WoolWeenies Club

[lph]

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 have a couple of T-shirts and tank tops in a very fine merino/silk blend, that are noticeably softer than my merino stuff. But even then, after wearing them for a while, especially if I sweat in them or wear a backpack, I fall back on cotton as indoor wear because it's gentler on my skin. I don't welt, I just get prickly.

[OakLeaf]

very fine merino/silk blend

Are they super staticky?

A distant memory of the days when natural fibers were plentiful, that kids used to do an elementary school science experiment by rubbing silk and wool together, to generate sparks?

I just hate being really staticky, and it seems to happen to me easily. Merino alone doesn't bother me, even several layers. But add a layer of silk, and I could power a toaster (or fry my laptop ) with my index finger.

[lph]

No, I never thought of that, don't think so.

[Jolt]

Merino alone doesn't bother me, even several layers. But add a layer of silk, and I could power a toaster (or fry my laptop ) with my index finger.

Or how about getting out of the car while wearing wool? That's always good for a ZAP when you touch the door!

[Eden]

Are they super staticky?

A distant memory of the days when natural fibers were plentiful, that kids used to do an elementary school science experiment by rubbing silk and wool together, to generate sparks?

I just hate being really staticky, and it seems to happen to me easily. Merino alone doesn't bother me, even several layers. But add a layer of silk, and I could power a toaster (or fry my laptop ) with my index finger.

I have a couple of wool/silk blend sweaters too, and I haven't noticed that they are extra static prone. They are blends not layers, so I don't think that they get the opportunity to rub together so much and create static. They are incredibly soft.

[SadieKate]

Or how about getting out of the car while wearing wool? That's always good for a ZAP when you touch the door!

Since here is the Juniper High Desert we zap cars no matter what, I haven't thought about this. We regularly see warnings about touching the car to de-zap before filling the gas tank.

[SadieKate]

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

[Jolt]

Since here is the Juniper High Desert we zap cars no matter what, I haven't thought about this. We regularly see warnings about touching the car to de-zap before filling the gas tank.

I think those warnings are at all gas stations. My question is, how does one NOT discharge their static when they get out of the car? It pretty much just happens (and some cars seem to have more than others--even without wearing wool, mine is pretty shocking)!

[SadieKate]

I'm talking about TV PSAs and the news shows. We never had those in CA even though we had low humidity summers there.

[Becky]

I think those warnings are at all gas stations. My question is, how does one NOT discharge their static when they get out of the car?

<public safety announcement>If your door handles are plastic (as many are), or get back in but don't shut the door, you could conceivably not discharge. This is why you shouldn't get back into your car while pumping gas, especially during the winter. If you do, make sure to touch something metal- the car, or the metal part of the gas pump- before touching that nozzle or the filler cap. If there's a fire, never remove the nozzle, but run for the emergency stop switch. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAA5w8PLs-0 <end public safety announcement>

I work in the petroleum equipment field- there'a reason that we all wear blue jeans and Carhartts when at a site! Static is a very real danger.

(Sorry for the threadjack!)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I almost wish I'd never tried Smartwool socks. I like them so much that if I won the lottery, I would immediately buy about $1,000 worth of Smartwool socks.
Pam

Believe me, having that big a stash of smartwool socks isn't all it's cracked up to be.

[OakLeaf]

Believe me, having that big a stash of smartwool socks isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I'm with you as far as "crack."

If I spend a day without wool socks when the outside temperature is below 50°F, I remember why I try not to do that any more.

Then I do laundry. Or buy some more socks.

[Shara]

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!

[pdxgal]

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.

[pfunk12]

I apologize if this question has been posted previously. I did a search but didn't come up with any answers. I'm in the process (and nearly finished) of upgrading my wardrobe for the cold weather. After reading this thread, I decided to purchase a Smartwool base layer shirt. It arrived today - 2 minutes before my ride (karma! ). I loved it! It was comfortable and kept me really warm. I could almost feel it wicking the sweat away from my body. But...when I finished my ride and I took off my jacket, wow...what a smell! I just washed it and even after I took it out of the washer, it reeks. It is now hanging in my bathroom and the whole room smells. Is this common? Or is my nose ultra-sensitive?