Estonian and Norwegian local sheep wool- research and study materials for textile students in higher education

Project facts

Project promoter:
Tartu University(EE)
Project Number:
EE-RESEARCH-0017
Status:
Completed
Final project cost:
€127,688
Donor Project Partners:
Selbu spinneri AS(NO)
University College of Southeast Norway(NO)
Other Project Partners
FIE Rannar Lehis(EE)
Tallinn University of Applied Sciences(EE)

Description

The main goal of the project is to create a study material about the quality and properties of three local sheep wool in Estonia and in Norway and to pilot a wool study program for textile students which will help to widen the usage of local wool as a quality textile material. In Estonia there is a lot of prejudice about the quality of local wool and most of it (85-90%) is destroyed as waste. There is no Estonian wool quality system and not enough research about properties and suitable usage areas of local wool that could support the wider usage of local raw material. In Norway there is a very good wool quality system but there is not enough study material and programs for craft students.

The project helps to find the best performance for fabrics made from local wool and to promote and develop local wool usage among crafters, artisans and consumers. Local wool factories can use the results of the project to better promote their products. Estonian wool is getting more conscious attention as a valuable craft production material.

Summary of project results

The main goal of the project was to create a study material about the quality and properties of three local sheep breed''s wool in Estonia and in Norway. Also to pilot a wool study program for textile students which helps to widen the usage of local wool as a good quality textile material. In Estonia, there is a lot of prejudice about the quality of local wool and most of it (85-90%) is destroyed as waste. There is no Estonian wool quality system and not enough research about properties and suitable usage areas of local wool that could support the wider usage of local raw material. In Norway, there is a very good wool quality system but there is not enough study material and programs for craft students.

During the project, local sheep wool from was spun into yarns and woven into textiles. These samples were tested, also two intensive courses were organised. Based on the wool test results and the outcome of the courses, a study material and 6 catalogues were compiled. 

As the result of the project, a study material and 6 wool material catalogues were developed. Moreover, two intensive courses took place. 14 university students and 17 staff members who participated at the courses got more knowledge and practice about the wool mill process. The project helped to find the best performance for fabrics made from local wool, also to promote and develop local wool usage among crafters, artisans and consumers.

Summary of bilateral results

The partners have planned to co-write and publish more articles in the future. A new project has already got funded within Tartu University based on development of the test results from the project. There are ideas for follow-up projects

Information on the projects funded by the EEA and Norway Grants is provided by the Programme and Fund Operators in the Beneficiary States, who are responsible for the completeness and accuracy of this information.