1:31 p.m., Oct. 15, 2009----The University of Delaware is now selling the first lot of Blue Hen Blankets in an online auction.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

Blue Hen Blankets and Yarn, established this year, creates the blankets, which are made from wool shorn from the University of Delaware's flock of Dorset sheep at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

A representative of the college said the Blue Hen Blankets make the perfect gift for graduation, special occasions of UD alumni and friends, or keeping warm during a Fightin' Blue Hens football game. The un-dyed natural wool blanket is edged with blue in true UD spirit. Each blanket is labeled with an individual serial number and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The college is extending an invitation to bid on Blue Hen Blankets lap throws serial numbered 2009-LT-001 through 2009-LT-60 with a minimum opening bid of $80. In addition, queen blankets numbered 2009-Q-001 through 2009-Q-025 are offered at a minimum bid of $150.

Bids can be placed from now through 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, by e-mailing [bluehenblankets@udel.edu].

Be sure to include the requested serial number, your bid amount, and your initials (to be used in postings). Bids will be accepted in $5 increments. Current and previous bids for the blanket will be posted once daily and can be viewed online.

Cash or check payment is due within one week of the close of the auction. Profits from the sale of Blue Hen Blankets and Yarn help to support the undergraduate large animal teaching programs of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

UD Dorset ewes are shorn each spring before going out to summer pasture. Each ewe produces about seven to eight pounds of wool. The wool is scoured (washed) and carded (combed) and can then be spun into yarn and woven into blankets.

The lap throws each require four pounds of wool and the queen-sized blankets each require 12 pounds of wool. Wool is a natural, sustainable fiber that is strong and durable, lightweight and breathable, but warm enough for the chilliest of days. A truly renewable resource, wool is the only fiber that is naturally fire-resistant.

For more information, visit the Blue Hen Blankets and Yarn Web site. The blanket auction site can be found under links, at the righthand side of the page.