Historically, sheep have played a crucial role in managing the mountain olive groves of Mallorca, fertilizing the soil and keeping the wild olive trees (acebuches) in check. Left unchecked, the acebuche competes with the ancient olive trees and can even threaten their survival. Wool from these sheep—without whose contribution these millenary olive trees would not exist—is an abundant and once highly valuable resource that, unfortunately, has fallen into decline over the past few decades. So much so that it has become a burden for most livestock farmers, difficult to manage and practically worthless.
At SONMO, we have set out to restore the value of this natural resource by giving it a new life. In our textile workshop, using ancient looms that we have restored, we transform what many consider a useless byproduct into valuable wool home goods. We are proud to say that, thanks to SONMO, after more than half a century, Mallorca is once again producing wool products for the home—such as blankets, cushions, and rugs.
Discover our wool collection.
Wool through the ages
Wool has been essential throughout history, playing a vital role in the daily lives of various cultures due to its distinctive characteristics:
1. Sustainability and Renewability: Obtained mainly from sheep and other animals like alpacas and llamas, wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fiber, making it one of the most sustainable resources when processed properly.
2. Unique properties: Known for its insulating capability, wool is ideal for cold climates, but its breathability and ability to regulate body temperature also make it suitable for use in all seasons and latitudes.
3. Historical Use: Since prehistoric times, wool has been used to make clothing and protective textiles, playing a fundamental role in the development of the first commercial networks in Spain.
4. Cultural and artisanal importance: Artisanal work with wool has generated unique and diverse textile traditions around the world.
Different types of wool
There are many types of wool, each with characteristics depending on the animal of origin and how the fibers are processed. The most common are sheep's wool, alpaca, mohair, cashmere, angora, llama, yak, and camel. However, it's important to note that no variety possesses all positive attributes; generally, the softer the wool, the less elastic and resilient it tends to be. This makes each type of wool unique and specialized for different uses, from light and soft garments to more robust and durable textiles. At SONMO, we carefully select and combine wools to maximize their qualities and adapt them to the specific needs of our products.
Wools used at SONMO
- Mallorcan Sheep Wool: Sourced from a native breed of Mallorca, predominant in the island’s mountainous areas. Ideal for blankets when blended with Merino wool.
- Spanish merino wool: Globally recognized for its fineness and softness, Merino wool is ideal for crafting lightweight and breathable garments. This breed originates from Spain but has migrated and become predominant in other regions over the centuries. At SONMO, we use exclusively Merino wool from Spanish flocks. We do not use wool from Australia or New Zealand, unlike most of the industry in Spain and Europe.
- Mallorcan red sheep wool: A native breed found exclusively in Mallorca, known for its adaptability to the Mediterranean climate, with long and resilient fibers. Ideal for rugs and rustic garments.
We combine the robustness of Mallorcan wool with the softness of Merino to create unique products, from blankets to carpets, that are not only durable but also incredibly comfortable.
SONMO wool blankets
This season, we have launched a new collection of blankets made with a combination of Mallorcan and Merino wool, woven in our restored workshop at Son Moragues. Soon, our new carpet collection will also be available, thus expanding our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.
For more information about our creation processes and shearing, visit our blog:
