Wool from the Pyrenees

In the spring or fall, the shearers go from farm to farm and harvest approximately 2 kg of wool per animal. Once sorted, the wool travels to different workshops in the textile industry. The first step is to wash it with hot water to remove all impurities.

Once dry, the wool loses about half of its initial weight. 

Next comes the stage of carding wool which consists in disentangling, combing and airing the textile fibres. The word "carding" comes from "thistle", a prickly plant that grows along the paths. In the past, bouquets of thistles were used to rub the fleeces and obtain a softer and cleaner wool.

Today we use a carding machine equipped with rollers covered with thousands of small fine metal points which facilitates this work.

The carding phase prepares the fibers for spinning wool. We then obtain a wool veil which is kept as it is to make quilted blankets or wool duvets. But to make yarn, the veil is transported to a spinner which makes it possible to obtain a strong yarn.

The reels of spun wool obtained are then used for the weaving. For this, a loom or knitting machine is used.