Posts Tagged ‘soft’
Yarn Soft
March 5th, 2010 Posted 8:59 am
Knitting With Alpaca
Alpaca
Hailing from South America, the alpaca belongs to the camelid family that also includes camels, llamas, guanacos and vicunas. They are a docile breed whose fleece spins into luxurious yarns. More than three quarters of the world’s alpaca population resides in Peru.1 In centuries past, the alpaca was an incredibly valuable animal, even more so than precious gems! Clothing created with alpaca was restricted for use by royalty. The alpaca has been domesticated and is treated as one of Peru’s national treasures. England has the double decker bus, the U.S. has Mt. Rushmore, and Peru has their alpacas. What a diverse definition of treasure!
Alpaca fleece is a “protein fiber”. This doesn’t mean knitting with it will make you stronger, it merely indicates that the fiber comes from an animal- namely, the alpaca. Alpaca fiber is strong, warm, and comfortable. Each fiber is hollow which makes it incredibly lightweight. Even the most delicate alpaca garments are warm for this reason. Perhaps alpaca’s greatest feature is that it can be worn next to the skin comfortably. The explanation for this is the behavior of the scales on the exterior of the fiber itself. They all lie flat in the same direction, making for a smooth surface. Less expensive than cashmere and with the strength of mohair, alpaca is highly desirable and functional. As with most natural fibers, alpaca needs to be handled with care when it comes to water exposure. Be sure to read and heed the washing instructions on your yarn or sweater.
While there are 2 breeds of alpaca, Huacaya and Suri, the former makes up a whopping 95% of the population.2 Differences between the two are numerous and as you may have guessed from the percentages, the Suri is harder to come by. Suri qualities include fleece that grows downward like human hair in wavy or curly locks with a silky texture. Huacaya fleece is coarser and grows straight outwards, at a right angle to the skin of the alpaca.
When alpaca fiber is processed, it is evaluated and sorted into one of several categories based on its micron count (in layman’s terms: the softness quotient). Micron count is a technical measurement determined by studying a sample of alpaca fleece and calculating the average diameter of the shaft of each fiber. Baby alpaca might have a micron count in the high teens whereas superfine alpaca would fall in the mid-twenties. The lower the number, the finer the fiber. *Please note that baby alpaca is a classification group, meaning it doesn’t always come from young alpacas. It merely refers to any fibers from an alpaca’s fleece that fall within said micron count. While fibers become coarser as an alpaca ages, it is possible for older alpacas to continue to produce fibers that fall in the baby alpaca micron count range.
If all of this jargon confuses you, then you might relate better to the methods used by Peruvian women who hand sort all of the fibers and determine their classification based on how they actually feel.3 The finest and softest feeling fibers are tagged as baby alpaca, and so on for fine and superfine yarns. Fiber from various parts of the animal can have different feels.
SMOOTH OPERATOR
Knitted garments made of alpaca have some interesting properties. You should know that alpaca yarn is pretty stubborn when it comes to elasticity. It’s not that it won’t give, it actually has a tendency to be too generous. If you knit dense stitches and patterns or hang heavy embellishments on it, it will become distorted with no hopes of regaining its youthful figure. This is due to the aforementioned smoothness of the fibers. Since the scales lie flat in the same direction, the plies or strands of an alpaca yarn slide past each other instead of clinging and gravity can take its toll on the fabric. Gravity, as we know, can sometimes cause an undesirable elongating effect. So make those 100% alpaca projects light and airy, or use a blend for greater resilience and elasticity.
Speaking of which, all blends happen for a reason. There are ways to make alpaca yarn work for every project and that is by blending it with complimentary fibers. Blended yarns are not created arbitrarily. Wool, for instance, is a highly crimped fiber and therefore offers some elasticity. Since alpaca fibers contain only shallow waves, mixing in some wool makes an otherwise unyielding yarn a little more forgiving. Suri Dream is a hand knitting yarn innovation exclusive to Knit Picks. Imagine wearing a mohair sweater that wasn’t scratchy. Having trouble? By combining the super soft feel of Suri alpaca with a touch of wool and winding it around a strong nylon core, we have created an elegant alternative to mohair that causes zero discomfort. Sounds like a real dream to me!
Sources:
1“A Shaggy Business” The Economist. Vol. 377, Issue 8455, p. 38. 12/3/2005.
2Quiggle, Charlotte. “Alpaca: An Ancient Luxury” Interweave Knits. Fall 2000.
