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Plain blankets. Warm in winter and cool in summer, wool is a great solution for blankets. It is also more resistant to fire than other natural fibers.
by CWB Architects
Dyed blankets. Wool fabric holds dye well, so the color lasts longer. Unfortunately, it also needs mothproofing.
Exhibit: Dale Chihuly's Northwest, May 21-October 2, 2011
Rugs. Wool fibers' antistatic properties and natural resistance to soiling makes them a desirable choice for rugs. However, when wool does get dirty, it is not as easy to clean as some synthetic fibers.
by ducduc
Bathroom accessories. Just like when it's on a sheep, wool is hydrophobic (resists water) and resists odors, so it performs well in the bath area.
by lynn-anne bruns  
Sheepskin throws. A sheepskin throw adds a romantic touch and a welcome layer of cushion to furniture.

See more ways with sheepskin throws
by Niche Interiors  
Sheepskin rugs. The organic feel of wool in its more natural state always makes a room feel cozy and comfortable. Don't worry about the long fibers — wool resists crushing.
by Stern McCafferty  
Felted accessories. These felted wool stones by Vivaterra add a unique flair to a space — and also show off the diversity of wool fibers.
by FORMA Design  
Wool throws. Wool is considered hypoallergenic, which makes it a great fabric for a throw cover. However, washing pure wool with alkaline detergents can damage it.
by Tracery Interiors  
Knitting. Wool in its natural state has a crimp to its strand, which creates an elastic property when it's woven into yarn. The elasticity makes it more durable and a wonderful product to knit or crochet with.
by Ryland Peters & Small | CICO Books
Upholstery. Wool is a great choice for upholstery because it resists piling and breaking, meaning it's extra durable.
by Gaile Guevara
Bedding. Wool's wrinkle resistance makes for a beautiful bed cover. The fabric can feel very soft when the natural lanolin is not removed from the fiber.
by Mark English Architects, AIA  

Comments

olldbobbi Interesting! I didn't know wool had all these great properties. Is it itchy? I love the sheepskin rug and throw, they both look so cozy!
7 months ago ·
Thanh Le It's very beautiful and luxurious
I like this
I bookmarked it and will recommend to friends www.homedesign9.com
7 months ago · ·
FORMA Design Thanks for including our work in this Ideabook. I am attaching some more images of the felted wool "stones".
7 months ago · ·
olldbobbi Those "stones" are the coolest things I've ever seen!
7 months ago · ·
homefluffyhome The grey upholstered chairs look comfy and sophisticated. But I can't believe kids' rooms were overlooked! If you've ever seen anything more adorable than this, I'll eat my hat: http://homefluffyhome.blog.com/2012/11/17/foxy/
7 months ago ·
Jean Corey Over the years I have accumulated a lot of wool rugs and wool blankets; I love them! The rugs wear like iron and clean up really easily. A wool rug near the fireplace is perfect because of the fire retardant properties. They don't get worn and shiny and slippery like man made fibers do. My wool blankets breath really well so I don't get sticky hot in bed, just a nice comfortable warmth. I really enjoy wool coats, jackets, skirts, and bags. They also wear extremely well; get them in a classic design cause they will last forever.
7 months ago · ·
Lucy Goosie @ olldbob

