The Wool Pot

The Wool Pot originated from our mutual love of wool and all its incredible natural properties. Nadia living on a sheep farm, and Polly being involved in the wool industry all her life.

Realising that so many of us have become so reliant on using plastic in our everyday garden life, we realised The Wool Pot could be a solution to help reduce single use plastic in the gardening industry. In New Zealand alone, over 350 million plants in plastic pots are produced a year. Just imagine if all of that was replaced with something that not only completely decomposed naturally, but actually provided benefits to the plants and soil. And so the wool pot was born.  

We tested The Wool Pot in our own gardens, commercial market garden and plant nursery and were amazed at how it broke down in the soil, leaving no trace – just lots of happy plants and worms! The Wool Pot will form a bubble of life around your plant when buried, your plants will love being surrounded by the wonderful properties of wool, just like nature intended.

As long as sheep have grass to eat, water and sun, wool will keep growing and giving back to our planet, it truly is one of nature’s most sustainable, environmentally-friendly wonder fibres. 

-Nadia and Polly

About The Wool Pot:

Because wool is an entirely natural organic product, when it makes contact with bacteria and fungi in the soil it completely breaks down, leaving no trace! As wool decomposes it releases essential nutrients back to the soil, like a slow release fertiliser. This is one of the reasons why sheep pellets (made from wool dags) are such a widely used plant fertiliser. These nutrients include nitrogen, sulphur, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, all of which are essential for healthy plant growth.

Wool is a truly natural, renewable and sustainable fibre, being able to completely break down and return to the Earth – unlike synthetic fibres that are extremely slow to degrade and contribute significantly to microplastic pollution and over flowing landfills. Quite simply, as long as there is grass to eat, sheep will continue to produce wool, and when it returns to the earth it will completely break down, releasing nutrients and completing the cycle. It doesn’t get more sustainable, renewable or natural than that.

To try The Wool Pot for yourself or learn more, find it here

FAQs

IS WOOL WARM?

Yes, wool throws are warm. Wool is a natural insulator and can help regulate body temperature, making it an excellent material for keeping warm. Wool fibres can trap air, which helps to retain body heat, making it an excellent choice for blankets and throws. Additionally, wool is known for its breathability, which can prevent overheating and make it a comfortable choice for all seasons. How else can a sheep keep warm in the deep chills of winter?!

IS WOOL ITCHY?

This depends on the type of wool and the individual's sensitivity to wool. Some people find wool to be soft and comfortable, while others may find it irritating to their skin. We only use high-quality wool and top-of-the-line manufacturing equipment to process the throws and blankets, so irritation is not common among our customers.  If you are particularly sensitive to wool, you may want to consider a blanket made from merino wool, known for being particularly soft and less likely to cause itching. 

WHAT IS A WOOL THROW?

Yes, we get this question a lot! Also known as a throw blanket, travelling rug, or just a rug, a wool throw is a smaller-sized blanket made from sheep wool. Made to wrap yourself or your pet in or to drape over a sofa, chair, or bed to add extra warmth and comfort to a space. Wool throws are typically lighter and more decorative than larger wool blankets and are often used for snuggling up on chilly evenings or as a decorative accent in a room.

IS WOOL FIRE RETARDANT?

Firefighters in England use wool in their jackets - now that says something! Wool has natural fire-resistant properties because it is difficult to ignite, burns slowly, and can self-extinguish. This is why many people are pushing for wool to be mandatory in carpets for schools and buildings due to its ability to slow fires down or help prevent them from starting in the first place. However, it is still recommended to keep wool blankets away from open flames or heat sources as they can still catch fire if exposed to a high enough temperature for a sustained period. 

CAN WOOL CAUSE ALLERGIES?

Wool is considered to be hypoallergenic due to its unique natural properties. Unlike synthetic materials, wool fibres are breathable, which allows air to circulate and prevents the growth of bacteria and mould that can trigger allergies. Wool fibres are also resistant to dust mites, which are a common allergen. Additionally, wool does not absorb moisture as readily as synthetic fibres, which can lead to the development of mould and mildew.

CAN MY WOOL BLANKET BE WASHED/ DRY CLEANED?

Yes, all our wool products are washable. Below is a handy guide on how each of our products can be washed. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out to me by email or social media. 

THROWS:
  • Do not wash your throw in the washing machine. The heat can cause shrinkage, and the spinning can cause loss of shape. 
  • This product is not suitable for bleaching. 
  • When ironing this product, use a cool setting with a max temperature of 110 degrees Celcius. 
  • Cleaning this product will require professional dry cleaning.  
BEDDING BLANKETS:

Wool is a 100% natural fibre and with the right care our blankets and throws can last for generations. We recommend dry cleaning.

HOW DO I LOOK AFTER MY KNITWEAR?

How easy is it to look after knitwear?

It’s not that difficult to look after your wool. It may not be as simple as other garments which can be thrown in a washing machine, but it’s not as hard as many believe. If you follow the instructions carefully you’ll discover that it will be worth the extra effort.

How do I wash my cashmere?

Most of our wool is hand wash unless otherwise stated. Do not wring or rub as this will stretch your garment. Rinse thoroughly but carefully and dry flat on a towel to help soak up any excess water.

How do I store my cashmere?

During the warmer months, chances are your knitwear won’t be worn as much as they were during the winter. Because of this you need to ensure that they are properly stored and protected. Always ensure your cashmere is clean before storing it.

CAN I VIEW YOUR PRODUCTS IN-STORE?

We have a shop at 30 West Coast Road, Yaldhurst, Christchurch, where we display most of our products. Due to our range of so many (over 70) wool throws, we usually don't have all these on display but can arrange for them to be brought to the shop, along with any other products, if they are in stock.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TAXES ON MY PURCHASES?

No. All prices on our website are GST (tax) inclusive.

DO I NEED TO PAY FOR DUTY CLARENCE?

For international orders outside New Zealand, it is up to you as the customer to clear any customs issues if they arise. We have never had any orders overseas, but checks and clarences can happen.

What are your payment options?

We offer Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Shop Pay and MasterCard. If you would prefer to online bank please send me an email at polly@exquisitewooltraders.co.nz and I will send you an invoice with account details for internet banking. If you prefer this option please send full delivery instructions for sending products.Our shop is also open Mon-Fri to view our range.

What if I would like to exchange the colour of the purchased product?

We only accept exchanges not refunds, if you are needing to exchange a product you will be charged an additional delivery charge.  Please do take the time and choose carefully.

Shipping FAQs

How do I track my parcel?

We offer a fully tracked service for all orders. You will be sent an email once the package has been picked up, and from there, your tracking number will be attached. You will also receive updates when the parcel moves and a final update when it has been delivered so that you know when it has arrived.

How long does delivery take?

Across NZ, we aim to get the product to your door within 4 working days, but it is usually 2 days. Australia can take up to 14 days, but it usually takes less than this. The United States can take 2-3 weeks.

What if I enter an incorrect address by mistake?

If an order is delivered to an incorrect address and needs to be sent again, you will be charged for additional delivery as well.

Why is my parcel not moving when I track it?

Please contact us if your parcel has not moved after a while via the NZ Post tracking system and we will get in touch with our NZ Post agent.

For any further inquiries, please contact us.

Contact us