3Lavan, Cindy. “Evaluating Alpaca Fleece” AlpacaNation – Alpaca Industry’s Central Marketplace. June 2002. http://www.alpacanation.com/articles/AlpacaFuture_Oct02.asp
About the Author
Kelley and Bob Petkun started Knit Picks in 2002 to provide other knitters with affordable, luxury knitting supplies. Kelley is the host of a weekly podcast about knitting available at www.KnitPicks.com.
http://www.KnitPicks.com
How to: Knitting Soft Flex Wire on a Spool
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2 Sk Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Rose Red (Super Soft) $0.01 |
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2 Sk (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Off White $0.01 |
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Baby Soft Nea Plush Yarn N3 silky 10sk/500gr Chenille $21.00 |
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Baby Soft Nea Plush Yarn N2 silky 10sk/500gr Chenille $21.00 |
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Baby Soft Nea Plush Yarn N 1 silky 10sk/500gr Chenille $21.00 |
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2 Sk Natural Super Soft Bamboo Cotton Yarn Light Cyan $0.01 |
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LACE soft pure 100%cashmere Yarn Knitting blue gray 091 $9.95 |
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2 Sk Super Soft Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Light Purple $0.01 |
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Large Lot Neveda Misty Soft Acrylic Yarn 16 Skeins $9.99 |
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Red Heart Soft Yarn blue $0.99 |
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3 Red Heart Soft Baby Pinkie #7725 Yarn $9.99 |
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Caron Simply Soft 7oz blue and pink yarn $3.00 |
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2 Skeins Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Yellow (Super Soft) $0.01 |
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2 Sk Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Light Blue (Super Soft) $0.01 |
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280y100g Soft Cashmere wool Yarn Knitting#528 brown $6.99 |
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280y100g Soft cashmere wool Yarn Knitting #015 green $6.99 |
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2 Sk (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Raw White $0.01 |
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2 Skeins (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Blue $0.01 |
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HUGE RED HEART YARN SKEINS LOT~FIESTA~SOFT~SUPER SAVER+ $98.50 |
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Caron Spa Soft Sunshine Bamboo Acrylic Yarn NEW Knit $3.50 |
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2 Sk Super Soft Natrual Bamboo Cotton Yarn Dark Purple $0.01 |
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Large Lot Neveda Misty Soft Acrylic Yarn 9 Skeins $5.99 |
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2 Sk (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Turquoise $0.01 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn silvery $0.01 |
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Large Lot Neveda Misty Soft Acrylic Yarn 19 Skeins $9.99 |
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2 Sk(Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Light Green $0.01 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn rose red $0.01 |
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CARON SIMPLY SOFT ECO MILL END YARN FOREST FLOOR 4 Ply# $3.99 |
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2 Sk (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Off White $0.01 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn pink $0.01 |
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CARON SIMPLY SOFT MILL END YARN BLACK 4 PLY ONE POUND $3.99 |
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2 Sk(Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Orange Red $0.01 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn lightyellow $0.01 |
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280y100g Soft cashmere wool Yarn Knitting #2905 fuchsia $6.99 |
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280y100g Soft cashmere wool Yarn Knitting purple 208 $6.99 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn light pink $0.01 |
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2 Skeins (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Green $0.01 |
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CARON SIMPLY SOFT MILL END YARN WHITE 4 PLY ACRYLIC 1# $3.99 |
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CARON SIMPLY SOFT MILL END YARN DARK SAGE 4 PLY 1 POUND $3.99 |
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2 Sk Natural Super Soft Bamboo Cotton Yarn Light Pink $0.01 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn light blue $0.01 |
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CARON ONE POUND MILL END YARN SOFT PINK 4 PLY 1 POUND $3.99 |
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CARON ONE POUND MILL END YARN SOFT SAGE 4 PLY ACRYLIC # $3.99 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn lavender $0.01 |
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2 Sk Natural Super Soft Bamboo Cotton Yarn Silver Gray $0.01 |
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CARON SIMPLY SOFT ECO MILL END YARN NATURAL 4 PLY 1 LB. $3.99 |
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CARON SIMPLY SOFT MILL END YARN ORCHID ONE POUND 4 PLY $3.99 |
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2SK Marvelous Bamboo Cotton Super Soft Yarn lake blue $0.01 |
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2 Sk (Super Soft) Natural Bamboo Cotton Yarn Raw White $0.01 |
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Sock-Ease Wool Blend Cotton Candy Yarn $8.89 Create soft, beautiful socks, scarves and other accessories with Lion Brand Sock-Ease yarnWool blend yarn skein boasts high qualityTraditional fingering-weight sock yarn is designed to produce flowing color patterns in a sophisticated palette |
