Angora Knitwear is Ideal for Colder Climates
The sudden interest in knitting has brought a great deal of attention to natural fiber yarns. One of the most popular types of natural yarns is angora yarn. This type of yarn has been revered for its low micron count, halo (fluffiness) and warm nature for years.
Angora wool is attained from angora rabbits through a harmless process. These animals are shorn or combed periodically to remove their fur.
Since angora rabbits can be bred in residential areas, it is absolutely possible that anyone can raise, spin and dye their own yarn. Keep in mind that these animals should be well taken care of, just like any household pet.
Finding and Making Angora Knitwear
Not everyone is willing to raise their own rabbits, which is why you can find a wide range of online and local stores that carry angora yarn for knitting. Some of these stores even offer handspun wool which produces a higher quality yarn.
Angora knitwear is also available in a variety of stores, however, it is more likely that you will find garments that come from a blend of angora and other yarns. You see, angora wool has significant halo, which can be bothersome to people with allergies.
Angora blends are often made of angora, acrylic fibers, and sheep's wool. The purpose of these blends is to help the angora fiber stay in place and therefore reduce the fluffiness may irritate some people.
The Benefits of Angora Garments
If you do not mind fluffy angora yarn then you can reap all of its benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that angora is one of the warmest yarns available, in fact, it is seven times warmer than traditional sheep's wool.
This characteristic is due to the hollow strand of angora fiber. The hollow chamber acts as an insulating element which another reason why angora yarn is ideal for colder climates.
Angora yarn is also light and airy, as a matter of fact, it feels like a billowy cloud. This is just another characteristic that can be merited to the hollow fibers.
Since it is a natural fiber, you can also dye angora yarn and knitwear to any color you can think of. Dyeing should be done with the cold-dye method instead of messing with boiling water, as natural fibers tend to felt with hot water.
The versatility of this product is one of its most attractive features. Nevertheless, angora yarn is also one of the most esthetically pleasing yarns.
ANGORA YARN offers a wide range of angora products. You can find angora sweaters made from 100% angora yarns. You'll also find angora knitting yarns in a large variety of beautiful colors, ideal for any type of knitting project.
Published April 20th, 2010
Filed in Beauty
