tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post2459630183933410490..comments2024-03-27T05:14:23.738-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Regular Wool vs 'Technical' WoolVelouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72553710344437827682013-06-01T13:45:10.837-04:002013-06-01T13:45:10.837-04:00What weight yarn did you use for this skirt? DK? I...What weight yarn did you use for this skirt? DK? I haven't knit a skirt before, but now I'm intrigued. Love it!Dianehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13706960285548666530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74476706076231295092013-05-24T21:54:11.932-04:002013-05-24T21:54:11.932-04:00Having returned to South Florida, after three wint...Having returned to South Florida, after three winters in Fairbanks, AK, I read this article with keen interest... and a desire to add my own $0.02 to others' comments.<br /><br />You mention "technical wool" as that layer (and we always layer our garments) which is next to the skin. As much as I love wool undergarments (thanks to a two-year stint in the USArmy, also in AK), I *love* the "wicki-ness" and "non-itchi-ness" of thin polypropylene underwear. Did I also mention that they're (a) inexpensive, and (b) not tasty to moths?<br /><br />After three winters, with lengthy periods of -40*F weather, I highly recommend them for the bone-chilling cold of a Boston winter (yes, I was born there).JBHorenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07403369078267809626noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87340870878178586572012-01-13T05:43:03.750-05:002012-01-13T05:43:03.750-05:00I love your skirt, too! Very inspiring - I think I...I love your skirt, too! Very inspiring - I think I must knit one like that for myself..<br />;-)<br />Best wishes from Elisabet, Bergen, Norwayelisanet72https://www.blogger.com/profile/07504926859230666688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13383240257812712832012-01-11T13:35:41.395-05:002012-01-11T13:35:41.395-05:00HI Lovely Bicycle! We met at the New England Bicyc...HI Lovely Bicycle! We met at the New England Bicycle Expo—I work for Alchemist, the sustainable apparel company in Boulder. I am with you on the merino; I am always warmest in my Alchemist wool jersey that you saw in Somerville. http://teamalchemist.com/wool-cycling-jersey.html I love the sweater skirt you knit yourself in the pictures! You should sell some online!claire lochridgehttp://www.teamalchemist.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-86019690431282830392011-02-13T22:31:21.800-05:002011-02-13T22:31:21.800-05:00Hasyun is an up-and-coming top shelf brand that...Hasyun is an up-and-coming top shelf brand that's built in Turkey from Woolmark accredited New Zealand merino wool- and they have been doing it since 1952. Much more affordable than the "name brands" that are importing wool from China! WeeBIKE-Hasyun sponsors five elite road racing teams, two large clubs, a tri team in New England as well as NEMCA.IMAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09948155577806026379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-30892894154807298252011-02-08T23:52:53.072-05:002011-02-08T23:52:53.072-05:00you should check out HASYUN MERINO WOOL base layer...you should check out HASYUN MERINO WOOL base layers at http://www.weebike.com. my friend is importing them from Turkey. I have a long sleeve black shirt, that is great. no smell, warm and transfers sweat extremely well, best thing is there not expensive...they even have merino wool leggings for women..kfghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05341052420084916007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-28504582786581267772011-01-27T16:38:36.763-05:002011-01-27T16:38:36.763-05:00I love Icebreaker items. I have a few now which I ...I love Icebreaker items. I have a few now which I have bought on sale and their superfine light tshirts are just brilliant on sweaty summer days. (My only gripe is they don't come in 'white' white like a cotton tee.) The long sleeved tees are wonderful in winter. I find I need less layers on top of them than with any other garment type. They breathe when you exercise - they leave cotton tees for dead. I haven't yet got the Icebreaker leggings but I do have a pair of Icebreaker wool trousers which are smart enough to wear around town and warm in winter. Probably not great for cycling on a normal bike as they have wide legs (but find if you have a bike with a full chain guard).Carinthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09490217708697574505noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-89682980785334167682011-01-27T02:16:35.889-05:002011-01-27T02:16:35.889-05:00Anon @ 10:24:
