Cocooning wrap knitted from a lofty extra-fine merino wool mix, designed to be draped over the shoulders for extra warmth. Woven with a check design. Finished by hand with fringed edges and a label featuring the name of the artisan who made it.
Crafted by artisans at Manos del Uruguay, a women-led knitwear cooperative founded in 1968. The organisation supports rural makers from communities who have preserved time-honoured techniques.
Details
Dry clean only. 81% wool, 13% viscose, 6% linen.
Made in Uruguay.
Soft yarns are liable to pill to some extent, even when using those of the best quality. To take good care of them remove any pills using a pilling comb and protect them from sharp items or jewellery that may catch or snag.
112cm x 163cm (including fringe).
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The Making of Our Check Merino Blend Wrap
Manos del Uruguay is a women-led knitwear cooperative founded in 1968 to support rural makers. Spread across 12 locations, from Paysandú on the Argentinian border to Fraile Muerto in the east, the organisation provides opportunities for women from remote communities who have preserved time-honoured techniques. Manos uses these methods to create weighty wool pieces inspired by traditional dress but updated for modern wear.
This versatile design is a distant relative of Uruguay’s traditional ponchos, woollen garments worn by nineteenth-century indigenous horsemen called gauchos – in many cases, such an item would have been these wanderers’ only constant possession. “The poncho is historical and men and women wear it because of its cultural imprint, but at the same time, it is extremely modern,” explains Ana de Prado, a designer and product manager at Manos. “It has no gender or size; it continues to resonate in contemporary fashion because of its shape and design.”
Knitwear Care Guide
All of our knitwear at TOAST is made from natural fibres - from fine merino and heathery wool spun in Scotland to recycled Italian cashmere.
Wool is an extremely sustainable and warm yarn, obtained from the coats of sheep, goats and alpacas. As long as sheep have grass to graze on, they will always produce a yearly fleece, making wool an entirely renewable source, and one hundred percent natural. At the end of its life, wool can return to the soil and quickly break down, providing the earth with nutrients for the future.
Wool fibres are strong, naturally insulating and antibacterial. They can easily be dyed into a range of rich colours. At TOAST, we like wool for its versatility, its cossetting warmth and its diverse history and heritage.
How to wash
Woollen garments hardly ever need washing, as the fibres are breathable and do not absorb odours.
Wool should only be washed when absolutely necessary, and it will last longer the less frequently you wash it. Wool benefits from airing or freezing, which can be just as efficient as washing.
When washing, always use a mild detergent specifically for wool. Wash by hand with cool water, avoiding stretching and pulling whilst doing so. Never leave your garment to soak for too long as this can cause pilling and shrinkage. Rinse through thoroughly with fresh water.
For cashmere garments, hand wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Do not rub the garment together when washing as this can cause felting or alter the texture. Rinse the garment well in clean water and gently squeeze out, without stretching.
We recommend never using a fabric softener when washing your garments, as it can cause pilling.
How to dry & store
Dry the garment flat and placed in its normal shape. If you hand wash your garment, place the damp garment flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up and squeeze out any excess water. Avoid twisting and wringing dry as this can alter the shape of your garment.
To speed up the drying process, you can put your towel-wrapped garment on top of a radiator to warm through.
When storing, never put your wool and cashmere garments away unclean, as this will attract moths. They are drawn to the bacteria, and unclean wool and cashmere garments provide the ideal environment.
To avoid moths, don’t fill up your drawers too much, and take your items out of storage regularly. Placing conkers, cedar wood balls and lavender in your wardrobe can help deter them.
Always fold your knitwear, as hanging can stretch and pull the garment, and cause holes in the shoulders. Draw liners can also help to deter moths.
Pills from both wool and cashmere garments can be easily brushed out with a comb.