tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24778148669976154692024-03-14T06:08:04.361+02:00WoolenclogsFelted slippers, felt shoes, felted boots, all made from natural undyed European sourced wool for your comfort and warmthAistėhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04402744969028408414noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2477814866997615469.post-40177004826787005072017-04-12T10:04:00.000+03:002017-04-17T16:25:25.731+03:005 tips for storing wool for summer<div style="padding: 0px;">
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/247921763/wool-leg-warmers-ivory-knit-leg-warmers"><img alt="5 tips on wool clothes storage for summer" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcFEimp0_D0hLYOUYRgHQrWB-N6SEOa1IN62wn0IdpPKtWTrKdYquWgKpySrMPwOSDSS8bm_7PYmn3C_eKvdqtLvZ8zbCsXguctx2JatW1kFeU8FLpZa_zRGkAgiNQ0FNDFg89mry3iQ/s640/How+to+store+woolen+items.png" title="Wool legwarmers and slippers from Woolenclogs" width="426" /></a></div>
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Chances are you have at least one woolen item of clothing or footwear at home. I remember one autumn, when first cold hit I was so excited to wear my favourite wool beret, but alas -- it was riddled with holes and suitable only for a scarecrow. It had been found by moths... I forgot to properly store it in the spring and the result made me so sad. Do you know what is the best way to make sure you will still be able to wear your wool garments when colder weather comes?<span class="subhead-level1" style="display: block; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.25rem; margin-top: 1.25rem;">Here's 5 quick tips on how to achieve that.</span><span class="subhead-level1" style="display: block; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0.25rem; margin-top: 1.25rem;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">1st tip: </span>Sun and air</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPTXstHAhrKzmJ6qhFBHco5ZBkLklB3dbziWoh040qGkrXvbqAfnVnz6JBSJhyphenhyphenrlglmAOpt21pfKOUJcVaYh9XVX9YEsyjYeaB8JErOUYIdlmgo7tcMI34GP2fM_xyzU7fLSEAu2Vls0/s1600/wooden-laundry-washing-clothes-line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRPTXstHAhrKzmJ6qhFBHco5ZBkLklB3dbziWoh040qGkrXvbqAfnVnz6JBSJhyphenhyphenrlglmAOpt21pfKOUJcVaYh9XVX9YEsyjYeaB8JErOUYIdlmgo7tcMI34GP2fM_xyzU7fLSEAu2Vls0/s320/wooden-laundry-washing-clothes-line.jpg" width="320" /></a>
Make sure to air your <a href="http://www.woolenclogs.com/">wool shoes</a> and clothes. Take them out on a sunny day and hang or leave lying in the sun (not necessarily direct as that can bleach colours) at least for several hours, moths do not like light and fresh air, they tend to hide in dark nooks and crannies or behind the collar of that old coat you have hanging in your closet for a few years.<br />
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It is a good idea to air your autumn/winter clothes at least a few times during the warm time of the y<br />
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ear as that way you will not only make them unappealing to moths but also will be able to spot if the creatures have started their nasty work somewhere and save that piece of clothing or footwear before it gets destroyed.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">2nd tip:</span> Clean</h3>
Make sure the items you want to store are clean. If it is clothing -- get it to the dry cleaners or at least brush it with a stiff brush all over, yes, under those collars and other folds as well.<br />
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For how to clean wool shoes take a look at my previous <a href="http://woolenclogs.blogspot.lt/2016/09/how-to-take-care-of-your-wool-items.html">blog post here</a>.</div>
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Also clean and disinfect your storage place and wardrobe (especially if you already had an encounter with moths). Fully grown moths are not a danger any more as they do not feed on your clothes, the ones that make all these holes are the larvae, so your main purpose when cleaning is to get rid of all the eggs and make the are as inhospitable for the moths as possible.</div>
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<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">3rd tip: </span>Repellents</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe2eP708-xXor_NgzqpY19zk1Nxkxxn1dmqxhhRup0fxM45ibwSIVCG2MLa-et2kG3rNTcoltpQ5KUgvDVAI7fD1RBriADcjmAOBHfMdo9YXRSQ8FcjOLyUspfAlVnu2Idt-jSGrKc6w/s1600/lavender-Satchet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lavender sachet" border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKe2eP708-xXor_NgzqpY19zk1Nxkxxn1dmqxhhRup0fxM45ibwSIVCG2MLa-et2kG3rNTcoltpQ5KUgvDVAI7fD1RBriADcjmAOBHfMdo9YXRSQ8FcjOLyUspfAlVnu2Idt-jSGrKc6w/s320/lavender-Satchet.jpg" title="Lavender sachet" width="320" /></a>
