Having recently acquired a dog in my adult life, I am now able to appreciate the term ‘man’s best friend’. Though, I’ve never had a best friend that I’ve locked outside in the backyard for the entire day forgive me in exchange for a large bowl of meat. Dogs aim to please and seem to be in tune with your needs. You want to hang out on the couch all day eating chips so do they. Feeling sad, in need of a good cry, you can count on your dog to be there to lick away your tears. I’m not so sure that the hounds/dogs/puppys tooth pattern has anything more to do with canines than its name. The pattern originated in Scotland in the 1800’s and has been used over and over, traditionally used in the woven and knitted fabrics of outerwear. Made in Melbourne from premium Australian Lambswool Otto & Spike proudly knit everything in our little factory in East Brunswick. Occasionally popular items sellout quickly and we have to knit them especially for you. Care Instructions Washing Washing instructions are printed on the tag inside your knitwear. Following our garment care instructions will help make sure that your gear has a longer life. Wool requires less washing than clothes made from other fibres. But when it is time to wash your favourite item, you can follow either way below: (1) Washing by hand - Fill the sink with lukewarm water (dip your hand in and the temperature should be about the same temperature as your hand – no warmer) use a mild neutral detergent (look for ‘wool wash’). Let your garments soak for 15 minutes, drain and rinse with lukewarm water. Squeeze water from your garments, avoid wringing them out. (2) The easy way - Use the wool cycle on your washing machine (if there is one) – make sure the water is no more than 40 degrees Celsius. Wash Less Wash your Otto & Spike gear only when it’s absolutely necessary, you’ll conserve water and minimise wear and tear on your garments in the process. Even your most-used knitwear should only need a full wash occasionally. Wool has its own natural built in deodorisers! Dry Allow your knits to dry in the air naturally. Always flat dry wool knitwear if possible. To carefully flat dry wool clothing place on a light coloured towel, and one which is free from lint. Don’t line or hang dry as this can cause knitted garments to stretch with so much moisture contained within the wet garment. Drying in this manner will result in the garment growing in length and losing its shape. When drying, avoid direct sunlight, magnified sunlight (close to an outside window) or direct heat. Avoid placing your wool knitwear over a radiator to dry as this can discolour and scold the wool fibres.