We get asked regularly, what is the difference between Pure New Wool and Merino Wool?  So I thought I would write a brief explaination on here; 

Merino Wool is from the Merino sheep which originally came from Spain but now there are vast quanities in Australia and the Merino is regarded as having the finest and softest wool of all sheep – and makes beautiful blankets and throws!

Pure New Wool can come from any sheep as long as it hasn’t been used or twisted prior to manufacture.  The wool used in our John Atkinson blankets and throws is specially selected by our Wool Director, Roger Hainsworth and predominantly comes from warmer climates; Australia, New Zealand and South Africa as the yarn from these countries is softer and more suitable for bedding.

Due to popular demand we are now selling our John Atkinson cellular wool blankets in our shop.  These blankets due to the cellular weave trap the air and retain the heat without the weight of a solid blanket.  They are available in classic white, champagne, pink and sky blue and are beautifully bound in a coordinating satin binding.

John Atkinson Cellular Blanket

Harvey Nichols have been based in Leeds since 1996 and to show their support to the region over the next 3 months they are displaying fabrics from the 6 main textile mills in West Yorkshire, including Hainsworth.  Wednesday 14th April saw the launch evening for this exciting event at Harvey Nichols, pictured below are some of the displays of Hainsworth fabric, including an amazing display of our green punched baize for use in the piano industry.

Hainsworth fabric used in their changing rooms

Hainsworth's punched waste fabric

Here at Hainsworth we have been running an Easter Toy competition made out of our fabric and blankets and we are so pleased with the response and the fantastic toys created by the talented children of Hainsworth employees.  The winner was Thea Brandt for this beautiful Easter lamb.  A  big well done to the runners up Joshua, Stella, Kimberley, Bradley and Josie – thank you!