So does ZARA.Anon @ 10:24:<br /><br />So does ZARA.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60851732442575030992011-01-26T23:38:21.015-05:002011-01-26T23:38:21.015-05:00As someone who lives in the pacific NW, wool is a ...As someone who lives in the pacific NW, wool is a way of life. I've been living in my wool longsleeves from ibex, icebreaker, and smartwool for the last few months, and a windbreaker or rainjacket over the top is enough for the ride in to school. Lorpen wool snowboard socks are the ultimate in comfort for the lower half, since I typically rock the "rolled up trousers" look<br /><br />I want to try joneswares: Several geezers on the ibob list love them, and since the list is populated by folkes who ride many thousands of miles per year, i'm inclined to trust their judgement.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-58026577893882094672011-01-26T23:37:26.302-05:002011-01-26T23:37:26.302-05:00I'm glad to hear that wool is working for you ...I'm glad to hear that wool is working for you now. I can't imagine going through the winter without it. Most of my sweaters and other top layers are thick chunky whatever wool from thrift stores but the bottom layer is always Smartwool, Icebreakers or Ibex. I've been looking for a wool bra, so I'll have to see if I can find that brand you mentioned. Good to know I'm not the only woman who likes wool that much. :) Cashmere is even warmer for me than wool, but of course much more expensive so I own much less.Dottiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984050970208363927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-61974978415923063762011-01-26T22:24:24.271-05:002011-01-26T22:24:24.271-05:00H&M has 100% wool sweaters in the men's de...H&M has 100% wool sweaters in the men's department at least.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26585497204015507072011-01-26T21:41:48.523-05:002011-01-26T21:41:48.523-05:00Has anyone ordered any thing from JONESwares, I...Has anyone ordered any thing from JONESwares, I'm about ready to order a couple t-shirts from them, and just wondering about them.Dave Talsmanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54389970590060517432011-01-26T19:00:51.468-05:002011-01-26T19:00:51.468-05:00Veloria, you might also look at sweaters that are ...Veloria, you might also look at sweaters that are knit from the top, down. These are usually available in customizable patterns, based on set ratios (waist to bust to shoulders, as I remember) and are easy to try on as you go. They are knit in the round, and like MFarrington describes above, the sleeve stitches are held on stitch holders, then you go back and do the sleeves afterward. They usually use a raglan sleeve, if I remember correctly, because they are easily adjustable. I think there are zillions of these patterns on the web. I made one years ago and it was very easy. It was a hoody with a pocket in front, but there are lovely modern patterns that work this way. Do not fear the double-points, or knitting in the round, if you do. It rocks in all ways. I taught sock knitting to near-beginners (just had to know how to knit and purl) on tiny double-points with sock-weight yarn for years at my local community center. Easier than you would think. If you can do beautiful hats, you could knit your own socks or sweaters. I recommend Nancy Bush's books on various beautiful socks. Very clear instructions, beautiful results. You won't regret them.snarkypuphttp://rideblog.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-4311741339004026792011-01-26T17:45:06.899-05:002011-01-26T17:45:06.899-05:00My bulkier, aran sweaters are usually knit in piec...My bulkier, aran sweaters are usually knit in pieces consisting of a back panel, front panel (which can be identical for simplicity's sake, especially when doing high-necks), sleeves (also identical) and the neck which just consists of picking up the stitches and knitting upwards usually in a k2 p2 rib. This is done to accomodate the pattern which is often more detailed in these sweaters. <br /><br /><br />However, with stocking-knit stitch sweaters, they can very easily be knit in the round and the sleeves are done almost exactly the same way as you would do a mitten thumb. So, basically, you would start by taking a measurement of your waist, start knitting in the round from the waist up, decreasing/increasing as appropriate to get the right fit up to the armpit where you would knit the "gussets" for the sleeves. Place the gussets on stitch holders, and once you are done knitting the main body, just go ahead and pick up the