Some wool is itchy, but according to the caption under the last picture it can feel very soft when the natural lanolin is not removed from the fiber. I have owned a couple of wool sweaters in the past that were very soft, and many that were itchy! Sounds like the soft variety would make for a wonderful blanket.
7 months ago · ·
cvsharkey I'm a handspinner of various fibers types I can tell you that there are over 200 breeds of sheep, and a lot of other "wools" to consider. Some of it is meant for outerwear (like Icelandic wool,) and some of it is soft enough to be worn next to the skin. You wouldn't want a wool rug made out of something so soft it would not wear well--nor would you want a winter scarf made from rug yarn! BTW--as a crocheter I have to correct them about the "knitted" throw on the bed--it's crocheted, not knitted. There's a dif.
7 months ago · ·
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. Thank you all for your kind comments, I enjoy writing, learning, and sharing. Oldbob, wool can be very scratchy, however if the natural lanolin from the sheep is left in it, it can be very soft. The softest wool is derived from the undercoat fibers of the Cashmere goat.
7 months ago · ·
Mary Jane Peabody You could add hand-crafted hooked rugs to your list on wonderful wool. Hooked rugs today, made from 100% wool, can range from the traditional or primitive to contemporary and abstract to suit your interior, and the work being done today is beautiful. Well-designed hand-crafted art for your walls or floors, and great insulators, too! This one is my "Herringbone"...but google hooked rugs and there are many, many wonderful rughookers around making stunning pieces appropriate for any decor.
7 months ago · ·
bubblyjock Don't forget that sheepskin rugs make the best dogs ever; they're warm, soft, and if treated correctly (the back/suede side has a greenish finge) they're also machine-washable.
7 months ago ·
ladymojo Yup cvsharkey is right, that's a crocheted throw on the bed, we crocheters frequently have our work noted as "knitted". I have found that sometimes people who state they are allergic to wool because it's itchy may actually be having a reaction to the way some commercial fleeces are prepared for use. Again cvsharkey is correct about the types of wool as well. My belief is there is a wool for everyone.
7 months ago · ·
ladymojo Oh yes and Mary Jane that is one beautiful hooked rug!
7 months ago ·
Mary Jane Peabody Thanks! More at www.maryjanesrugs.com and I do appreciate your comment!
7 months ago · ·
gillianne I've been looking at wool garments in thrift stores for handsome, classic suiting patterns destined to become throw pillow covers. My concern about wool for larger pieces (e.g., upholstery) is moth damage. Is that a legit worry?
7 months ago ·
michmc Wearable wool: smart wool socks. Most comfy socks I've ever worn - esp. the ones marked cushy! Not itchy at all.
7 months ago · ·
lkkmmm is there a possible difference, then, on how much of an allergic reaction one would have amongst the 200 different types of sheep wool cvsharkey mentions? I love wool and would be happy to have one I don't react to....
7 months ago ·
abbybelknap Can you give us sorces for the bed covers and blankets?
7 months ago ·
Mary Jane Peabody you can find wonderful wool blankets (as well as clothing) at www.pendleton-usa.com and then look under home/blankets. Lovely stuff, all made in the USA...
7 months ago · ·
karelina The wall of blankets is gorgeous!
7 months ago ·
sclawson Slept with a Merino wool blanket in a hotel and had to have one. So very soft, warm and breathable. Pricey though, but wears like iron.
7 months ago · ·
sclawson Slept with a Merino wool blanket in a hotel and had to have one. So very soft, warm and breathable. Pricey though, but wears like iron. Had a wool dinner dress one time that was spun thin and woven into something like a chiffon. Truly beautiful! Wool is for so much more than itchy sweaters!
7 months ago · ·
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. Gillianne, the vintage wool for accessories is a neat idea. For upholstery, I would use modern wool fabric that has been moth-proofed. Mary Jane, those are gorgeous rugs. When wool has bright color, it is so crisp and vivid. Catriona, thank you for the tip, I was not aware that sheep skin could be washed.
7 months ago ·
karelina Pashmina is the finest of wools. To judge it's quality, one pulls a women's shawl through a finger ring. Pashmina is made from the chin hairs of goats in the Himalayas.
7 months ago ·
shiphrah Hate to break it to you, but that bedspread is NOT knitted! It's crocheted.
7 months ago ·
Studio NOO Design Very nice, love the fury bench !
7 months ago ·
shawnaleeah Wool is NOT hypoallergenic.
7 months ago · ·
frenchdecor @oldbob I have 3 merino wool sweaters, they are not itchy even next to the skin unless you have very sensitive skin, perhaps. Never saw blanket from that wool, though. Have pure wool blanket, it's itchy, but not through the sheet.
7 months ago ·
kellystevens Those fluffy wool rugs shown in several pictures are a nightmare to clean. They shed like crazy, need to be 'combed' to keep from matting, and they can only be cleaned by having them sent out for professional washing.
7 months ago · ·
symasapi Adding a pair of wool pillows I knitted to match my seafoam leather sofa.
7 months ago · ·
karelina An ex-knitter, I developed an allergy to wool. Heartbroken, I've tried every variety I could find, even tried a silk sweater with 2% mohair, and still break out in hives. There is definitely not a wool for everyone.
7 months ago · ·
Bowden Carroll Design Moths... I have wool in my home and suddenly, moths appeared and their larvae have eaten holes in an area rug and some old needlepoint cushion covers. Grrrrrr.... So be vigilant! Having said that, these are the 1st moths I've had to deal with in my life, but it's still heartbreaking
7 months ago ·
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. Kelly, thank you for sharing that info. Sometimes things look great in a photo but do not perform well when lived in. Symasapi, thank you for sharing your photo, your knitting is lovely. Karelina, that makes me so sad. Have you found other fibers that you can knit without a reaction? Bowden, how are you getting rid of the moths?
7 months ago · ·
Bowden Carroll Design Well Lee Anne, I've taken the rugs to the dry cleaners (said to kill the eggs) and put smaller items in my freezer (said to do the same). I've also got moth traps dotted around the house and they're catching lots of the little bas#*@ds! Aside from that, I don't know what else to do, so if you have any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated!
7 months ago · ·
karelina Culpepper Thanks for asking. I've tried silk and cotton. Though they both dye well, they don't have the elasticity and flexibility, strength and warmth of wool. I don't really like the colors of acrylics or the feel. Since my grandmother taught me when I was little, I've knitted. It's strange not to. I just knit once in a while for a gift.
I buy wool things rugs, wall hangings, pillows, throws, preferably handmade. They're so lovely! I've just bought a 1900 house, so my creative juices are being channeled into renovating. It's hard work, but fun!
7 months ago ·
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. Having the rugs professionally cleaned and treated by a reputable dealer is the best decision, great job. Beware that the larvae can also be on other wool rugs in the home as well.
7 months ago ·
Bowden Carroll Design Thanks for the advice, Lee Anne. What sort of company would treat the wool? Are we talking a dry cleaner? A carpet company? All my needlepoint cushions are still in the freezer and the rugs still in their dry cleaning bags, as I'm too afraid to bring them out, knowing that the adult moths are still around and still laying eggs!
7 months ago ·
Culpepper Carpets & Interiors, Inc. If you live in Atlanta, I use Cristomar. They are Chemists and it is amazing what they do for wool rugs! If you do not live here, call and ask for Mary tell her that Lee Anne Culpepper suggested you call,(she was on my radio show) and I know that she will give you the very best advice. 770-753-4242.
7 months ago ·
Bowden Carroll Design Thanks again, Lee Anne! I'm nowhere near Atlanta, but I'll give Mary a call and see what she has to say...
7 months ago ·
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