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 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.
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 are bred specifically for their quality fibers.
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.
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 wool can only be spun from the hair of Angora rabbit while yarn made from Angora goat is called mohair.
Being interior decorator in my head and heart I always enjoy pre-Christmas period, when shop browsing can be made and new Christmas decorations purchased. Each year I have a concept of home decor in my mind and then look for items to implement it. This year, wool yarn Christmas decorations attracted my attention (maybe because of the promise I made for myself to write this blog :))
The idea came to me when I was examining one of those gorgeous wool stockings to hang on fireplace. The tag said it was made of 100% wool. Ok, I thought, what else made of natural wool can I find and put together a theme out of it? Wool jackets, wool coats, wool cardigans and even wool pants are the most usual products made of wool yarn. Are there any wool decorations?
So, take a look at my findings:
Do you remember your childhood Christmas gifts? Do you feel nostalgic about them? I certainly do. Take my grandparents’ gifts. They were always predictable :). My grandparents lived in a village nearby, had a big farm with cows, hens, and sheep, and so the gifts they gave were always something produced in the farm. Usually, wool – wool socks, wool gloves, wool coat or even felt wool doll. I remember we – me and my sister – felt a bit annoyed at those repetitive and not-from-the-shop gifts. Today we probably would think differently 🙂
Having these memories and seeing this Christmas hype everywhere, I just thought – what wool gifts are there today, what I would give to my family and friends if I decided wool is the theme of this year’s holidays.
So here they are – cute, stylish, practical gifts made of wool yarn, felt wool, or cotton wool mix. I found them in wool shops I love and visit frequently. Enjoy!
3 wool gifts for home and you (from Toast):
– Wool blanket of stylish design.
– Women wool socks, knee high or regular.
– Wool felt slippers from toast.co.uk. Aren’t they gorgeous? Add a wool scarf or wool socks!
3 wool gifts for her (from Jigsaw):