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Wool yarn types

Introducing Wool Types (4): Mohair Wool

January 31, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Let me introduce mohair wool today. In short – mohair is a silky fabric or yarn made from the coat of Angora goat (see picture below) and it is one of the oldest textile fibers in use. Mohair wool is harvested twice a year by shearing the goat – one animal can produce 11-17 pounds (5–8 kg) of mohair wool a year.

mohair-wool-angora-goat

Mohair is a strong, lustrous fiber that makes a perfect yarn and fabric. Fabrics made from mohair wool yarn drape well and resist wrinkling and shrinking.

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Introducing wool types (3): alpaca wool

January 24, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Let’s talk about alpaca wool today. Alpaca wool yarn is a natural fiber that is harvested from an alpaca – South American camelid and resemble a small llama (see picture).

alpacas

Alpacas are bred specifically for their quality fibers.

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Introducing wool types (2): merino wool

January 15, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

On my quest to introduce different types of wool I present you today merino wool. You’ve probably seen lots of merino wool articles – merino wool sweaters, merino wool socks, gloves, hats, cardigans or even merino wool underwear. So why such a variety can be made of this particular type of wool, what are the benefits of merino wool yarn and where it comes from?

Merino is a breed of sheep, famous for its widely used wool. Merinos are considered to have the softest and finest wool of any breeds of sheep. This is how the merino sheep look like.

Merino Sheep

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Introducing wool types (1): Angora wool

January 15, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

I decided to go to the very basics and introduce different wool and yarn types. Today let’s talk about angora wool. Did you know it comes from an angora rabbit? Most people think angora is yarn of some goat or sheep. No way. Angora yarn is produced from downy coat of this adorable rabbit!

angora_rabbit

Angora wool can only be spun from the hair of Angora rabbit while yarn made from Angora goat is called mohair.

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