wool

For centuries, wool has kept mankind warm.  

Winding this yarn, I was reminded of that, and felt blessed.  Blessed, that it is available to me, despite the fact that I own no sheep.  Blessed, that I had a grandmother to interest me in the arts of yesteryear.  Blessed, to be part of carrying on a worthy tradition.

Casting on, for a pair of small socks, I wondered at the warmth and comfort they would bring.  The look of delight on my sons face…when he discovered this pair would be for him.  His younger brothers smiling, as they were reassured, sooner or later, they too would wear these socks.  The reassurance, that it is worth the effort to make socks, knowing they will last for years, even with much use.

Until this spring I had never owned 100% wool, and was unaware of why it had been treasured for so long.  I quickly discovered its easy care properties.  Articles made of wool need not be washed to stay fresh, only aired out.  They are warm, even when wet, and can hold up to 30% of their weight in liquid with out feeling wet.  Wool is naturally anti-bacterial.  Due to this, it does not need frequent washing.  Because of that, I need fewer articles of clothing.   This is especially nice when it comes to ski socks.