Wool Yarn: Does it Make the Charity Cut?
With all of the allergies to wool yarn, do you dare use it for a charitable project?
There's no doubt: you have to be careful with wool yarn. Some people are horribly allergic to wool. For others, their skin is so sensitive that even a touch of wool leaves them itchy and miserable all day long. Imagine receiving a cozy blanket only to discover you can't bear to have it touch your skin! The last thing any of us charitable knitters want is to create that kind of disappointment.
So does that mean you should avoid wool yarn entirely? Well, not necessarily. Obviously, you can go as wild as you want when knitting for yourself. At times, you can even use wool yarn for charity -- you just have to exercise a little caution.
Advantages of Wool Yarn
With all of the allergies and sensitivities, why would anyone ever want to knit with real wool? Actually, there are a number of reasons!
1. Real wool is a natural fabric
Unlike acrylic yarn, which is a step away from plastic, wool is a natural, non-synthetic substance. For many people, that makes it a natural choice -- no pun intended!
2. Real wool keeps you warmer
Obviously, wool yarn is warmer than something made from plastic. It keeps the sheep warm, doesn't it?
3. Wool yarn blocks and shapes better than acrylic and other synthetic materials
If you've never worked with real wool yarn, you're missing a special treat! The way the finished product blocks into perfect shapes will astound you.
What To Do?
So let's say you're convinced, and you're eager to start knitting with real wool yarn! If you're planning to donate your finished product to a charity, there are a number of things you should keep in mind.
-Wool is more expensive than synthetic yarn. Don't be surprised if the price seems excessive for even a simple project.
-If you're working with (or donating to) a specific charity, check their guidelines BEFORE you start knitting! Some charities specifically request that you not use wool yarn.
-Whether you're donating to a specific charity or your local hospital, make sure you clearly label your finished product as 100% wool. Some people can touch wool with their hands and experience no problems, but as soon as that sweater hits their necks or arms, they break out in hives. Just touching the material won't necessarily let them know it's wool if you haven't warned them.
Knitting for charity with real wool yarn is a heartwarming, generous, and rewarding endeavor. Don't let obstacles put you off: as long as you remember these tips, you can start working with wool yarn today!
