"Randall Nortman" wrote in message
ink.net...
I've been thinking about knitting a coat or jacket, but I'm a little
worried about how well it would stand up to wet weather. I'm sure
that if I felted it it would be quite weather-resistant, but if I
leave it unfelted (like Sally Melville's Einstein coat, or
Zimmermann's Aran Coat), what will happen to it if I get caught in a
rain storm? Will it felt as I run for cover? Will it sag and
stretch, never returning to proper shape?

I'm no expert on wool, but if you buy a wool yarn with the lanolin still in
it, I think it would shed most of the water, just like it does on the sheep.
Others on the group who are more familiar with that type of wool will
probably be able to advise you regarding brands. I have a bag full of
Philosopher's wool which is just waiting for me to make a final choice on a
pattern and to have time to knit it. While making up a swatch, I noticed
that after knitting with it for a while, it made my hands really soft from
the lanolin in the wool. A felted sweater would probably be great for
warmth and wind resistance, but I'm wondering how heavy it would be.

Shelagh

I also saw the recent discussion about ski sweaters here. Let's say
(just for the sake of argument, of course), that I'm a really awful
skier -- no wait, not me, let's say that a FRIEND of mine is a really
awful skier -- and let's say that I, er, I mean, that my FRIEND is
going to fall a lot when sking, and end up half buried in snow banks.
Would that be a good reason to wear a nylon shell, or will a good wool
sweater still do alright?

Thanks, as usual, for any advice...

--
Randall