Saturday, I took about two and a half-yards of heavy-weight, custom-woven, wool tartan cloth and put it into the washing machine. I carefully added a bit of detergent, and adjusted the cycle from "Cold" "Hot.
Then I set the machine for a long, "Heavy Soil" wash cycle.....and I turned it on.

I hadn't taken leave of my senses, nor had I forgotten everything I ever learned about washing wool.

A year or so ago, through circumstances that are quite impossible to explain without embarrassing people who don't deserve it, I found myself in possession of a length of tartan that was NOT QUITE what I had ordered. Since I had it at a good price (and because it wasn't what I really wanted) I felt justified in using a bit of it for experimenting with so-called "boiled wool".

The hot water and agitation of the washing machine shrunk an partially felted the wool, causing a change in density and texture. The result is denser, slightly coarser, and springier (greater "loft"?) than the fabric which went into the washer. It will make a lovely, warm and wind-proof blanket for future chilly days!