We talk about our steadfast love of wool and its benefits all the time at MamaOwl, but we love to hear from our community and customers about how they came to share the sentiment. We asked long-time customer Samantha Murray about her wool journey...

“My love for wool started many years ago when my son was born, on one of the coldest days of the year in January. There was a small kids’ consignment shop near where I lived, and one day I found a tiny red Cosilana wool suit. I could tell it was brilliant quality the moment I picked it up. Having worked in an outdoor store for years, I already knew a bit about wool’s properties, but that Suit really showed me how valuable it was, keeping him warm, comfortable, and cozy through those freezing days.

My husband Myles and I grew up in different provinces - he’s from rural New Brunswick and I’m from Ottawa, Ontario - but we each found our way to Nova Scotia and met here in 2012. Our son, Red, was born in Halifax, and a few years later, just after our daughter Etta arrived, we decided to move out of the city and bought our dream property on the ocean in Lawrencetown. He surfs, I run, and our home sits perfectly between the trail and the sea. The kids spend most of their days outside at the beach, in the garden, or exploring the woods, when they're not at school.

Growing up in Ottawa and now living on the East Coast, I have always found winter difficult. I’ve never liked being cold, and as a Mom, keeping my babies warm feels like an essential part of my daily existence. 

Dressing them in wool means they can really enjoy being outdoors, even in the middle of Winter. Before they could walk, I’d layer boiled wool and merino so they could sit or crawl around in the snow without freezing. It can be hard to get kids outside in winter, so if wool means they’re happy to stay out longer, that’s everything!

For me, kids’ clothing has to be comfy - soft, well-fitted pieces they can really play in. I love neutrals, but as my kids get older, I’ve also leaned into adding more fun colours.

I learned the importance of layering during my time working at an outdoor store, and it’s something I always come back to. I start with a merino base layer, then add a mid-layer and an outer layer. That way, the kids can peel things off if they get too hot without being left in just a T-shirt in March. Both of my kids run at different temperatures - my son heats up quickly and my daughter gets cold faster. Knowing that helps me decide how many and how thick the layers should be.

Most days in Winter, they’re in merino wool long sleeves and leggings - we love Siskin and Engel. They usually add a sweater in the morning and evening, but those base layers do the heavy lifting.

I like to invest in quality when it comes to merino base layers, outerwear, and footwear. Those pieces don’t need to be gendered and can easily be passed from my son Red to my daughter Etta, and then on to my nephews. 

I wash the kids’ base layers just a couple of times a year - always on a tried and tested careful wool cycle and then hang them to dry. I’ve tried a few different wool washes over the years, but my sister-in-law gave me a bottle of Eucalan  Wool Detergent last winter (as a thank you for passing down so much wool!) and it’s my new favourite.

I never put our Merino Wool Fleece clothing in the washing machine or dryer - I want them to stay as soft and fluffy as possible. If something does get muddy, I hand wash it gently in cool water, without agitating or rubbing, and then lay it flat to dry.

Some of my go-to brands are Engel, Siskin, Angulus, and both MP Denmark and Hirsch Natur socks.

I think my all-time favourite purchase has to be the natural wool baby pants and jacket set from Engel. There’s just something about a little one in white wool - like a tiny lamb! My daughter was born in mid-May, and I still remember sitting with her in the hot sun the day after she was born, in just a diaper. But by June, I have photos of her in that little white Wool Suit. Early summer on the east coast can be a rollercoaster, weather-wise, but I wasn’t mad about it - that outfit was the sweetest thing.

One of my favourite wool memories is from last winter, when my daughter Etta was three. I’d sent her to my friend Alissa’s house with a pair of holey Engel leggings, and she came home beaming, pointing to the little daisy Alissa had sewn over a little hole on the waistband. She had watched her pants being mended and given new life right in front of her. That moment really sums up what I love about wool - it’s well-made, meant to be cared for, and it can last through so many years of wear. It’s the opposite of fast fashion. Clothes aren’t disposable; they’re meant to be lived in, loved, and looked after. It helps if you have a friend like Alissa!”

Thanks to Samantha for sharing her wool journey.

Seeing how families reply on their wool clothing to see them though the year, shows us the wonder of this fibre and its importance in helping us get outside no matter the season or temperature.