Welcoming winter – Animals that give us wool

Summer is gone
and so are the roses.
Sidewalks are icy
and so are our noses.
Noses are rosy
and so are our cheeks
and will be for many long
wintery weeks.
By Karla Kuskin

Welcoming winter with open arms becomes a little easier when you use particular tools to stay warm, focused, and healthy. In general, winter is nature’s way of telling you it’s a time to slow down and enjoy your personal and family time.
Tips for Welcoming Winter:-
1. Turn your home into a cosy, nurturing environment. …Light the fireplace and bring out your big, plush Donnas, chunky, knitted throws, and soft, fluffy cushions.
2. Incorporate warm tones and earthy colours into your decor to balance out the Water energy.
3. Follow the sun—go to bed early and sleep in if you can! …
4. Allow yourself to be quiet and still. Do gentle exercise like Yoga.
5. Eat fruit and vegetables that are in season such as oranges, sweet potato and sprouts.
6. Cook warming, nourishing meals and season them with warming herbs and spices like, garlic, ginger, coriander, cinnamon and pepper.
7. Avoid eating raw and cold food instead consume foods that have warming properties like root vegetables, rice, oats, dates, coconut, chicken and seafood.
8. Winter weather is drying on our bodies so we need to try and retain as much water and moisture as possible.

Animals that give us wool
Sheep:–

The most common wool animal is the sheep. Sheep can be categorized into three major types when it comes to wool production: fine wool, medium and coarse wool, and hair-type.

Goats:–

Mohair and cashmere come from goats. Mohair comes from the Angora goat, which produces a long shaggy coat. Mohair is known for its lustre and is often used in clothing, shawls and fine yarn. Cashmere comes from the Cashmere goat and is considered one of the most luxurious of all types of wool.

Lamas:–

The Lama genus of animals, all of whom originate in South America, includes llamas, alpacas, vicunas and guanacos. Of these, alpacas are the most common for fibre production. Llamas are generally clipped once a year and produce coarse wool that includes stiff guard hairs. When the guard hairs are left in the wool is used for ropes and rugs, when removed the wool can be used for yarn.

Camels:–

The wool of camels is used to produce many fine textiles including scarves, gloves and jackets, The Mongolian people use camel hair to make their homes, called yurts, as well as cine carpets.

Rabbits:–

Rabbit hair can also be used for producing wool. Angora rabbits and their dwarf relative the Jersey Woolly are raised for their wool. Rabbits are combed out about every three months to retrieve their hair. It is used to make sweaters, gloves and scarves. Because of the delicate nature of angora wool it is sometimes combined with sheep’s wool to make it more durable.

By SheetalRana
Pre-Primary Teacher