There are a lot of different suggestions of how to get rid of moths out there. Most people would lean towards using mothballs or moth crystals as they are quite effective. There is a problem though as they contain strong pesticides that are carcinogenic and poisonous to people and pets.<br />
If you decide to use mothballs, wear gloves and follow the instructions on the label. Also do not just leave them lying around in your closet. For one -- airtight containers are, in fact, the only way to make sure the fume concentrations are high enough to be effective. On the other hand - putting them throughout a closet won’t kill moths, and will cause headaches for the homeowner, literally.<br />
If you choose to go the natural way the theory is that moths can be kept at bay by strong odours. In a recent experiment, researchers found that cedar wood, cinnamon, cloves, and lavender were all effective at keeping moths from eating clothing. You can make sachets or put out a bowl of scented oil in your closet.</div>
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Some aromatic herbs, like bay leaves, eucalyptus, lemon peel, and mint proved to be ineffective in the experiment, so be careful about which herbs you use.</div>
Beware that some of these scents are very difficult to get out of clothing, in case you or loved ones dislike or have any allergies to these plants.<br />
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<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;">4th tip:</span> Freezing</h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2Ff_qRZhq8AgVYqJQYMmQppStIA8vSihUztvjPkIv0P4fSas-5EL-9ZsRbf9tvZVEg-o-Mz8KuCcrh9wslCi4Ip0v2K-4yjjiUcRaoH7RVhON1TiTIWRUs8o35voWA_27C0iO5fNDBk/s1600/Freezing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2Ff_qRZhq8AgVYqJQYMmQppStIA8vSihUztvjPkIv0P4fSas-5EL-9ZsRbf9tvZVEg-o-Mz8KuCcrh9wslCi4Ip0v2K-4yjjiUcRaoH7RVhON1TiTIWRUs8o35voWA_27C0iO5fNDBk/s320/Freezing.jpg" width="320" /></a>
One of the best if not the most convenient ways to get rid of the moths is freezing. Take a garment or a pair of shoes, that you suspect to be infested and put it in a freezer for a few days (some sources advice weeks, but from my experience the little bugs are pretty dead in a few days together with their larvae).<br />
Clean it with a brush or even a vacuum cleaner afterwards. Moths will freeze and die and any larvae will go the same way.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">5th tip:</span> Good storage</h3>
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88409350/linen-fabric-shoe-bag-for-wool-clogs" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Linen bags for shoes" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIkIBpvcC3uQkIu1uUfb-h5j3-XTJWmnvR5QNgb_JUpBCOAuIEbz2Wh3EMLKcjzrt35zWYmck2F3eAlC6GSn7ugGeCMMfh_FZRY_-XEKJV8Un4Y26_FMSThWACQ1aPlhu_M8L87sj-rk/s200/LinenBagForShoes.jpg" title="Linen bags for shoes" width="199" /></a>
Moths can get through extremely tight spaces. When storing woolens, resealable plastic bags or plastic boxes are best for keeping pests out. To protect the items from condensation, wrap them in lengths of clean cotton or put them in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/88409350/linen-fabric-shoe-bag-for-wool-clogs">cotton/linen bags</a>, and store. You can also use those little silica packets that come with some electronic or clothing items to keep them dry.</div>
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Be careful if you are putting something away for long time storage -- containers rather than bags are advisable and more serious protection from condensation would be needed.<br />
If resealable bags are not an option, store your items in frequently aired wardrobes in cotton bags and take them out for inspection from time to time to avoid nasty surprises.</div>
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Aistėhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04402744969028408414noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2477814866997615469.post-41016843383896493792017-04-07T13:57:00.000+03:002017-04-07T14:15:47.722+03:005 tips for hygge home decor<br />
