 'technical' anyway?

I used to think it was just a marketing term designed to imply special/professional sports usage. Is there an official definition?

**SadieKate** · 11-05-2009, 11:14 AM

Who knows? I tend to categorize wool more from the production/processing of the yarn point of view.

First the aminal - sheep, alpaca, llama, camel, goat, whatever

Then the processing - to remove lanolin, coat it, de-scale it, oil it, whatever. I guess in a simplistic form: oiled/unprocessed, washable and "standard". I'll use unprocessed wool for hunting/fishing gloves because the amount of lanolin and less processed fibers produces a very weather/water resistant fabric. It can be somewhat harsh to work with but the lanolin leaves my hands and cuticles soooo soft. I'll actually try to alternate projects because processed wool will dry out my cuticles. This is probably the wool that causes the most itchiness also, but, if you can tolerate, it's wonderful for bad weather.

**SadieKate** · 11-05-2009, 11:32 AM

Has anyone tried one yet? How thin? How silky?

https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_126

Getting ready to put in an order for Bubba and me.

**Biciclista** · 11-05-2009, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by SadieKate

Has anyone tried one yet? How thin? How silky?

https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_126

Getting ready to put in an order for Bubba and me.

why do they make them LONGER than the original?

**GLC1968** · 11-05-2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Biciclista

why do they make them LONGER than the original?

Yeah, no kidding! My original ones are too long as it is!

**SadieKate** · 11-05-2009, 11:42 AM

I've sometimes wished my microfiber buff was longer so I could double it without exposing my neck. I think I'll like the extra length in the middle of a snow storm.

I think jobob has cut her microfiber buff and it hasn't raveled.

**pdxgal** · 11-06-2009, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by SadieKate

Has anyone tried one yet? How thin? How silky?

https://www.buffwear.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/1_126

Getting ready to put in an order for Bubba and me.

I tried one at REI. Wanted a thin neck gaiter to pull up over my chin when riding. Found it was too big around (circumference) for this purpose. It wouldn't stay up. It didn't work for me as a neck gaiter either, just too wide. But then I have a really long thin neck. My TurtleFur neck gaiter is fabulous for keeping my neck warm, but it's a tad too heavy for bike riding.

**MommyBird** · 11-05-2009, 07:36 PM

Thanks again for all the great information.

From the personal experience of other "welters" to the textile experts, this is very helpful.

I now know that I will still not be able to partake of those wool must-have fashion essentials that fill the department stores each winter. Sometimes I linger among the racks and stare at the soft looking colorful beauties and pretend that they would not make my skin crawl. Then I come to my senses and head for the stiff, rough, cotton sweaters.

I am going to start looking into the finer merino brands mentioned. A tank would be a good start. Keep my initial investment small.

I am glad I have discovered TE. Not only is it a great source for bike info but who knew that I would get answers above and beyond my expectations for this little wool issue that I started experimenting with this past June!

**MommyBird** · 11-05-2009, 07:44 PM

My son has one of these.
His favorite style is the "pirate".
He does crew and likes to use it to protect his bean and absorb sweat.
He hasn't used it for warmth but his is not wool.

**Shara** · 11-05-2009, 10:05 PM

I have not read all 165 pages of this awesome thread

!

So sorry if this is a repeat. But do many people here knit? And if you do have you ever tried making underwear? I can only knit scarves, blankets and other straight things but was thinking about branching out. I found this underwear pattern. http://fibremonkey.blogspot.com/2008...und-there.html I don't think I'm at that level yet but if you used some fine merino wool they might be quite nice!?

**staceysue** · 11-05-2009, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by Shara

I have not read all 165 pages of this awesome thread

!

So sorry if this is a repeat. But do many people here knit? And if you do have you ever tried making underwear? I can only knit scarves, blankets and other straight things but was thinking about branching out. I found this underwear pattern. http://fibremonkey.blogspot.com/2008...und-there.html I don't think I'm at that level yet but if you used some fine merino wool they might be quite nice!?

I'm a knitter and spinner. I only knit in the round. I've knit about 40 pairs of mittens and some socks and hats, but never anything straight!

I was just wondering if it would be worth trying to knit a lightweight wool sweater. I've never done a sweater and I'd hate to knit one up and have it turn out the wrong size . . . .

**SadieKate** · 11-06-2009, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by staceysue

I'm a knitter and spinner. I only knit in the round. I've knit about 40 pairs of mittens and some socks and hats, but never anything straight!

Handknit items can fit better than store bought. Join Ravelry, then join the two forum groups, Top Down and Seamless Knits, and you'll get some wonderful help. Read the book suggestions. Perhaps start with Wendy Bernard Custom Knits.

I knit everything in the round except scarves.

/hijack

**Shara** · 11-06-2009, 09:09 AM

Originally Posted by staceysue

I'm a knitter and spinner. I only knit in the round. I've knit about 40 pairs of mittens and some socks and hats, but never anything straight!

I was just wondering if it would be worth trying to knit a lightweight wool sweater. I've never done a sweater and I'd hate to knit one up and have it turn out the wrong size . . . .

If you can knit on the round I think you would be fine with a sweater. I've only ever knit a sweater with help. And I mostly just did the straight parts

I found this sweater pattern last night and it seems to give good instructions on how to knit a basic raglan that fits. http://www.knitting-and.com/wiki/Fro...e_Basic_Raglan

I think I'm going to start with a few pairs of socks and then try to do a sweater by myself.

Let me know if you start anything!

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