This season keep yourself warm with a luxurious Irish throw
Every season has its magic. In the cold season, there are so many magical things to look forward to but also things that you don’t look forward to as much, for example, the cold. Unless your house has perfect insulation and there are no cracks through which cold air is leaking inside and you’re also not worried about the electric bill, you will have to bear the brunt of the cold weather even indoors. Luckily, there’s something that you can always use to keep yourself warm and cozy without having to crank up the heater - blankets. Since warmth is the priority, you need the warmest material you can find. Natural fabrics have many advantages over synthetic ones and when it comes to natural materials, wool is the warmest. But warmth is not all there is to blankets, we also love them because they are cozy and comforting. And what can be more comforting than a blanket that is soft and lightweight while also being very warm? That’s exactly what Irish throws are about. However, there are plenty of other reasons why Irish throws make the best blankets for the cold season. They are knitted and finished to perfection to keep you warm and comfortable on the cold days of the year.
History of knitting in Ireland
Knitting has a long history in Ireland. It was believed for a long time that knitting in Ireland dated back to Celtic times. This theory originated from a yarn shop owner, Heinz Edgar Kiewe, who argued that Aran stitches resemble Celtic knotwork. Historical records, however, indicate that the Irish knitting tradition dates back to the 17th century when skillful craftspeople knitted socks and stockings for the soldiers. In the 19th century, knitting boomed in Ireland, especially in the Aran Islands, where sweaters were knitted for the fishermen of the islands. These fisherman knit sweaters for men were famous for how resistant they were to all kinds of weather and for their unique and authentic stitches. However, Irish sheep wool was too coarse and thick, which made it suitable only for extreme weather conditions like those in the Aran Islands. The tradition of knitting remained alive and well in Ireland, but sheep from Irish wool is no longer used very often. Merino wool is a much more popular choice for knitwear and for blankets thanks to its luxurious softness.
How merino wool regulates temperature
Why is Merino wool such a popular choice for knitwear and knit blankets? Because it’s a fabric for all seasons. A wool blanket is an absolute must-have in the cold season, but if you have an Irish merino wool throw, you can keep it all year round. That’s because of the thermo-regulating property of merino wool. Merino wool fiber absorbs moisture and thanks to a natural chemical process that happens in the fibers, this moisture is converted to heat. This warmth is kept close to the body thanks to tiny pockets in the fibers that act as insulators. When the weather is warm, however, these tiny pockets trap cool air and the wool fibers wick moisture away from the body, which makes merino wool “breathable”. Thanks to these amazing properties, you don’t need to fold your throw and put it away once the season is over. You can keep your favorite throw all year round.
The odor-repellant and antimicrobial properties of merino wool
Another amazing benefit of merino wool is that it’s naturally odor-resistant. That means that even if you sleep covered in your wool throw and then wrap it around yourself and keep it on all day, the wool will absorb the odor of the sweat and not release it until it’s washed. Besides, wool is naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial thanks to the waxy coating of lanolin and keratin, which inhibits the growth of all kinds of microbes. This makes wool throws perfect for babies and adults alike. The odor-resistant and antimicrobial properties make wool throws really easy to care for because you don’t need to wash them as often as you would wash blankets made from other materials. In order to maintain the throw clean and fresh for as long as possible, make sure to air it outside once in a while in order to get rid of the dust. Surface stains can be cleaned with a soft-bristle brush and liquid stains can be cleaned with warm water and mild detergent.
Wool helps you sleep better
Research shows that wool can actually improve the quality of your sleep. That is because it keeps your body at an optimal temperature. It wicks moisture away from the skin, so it keeps you warm without becoming sweaty. A study conducted at the University of Sydney found that wool helps participants fall asleep faster and get a more restful sleep. Merino wool has an extra advantage thanks to its softness. The fact that it feels soft on your skin makes it even cozier and more comforting. After all, it’s easier to fall asleep when you feel like you’re being hugged by something warm and soft that touches your skin delicately. This also makes wool throws perfect for babies.
Wool throws make great decor accessories
If you don’t plan to use the wool throw to warm yourself up beyond the cold season, you don’t need to fold it up, put it away and forget about it until the next cold season. You can repurpose it as a home decor accessory. Their appeal lies mainly in the fact that they give a homelier feel to the room. The appeal of Irish throws, however, doesn’t lie solely in the homely aspect. These throws feature traditional Irish stitching patterns and symbols, so it is perfect for those who want their home decor to reflect their heritage. So, while a regular throw draped over an armchair might signal “Welcome to my home”, an Irish throw will signal “Welcome to my Irish home” to your guests. After all, it is the small details that make the difference when it comes to home decor and accessories that say something about who you are give your decor personality. If your roots are an important part of your identity, these lovely accessories are a beautiful way to honor that. Tara Irish Clothing provides an extensive selection of Irish wool throws you can choose from for you decor.