Wool talk with Tiril Eckhoff and Andreas: About Sheep, Shoes and Norwegian Wool

When you sit down to talk wool with Tiril Eckhoff, not just wool threads that get spun – you end up discussing sheep, shoes, and knitting, all wrapped up with a generous dose of humor!

For those who don’t know, our new ambassador, Tiril Eckhoff, isn’t just fast on skis and a sharpshooter; she’s also a dedicated wool enthusiast. And Andreas from Kastel? He’s equally passionate about Norwegian wool, especially when it’s used to make shoes. Together, they’re the ultimate wool team, even if Tiril might not be able to claim expertise in sheep breeds.

“Do you have a favorite sheep breed?” Andreas asks expectantly.

Tiril chuckles a bit and admits, “I’m a wool enthusiast, but I’m not very good with sheep breeds, no.”

It seems that sheep breeds have to take a back seat to the pure love of wool. Even though Tiril loves wool, she draws the line at having a sheep at home. Why? Well, Tiril has seen the backside of things – quite literally.

“No, because I know what comes out of them,” she says with a twinkle in her eye.

Andreas nods understandingly. He’s experienced the charming side of sheep too, but he might not be as familiar with the backside. “I get that, but it’s tempting when you only see the nice side,” he says.

Even though Tiril has seen everything from snout to tail on sheep, she’s still a full-blown wool fan. In fact, her family has a sheep farm, and she has a close connection to what the sheep produce.

“I’m very fond of sheep no matter what. They produce great wool. I’m really fond of what the sheep create,” she says enthusiastically.

It’s not just small talk – Tiril has even offered Andreas a little wool delivery. “I can probably bring some for you to try,” she says, showing her generous spirit as a wool ambassador. Tiril has been dependent on wool in clothing all through her career, and she has also developed a love for knitting for herself, friends and family.

When it comes to her favorite wool garment, Tiril is clear: “It’s wool socks, absolutely!” Who can resist a pair of soft, warm wool socks, especially as autumn creeps in?

But Andreas points out that it’s not just socks that benefit from Norwegian wool. No, he's all about something else – namely shoes! “Norwegian wool, which is coarser than regular wool, is perfect for shoes. Plus, it’s both water-resistant and temperature-regulating,” he explains with great enthusiasm.

Tiril agrees, and together they can’t help but admire the big, cuddly creatures that, after all, make the wool joy possible. “These sheep are so cuddly. Almost like having a dog. A big dog, though, with quite impressive horns,” she laughs.

In the end, they both conclude that there’s something magical about being surrounded by farm animals and nature, even in the middle of Oslo. Here, it’s not just about traditional farming – it’s a lifestyle that warms both hearts and feet.

So the next time you pull on a pair of wool socks or slip into a pair of wool shoes from Kastel, remember that it’s not just wool – it’s the story of sheep, a pair of solid horns, and a good dose of wool talk.