Sleeping under wool
The special qualities of a natural wool duvet
Sleeping under a sheep's wool duvet is a completely
different experience from sleeping under a synthetic
duvet.
Wool is a remarkable natural material. It has unique
properties that help create a comfortable sleeping
environment.
Warmth without feeling stuffy
Wool provides excellent insulation while also being able to absorb and release moisture into the surrounding air.
During sleep, our bodies continuously release moisture. Wool can absorb some of this water vapour, helping to prevent that damp, clammy feeling beneath the duvet.
This is what makes wool so special: it provides comforting warmth while helping to manage excess moisture.
Depending on the amount of wool used, a duvet can be suitable for different seasons.
The combination of wool and linen
For my duvets, I have deliberately chosen the combination of Portuguese sheep's wool and natural linen.
The wool forms the soft, insulating heart of the duvet, while the linen creates its breathable outer layer.
Linen naturally feels fresh and allows air and moisture to pass through. Together, these materials create a beautiful balance of warmth, lightness and natural comfort.
For me, it is a duvet you can truly snuggle into, surrounded by natural materials.
Why doesn't a wool duvet need to be washed regularly?
One of wool's remarkable qualities is that it naturally
retains relatively few odours and tends to resist soiling
better than many other materials.
Wool fibres have a unique structure that allows them
to absorb and release moisture. As a result, wool can
remain fresh for a long time under normal conditions.
This does not mean wool can never become dirty,
but it does mean that frequent washing is generally
unnecessary.
Fresh outdoor air is often all it needs.
I recommend airing your duvet regularly, preferably outside on a dry day, in a sheltered place with plenty of fresh air.
This allows absorbed moisture to evaporate, helping the duvet remain pleasantly fresh.
I recommend using a removable duvet cover that can easily be washed. This protects the wool duvet from direct contact with body oils and dirt.
Why shouldn't my duvet be machine washed?
My duvets are entirely handmade. The carded wool is placed between two layers of Portuguese linen and held in place with natural coconut buttons and waxed linen thread.
This construction is not designed to be washed in water.
Soaking, washing and moving the wool can cause the fibres to felt, clump together or lose their light, airy structure.
For this reason, I advise against machine washing my duvets or immersing them in water by hand.
Small stains can be carefully spot-cleaned on the linen without wetting the wool filling. For more serious soiling, it is best to seek advice first.
Less washing, more conscious living
What I personally love about these natural materials is that they require very little complicated maintenance.
There is no need to wash the entire duvet regularly.
All it needs is a little care, fresh air and thoughtful
attention.
This saves water, energy and detergents, and reflects
my belief that we can live more consciously with
natural materials.
For me, a wool and linen duvet is more than just
bedding. It is a little piece of nature to curl up in
every night.
