The WOOL Book One | Page 36

The wool textile industry is an intrinsically linked chain of highly skilled , technical businesses with people who will have spent many years learning their craft and are passionate about their product .

Dyed in the Wool�

The wool textile industry is an intrinsically linked chain of highly skilled , technical businesses with people who will have spent many years learning their craft and are passionate about their product .

A Humble beginning …
Our global flocks grow a naturally sustainable fibre that neither drains our precious planet of its resources nor unleashes any long-term damage . Unlike so much in our world today , wool is not a fast fibre : it will , by necessity , follow a well-worn industry path moving through several stages before it arrives in the shops or in our homes .
It is a journey that will see the wool crafted into something useful and desirable , something that will last . The final result is a true testament to the people who choose to work with wool ; their passion , commitment , skill and creativity are part of the amazing power of wool .
From field to finished product
Shearing — Once — in some areas , twice — a year , usually in the warmer months , sheep are gathered for shearing . A professionally trained shearer is a skilled and careful practitioner ; many are able to shear one sheep in less than two minutes — 250 sheep in one day . Shearing does not hurt or harm the sheep and is essential to the animal ’ s health and welfare .
Scouring — or washing of the wool is always necessary as raw wool , straight from the sheep , will contain grease . Commercial scouring will wash the wool clean of grease and remove any soiling as well .
Sheep returning to pasture after the wool has been harvested . Sheep are not harmed in the harvesting of wool .
Spools of wool yarn on the loom .
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