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5 quick tips on how to make your home more hygge </h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqdBJz6ZHlvamrffiNLA2wdeL-qQQeU4PdtcsIugB52oOc3meEgztL8Tbr253M1Pw8bA6iOCB7Zr62Lqjmjg-hlMSwPbTgusoHGSOc5Gp1mt-pH8x6Ctl3Vw_IOIE-X9uT-HJVivFTs8/s1600/BlogPostHyggeHomeDecor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnqdBJz6ZHlvamrffiNLA2wdeL-qQQeU4PdtcsIugB52oOc3meEgztL8Tbr253M1Pw8bA6iOCB7Zr62Lqjmjg-hlMSwPbTgusoHGSOc5Gp1mt-pH8x6Ctl3Vw_IOIE-X9uT-HJVivFTs8/s640/BlogPostHyggeHomeDecor.png" width="425" /></a></div>
So what is hygge in the first place? Hygge is a design and lifestyle concept from Denmark which is becoming increasingly popular. Associated with pale neutral colour schemes, especially white, Hygge homes focus on happiness and well-being.<br />
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"It’s a special atmosphere of a special moment. It’s where everything just falls into place. Where the company is right, where the temperature is right, where we feel comforted, safe, warm and happy."</h4>
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Marie Tourell Søderberg, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31129745-hygge">Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness</a><br />
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There’s no need to invest in expensive décor, small changes to your home and your lifestyle is all that’s needed to give your home a little more hygge while also staying nature friendly. <br />
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First tip - chose your materials!</h3>
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Pay attention to what your household items are made off. All the natural materials like ceramics, wood, linen, wool will help to create a more natural nurturing home and will be healthier than the alternatives. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/482115554/grey-tablecloth-made-of-natural-and?ref=shop_home_active_3">Linen tablecloths</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/505454832/lumbar-pillows-throw-pillows-sofa?ref=shop_home_feat_4">pillows</a>, even <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/522561297/fringe-bed-throw-pure-linen-blanket-dark?ref=shop_home_active_2">blankets</a> will bring warmth and coziness to your home.</div>
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Linen is one of the most eco friendly materials -- growing flax produces no waste as all its parts<br />
are used for different purposes, it does not require any pesticides, grows in unfertilised soil that other cultures would not thrive in.</div>
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If you are looking for high quality natural materials for your home -- <a href="http://etsy.com/">Etsy</a> has a great deal to offer here. There are a lot of great shops that sell handmade items from natural materials -- a few of them that I tried myself are <a href="http://cozylinen.etsy.com/">CozyLinen</a> (for all your table linen needs and more - great aprons, towels, napkins and tablecloths and all from 100% linen and handmade with care), <a href="http://pillowlink.etsy.com/">Pillowlink</a> (pillows of all shapes and forms, great design and high quality linen). You can find 100% eco wool legwarmers and shoes in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WoolenClogs">Woolenclogs</a> shop. For all your ceramic needs you can try <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MISSDISHceramics">MissDishCeramics</a>.</div>
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Second tip -- colours can make it or break it</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAuONn-T-91bJQVU4tmNLlUd79pop7yPFVE7hE1HZC0nvCPxdqJLmT4JJp79tLVmVKCU8isPUbHs-o0WIpGmq5igXnkbkiBuqFZo0mBh2csHx8jXVQ3Xaqtb5zXLdX76sDi9yZWo4su4/s1600/IMG_6077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Woolenclogs ombre felt winter boots in hygge surroundings" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjAuONn-T-91bJQVU4tmNLlUd79pop7yPFVE7hE1HZC0nvCPxdqJLmT4JJp79tLVmVKCU8isPUbHs-o0WIpGmq5igXnkbkiBuqFZo0mBh2csHx8jXVQ3Xaqtb5zXLdX76sDi9yZWo4su4/s320/IMG_6077.JPG" title="Woolenclogs ombre felt winter boots" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolenclogs <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/509469386/ombre-wool-felted-women-snow-boots">ombre boots</a>, Pillowlink <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114891501/pink-throw-pillow-decorative-pillow">blush pink cushions</a>, <br />
