Wool Hand

[xman]

I would like to get people's responses to the question of the feel of the wool. I think I might be in the minority. I was introduced to the kilt as a DND (Canada's MOD) garment. Those who've worn them know that these kilts are not only heavier than heavy, but also quite rough to the touch. I actually had someone equally familiar with them ask me if it was possible to starch the softer feeling wool of his kilt to obtain that sensation. Much of the civilian cloth I have encountered is not like that so I'm guessing there are a lot of people who feel differently. Let me know what you think please. I'm interested in hearing from kiltmakers and wearers alike.

How do you like your hand?

X

[NeightRG]

I wear a lot of wool - socks, sweaters, jackets, scarves... I've come to love the "scratch" to the course stuff, like a nice, heavy Harris Tweed jacket. Not a clue how to get that feeling from a garment that's already been made, though.

[Chas]

Of course, there is wool and wool. The wool from Scottish sheep is the best for making carpets, but can abrade skin like the best quality sandpaper. Different breeds of sheep will have different types of wool, some softer, some stiffer.

I have found that the females of the species prefer to cuddle up to a softer fabric, rather than one that still has the heather twigs in it.

Regards

Chas

[Peter Crowe]

I voted for smoothest from the options available, however, I believe there is a difference between smooth and soft. The best kilts I have worn (IMO) were heavyweight worsted wool, smooth to the touch but not soft like the saxony wool kilts.

[English Bloke]

"I have no preference either way". I like to take the rough with the smooth as they say.

[NeightRG]

I voted for smoothest from the options available, however, I believe there is a difference between smooth and soft. The best kilts I have worn (IMO) were heavyweight worsted wool, smooth to the touch but not soft like the saxony wool kilts.

True that! I have some vintage Scotch House fabric in the MacFarlane tartan. It's very smooth and yet it has a very crisp surface - I wouldn't blame some for assuming it was a poly blend. It's nothing like soft lambswool.

[kilted scholar]

Smooth rather than rough. Definitely not sandpaper.

[RAF]

I'm with Peter and Nate - smooth hand can be hard wearing. I like that combo. Nothing excessively raw or rough next to the skin. Harris tweed jackets of course don't really touch large areas of skin - love how those look and the feeling they give the wearer.

[Tartan Tess]

For kilt making, I like the firmer hand.
I just did an alteration on a professionaly made kilt that was "Merlo" wool possibly? It was so soft, showed the facings "Ghost" of folds and stitches. To sew; it was more difficult because it was so soft. But if I were wearing it, I think I would love the feel.