I knit many Lopi sweaters back in the early 1980’s and I do not remember the wool being so scratchy. I honestly don’t think I would have dreamed of knitting a Lopi cardigan as a gift for my Mother who was notoriously bothered by itchy wool. I came across that sweater a few years back after she passed away but sadly I think I gave it to Goodwill- and I don’t remember it being particularly scratchy. Has the wool changed or have I? Everyone keeps telling me that Lopi will soften with time but I swear I still feel like I am being stabbed and scratched by steel wool. I knit this for my son but he also is very bothered by rough textures so I wonder if he’ll even wear this? I know it is meant to be outwear and I am giving it to him with some under layers, but I fear that my family trait is like the Princess and the Pea as far as wool- we’ll still feel it through many layers underneath! I washed it and rinsed it with hair conditioner even.