Wool Blankets
We've found that few things are more enjoyable during the dark days of winter than curling up with a locally grown wool blanket.
The Benefits of Wool
Wool is a 100% natural fiber that has been used by humans for thousands of years, and it has some remarkable benefits that can't be claimed by the synthetic fibers that are prevalent in modern textile manufacturing. Wool regulates body temperature in both cool and warm weather--in the winter, it insulates the body without overheating, while in the summer it wicks body moisture away and cools the skin. We sleep with our wool blankets on the bed year round, and our interior house temperature is often around 80 degrees during the height of summer! Wool is hypoallergenic, so it resists mold, mildew, and dust mites that can cause allergic reactions. It's also flame-resistant, so it's an especially safe choice for children and the elderly--if synthetic blankets catch fire, they can melt to the skin and cause serious burns.
From an environmental perspective, wool is a much more eco-friendly fiber than processed synthetics that will never break down or return to the earth. It is an extraordinarily renewable resource--sheep grow a new fleece each year--and though the shearing process may look like it's uncomfortable for the sheep, it's actually safe and humane. Wool is also hard-wearing and long-lasting; with the proper care, a wool blanket will last a lifetime. So while the initial cost of a wool blanket is somewhat higher than a cheap acrylic blanket at a big box store, it will more than pay for itself over time.
Heirloom Quality & Detailing
All of our blankets are made with wool from our own Tunis sheep, and are woven for us by MacAusland's Woolen Mill, which has been producing high-quality woolen blankets on Prince Edward Island since 1932. After shearing in the spring, we skirt the raw fleeces here on the farm, removing any debris or low-quality fiber. Then we send the fleeces off to the mill, where they wash and card the wool, spin it into yarn, and weave these beautiful blankets in one of four sizes. The woven fabric is a twill, and the raw edges are blanket-stitched with extra yarn. Our blankets are undyed in order to showcase the lovely, natural cream color of the Tunis wool.
Caring for Your Blanket
Contrary to popular belief, wool blankets are quite easy to care for; they can be washed in cold water with just a few drops of a mild liquid soap like Dawn on the delicate/handwash cycle of your washing machine and then laid flat to dry. Of course, you should never put wool in the dryer unless you are deliberately trying to felt it! If you prefer to store your blanket during the summer months, simply wash it according to the instructions above and then store it in a zippered garment bag with a lavender sachet or a bar of your favorite soap.
Sizes & Pricing
We offer four blanket sizes at the following prices:
Lap blanket (48" x 60"): $75 each (Sold out until Fall 2012!)
Single (60" x 90"): $150 each
Double (72" x 90"): $175 each
Queen (76" x 104"): $200 each
We can deliver blankets to Greenville, Spartanburg, and other points in Upstate SC, or you're welcome to schedule a visit to the farm to pick up your purchase. We can accept cash, check, and credit card for both delivery and farm pickup.
To inquire about availabilities, please send an email to contact@redfernfarms.com with the subject line "Wool Blankets."