Cozylinen <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/225309725/linen-blanket-pink-and-grey-bubbles-100">pink linen blanket</a>, MissDishCeramics <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/478069532/white-bowl-gold-small-bowl-dessert-bowl">pink plate</a></td></tr>
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Colour coordinating your home decor is important if you want to achieve that cozy hygge feeling. It is not necessary to choose just one or two colours, instead choose a feeling that you want to achieve, is it soft, comfy relaxing home decor, something like this photo? See how well pastel pink goes together with grey, white and even a brick wall.</div>
Think along the lines of warm and cosy to add texture and colour to your home. Chilly days and nights in the northern hemisphere make you want to snuggle up in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/247921763/wool-leg-warmers-ivory-knit-leg-warmers">wool legwarmers</a> or a cozy linen throw while reading a book. Add further hygge style with cushions on the sofa, chairs and bed along with thick fluffy rugs to wriggle your toes into.<br />
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Third tip - how about some light?</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX20c4u44iwDaZrI-ptq1nURPKV4bxxEFlngo7-jP916OcI6Hq4f4OZFXuuo03M1EurzAp4TIURJ8US8vkREOnaDu3sfiMnHZMWsqTvC1FoZtCrGhR4kO6Yq6UXHXlxkrrceS-NdM70r4/s1600/IMG_6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX20c4u44iwDaZrI-ptq1nURPKV4bxxEFlngo7-jP916OcI6Hq4f4OZFXuuo03M1EurzAp4TIURJ8US8vkREOnaDu3sfiMnHZMWsqTvC1FoZtCrGhR4kO6Yq6UXHXlxkrrceS-NdM70r4/s320/IMG_6403.JPG" width="213" /></a>Candles play a huge role in hygge living. They're used to create a relaxing ambience with their warm soft glow and scents that evoke good memories.</div>
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Find creative ways to place your candles, we tried using a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/490060757/sale-35-ready-to-ship-cake-stand-plate?ref=shop_home_active_7">cake dish</a> for that and it turned out amazing!</div>
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Open fires and wood burners are used extensively in Danish décor, so, if you're fortunate enough to have either they're a great place to sit in front of with family and friends.</div>
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Even when it is not cold outside, you can add a bit more hygge by lighting the candles inside of your fireplace -- it will diffuse the light even further and give you the feeling of a cozy winter cottage without the winter.</div>
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Do not use center of the room ceiling lamps, use small area lights or even hidden LEDs to give that warm cozy glow to your surroundings.</div>
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Fourth tip - that perfect mood</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw2iLWeouDp3SP6YQ-fPNd4sxVyRBh3KhwpxmTe0d0DbiHIGxCJzmp6pgfYA6JStoRrw0dN_H-7ymbwxpbx1Rf-v8_uvBJz76i83ds-twh-300N7xhbhZRgoMwsK9LSPs6D3vF39cJCs/s1600/IMG_6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqw2iLWeouDp3SP6YQ-fPNd4sxVyRBh3KhwpxmTe0d0DbiHIGxCJzmp6pgfYA6JStoRrw0dN_H-7ymbwxpbx1Rf-v8_uvBJz76i83ds-twh-300N7xhbhZRgoMwsK9LSPs6D3vF39cJCs/s320/IMG_6494.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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Hygge isn’t solely about décor, it’s also about you, your family and your friends. Include the little things in life that make you smile, such as putting up photographs of happy times, drinking your favourite coffee or indulging in a warm bubble bath.</div>
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Sharing is a must in a hygge home. Eating wholesome food in-front of the fire or by candlelight with a gathering of friends or family are fabulous hygge moments that shouldn’t be overlooked.</div>
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Switch off and refocus by taking up a new hobby or reigniting an old one. A few hours on your own will make you feel refreshed and your batteries recharged. Enjoy your surrounding, every room in your home should be a sanctuary that you can step into at any given moment, so fill them with things that help you achieve this. But don’t over do it, hygge homes are rarely crammed to the rafters with clutter, but with carefully chosen meaningful items.<br />
Remember the style isn’t about extravagance and cost, it’s about creating a warm and welcoming home that you and your visitors won’t want to leave.</div>
