Tis the season for all things wool.
Wool, along with silk and leather, is one of my favorite
textiles to work with. Here are some
reasons why:
·
Natural fiber
·
Good drape
·
Creates dramatic structure
·
Hydrophobic (wicks moisture)
·
Warm/Insulating fabric
Wool comes from sheep and has been used by humankind since
the Stone Age. There are over 40
different breeds of sheep, such as Merino, that make up 200 types of wool
fiber. Wool is judged, a process that is called grading, based on fineness of
fiber as well as length. The best
quality wool comes from the back, sides and shoulders of the sheep, where as
the lowest quality of wool comes from the lower legs.
Determining quality of wool depends on the breed, health,
climate of the sheep. Merino wool is
thought to be the best grade of wool due to the thinness of the fiber, the best
drape, most strength, softest hand, best elasticity and most resiliency.
I was lucky enough to participate in a fabric buy with the
owner and designer of Garnish Apparel. A
wholesaler came to her shop with suitcases full of swatches where she selected fabrics
and yardage for future production. One
sample hit me and hit me hard. The
wholesaler, also known as a jobber, saw the love and light in my eyes and was
kind enough to send me 2 yards free of charge, and I have been dreaming of it
ever since.
Well the fabric is in.
Here she is and she is going to make an extraordinary coat for fall.
Super clean lines. Super modern. Super “who-the-hell-is-that-gal-in-such-a-striking-bad-ass-coat,”
kind of coat.
Pictures to come.
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