too scratchy?

[annebanane]

I just finished knitting a soaker for my son, but the wool feels too scratchy. I used this 100% wool from finland or something, and it looks great but feels a little like a brillo pad.

anyway has anyone ever softened wool? is such a thing even possible?
will washing or lanolizing help?

[mamamoo]

Washing and lanolizing will definately help...someone also suggested a squirt of natural conditioner, it is hair after all. HTH~Debi

[2devils_1angel]

YUP we do all the time
All my life my mom put conditioner on our wool items
And my boys got my extremly sensitive skin so if any part of the wool touches them they get red. So I wash and lanolize and them put conditioner on soakers its mainly the leg cuffs and waist band...ds has no troubles with his legs and the longies.

just make sure what conditioner you use. As a beautician i strongly suggest a salon quality conditioner so it keeps the wools ph in shape.

MOP (modern organic products), Aveda, or Humectress are great for Wool.

[annebanane]

thanks

I am going to try that, I have some organic conditioner with a 5.5 ph so hopefully that will work.

I was going to use the Fern & Fairie recipe for woolwashing and lanolizing. Anyone ever try it?

[2devils_1angel]

Originally Posted by annebanane

I am going to try that, I have some organic conditioner with a 5.5 ph so hopefully that will work.

Perfect
Ideally you want your condtioner at 5.0 but 4.5-5.5 are good

[TOmomma]

Good timing - I just finished a pair of recycled longies in an excellent nordic knit but they are a bit scratchy too. Can I condition after lanolizing or will that de-waterproof it?

[2devils_1angel]

Originally Posted by TOmomma

Good timing - I just finished a pair of recycled longies in an excellent nordic knit but they are a bit scratchy too. Can I condition after lanolizing or will that de-waterproof it?

Always condition after lanolizing. What the conditioner is doing is closing up the hair shaft so that hair stays cleaner longer and is protected by emvironmemtal damage.
In essence by conditioning after you are locking the lanolin into the cuticle of the hair (yarn) which will provide for greater protection...while remaining soft

[TOmomma]

Excellent!

[annebanane]

it works it works

so I just finished lanolizing and conditioning the soaker and it feels soooo soft! I am eagerly waiting for it to dry right now.

[2devils_1angel]

: just wanted to know how its working for you guys?