HOW WAS YOUR WOOLLEN MADE?

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Techniques

The Rafter Blanket is knitted in four separate pieces which I hand sew together. I utilise the intarsia technique to create the large block patterns - this is where you lay each individual row of knitting manually. It's an intensive but rewarding process, which takes a lot of time and requires careful hand finishing. The edge is created by knitting a rib.

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Time

It takes me a minimum of 5 hours to knit the different sections of the blanket, and then at least 3 hours to steam each piece, sew in the ends and hand stitch the segments together. 

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HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR WOOLLEN?

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Airing is caring

Because of its odour, stain and crease-resistant properties wool can practically take care of itself. The best way to keep your knit blanket fresh is to let it's natural properties do the work. Air and rest for 24 hours between wears and only wash when it's really necessary.

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When it really is time to wash

• Hand wash is the safest option. Just fill a clean bath with cold water and soak the blanket for 15 minutes. After soaking rinse it with clean water once or twice to remove any soap from the fabric. You can then spin the water out in the machine on a slow 600 spin.

• You can wash in a washing machine on a wool wash at 30 degrees and a slow spin at 600 - individual machine wool wash settings vary so check; as the yarn is not superwash it will felt if it is agitated and heated.

• Using a non biological, bleach free wool wash detergent for a gentle clean and avoid using a fabric softener

• Dry flat to avoid over-stretching - perhaps lay on a towel across the dining table.

• Always dry away from any heat sources

• Never tumble-dry woollens

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Storing your woollens

• Store folded in a cool, dry area - don't hang them

• If packing away woollens during the summer, be sure to use vacuum packed storage bags to aid the prevention of moths

• Lavender bags can be used to deter moths too

• Wool naturally pills and they can easily be removed by hand. This should be done routinely after drying, or just prior to ironing.

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WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WITH IT AT THE END OF IT'S LIFE?

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Your blanket will enjoy a long happy life. Knit homewares can be beautifully and creatively repaired with techniques such as darning. However, although it can last a lifetime, one the joys of natural fibres are they don't last forever. Made from 100% biodegradable materials and free from toxic chemicals, you can compost your blanket at the end of its useful life, and it will decompose releasing valuable nutrients into the soil.