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Knit Wool Outerwear

I've been thinking about knitting a coat or jacket, but I'm a little worried about how well it would stand up to wet weather. I'm sure that if I felted it it would be quite weather-resistant, but if I leave it unfelted (like Sally Melville's Einstein coat, or Zimmermann's Aran Coat), what will happen to it if I get caught in a rain storm? Will it felt as I run for cover? Will it sag and stretch, never returning to proper shape?

I also saw the recent discussion about ski sweaters here. Let's say (just for the sake of argument, of course), that I'm a really awful skier -- no wait, not me, let's say that a FRIEND of mine is a really awful skier -- and let's say that I, er, I mean, that my FRIEND is going to fall a lot when sking, and end up half buried in snow banks. Would that be a good reason to wear a nylon shell, or will a good wool sweater still do alright?

Thanks, as usual, for any advice...

Reply to
Randall Nortman
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I'm no expert on wool, but if you buy a wool yarn with the lanolin still in it, I think it would shed most of the water, just like it does on the sheep. Others on the group who are more familiar with that type of wool will probably be able to advise you regarding brands. I have a bag full of Philosopher's wool which is just waiting for me to make a final choice on a pattern and to have time to knit it. While making up a swatch, I noticed that after knitting with it for a while, it made my hands really soft from the lanolin in the wool. A felted sweater would probably be great for warmth and wind resistance, but I'm wondering how heavy it would be.

Shelagh

Reply to
Shillelagh

This had occured to me, actually, but won't the lanolin be removed when it is washed? Or does it take more than just a little soap and gentle handwashing to remove the lanolin? (I don't often wash my coats, but it is occasionally necessary.)

Reply to
Randall Nortman

Sorry, I've only recently been converted to the wonders of wool, so have no first hand experience. Maybe some of the more "wool-wise" people on the group can help with that one. My gut feeling - you would have to wash it many times to get rid of all the lanolin... but I could be wrong. Heh, heh, - just make sure you wear your anti perspirant/deoderant, so you don't have to wash it often.

Shelagh

Reply to
Shillelagh

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