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Fifth tip - do you want a drink?</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe6km6iv0bnuT9m3C6P-_Wj8vGHqfFFton55E5QynI7KfY-CFxmnpqXgqKJStqLaW4u5adzZPF5WwJlaz7SD4UGRVcvnZKDicniQniWlJEkxMynTVL-idEfY0v73y9jfXtTO4NbPQ3nQ/s1600/IMG_6168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpe6km6iv0bnuT9m3C6P-_Wj8vGHqfFFton55E5QynI7KfY-CFxmnpqXgqKJStqLaW4u5adzZPF5WwJlaz7SD4UGRVcvnZKDicniQniWlJEkxMynTVL-idEfY0v73y9jfXtTO4NbPQ3nQ/s320/IMG_6168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woolenclogs <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114236154/boiled-wool-gray-leg-warmers-knit-leg">gray legwarmers</a>, MissDishCeramics <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/490060757/sale-35-ready-to-ship-cake-stand-plate">cake stand</a>, <br />
Pillowlink <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/97048029/linen-pillow-cover-hygge-decorative">gray pillow</a>, CozyLinen <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/506533593/linen-placemat-set-of-6-made-of-natural">gray placemat</a>, Gusste <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gusste/">cardigan</a></td></tr>
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A steaming hot chocolate (tea or coffee if you prefer), a crackling fireside, cosy catch ups, walking on a frosty common bundled up in hats, scarfs and mittens – these are all “hygge”. To truly hygge, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MISSDISHceramics">ceramic mugs</a> are a must! You need that cozy, pausing feel of a mug in your hands. And if you really don’t have time at home to sit with a mug, at least invest in a reusable, glass to-go cup.<br />
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As a recognised ritual worldwide, tea drinking helps to enable feelings of optimism, knowledge, social bonding, gratitude and relaxation.<br />
A cup of tea has long been the symbol of rest, break time, stopping for a breather. Arguably, its ritual could be the pinnacle of the hygge trend, with its implication of calm and togetherness.<br />
Instead of letting hygge be another fad fashion-concept, we can take inspiration from its idea as a daily mindfulness practice, and make more frequent efforts to invite friends for tea, create social groups, and focus on the present moment. To make memories to be later laughed about, to talk about ideas, to be warmed from the inside out, to share the comfort of happiness.</div>
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These five quick ideas will give a start to your hygge journey. If you liked our photos and would love to have similar ones - you can read <a href="http://blog.cozylinen.eu/2017/04/5-tips-how-to-make-brands-collaboration.html">here</a> on how we achieved this result.</div>
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Stay warm and cozy and hygge on!</div>
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<br />Aistėhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04402744969028408414noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2477814866997615469.post-54179233400350233742016-09-07T10:24:00.001+03:002016-09-08T22:53:07.767+03:00How to take care of your wool items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://woolenclogs.com/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKNUjr5hL9ATBrCrJYLmR1ZYvOOEPD6zzFvJk8RiMOnmLSLFoW_SFU6p9ypdeI_ivYcKUmyjD8124g16ZzvWwrKYjuHHvDANmVFjvUFPmVLpNnqaLgF4Ep8xYgo03V4pxme12O5AFi8ko/s1600/How+to+clean+woolen+items.png" /></a></div>
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All of you have probably at some point looked at a sweater/another wool item taken from the washer and wondered whose it is as the size did not match your clothes :)<br />
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Yes, wool shrinks when agitated with a detergent in changing temperature. Washing it even with all the newfangled detergents that are made for wool can be a hit or miss affair. Here's a few things that might help you to put that washing day further and when it comes -- to get the best result. Read on!<br />
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Good news is that wool naturally repels dirt and moisture, so it takes a lot longer to get your woolen sweater in need of a wash than say a cotton one. Airing a woolen item is a good way of getting rid of odours and giving it a few more days or weeks of wear.<br />
Brushing it with a soft brush to get rid of anything stuck is also good. Spot cleaning is advised instead of washing the whole item.<br />
