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The many ways of wool, from dryer balls to dust mops

Call it the sheep of things to come: Wool from a flock in Puslinch Twp., in south-central Ont., will soon adorn the interior of a Toronto home in custom-designed wall coverings described as “shockingly beautiful.”

Other sheep are providing fibre for mattresses, furnishings and filling the walls in Jacob and Paulina Marcinkowski’s 2-1/2-storey house that’s now in the throes of a major renovation.

The couple — parents to Henry, three, and Philip, six months — were already fleece fans from winters spent in cosy pyjamas, sweaters and socks.

“It’s a perfect match,” says Jacob, noting they’re using other natural materials like stone, brick and wood floors in their Midtown home. “We appreciate its versatility, longevity and natural moisture-wicking ability.”

The soft fibre, which is gaining ground in the construction industry in Europe and Australia, is attracting more interest here, too, according to Matthew Rowe, CEO of Canada’s Campaign for Wool, a global initiative involving 13 countries. October has been designated Canadian Wool Month in celebration of its versatility in fashion, art and interior design.

With its natural moisture and nitrogen content, mould resistance, fire-retardant properties and ability to regulate indoor temperatures, the semi-permeable material is ideal for insulating, Rowe says. (Using wool for home insulation, however, is still in the early stages in Canada and requires approval to conform to building code.)

The all-natural, renewable and sustainable fibre has many other uses, including rugs, wall coverings, drapery, bedding, mattresses, pillows and upholstery.

Sheep are shorn once a year in spring, with a single critter providing about 6-1/2 pounds of wool — enough to cover a large sofa.

Researchers have found it provides “faster, deeper, better sleep” when used in bedding, according to Rowe, making counting sheep a thing of the past.

And forget that “itchy sweater from Aunt Mavis,” he urges. A throw made from superfine wool ,such as merino, is cuddly and “buttery soft.”

Ecosystems like it, as well. Butterflies, bees and flowers abound in a properly managed, self-regenerating sheep pastures, says the dyed-in-the-wool champion of the fuzzy ruminants. And he notes that indoor environment benefit, with no chemicals to off-gas and no microplastics to shed.

Jacob Marcinkowski appreciates the fact that there’s “nothing toxic” in wool. Their 2,500-square-foot house, bought 15 years ago, required a bottom-to-top rebuild because of its “very mouldy basement” and rotting roof. They’ll be moving back in when it’s completed in a few months.

The homeowners are using natural wool as additional insulation over mineral wool because of the health benefits, as well as its sound and comfort qualities.

One of the main-floor highlights will be the decorative and sound-absorbent soft wall coverings, made of Shetland wool from Chassagne Farm in Puslinch, south of Guelph. The Shetland sheep breed comes in 16 colours, including copper, brown and black.

Rowe notes that Chassagne Farm’s sheep are descendants of the original Shetland flock in Canada, imported from Scotland in the 1960s.

Cream and grey hues were combined in a “dreamy northern landscape” design by Dimitri Chris, interior designer for the house, explains Carol Sebert, co-owner of Toronto firm Creative Matters, where the panels of soft needle felting are being made.

Glued on like wallpaper, “it feels really nice on your hand,” she says. “It has a really special look and it’s shockingly beautiful.”

Sebert, whose company specializes in custom-made carpets, rugs and wall coverings, calls resilient, flexible wool “the best fibre in the world” to work with.

For the Marcinkowskis, who work in development, design and construction through their company ENG group inc., it’s also a superior material to live with.

They sleep on wool mattresses and bedding, and are considering wool drapes, rugs and upholstered furniture for their new home.

Natural wool products tend to cost more than their non-sustainable, artificial counterparts, with area rugs running into the thousands. But as a long-term investment, all’s wool that ends wool.

Sheep’s wool is used in a variety of residential products, big and small. Here are a few.

Blankets: Sykes & Ainley Woollens in Glen Williams, Ont. has brought the African Basotho blanket – featured in the movie “Black Panther” – to Canada. The tribal blanket worn by the people of Lesotho is beloved for its versatility and history. Sykes & Ainley sells the reversible cosy throws for $295. https://sykes-ainley.ca/collections/basotho-blankets

Topsy Farms on Amherst Island near Kingston, Ont. uses unbleached Canadian wool to make blankets in a variety of sizes and patterns, starting at $140.

Bedding: Comforters, pillows, mattress protectors and toppers are all available in wool, a hypoallergenic material that’s scientifically proven to improve sleep, according to global retailer Woolroom. Comforters start at $247, pillows at $136, and protectors at $250.

Dryer balls: These fuzzy orbs are a natural, non-scented alternative to dryer sheets that may contain harmful chemicals. Billed as the original dryer ball, ULAT starts at $30 for a set of three.

Dust mop: Natural lanolin in wool picks up dust without needing chemicals or water. Lehman’s sells a swivel dust mop with a removable head for washing for $45.95 (U.S.).

Insulation: Made from 75 per cent sheep’s wool and 25 per cent recycled polyester, Thermafleece CosyWool slabs are an alternative product for insulating walls and roofs. Available in different R-factors and sizes, they’re sold by Eco Building Resource, starting at $75 for a two-inch-thick 48-square-foot roll. Note: the Canadian Building Code requires an engineer’s or architect’s approval to use wool insulation.

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