Polly McGuckin of Exquisite Wool Traders grew up in a family passionate about wool and its amazing qualities.
“My father was a wool buyer, we grew up on a farm with sheep, we wore homespun jerseys and even had wool wallpaper!” she tells Verve as we caught up with her shortly after she opened her new Christchurch store. “We were never cold if we were wearing wool.”
How did your shop originate?
For the last 17 years I’ve had an online presence and a small, cramped space at our wool buying business at Yaldhurst, Christchurch. It was about time we showcased our products in a lovely setting. We wanted it to tick many boxes when it came to sustainability, so our little space has wool insulation, wood flooring, Abodo wood walls and exterior, and the trees used for landscaping are all grown in the wool pot. It sits perfectly besides Yaldhurst Wools at 30 Coast Road, Christchurch, not far from the airport.
Can you tell us about the wool products you stock, and any favourites?
We have a beautiful range of 100% wool throws in a huge variety of colours. The bedding blankets are stunning in all sorts of neutral and bright colours, too. The woollen fair isle jerseys, blanket coats and scarves are popular and what I’m wearing this winter. The woollen caskets are available on request at all funeral homes. Our website has a lot to choose from.
Can you share some fascinating facts about wool that most people may not be aware of?
Research shows that when sleeping under a woollen blanket your body temperature is better regulated so you have a much more comfortable and deeper sleep. Wool is biodegradable so it can return to the soil, where in a few weeks it decomposes and releases valuable nutrients into the ground, unlike synthetics which take several years to break down.
Do you have any heartwarming stories of customers who have found joy and comfort through your wool products?
I have many. Our natural legacy wool caskets have three fleeces of NZ wool in each casket and give families huge comfort at a time of immense grief. When families and friends see the
casket they naturally want to stroke it. They are such a comforting alternative to a traditional casket.
People suffering from insomnia have had great results from sleeping under our woollen blankets and the New Zealand flying doctor service uses our blankets on board for transporting patients, so comforting are they.
Tell us more about the delightful Wool Pot?
The Wool Pot is a collaboration with fellow wool lover Nadia Lim. It eliminates the use of plastic in our gardens. You can grow plants from seed in them and then plant directly into the ground. Not only does it give the plants added nutrients from the wool as it biodegrades, but it eliminates transplant shock. They are amazing!
Natural Legacy Woollen Caskets and Ash Urns
Natural Legacy offers comforting and visually appealing alternatives to traditional caskets. Their wool caskets, infant wool crib caskets, and wool ash urns provide a softer and more personalised farewell experience. Suitable for burial and cremation, these non-traditional shapes and strokeable finishes create a relatable and less final atmosphere for grieving loved ones. Particularly comforting for sensitive and younger individuals, Natural Legacy products can be requested through any funeral home.
Exquisite New Zealand Wool Bedding Blankets
Elevate your space with our collection of exquisite wool blankets that are sure to bring warmth and charm. Perfect for home decor or as a thoughtful wedding or all-occasion gift, these blankets add a timeless touch to any setting. For a contrasting look, combine two blankets together. Each blanket is meticulously stitched and finished using traditional techniques. Choose from our range of sizes: Throw (115x180cm), Single (180x230cm), Queen (230x255cm), and King (255x280cm).
Exquisite Throws and Knitwear
Indulge in our extensive collection of over 70 exquisitely soft woollen throws, carefully curated to complement any interior and suit every occasion. Crafted with utmost precision from 100% merino or pure wool, these stunning throws are built to withstand the test of time, making them the perfect choice for room styling, delightful picnics, or simply enveloping yourself in unparalleled comfort within the sanctuary of your home.
The Wool Pot
The Wool Pot was born out of a shared passion for wool and its natural properties. Nadia, living on a sheep farm, and Polly, with a lifelong involvement in the wool industry, aimed to reduce plastic usage in gardening. With over 350 million plastic pots used annually in New Zealand alone, they created The Wool Pot as a sustainable alternative. Tested in various gardens and nurseries, it decomposes naturally, benefiting plants and soil. Wool’s sustainability makes it a wonderful resource that gives back to the planet.
