Wool myths in the Philippines (What things most Pinoys do not understand about wool)

We live in a tropical country and that does not make sense in the point I want to make. Wool yarn is a product that is not manufactured or made in the Philippines. Most of the wool we get is even the surplus from countries like Japan and even China. Some people buy them new and while some get them at Japan Surplus shops. I wish there was one in Makati.

With the advent of the Internet we also get yarns from abroad and buying things with a smartphone has become something staple for many fiber artists (crocheters, knitters, weavers and so much more). Now it is easy to buy acrylic yarns (in so many colors and varieties), wool, rayon, natural, synthetic, thin or even really thick yarns.

Here are some misconceptions and myths about wool yarn I want to debunk:

1. WOOL CAUSES ALLERGIES

Yes, it is true wool causes allergies but only for a very small part of the population. Only 1 in 100,000 people suffer from a wool allergy. That means wool allergy is rare. Skin irritation, nasal congestion and eye irritation are not symptoms of wool allergy. The argument also goes with people who crazy about gluten. Only a small part of the population has gluten and wool allergy.

On the other hand real wool allergy causes the following: anaphylaxis, asthma, sinusitis, ear and lung infection. I am sure most of the people who have complained about wool had just some kind of skin irritation.

But what causes wool irritation? The main culprit is lanolin. It is weird that most people do not know that lanolin is the main ingredient for make-up. I am sure most women do not have problem with make-up. Also nowadays, manufacturers use varied ways on making wool yarn that reduces any irritation and problems.

If you do get wool allergies, go to a doctor not some so called expert on Facebook.

2. WOOL IS NOT GOOD FOR HOT WEATHER AND COUNTRIES

Wool is taken from sheep. And is indeed used by most countries who have winter. But wool has characteristics that make it wonderful for the animals they come from - sheep. If all wool yarn do is to keep you warm. Then, by default all sheep must die by summer. But they do not.

Wool is hygroscopic. That means it has the ability to keep you cool when it is warm and it can make you feel warm when it cold. It can also keep moisture away from your body when it is wet thus reducing the feel of cold.

3. WOOL IS JUST FOR WHITE PEOPLE 

This is just plain simple. Wool can be used by anyone. You can use it for many projects. It has been used by many people, by most people, for thousands of years already. Animals have used it and they have no problem with it. I am a Filipino and I use wool yarn.

4. WOOL IS ITCHY

A long time ago manufacture of wool was done at home and in small scales. There was no standard and often times people just used what they have. The quality of the yarn was not that good or even tested. Nowadays, wool is one of the softest material you can use. Also, the chances for allergies and even intolerance is almost non-existent.

5. WOOL IS EXPENSIVE

With the many manufacturers and even independent makers of wool yarn. The product is easily available for many people, even for Filipinos. Yes, there are expensive wool like vicuna but even merino yarn is not that expensive anymore. There are cotton yarns and other yarns that can be even more expensive than wool. 

If you want to try different yarns I suggest you try KnitCrate. It is a subscription crate from the US at a good price (some might say its expensive, it is NOT), I know people who use thousands of pesos on just for acrylic and cotton yarns. Each membership box is 24.99 but you can click here to get 20% off your first month. 

6. WOOL IS NOT FOR BABIES

Babies indeed have more sensitive skin than adults and it is OK for parents to be worried. But again there are wool yarns just like cotton and even acrylic yarns that are good for babies. For example superfine merino wool has been proven to have almost no effect on babies. 

So what is the verdict?

Know the yarn you are using. Research and do not rely on hearsay and chismis (gossip) for information. We live in the Internet age and there are many great and awesome websites about wool and even where to buy one. 

Learn that one must always know what yarn goes with what project you are doing. Learn that each yarn must be used as it should be. And have fun using wool I promise it will not kill you or your family. But it might kill your wallet. Just the way it does your cotton and other yarns.