Karen Cole Merino is sourced from the beautiful Southern Alps of New Zealand, where the Merino sheep graze in free range conditions on alpine and sub-alpine grasses.
A Merino farm is typically 3,000-8,000 hectares in size. There are approximately only three sheep per hectare. In this unique high country environment, the Merino breed has evolved to produce a remarkable fleece that is renowned for many qualities. It creates a micro-climate next to the skin, providing warmth in the winter cold, yet allowing the body to stay cool during the summer months. It is a breathable fibre, and has the ability to draw moisture away from the skin, keeping the body dry. We use a very fine Merino which has an incredibly low micron count. It won't irritate or itch the skin. It has a high warmth capacity for its low mass.
Merino resists cling and static build up, and reduces garment soiling by repelling liquids, dirt particles and build-up of unpleasant odours. It is very easy to care for, it is machine washable and has outstanding wrinkle recovery.
At Karen Cole, we believe in the importance of ethical sourcing. We support a supply chain of social and economic sustainability. New Zealand Merino wool is a renewable, sustainable and 100% biodegradable resource. The New Zealand manufacturers comply with NZ Government Department of Labour health and safety workplace regulations. Karen Cole Merino is obtained through a visible production network that guarantees quality, source and supply. The traceable Merino fibre chain provides assurances that production meets suitable standards for animal welfare, management of the environment and socially responsible practices.
Our Suppliers adhere to a strict no-mulesing policy as part of a continuous effort to ensure the health and welfare of the sheep. Mulesing is a farming procedure commonly used in Australia for the prevention of flystrike disease. Farmers in New Zealand do not use this practice. The network also ensures farmers follow guidelines governing the use and development of land, air and water resources, and soil conservation. Long-term contracts are given to farmers so they can invest in their businesses. Forward contracts provide price stability at a level that is sustainable for both the purchaser and farming supplier.
Merino producers have developed the skills for stockmanship, often over many generations, to ensure productive capacity of their farms is maintained or enhanced rather than degraded over time. Farmers and their neighbouring communities have developed a distinctive high country culture of robustness, self-sufficiency and independence, while continuing the careful stewardship of the land.
The Merino are hand-shorn of their fibre from September to December, before the intense summer heat. Then they are able to re-grow their fleece for winter to protect against the cold and snow.
