Baltian yarn - the path from sheep to yarn

We all know the golden rules for successful knitting: a good mood and quality materials. When choosing wool yarn, we consider the fiber content, thickness, and color. But have you ever wondered about the transformations and changes that sheep wool undergoes before it reaches us in the form of yarn?

Let's start with shearing, which has its own nuances, as the quality of wool depends on the season. Assuming all necessary conditions are met, this will be our starting point.

This is how the wool looks before preliminary processing. Can you imagine the future yarns like Solids or Artista?

Next, the wool is washed for two days and then combed. After this, it becomes soft and fluffy.

Then, machines come into play to process the yarn. First, the wool is twisted, resulting in roving—semi-finished product for making yarn. With further manipulation, complex threads are created, wound into large spools.

Once the threads are formed, they are dyed and twisted into the familiar strands that we know and love.

Unfortunately, we don’t have photos of the dyeing process.

In articles about yarn manufacturers, we often mention the importance of preserving the lanolin coating on Baltic wool. Why do factories take care to avoid chemical and thermal treatments?

Wool is positioned as a natural fiber with a high lanolin content (a non-allergenic natural wax that envelops the hair). Lanolin easily dissolves at temperatures of 35-37 degrees Celsius, positively affecting muscles by penetrating through the skin and stimulating blood circulation. While we may not be taking wool baths, we can certainly enjoy its beneficial properties. Thanks to lanolin, natural wool and products made from it become exceptionally durable and even water-resistant, all while maintaining high hygroscopicity! Remember, even wet wool socks will keep your feet warm, protecting against chill.

Just keep in mind the water temperature when washing your finished products to preserve that essential coating on the yarn.