Journal

This week, we are introducing Bubs: our new yarn base spun from 100% baby llama.  Baby llama refers to the first shearing, which is done when the animal is in its adolescence.  The first shearing produces the finest quality fibre that is highly sought after in the textile market.  To be honest, I didn't know much about Llama fibre, so I did some research and found out how amazing it is.

1. One of the warmest fibres on the planet

Llama fibre is hollow, so it provides greater surface area for insulation and thermal properties, making it even warmer than wool.  Because the fibre is hollow, its weighs less, making it super lightweight yet incredibly toasty.  Also, the hollow core wicks away moisture, keeping it away from the skin.

2. Does not contain oil

Unlike most animal fibres, llama contains no natural oils or lanolin.  Most fibre allergies are caused by a reaction to the oil in the fibre.  As llama is oil free, it is considered to be hypo-allergenic - great news for people with wool or other fibre allergies!

3. Llama fiber lacks 'crimp'

If you were to compare a strand of llama fibre to wool under a microscope, you will see that it looks very flat and smooth and does not have the crimp associated with wool.  Just like silk, llama is smooth to the touch, strong, and has a beautiful drape.

4. Naturally microbial

Studies have shown that llama fibre is naturally resistant to bacteria.  This means that items made from llama fibre do not need to be washed as often because the fibre is able to naturally rid itself of bacteria, which in turn keeps it smelling clean and fresh.

5. Flame resistant

Just like wool, llama is flame resistant.  It does not support a flame or melt, making it a very safe fibre to wear or to have in the home.

The popularity of mohair has recently risen to great heights due to an explosion of new patterns that use mohair silk lace, either held together with another yarn or on its own.  There are currently close to 31,000 designs on Ravelry that use a mohair-blended yarn, some of the top patterns include Ranunculus by Midori Hirose and the No Frills Sweater by Petite Knits.  So what do you know about mohair?  To be honest I didn't know a lot, but I did a little research and it turns out to be quite an interesting fibre.  So let's take a closer look.

Firstly, mohair fibre comes from Angora goats.  This can often be confusing as there are also Angora rabbits from which angora fibre is produced.  Angora goats and rabbits share the same name due to their place of origin: 'Angora', that is, Ankara, the capital city of Turkey.

Mohair fibres contain microscopic scales that are thinner, smoother and larger than those found on wool.  These scales give mohair its beautiful shine, prevents the fibre from felting and provides resistance from dirt and water (as both easily slip off the smooth surface).  Mohair is also flame resistant and warmer than wool. However, it is much less durable than wool and will lose its lustre and turn brittle and yellow if washed in hot water over 60 °C (140 ° F), which is important to know if dyeing it or preparing fleeces for spinning.

Mohair fibre is classed from fine to coarse, the finest being 'superfine kid' and the coarsest is 'adult'.  Adult mohair fibre is very coarse and mainly used for upholstery and carpets. Yarns spun for hand knitters and crocheters use either superfine or kid, and are usually blended with another fibre like merino or silk. This is due to the fact that mohair fibre has lots of stretch, but unlike wool does not return to its unscratched state; in other words, it has no memory. Superfine mohair comes from the very first shearing, when the goat (or kid) is six-months old.  It feels so soft, just like cashmere.  Kid mohair comes from the second and subsequent shearings, and is less soft than superfine.  So if you are looking for an ultra-soft mohair (soft as cashmere), read the label and make sure it is classified as 'superfine'. 

Kitting with mohair is a delight, especially when holding it double with another yarn.  The colour effects that occur when knitting mohair together with a different coloured yarn can be magical.  I'm currently knitting the Love Note Sweater by Tin Can Knits (see above), and I am loving both the feel of the fabric and the way the two colours are knitting together (I'm holding it with our Top Draw Sock base).  I did however have to rip back a few stitches and my love for mohair might have waned a little.  Mohair is notoriously troublesome when ripping back.  The long fibres catch and wrap together, making it very difficult to undo!  The only advice I can give is take it very slowly.  I have also heard that putting your project in the freezer can help make ripping back easier.  Apart from this, mohair yarns are a joy to knit with and the resulting item is warm, soft  and cosy to wear.  If you haven't tried knitting with a mohair yarn I highly recommend you do.

Are you a fan of Mohair?  What do you love or hate about it?  What patterns do you suggest to knit with yarns blended from this fibre?  I would love to hear your thoughts, please post in the comments below.

xx

We all know how wonderful wool is to work with and to wear, but did you know that wool also has natural UV protection or that it has anti-bacterial properties?  This week we'll be looking at seven wondrous properties of wool, which I'm sure will make you love it even more.

#1. Wool has natural UV protection

Sheep wool has a natural UV protection factor of up to 30+!  Wool naturally absorbs the suns UV rays before it can make contact with your skin; by wearing wool you will be protected against the sun harmful rays.

#2. Wool has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties

The thin waxy coating of wool fibre contains fatty acids that inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria.  The same coating repels water that can cause mildew and mold to grow. This means that woolen items do not need regular washing and will smell fresh after repeated use, unlike synthetic fibres.

#3.  Wool is stain resistant

The waxy outer coating of wool helps to repel liquids, meaning if you spill anything on your knitwear it is most likely to roll off, and what is left is easily wiped off. 

#4. Wool is easy to care for

It's a well known fact that woolen items do not need regular washing. Bacteria causing odour is naturally inhibited by fatty acids that coat wool fibre. Static, which attracts lint, dirt and dust, is also inhibited by this waxy coating. The scaly surface area of fibre acts to block dirt and stains from being absorbed. Instead, particles sit on top which means they are much easier to remove.

#5. Keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer

Wool is renowned for its ability to regulate body temperature. In the winter, wool’s insulating qualities trap dry air and warmth near the skin. Wool's natural insulating quality and its ability to shed water results in a fabric that keeps the body warm, even when it's raining. In the summer, wool’s coil-like shape pulls excess heat and moisture from your skin, helping the wearer to stay cooler. 

#6. Insulates even when wet

The inner core of wool fibers can absorb just under half of its own weight in moisture. Not until wool is saturated with 60% of its own weight will it feel wet to the touch. Since it retains 80% of its insulating value even when saturated, wool will keep you warm even when wet. This fact reminds me of the Gansey fisherman sweaters, which I'm sure have saved many lives.

#7. Wool is durable

Wool can withstand being bent 20,000 times without breaking. In comparison, cotton breaks after 3,000 bends, silk after 2,000, and rayon can only be bent 75 times without breaking. Its natural elasticity means that the fibres are less likely to break, and fabric made from wool less likely to tear. The ability of wool to "spring back" into shape, means that woolen garments tend to retain their shape better than garments made from other fibres.