For the Love of Wool

I remember when I was a kid, my dad loved his old U.S. Navy wool blanket. World War II era seaman were issued a cream colored 100% wool blanket as part of their gear. Dad loved his blanket. I don’t know if Dad’s blankets were the same one’s he was issued or if they were something he later found in a military surplus store. Anyway, dad had two. He also loved those Pendleton blankets, the ones with the stripes. He would tell us how the short stripes on the side represented their trade value. Traders would bring the blankets to the Plains Indians in trade for supplies.

The Navy blankets Dad had were scratchy. I remember sleeping under them occasionally, but you definitely needed a sheet as a protector from the scratchy woolen fibers. Dad loved his blankets so much that he wanted to be covered by one when he died. No synthetic frew frew blanket for Dad. I have this blanket and treasure it.

Dad’s passion makes me wonder if my love of wool and fiber is deeper in me than just a passing fancy.

Most of today’s wool is soft, nothing like Dad’s blankets. I’ve been playing with Weeks Dye Works wool fabric lately and decided I really enjoy the feel. I’m making things that I could make from cotton fabric, but the wool adds a density that you can never create with cotton.

The pin cushions pictured above are sample for a class I’ll teach in May. I love them so much I’ll be making more with enhanced embellishments to sell. At the end of April, I will be presenting a demo at Artist Alley on how I decorate my wool pieces.

I do have a passion for wool fibers. I’m sure this passion was partly instilled by my dad’s passion, even though I didn’t realize before. Thanks Dad, I’m glad you loved those scratchy blankets.