held stitches and knit the sleeves. Once you get the hang of it, simple sweaters like these can be completed in a matter of days and customised to your taste (length, width etc). <br /><br />Hope this helps. :)MFarringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00050234723125733522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-64088427539017337822011-01-26T17:29:07.928-05:002011-01-26T17:29:07.928-05:00To those who have found wool in BR recently - that...To those who have found wool in BR recently - that's great to hear and I do not mean to contradict your experiences. Sometimes the stores have different inventory across the country. I have not seen wool in my local BR for a while, but am only too happy to hear that it's not the case everywhere. <br /><br />MFarrington - How do you knit them, in the round or as separate pieces? I can't follow a pattern to save my life and need to understand how to do it conceptually, if that makes sense.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-55622490708624776092011-01-26T17:24:29.353-05:002011-01-26T17:24:29.353-05:00Don't give up on making sweaters? My warmest s...Don't give up on making sweaters? My warmest sweaters are my hand-knit "fisherman" or aran-knit sweaters. I save them for the Jan-March months that are the coldest and have not yet found a comparable store bought sweater for warmth. Add a wool coat and a good base layer and I can cycle in anything. :)<br /><br />As for finding pure wool items in stores, it can be a challenge. Eddie Bauer and LL Bean seem to still carry a lot of 100 wool items and stores like REI often carry these garments in simpler styles. A bonus is that they are often made especially for traveling and will stand up to a lot of wear. <br /><br />Personally, I'm saving up for a pair of smartwool tights, or waiting until they go on sale. I love the socks as well but the idea of tights is an irresistible concept for this skirt-wearing cyclist.MFarringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00050234723125733522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-13741089668761805962011-01-26T16:34:47.682-05:002011-01-26T16:34:47.682-05:00I did find a lovely 100% merino v-neck at Banana t...I did find a lovely 100% merino v-neck at Banana this season but you're right, they don't seem to offer as many of them as they did in the past and most of their sweaters are now blends. I can't stand the cotton/silk or cashmere/silk blends because I find they give me sweaty armpits. I guess they don't breathe as well due to the silk fibres. <br />I bought smartwool and icebreaker socks this year for the first time and I love them but I have not found a need to double up on my tights or anything like that. My overcoat is heavy polyester (looks wool-like but is much lighter) and I find it keeps me as warm as I need to be. I also wear a wool shawl from Virginia Johnson (not as bulky as my other scarves) and I can't say enough about it. It really helps keep the wind at bay but without making me too hot or being overly constricting.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-8727451495253881032011-01-26T11:05:04.813-05:002011-01-26T11:05:04.813-05:00Velouria -
As for sizing on the Gaynor Minden tig...Velouria - <br />As for sizing on the Gaynor Minden tights, normally I'm 5'9" and 132 lbs and I have one pair of small and one pair of medium. I wear the smalls at ballet and the mediums for cycling.<br /><br />Hope that helps!<br />-CharlotteCharlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08036691849337099909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31312802146799615262011-01-26T09:57:09.982-05:002011-01-26T09:57:09.982-05:00I'm a knitter and spinner so finding wool yarn...I'm a knitter and spinner so finding wool yarn has never been an issue for me. The other good fibers for warmth are silk, alpaca, cashmere and angora. Wool has the unique ability to keep one warm when wet. And that's what I like about it the most. A lot of the itchiness has to do with the vegetable matter in the wool and the way it's processed. Philospher's Wool has specially processed yarn that is non-itchy from longer fibered fleeces.