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Lion Brand ‘Sock Ease’ 3.5-ounce Taffy Blend Yarn $9.89 Sock Ease blend yarn is created by Lion BrandThis soft, traditional fingering-weight sock yarn is ideal for socks, scarves and other accessoriesThis yarn is treated with aloe vera to soften hands |
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Lion Brand Almond Organic Cotton Yarn $6.39 Lion Brand organic cotton yarn is of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicalsThis soft, versatile yarn is perfect for almost any projectThis skein of yarn contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams), or 82 yards (75 meters) |
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Lion Brand Nature’s Choice 3-ounce Dusty Sage Cotton Yarn $6.89 Nature’s Choice organic cotton yarn is created by Lion BrandThis soft, versatile yarn is easy to work with and ideal for everything from baby blankets to fashion itemsThis skein of yarn contains 3 ounces, or 103 yards |
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Lion Brand Mesa Amazing Yarn $6.39 Self-striping color adds a unique touch to this Lion Brand yarnSoft, lightweight and warm, this yarn is perfect for accessories and garmentsThis skein of yarn contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams), or 147 yards (135 meters) |
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Cashmere Blend Camel Yarn $8.46 Subtle pairing of cashmere/wool blend creates soft beautiful garmentsWorks up quickly to make sophisticated knitting projectsVelvety yarn is ideal for knitting garments or crocheting accessories |
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Lion Brand ‘Amazing’ Rainforest Yarn $6.39 Amazing yarn is perfect for accessories and garments with its soft and lightweight warmthLion Brand yarn from has unique self-striping color-waysThis yarn skein is 1.75 ounces/50 grams (147 yards/135 meters) |
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Lion Brand Pistachio Nature’s Choice Yarn $6.89 Nature’s Choice organic cotton yarn is created by Lion BrandThis soft, versatile yarn is ideal for everything from baby blankets to fashion itemsThis skein of yarn contains 3 ounces (85 grams), or 103 yards (94 meters) |
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Lion Brand Vanilla Organic Cotton Yarn $6.39 Lion Brand organic cotton yarn is of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicalsThis soft, versatile yarn is perfect for almost any projectThis skein of yarn contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams), or 82 yards (75 meters) |
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Lion Brand Cypress Organic Cotton Yarn $6.39 Lion Brand organic cotton yarn is of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicalsThis soft, versatile yarn is perfect for almost any projectThis skein of yarn contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams), or 82 yards (75 meters) |
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Lion Brand Bark Organic Cotton Yarn $6.39 Lion Brand organic cotton yarn is of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicalsThis soft, versatile yarn is perfect for almost any projectThis skein of yarn contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams), or 82 yards (75 meters) |
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Lion Brand ‘Fishermen’s’ 8-ounce Oak Tweed Virgin Wool Yarn $8.89 Fishermen’s Choice wool yarn is created by Lion BrandThis authentic 100-percent pure virgin wool with natural lanolin oil is soft and warmThis skein of yarn contains 8 ounces (277 grams), or 465 yards (425 meters) |
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Lion Brand Jiffy Thick & Quick 5-ounce Adirondacks Acrylic Yarn $7.89 Jiffy Thick & Quick by Lion Brand is a super-bulky weight yarn with a mohair-look and a softly brushed textureAcrylic yarn has a soft, lofty finish to create fast and easy knit and crochet projectsSkein of yarn contains 5 ounces |
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Lion Brand ‘Fishermen’s’ 8-ounce Natural Virgin Wool Yarn $8.89 Fishermen’s Choice wool yarn is created by Lion BrandThis authentic 100-percent pure virgin wool with natural lanolin oil is soft and warmThis skein of yarn contains 8 ounces (277 grams), or 465 yards (425 meters) |
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Lion Brand ‘Fishermen’s’ 8-ounce Oatmeal Virgin Wool Yarn $8.89 Fishermen’s Choice wool yarn is created by Lion BrandThis authentic 100-percent pure virgin wool with natural lanolin oil is soft and warmThis skein of yarn contains 8 ounces (277 grams), or 465 yards (425 meters) |
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Lion Brand ‘Nature’s Choice’ Strawberry Organic Cotton Yarn $6.89 Nature’s Choice organic cotton yarn is created by Lion BrandThis soft, versatile yarn is ideal for everything from baby blankets to fashion itemsThis skein of yarn contains 3 ounces (85 grams), or 103 yards (94 meters) |
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Lion Brand Nature’s Choice 3-ounce Dusty Blue Cotton Yarn $6.89 Nature’s Choice organic cotton yarn is created by Lion BrandThis soft, versatile yarn is easy to work with and ideal for everything from baby blankets to fashion itemsThis skein of yarn contains 3 ounces, or 103 yards |
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Lion Brand ‘Nature’s Choice’ Spice Organic Cotton Yarn $6.89 Nature’s Choice organic cotton yarn by Lion Brand is soft, versatile and easy to work with. This worsted weight yarn is perfect for everything from baby blankets to fashion items. Skein contains 3 ounces/85 grams (103 yards/94 meters) of yarn. |
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Lion Brand Silver Festive Fur Yarn $6.39 A shot of metallic threads makes this yarn sparkleThis soft, versatile yarn is great for accessories and evening accentsThis skein of yarn contains 1.75 ounces (50 grams), or 55 yards (50 meters) |
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Lion Brand Nature’s Choice 3-ounce Olive Cotton Yarn $6.89 Nature’s Choice organic cotton yarn is created by Lion BrandThis soft, versatile yarn is easy to work with and ideal for everything from baby blankets to fashion itemsThis skein of yarn contains 3 ounces, or 103 yards |
