Friday, May 31, 2013

WINNO project, possibility to utilize Northern wool


Recently I had a meeting with Ms. Heli Tuovinen, Project Manager of WINNO project in the University of Lapland, Faculty of Art and Design.

The woollen Innovations (WINNO 2012- 2013) - project studies the use of the Northern sheep's wool and felted woolen material and the qualities of the materials to promote well-being.

I had a meeting several years ago with her when they were carrying the previous project called HOIVI, where they were researching if wool felt could relieve pain of sufferers from rheumatism.

I was most interested in hearing their result of the research. They designed some kinds of thermal cape by wool felt, which were worn directly on sufferers' shoulders.

They didn't make scientific examination using numerical value, but they got feedback of users that showed the good effect of relieving pain by wearing wool felt.

There are inconsistent opinions if it should be cooled or warmed to relieve the pain of rheumatism. In Japan, it is said that soaking in a hot spring has good effect for rheumatism, and I hope that wool's high thermal ability works the same.

They also found that wool felt was not itchy wearing directly on their shoulders, although normally wool products like knitted sweater is itchy.

I'm wondering -  if I make a felting kit of shoulder warmer? Grandchild making a shoulder warmer for her grandma who suffers from rheumatism - hopefully their hearts will be warmer then :)

These are wool felt textiles that they are developing in the current project:






and portfolio by students:



They also made some cutting test by a racer cutting machine (you can see the sections are burnt) :


Here is the link of the project:
http://www.ulapland.fi/?deptid=24846
You can find the report of HOIVI project in Finnish.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Free shipping to Japan campaign!


Aika Felt Works is offering a free shipping to Japan campaign!
Because I'll be back in Japan this summer, I will take products as my family's luggage and ship them from Japan, and I will cover the shipping costs!

Here are some information regarding the campaign:
Free shipping is possible only if you are receiving a package in JAPAN
- all the products of Aika Felt Works Webshop can be ordered
- no minimum quantity required
- I will ship orders on the 5th July 2013 from Osaka, Japan
- I will use "Yu-pack" or standard mail service by Japanese Post for shipping
- You can order until 15th June 2013, but the campaign will end when the capacity of luggage is over to put products
- You can purchase products excluding the TAX
- Please choose "Free Shipping" option at the check-out

Enjoy shopping and save money!