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Using a vacuum cleaner is another good way to bring your <a href="http://www.woolenclogs.com/">woolen clogs</a> or shoes back to their clean state.<br />
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Finally, when you have exhausted all the other options and do not want to or cannot get your wool item dry cleaned it is time for the wash.<br />
The delicate woolen items such as thin felt scarves, light nuno-felted blouses and similar are better washed by hand in only slightly tepid water with wool detergent. Do not rub or agitate the wool too much -- just let it soak and gently squeeze it to get the sudsy water inside, then rise out and dry your items flat, no hanging!<br />
Other things can go into the washing machine -- be careful to choose the wool cycle and wool detergent, also -- never use a dryer, dry your items flat on an adsorbent surface. If the item is not flat, like <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114520531/felted-wool-clogs-just-beige-organic-eco">slippers</a> or a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/272228918/felted-cat-cave-brown-from-natural-eco">cat cave</a>, shape it to the desired form by putting it on your feet (for slippers) or using your hands to give it shape.<br />
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Happy wearing/using! Do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions about wool or woolen items.<br />
<br />Aistėhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04402744969028408414noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2477814866997615469.post-20614367772143148402016-06-15T15:00:00.001+03:002016-09-08T22:54:56.323+03:00Types of feltingThere are two main types of felting used today -- wet felting and needle felting. At <a href="http://woolenclogs.com/">Woolenclogs</a> we mostly use wet felting and sometimes I decorate some of our clogs by needle felting. Here's how these processes work and what they are.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (There's another old felting method described at the bottom as a bonus)</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent;">Wet felting</span></h3>
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Wet felting is one of several methods which can produce felt from wool and other animal fibres. Warm soapy water is applied to layers of animal hairs. Repeated agitation and compression causes the fibres to hook together into a single piece of fabric. Wrapping the properly arranged fibre in a sturdy, textured material, such as a bamboo mat or bubble wrap, will speed up the felting process. After the wet felting process is complete, the felted material may be finished by fulling.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113638678/woolen-slippers-with-baltic-amber-folk?ref=shop_home_active_2" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1B0gUlunghkuwJOhVInSTF2en-1rd-XVSsR4aIuPuOx9zCCoWHezACgL3YdkBYz23rDikYETkpUtDRqg_RK22AqIfkhEEJzDpeWr30kkwp8hDqNQ7u2C5-C5W8MhU0WVQQMjypP1uepI/s400/BrownAmber.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113638678/woolen-slippers-with-baltic-amber-folk?ref=shop_home_active_2">Wet felted wool clogs by Woolenclogs</a></td></tr>
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Only certain types of fibre can be wet felted successfully. Most types of fleece, such as those taken from the alpaca or the Merino sheep, can be put through the wet felting process. One may also use mohair (goat), angora (rabbit), or even certain dog hair. These types of fibre are covered in tiny scales, similar to the scales found on a strand of human hair. Wetting and soaping the fiber causes the scales to open, while agitating them causes them to latch onto each other, creating felt. Plant fibres and synthetic fibres will not wet felt.<br />
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A subset of wet felting is nuno felting. It is a technique developed by Polly Stirling - a fibre artist from Australia. The technique bonds loose fibres, usually wool, into a sheer fabric such as silk gauze, creating a lightweight felt.</div>
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<span class="mw-headline" id="Needle_Felting">Needle Felting</span></h3>
