You may have noticed a couple of new products on our online store, a couple of pure Australian wool essentials for the cold weather. I am always on the look out for new goodies to add to our selection, but they need to adhere to our strict requirements, being natural fibres/materials and they must be Australian made. Most of the new additions come about because I want one for myself and love the product so much that I decided we should sell them so I can share the love with others. 

The Hottie is one of those products, the most lush snuggly hot water bottle in a sheepskin cover, soooooo much better than any other one I have owned. This may not at first seem that exciting to the average person but let me tell you my history with the humble Hot Water Bottle. 

Growing up in NZ I know what real cold weather feels like. We had a large house that had NO heating besides a fireplace in the lounge room. I used to layer up in all my warm clothes then sit on the hearth and cook myself in the radiating heat from the open fire. The cat and I would compete for the best/warmest position. When I went to bed I would always have one or two hot water bottles which were great when you got into the ice cold bed but by morning it was an ice cold land mine for your feet to accidentally touch. 

We used to ride our bikes to school which was 10kms away and it was icy cold (below zero), so when I arrived at school I would plonk my feet on the big oiled filled heaters to warm up. This isn’t a good idea because it can result in chilblains from heating cold extremities too quickly. So I came up with Plan B, which consisted of a humble hot water bottle. This was back in the days of the hot water from the tap being scolding hot, so I would change the hot water between classes and walk around with my hottie down the waistband of my skirt. 

My love of the hot water bottle continued in Brisbane as every house I have lived in has been cold. I also enjoy wrapping a hottie in a long piece of fabric and strapping it to my back to soothe a sore back and warm me up. The only issue with this is that I tend to go a little too hot and end up with blotchy skin! Then it goes cold quickly and I have to refill again. 

Then I discovered the Hottie.co option, with the cover made from natural (not dyed) Australian sheepskin which insulates and radiates a consistent warmth and that warmth lasts up to 12 hours. I find it’s a new experience, like having a warm cat sitting on your lap radiating soft warmth, being a comforting weight and a beautiful fluffy texture to immerse my fingers into. I then take it to bed to cuddle or put my feet on and in the morning it’s still warm. 

Every detail has been carefully considered and handcrafted, like the press stud closure because zippers can break. They are hand cut a sewn in Melbourne by Boris (pictured above )who lovingly makes each and every sheepskin cover. 

The ‘bladder insert’ isn’t smelly rubber which can perish but a German made hot water bottle that is far safer and the best that Hottie creator Ed could source. 

Each bladder is pressure tested, fully odorless, and recyclable. It is manufactured using advanced thermoplastic technology and designed to maintain structural integrity and performance across repeated use. The result is a cleaner, safer, and more reliable heat core that matches the quality of the Hottie exterior.

This is not a generic insert. It is a purpose-selected, high-spec component chosen because nothing else met our benchmark for safety, durability, and performance.

Manufactured to British Standard BS 1970:2012.

Ed originally created them for his sister who suffers with Endometriosis, so she would have a warm heat source that was safe and long lasting. Now we all get to enjoy them too. 

You can shop the Hottie Co Sheepskin Hot Water Bottle from us now as I a nice stack in stock. They also make the best gift, one that will be used daily in the cold weather and loved for many years. You can find them here.

My other recent discovery is the Tassie made Mongrel socks in pure Australian merino wool.  Back in 2012 we used to sell these cotton ‘space dyed’ socks that Mongrel socks made back then. The business has been sold a few times since those days and the new owners have invested in new knitting machines and are producing these snuggly soft pure merino socks which we have added to our selection. 

Our whole family are now wearing them and every evening and morning we pull on a pair to enjoy the incredible warmth. I wore my fire red coloured ones the other day under my Cleo pants and with some slip on shoes. My feet were warm all day and I loved the bright pop of colour with my all black outfit. I am now planning other combos with these toasty warm socks.

We selected 6 colour options, black and white, forest, fire, mulberry, purple and lively green as shown above left to right. We offer each colour in sizes M & L, so I feel we have all bases covered. 

I hope these new Australian made winter warmers bring joy to your world because they have to ours. 

You can shop for the complete range of merino goodies here for a complete warmth upgrade!

Cheers

Sarah