Tag Archives: yarns

Yarnabout Monday – Merino

15 Monday Jun 2015

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Welcome back to another yarny info on “Know your Yarns”.

Last Monday was about Angora yarns.

Today its Merino.

Also known as the King of Sheep, the Merino is an influential breed of sheep prized for its wool. There are all kinds of merinos – the most famous and well-known are Australian Merinos.

This breed of sheep are regarded as having some of the finest and softest wool of any sheep. They need to be shorn at least once a year because their wool does not stop growing. If the coat is allowed to grow, it can cause heat stress, mobility issues, and blindness (the poor things!)

The benefits and beauty of Merino yarn is in its superior breathability, temperature regulation, moisture control, and anti-bacterial properties. Unlike “traditional” wool, merino is much finer, softer, and, best of all, itch-free for all but those with severe sensitivities or lanolin allergies.

Colorful Merinio Knitting and Crochet YarnAlthough they’re extremely soft, Merino yarns by itself are not durable. So if you are using 100% merino for your project, they will have to be handled gently and with great care.

There are merino yarns that are combined with other fibers for more durability and that can be used for daily wear.

Merinos are great yarns for luxurious shawls and sweaters.

Another info : If you see a label that says Superwash Merino, it is merino wool that has been specially treated so that it’s machine washable and may be machine dried. Lion Brand features the Superwash Merino Yarns.

Other Brands are : Malabrigo Yarns / Cascade Yarns / Madelinetosh

That’s pretty much about Merino, I think!

Yarnabout Monday – Angora

08 Monday Jun 2015

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For all those who are new to crochet or knitting (which I don’t do, unfortunately), I am going to feature “Know your Yarns” every Monday.

During my initial bout of crochet fever when I first got hooked on to the craft, I have bought yarns solely from their pictures; not knowing exactly what they’re meant for or what they actually feel or look like. I still have quite a stash of these yarns that looked so pretty in the pictures, but when I actually saw and felt them, I absolutely despised them!

Hence, I think its very important to know the different types of yarns that are available and what they’re used for.

     

Today’s yarn is about Angora.

Did you know Angora wool comes from Rabbits?

I didn’t! I thought all wool came from sheep or goat. See? This is something new I learned today.

The angora fiber is the downy coat produced by the Angora Rabbit (like the ones above. Aren’t they the cutest!). It is known for its softness, thin fibers, and fluffiness.  They also have a silky texture, is 7 times warmer than wool and lighter which gives them their characteristic floating feel.

There are four different recognized types of Angora rabbit: English, French, Satin and Giant (German). Each breed produces different quality and quantity of fiber, and has a different range of colors from white through tan, gray and brown to black.

Because Angora fibers are very fine and smooth, it is difficult to spin it. Hence they are usually blended with other fibers. A 100% Angora is usually woollen spun. Most Angora fur is produced in Europe, Chile, China and the United States.

About the quality of Angora wool, the premium first quality wool is taken from the back and upper sides of the rabbit. This is usually the longest and cleanest fiber on the rabbit. Second quality is from the neck and lower sides. Third quality is the buttocks and legs and any other areas that easily felt and are of shorter length.

This yarn is ideal for making baby garments, sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens.

To name a few brands that feature 100% Angora Yarns :

– Plymouth Angora                   – Lanas Stop French Angora           – Malabrigo Angora                         – Katia French Angora                     – Orkney Angora

So there you go about Angoras.