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Needle felting is a popular fibre arts craft that creates felt without the use of water. Special needles that are used in industrial felting machines are used by the artist as a sculpting tool. While erroneously referred to as "barbed" needles, they in fact have notches along the shaft of the needle that grab the top layer of fibres and tangle them with the inner layers of fibres as the needle enters the wool. Since these notches face down towards the tip of the needle, they do not pull the fibres out as the needle exits the wool, unless a reverse needle is used (with this desired effect). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/220507353/teddy-bear-odin-mohair-teddy-bears" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUSmqmfYMwX1WquzHtqs-f1Oh_-K47nw-WVRblvSssFK1b0PskwivmuzMf5p2WOHtHAPLmgisp_pPWwqoggdfoxk1w5XhaYoXqI6YAL9s3T9ia7rNd-oXcGsAhyphenhyphen8V6N06vW3PJOlkZXQ/s400/NeedleFeltedTeddyNose.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle felted teddy nose (courtesy of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/220507353/teddy-bear-odin-mohair-teddy-bears">SoftlyBearPaw</a>)</td></tr>
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Once tangled and compressed using the needle, the felt can be strong and used for creating jewellery or sculpture. Finer details can be achieved with this method using a hand-held tool with either a single needle or a small group of needles (2-7), so it is a popular technique for producing 2D and 3D felted work.</div>
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Certain artificial as well as natural fibers can be needle felted. Most of the machine needle felt is synthetic.</div>
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Carroting</h3>
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From the mid-17th to the mid-20th centuries, a process called "carroting" was used in the manufacture of good quality felt for making men's hats. Beaver, rabbit or hare skins were treated with a dilute solution of the mercury compound mercuric nitrate. The skins were dried in an oven where the thin fur at the sides turned orange, the colour of carrots. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image taken from http://catspahamas1.chainreactionweb.com/catalog</td></tr>
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Pelts were stretched over a bar in a cutting machine, and the skin was sliced off in thin shreds, with the fleece coming away entirely. The fur was blown onto a cone-shaped colander and then treated with hot water to consolidate it. The cone then peeled off and passed through wet rollers to cause the fur to felt. These 'hoods' were then dyed and blocked to make hats. The toxic solutions in the dye and the vapours it produced resulted in widespread cases of mercury poisoning among hatters, which may have been the origin behind the phrase "mad as a hatter".</div>
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Aistėhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04402744969028408414noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2477814866997615469.post-7826385298239238772016-03-24T12:03:00.000+02:002016-03-24T12:04:20.861+02:00Beneficial properties of wool<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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I love wool -- it is warm in the winter an cool in the summer, it wicks away moisture and best of all -- it is natural! Of course this latter is only true if it is not dyed and not washed in sulphuric acid as it is mostly done in quite a few Australian, New Zealand and USA wool washing facilities. What gives wool it's wonderful properties?<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">Let's look at the wool fibre in more detail:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9DMsj8tSLrh-bvt0VEL6xTZj8AiHWkdu8cE1mRK8d8jLm_700kAk51e0X_7sBqd0o0mzTQ3qHTFFMKb7eOTlMXnVWU4qm8n_MkhXA2dAfmL6GcQC9EilYT6yxkcOzkXL0__F99yjjH4/s1600/woolcutout.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9DMsj8tSLrh-bvt0VEL6xTZj8AiHWkdu8cE1mRK8d8jLm_700kAk51e0X_7sBqd0o0mzTQ3qHTFFMKb7eOTlMXnVWU4qm8n_MkhXA2dAfmL6GcQC9EilYT6yxkcOzkXL0__F99yjjH4/s320/woolcutout.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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So much in such a small thing! Let's go over some of the characteristics.<br />
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FELTS NATURALLY The physical structure of the outer scaly layer of the wool fiber contributes to wool’s unique property of felting. Under the mechanical action of agitation, friction and pressure in the presence of heat and moisture, the scales on the edges of the wool fibers interlock, preventing the fiber from returning to its original position. Felting shrinkage is irreversible. Felting is also an advantage because it provides for a wide variety of non-woven felt fabrics and handmade felt articles. This is why wool is so strong and resilient when felted -- the thick mesh of wool fibers forms a strong and shape retaining mat, that will not tear, will not deform and can be reshaped if you make it wet.<br />
