What is ardi-ko?
It is an evocation of the Basque tradition of the textile sector of latxa and carranzana wool with a decision to renew. Each product or elaborated object tells this story, we give a use and outlet to this wool and contribute economically to alleviate the expenses of the shearing of our shepherds and farmers.
Principles that apply to each elaborated object:
* Novel applications of local Latxa and Carranzana wool in artistic and everday objects.
* Merino wool is found in certain items due to its past usage and economic impact in the Basque Country. This raw material arrived from Castile region to the Port of Bilbao, where it would be shipped to textile factories throughout Europe.
* A sustainable design which gives a chance to add value to what is considered a low quality material for the production of textiles.
* A local and handmade production which promotes the collaboration between flock-owners, craftsmen and designers, thus creating objects with a more human approach.
Ecological goods
* Items produced on a small scale, which give visibility to the Basque wool.
* Objects that are produced with natural and environmentally friendly raw materials.
* Use of undyed natural wool, thus respecting the natural colour of the sheep.
* Traceability of the wool which is certified and controlled throughout the whole process.
The preparation of the wool is a meticulous and slow process
The wool is collected from the Baserris (farm houses) classified, washed, combed in order to open the fibre, and carded, all by hand.
The main method is the wet felting of the wool, thus producing a non-woven fabric.Wool fibres have a unique surface structure which consists of overlapping scales.Through the wet felting process, the fibres slip over one another and the scales interlock.To obtain the textile, warm soapy water is applied to layers of overlapped carded and/or combed wool roving, kneading the surface repeatedly in order to compact the fibres. After the wet felting process is complete, the soap is finally rinsed off the felted material.
"Objects created to tell emotion triggering stories"