Finnish Yarns and Design Since 1928
Woollen knitwear - sustainable fashion
WOOLLEN KNITWEAR – SUSTAINABLE FASHION
Wool is a natural fibre with many excellent qualities: it is warm, easy to clean and eco-friendly. Wool garments are suitable for use throughout the year. Wool is a renewable natural material, and when properly cared for, it is durable and long-lasting. When a wool garment comes to the end of its life, it is ecological to dispose of as it decomposes easily. Furthermore, the in-use emissions of woollen knitwear may be lower than those of other garments. If the garment is washed seldom and only by hand, and usually aired rather than washed, this saves the emissions caused by mechanical washing and drying. Therefore, a handmade woollen garment is not only stylish and practical; it is also environmentally friendly. It is perfect for everyday wear and for any occasion, for leisurely days at home and outdoor activities around the year.
DESIGN FROM FINLAND
The Association for Finnish Work has awarded Novita’s pattern designs and Novita Magazine the Design from Finland mark.
Knitted by hand, Novita’s designs are created, and their instructions written, and models photographed in Finland. Novita’s tradition in creating pattern designs and instructions goes back decades. Novita Magazine is edited, laid out, photographed, and printed in Finland and it is made with 100% Finnish expertise.
“The Association for Finnish Work awards the logo to unique Finnish design and being able to carry that logo means that the company has made a pioneering contribution to Finnish design”, says Rilla Engblom, Brand Manager for Design from Finland from the Association for Finnish Work.
"In all its design work Novita takes into consideration the current trends in crafts as well as ready-to-wear fashion. Novita provides a sensible alternative for ready-made fashion”, Engblom says.
The Association for Finnish Work is an expert organisation promoting the appreciation and success of Finnish workmanship. The association manages several logos and online services promoting Finnish work. Established in 1912, the association has 2414 member companies and organisations.
Read more: http://suomalainentyo.fi/en/
CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOOLLEN GARMENTS
We recommend increasing the life of your woollen garment, whether knitted or crocheted, by taking good care of it. We have compiled some care instructions below.
Washing
Instead of washing, a wool garment may be aired out in fresh air to remove wrinkles and odours. If you need to wash your wool garments, make sure to read and follow the care instructions on the label. A single wash in an unsuitable temperature may shrink a wool garment completely.
Use a gentle wool cycle for machine washable wool and wool mixes. We recommend the use of a mesh laundry bag when machine washing the garments, and liquid laundry detergent suitable for wool. If you are unsure whether your wool garment may be machine washed, always wash it by hand.
When washing by hand, make sure the detergent is fully dissolved before submerging the garments in water. Wash and rinse the garments in warm water. Wash the garments by gently squeezing them: do not rub to avoid felting. Rinse several times to remove all detergent.
Washing woollen socks
When washing woollen socks made of machine-washable yarn, follow the instructions above to ensure their long life.
Woollen socks washed with other laundry are prone to lint due to abrasion, which is why you should always use a mesh bag as added protection. When washing woollen socks with other laundry, please note that colour detergents are too strong for wool and will damage the fibres, even if you wash the socks in 40 degrees. Moreover, woollen socks cannot withstand the usual 40-degree wash cycle due to the abrasion and heavy spin drying.
Therefore, it is important to use a liquid detergent designed for wool and a gentle, 40-degree wash cycle when washing woollen socks.
Drying
Gently stretch the garment to its original shape and size and lay flat to dry to avoid stretching. Do not tumble dry! You can roll hand washed garments inside a thick bath towel to absorb any excess water before laying flat to dry.
Note that direct sunlight damages wool. White wool will easily turn yellow if dried in direct sunlight.
Ironing and steaming
As wool is a very elastic fibre by nature, wool garments do not generally wrinkle easily. If a garment has wrinkled after being worn, airing the garment will usually do the trick. If needed, a wool garment may also be carefully ironed. Note, however, that cabled or otherwise textured knits may lose their chunky texture significantly when ironed!
Check the label for the ironing temperature; usually the recommended temperature is 150 degrees centigrade (two dots) with the steam setting on. Lightly steam the garment on the inside, preferably through a damp cloth. Never press the iron straight on the garment: wool fibre has a very low resistance to heat, so even the heat of a regular iron may damage the garment.
Storage
Wool products should be stored in an airy and dry place, folded on a shelf, protected against pests. Lightweight wool knits crease easier than heavier ones, so they should be stored on top of the pile when folded to avoid creasing. A light wool garment may be stored on a hanger if used frequently; however, heavier and seldom used knits should be stored folded rather than hung, because they may stretch.
Repair and maintenance
Wool is a highly durable material but may sometimes develop lint or holes in use. Lint in a woollen garment is mostly a cosmetic issue and can be easily removed with a fabric shaver or a lint brush. Holes can be mended with a sewing machine, by darning or by sewing a fabric patch over the hole. Holes in the elbows of woollen sweaters or in the knees of woollen trousers can be trimmed and then stylishly covered up with a leather patch, for example.
