What Is Sheepskin?
A sheepskin---the pelt of a sheep that has been skinned and treated---has two sides that have different textures: one side resembles suede; the other is dense with fleece, or wool. A good sheepskin should have no holes and an even thickness. Sheepskins have great insulating qualities, so clothing designers often use them to make coats and accessories. Because of their soft, eye-pleasing texture, they are also used for seat covers, throws, pillows and so on. Does this Spark an idea?
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Grades
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Before a sheepskin gets sold to be made into rugs, garments or other products, a grading process determines its value. Seed contamination can be a primary factor in decreasing the market value of a sheepskin. When a seed gets trapped in a sheep's fleece, it burrows down to the pelt, then embeds itself in the skin, causing scar tissue around the embedded seed. These sections of scar tissue create holes and tears in the eventual sheepskin. Also, such things as the color and length of the wool fibers (also called staple) will determine the value of the sheepskin.
Garments
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The suede side of a sheepskin has natural waterproof and windproof qualities. The woolly side makes an excellent insulator because it traps a large amount of air. These combined qualities make sheepskin an ideal material for winter clothing. Coats, jackets, boots, hats, gloves and mittens made of sheepskin will keep you warm and offer a high level of protection from the elements. The sheepskin used as trim on collars and cuffs of coats and jackets also provides extra warmth.
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Other Products
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The aesthetic value, durability and soft texture---plus the fact that it's hypoallergenic---make sheepskin an ideal choice for home furnishings. Its naturally resistance to flames and static add to its qualities. People use single sheepskins as area rugs, while larger rugs made from various sheepskins can also be found. Sheepskins get turned into a multitude of products, from car-seat covers to beds for pets to horseback-riding saddles.
Medical Use
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The medical industry utilizes specially selected and processed sheepskin for a variety of purposes. Its dense pile provides excellent cushioning on beds, seats and wheelchairs, preventing patients with limited mobility from developing bedsores. Sheepskin wicks away skin moisture as an added advantage. Medical sheepskin can be used in hospitals and in the home.
Care
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Sheepskin garments, accessories and footwear will become more resistant if you treat the suede side with a waterproofing spray or other product designed to protect suede. Use a wire-bristled suede brush to remove debris from the suede side if necessary, or use a damp cloth on both sides with a suede/sheepskin cleaner. You should shake and air out home furnishings occasionally to remove any dust that may have settled in the fleece. You can purchase cleaning detergents designed for hand washing sheepskin, but a visit to a specialist dry cleaner is a fail-safe option.
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