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, a fiber that is often sought after for its low micron count and halo-like fluffiness.
Angora wool is attained from angora rabbits through a harmless process. These animals are shorn or combed periodically to remove their fur.
Angora rabbits can be bred in residential areas, making it possible for anyone to raise, spin and dye their own yarn. Do keep in mind, however, that these animals should be well taken care of - just like you would take care of your household pet.
Angora Knitwear
Because it's not easy to raise your own angora rabbits, nor is it easy to comb, spin, or dye your own yarn, you can find a wide range of online and local stores that carry angora yarn for knitting. Some of these stores also offer handspun wool versus machine spun. This gives the yarn a more unique quality.
Angora knitwear is also available in a variety of stores, however, an angora blend that includes other types of yarn is much more common. You see, angora wool has significant halo, which can be bothersome to people with allergies.
Angora blends are often made up of a mix of different fibers such as angora, sheep's wool, and acrylic fibers. The purpose of these blends is to help the angora fiber stay in place and to reduce the fluffiness that can be inconvenient for some people.
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. This is also why angora yarn is ideal for colder climates.
Angora yarn is also light and airy, a characteristic that is noticeable simple by touching the fibers. This can also be accredited 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 using the cold-dye method in order to avoid possible felting when dyed in hot water.
Angora is not only a very versatility product, but also a very beautiful one.
ANGORA YARN offers a wide range of angora products which include angora sweaters made from 100% angora yarn. 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