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114319464/felted-wool-clogs-with-snowflake-design">Woolenclogs star clogs</a></div>
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DURABILITY AND RESILIENCE Each wool fiber is a molecular coilspring making the fiber remarkably elastic. Nature has folded the chemical polypeptide chains back upon themselves in such a way that they act like a coiled spring which elongates when it is extended and retracts when it is released. This molecular crimp, along with the 3-dimensional fiber, allows wool fibers to be stretched up to 50% when wet and 30% when dry, and still bounce back to their original shape when stress is released. But be careful: When wool is wet the fibers are weaker. Recovery from stress takes place faster when the fiber is in a humid environment; that’s why steaming a wool garment will freshen the fabric and why a steam iron is recommended for pressing wool. The flexibility of the wool fiber also makes it more durable. A wool fiber can be bent back on itself more than 20,000 times without breaking, compared to about 3,000 times for cotton and 2,000 times for silk. The natural elasticity of wool also makes woolen fabrics resistant to tearing. In addition, the outer skin of the wool fiber acts as a protective film, giving wool cloth improved resistance to abrasion. <br />
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RESISTANCE TO FLAME Because wool contains moisture in each fiber, it resists flame without chemical treatment. Instead of burning freely when touched by flame, wool chars and stops burning when it is removed from the source of fire. Wool is self-extinguishing. Wool does not melt when burned, and so cannot stick to the skin and cause serious burns. It will not support combustion; this is why wool blankets are recommended for use in extinguishing small fires. </div>
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CHEMICAL STRUCTURE Wool is a natural protein fiber that grows from the follicles of the sheep’s skin. It is like human hair in that it is composed of keratin-type protein. Chemically these proteins contain 5 elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. These 5 elements are combined into 19 amino acids linked together in ladder-like polypeptide chains. <br />
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MOISTURE REGULATION/BACTERIA CONTROL Wool is a hygroscopic fiber; it takes up moisture in vapor form. Tiny pores in the epicuticle make the fiber semi-permeable, allowing vapor to pass through to the heart of the fiber. Wool can easily absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp or clammy. The capacity to absorb makes wool a “temperature regulator” because it can protect the body in both cold and warm conditions. Wool always absorbs moisture from the atmosphere of greater humidity and releases it to the drier environment as it creates a balance in moisture conditions. Wool absorbs perspiration; thus it keeps a layer of dry air next to the skin which, in turn, helps to hold in body heat. Wool’s hollow fibre promotes air circulation and prevents bacterial growth. Bacteria can only grow in moisture; wool‘s natural fibre wicks moisture away from the skin preventing the conditions that allow bacteria to thrive. As wool absorbs atmospheric moisture, the hydrogen bond of water is broken and chemically reacts with molecules of the wool to generate heat. Wool garments are therefore regarded as good protection against hypothermia… a condition that occurs when sudden drastic lowering of body temperature causes the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. The same principle of moisture contact on the skin acts to protect against hot weather as well. The body cools itself naturally with the evaporation of perspiration. Wool expedites this process by absorbing perspiration and keeping the same dry air next to the skin. This is why wool footwear is great for regulating temperature for your feet and making sure they do not sweat.<br />
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Aistėhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04402744969028408414noreply@blogger.com0