A jumper from your pet fur?
Click the pic for this fantastic site. They will spin your pet hair into yarn so you can make a scarf from the fur of your pet beaver.
Why not? Our clever ancestors didn't have a problem with it. As a matter of fact, centuries ago, it was considered that good luck was brought to anyone wearing a garment spun from dog hair. And we all could use a little of that!
Now a days, yarn spun from dog hair is called Chiengora (pronounced she-an-gora). Chien is French for dog and gora is derived from angora, the soft fur of a rabbit.
Unlike our ancestors, we take better care of our beloved pets. A better diet, warm, comfortable surroundings and routine vaccines have all assisted in producing a healthier, thus softer fiber. Mental and physical well-being plays such an important part in the hand (feel), luster (shine) and quantity of any animal's fur.
Many dogs and cats have a fine and lustrous undercoat so suitable for spinning. It does not, however, have the crimp or elasticity such as found in wool from a sheep, and therefore is not suitable for all projects such as socks.
Knitted or crocheted items from dog hair will fluff over time and use. This should not be confused with shedding or pilling as other fibers do. Dog hair, spun correctly will shed very little. The "fluffing" process is actually a bonus, creating a beautiful halo of fur and an irresistible urge to be touched or petted.
Dog fur is up to 80% warmer than sheep's wool. This is an important factor to consider when planning a project with your very special and unique yarn.
We recommend that you have your fur spun up in a sport weight (10-13 wraps per inch) and use needles that are at least 2 sizes larger then your pattern calls for. This will result in a more open and airy garment that can be worn in any climate.
If pet yarn is so great, then why can't you buy it in stores? Easy, quantities are very limited and mass production machinery can not handle it. To this day, preparation and spinning must still be done by hand.
Still not convinced? Then consider this…that beautiful wool sweater you love so much started out on the back of a sheep, standing endless days out in a pasture, exposed to the elements and collecting vegetation, ticks, lice and the like. The cashmere sweater that you saved up for, actually came from the belly of a goat! And your silk blouse? Well, I won't bother telling you which end of a worm it came from!
Our pets have moved from scavenging outside the teepee into our homes and hearts, becoming family members. In appreciation for all that you do to take care of them, they offer you this very special and unique gift. Do you really want to just throw it away?
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by gameking48
Social Networking Bookmarks