<br /><br />Rambouillet is as fine as merino, because it's a merino cross. It should be identical in use to merino. I'm just really happy to see all the renewed interest in wool. It's such an amazing fiber to work with.Terihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13382050215676302342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-34155246163613153432011-01-26T09:04:02.741-05:002011-01-26T09:04:02.741-05:00Wool and Technical Wool are the only materials to ...Wool and Technical Wool are the only materials to rely upon for any cold weather sport. The other reliable thing I have learned about wool clothing is that NOW is the best time to buy. Every chain that has real wool will be marking it down in Feb and March. I always buy for next year in the next few weeks.Marchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11240252773932276478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87821384018459032912011-01-26T08:33:35.973-05:002011-01-26T08:33:35.973-05:00Snarkypup, your lighthearted bitterness and hatred...Snarkypup, your lighthearted bitterness and hatred is so endearing. I think we should either be friends or committed enemies, whatever it takes to get you to knit me some socks...<br /><br />SpindizzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6317203002597292012011-01-26T01:51:58.265-05:002011-01-26T01:51:58.265-05:00(adventure! is mostly right. I handwash my wool ti...(adventure! is mostly right. I handwash my wool tights because they tend to tighten up every time I wash them, but they seem to do it less when I hand-wash them. I only do it once every week or two, though.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-64827148353377370092011-01-25T23:55:39.107-05:002011-01-25T23:55:39.107-05:00You people are KILLING ME! I'm allergic to woo...You people are KILLING ME! I'm allergic to wool. Aside, for some reason, for Smartwool socks, wool cannot touch my body without horrible itching. Get it close enough to my face, and I'm sneezing all day. Technical, nontechnical, cashmere-blend (or pure cashmere, for that matter), angora, alpaca... I'd probably die if exposed to a mink. No animal fibers for me. Nothing is soft enough or smooth enough. Only my feet and lower legs tolerate it.<br /><br />Yet I love wool. I love everything about it. I love that I can take two pairs of Smartwool hiking socks with me for a week, wear them round-the-clock on cold days and nights, and they still don't stink. I love that wool wears well and doesn't get clammy. I wear Smartwool socks literally every single day, unless it's hot enough for flip-flops. Right now I have on striped knee socks, which are all I wear for six-eight months of the year. I also love to knit, and wool is the only fiber I'll knit with. I just give away my creations, unless I knit socks (I have a rockin' basic sock pattern, Veloria. Makes beautiful, practical socks on double-pointed needles. Let me know if you want it). I made a gorgeous scarf last winter out of what must have been $75 of orange and variagated orange yarn, and gave it away for Christmas to my best friend. Can't even imagine putting it near my face.<br /><br />I hate you all. I'm just saying. The bitterness on this issue is neverending for me.snarkypuphttp://rideblog.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74122524173644479402011-01-25T23:10:25.121-05:002011-01-25T23:10:25.121-05:00"Unfortunately, I have noticed lately that ev..."Unfortunately, I have noticed lately that even stores that used to sell simple wool sweaters no longer do: I could not find a single sweater at our local Gap, Old Navy, or Banana Republic stores that was 100% wool over the past couple of seasons - and I checked at various points in time out of curiosity"<br /><br />Not true. At least not of Banana Republic. This winter (before the holidays) I purchased 3 lovely 100% merino thin sweaters there, at a steep discount from the original price. They are surely all gone by now though... I only wished I had bought more of them. I also, wash mine in the front loading washer with cold water, though the tag says to hand wash. This works fine as long as I reshape it while wet and let it air dry.Amandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08892553888930861596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87540405293787046462011-01-25T22:48:25.982-05:002011-01-25T22:48:25.982-05:00Regarding washing wool: All the technical wool stu...Regarding washing wool: All the technical wool stuff that April and myself have (hell, we even throw in "Dry Clean only" wool in too!) gets thrown into the washing machine. Separated load, <b>gentle cycle COLD water.</b> We use Kookabura for it, though you can use regular detergent or Dr. Bronners. We also sometimes put a li'l baking soda in, the Kookabura is great but doesn't always get the <i>funk out,</i> ifyouknowwhatimean.<br /><br />The key thing is to <b>air dry.</b> I know that you can put the tech stuff in a dryer, but we prefer not to. (Especially the dry clean only stuff!)<br /><br />I've used the wool t-shirts on summer tours and they've worked <b>great.</b>adventure!https://www.blogger.com/profile/11840448827760637569noreply@blogger.com