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Angora Knitwear is Ideal for Colder Climates

by Loreto Marquez

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. The process is quite simple and harmless. The fur is removed through a shearing process or by combing the loose hair off the animal.

Angora rabbits can be bred in residential areas, so it is absolutely possible for everyone to raise, spin and dye their own yarn. Keep in mind, though that these animals should be well taken care of - just like you would take care of your 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 stores even offer handspun wool which is far better than the common machine spun 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. This is mostly because angora wool can be bothersome to people with allergies.

Angora blends include angora, sheep's wool, and acrylic fibers. The purpose of these blends is to help the angora fiber stay in place and therefore reduce the fluffiness may irritate some people.

Angora Garments and Their Benefits

If you're not irritated by fluffy angora yarn then you can reap all of its benefits. Angora is one, if not the, warmest yarn available. As a matter of 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, an aspect that is much needed in colder climates.

Angora yarn is also light and airy. In fact, if you have ever touched angora wool, you will have noticed that it almost feels like a cloud. This can also be accredited to the hollow fibers.

Because it is a natural fiber it can be hand-dyed to match any color you'd like. Dyeing should be done with the cold-dye method instead of messing with boiling water, as natural fibers tend to felt with 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. You can find angora sweaters made from 100% angora yarns. You can also find angora knitting yarns in a large variety of colors that are ideal for any type of knitting project.

Published April 20th, 2010

Filed in Hobby