Needle felting with wool is a sustainable and creative craft that can be used to transform natural, renewable materials into beautiful and long-lasting creations. By utilizing the unique properties of wool, needle felting allows you to create objects that are both beautiful and functional, while also minimizing waste and reducing your environmental impact.
Here are ten facts about wool that illustrate why it is an ideal craft medium!
- Wool is 100% natural
Wool is a natural protein fibre that grows on sheep and other animals such as goats and llamas. It is biodegradable and does not contain any synthetic or harmful chemicals, making it a safe and sustainable option as a craft medium.
2. Wool is renewable
Sheep produce a new fleece every year, making wool a renewable resource. Wool production does not require large amounts of water or energy, and sheep can graze on land that is unsuitable for crops or other forms of agriculture, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Wool is part of the natural carbon cycle
Sheep consume organic carbon by eating plants, and store this in their fleece. Fifty percent of a fleece’s weight is pure organic carbon stored in a durable, wearable form. The carbon emitted by sheep through their digestive systems is part of the natural carbon cycle.
- Wool lasts longer
Wool textiles can be used many more times than those of other fibers, especially when well cared for. The longer products last, the less resources are needed to create new ones, which reduces the impact on our planet. This also makes wool a cost-effective and practical option for crafting.
- Wool is recyclable
As wool fibers are of high quality and durable, they lend themselves well for re-use and recycling, ultimately reducing landfill disposal. This is the main reason we invented our Wool Needle Felting Cushion to replace foam cushions.
- Wool is biodegradable
Given the right conditions, wool decomposes in a matter of months to a couple of years, releasing valuable nutrients back into the soil. This makes it an ideal choice for sustainable agriculture and composting. Check out our wool fertilizer made from scraps of felt.
- Wool is easy to keep clean
Due to wool’s natural properties of being odor and stain resistant. In addition, wool refreshes itself best in fresh air.
- Wool forms a basis to healthy communities
For many families and communities around the world, sheep form an important form of steady income through their wool. When purchasing from Bear Creek you are supporting our family farm and those of local sheep farmers.
- Wool contributes to biodiversity
Sheep graze on a variety of plants and help to maintain biodiversity in pastures and other grazing lands. This can also help to reduce the risk of wildfires and other natural disasters. At Bear Creek we do rotational grazing which is improving the soil and vegetation on our land.
- Wool does not contribute to microplastic pollution
Wool naturally biodegrades in land and in water. It does not contribute to the global microplastics and microfibre challenge we are faced with. This makes it an eco-friendly option for your crafting medium.
One of the great things about needle felting with wool is that it utilizes a natural, renewable resource. As we’ve discussed, wool is a 100% natural, renewable, and biodegradable material that comes from sheep. Needle felting allows you to take advantage of the unique properties of wool, including its softness and durability, to create beautiful and long-lasting projects.
Thanks to the International Wool Textile Organization for these facts
