Knitting with Mohair and Mohair Blended Yarn

Happy Monday Everyone!

As you may have noticed there has been a theme to my last few posts.  I am hoping that by "teaching" everyone a few extra things with regards to different yarns and crafts that you may want to try your hand at creating!  I am looking outside and thinking I can't wait to be able to find a few hours; later on as Spring progresses and the farm "clean up" is done and sit outside and make a few things while enjoying the warmth of the sun.  Yes I am positive we WILL have warmth...soon!

Angora Kid

Also everything that I am showing you, you can find at the store.  Today I am talking about Mohair and knitting with it.  As you may remember...Mohair starts here with an Angora Goat just like our newest member of the family, Macy!  I have Mohair and Mohair blends in a beautiful array of colours!  Remember the store re-opens May 1st but you can certainly arrange a time to stop by just by calling 705-778-2070.

Here is an article by: The Halo Effect: Tricks and Tips for Knitting with Mohair

Posted by Ashley Little on Jan 27, 2014 in Knitting 

The soft halo effect that mohair yarn creates can add instant softness and elegance to any knitting project, but there are a few things to keep in mind when knitting with mohair. Here are a few mohair tips, plus a few of our favorite mohair yarns and patterns to knit.

About mohair yarns

Mohair fiber comes from the angora goat (not to be confused with the angora rabbit that produces angora fiber). You’ve probably also noticed mohair labeled as kid mohair. This mohair comes from a kid — a baby goat — and is both finer and softer.

A few things to keep in mind when working with mohair:

Drape

Mohair’s soft texture allows it to drape beautifully. Keep it in mind for wraps, scarves or any other type of accessory that calls for a luxurious, elegant drape. You’ll see many examples of this in the patterns below.

Ripping mohair

Mistakes happen and sometimes we need to rip our project. Because of the long, delicate fibers, ripping mohair can be a challenge. Be sure to rip your work out slowly, gripping the yarn as close to the work as possible when you rip.

Texture

Mohair creates a beautiful drape, so why not leave it at that? Don’t go too insane with the texture of your stitches. You don’t need to add any fancy cables or special stitches to the design because mohair is already making a statement on its own.

If you’re a fan of lace knitting, consider mohair for your next lace project. Its airy texture goes hand in hand with a lot of beautiful lace patterns.

Mohair patterns to try

Mohair is versatile enough to work well in many different kinds of knits. Check out these Craftsy patterns for inspiration and ideas for your next mohair knitting project.

Photo via Craftsy member irissch

Sequined mohair lace vest

Have you ever worked with Artyarns before? The sequins and beads of their mohair is already attached, so you can knit up your project without worrying about attaching them as you go. This lace vest uses just two skeins of Artyarns Beaded Mohair and Sequins for a vest that’s loose but also slightly clingy because of the mohair fibers.

Get the Sequined Mohair Lace Vest pattern.

Spring Yarns, and Rovings and Batts Oh My!

Another lovely day!  The animals are out and about playing in the sun.  Only 3 more goats to shear, then on to sheep and finally Alpacas and Llamas!

Hand Painted Yarn

Today's sun makes a person wish for flowers!  Still no flowers but I do have beautiful colours in yarn!  I will have yarns, roving and batts with me in Maynooth tomorrow for those of you who want to create your own! And for those of you who are looking to purchase something already made I will have hand crafted hats,shawls, scarves both knit and silk and of course I will have socks and insoles.  Any of these items would be a nice Easter gift, especially with some of the colours!

Mohair blended yarn

Alpaca Yarn

Hand dyed Yarn

I will be in Maynooth tomorrow, Saturday April 12, 2014 at the Community Center from 10-4. I do not have debit at this time but remember I take Visa and Mastercard which makes things so much easier! 

Also the store will reopen on May 1, 2014!  That is exciting news!  So it will be back to Thursday thru Sunday 10-5!  Really looking forward to that!

Spring Cleaning Elmlea Farm Store

Spring Cleaning has started in the store!

I am hopeful to have the store back to it's regular hours soon!  With the constant snow we have been closed except for anyone who has made an appointment to drop by.   The number to reach us is 
705-778-2070.  

While getting things ready I thought I would show case something I didn't make along with some of my yarns .  We do care a few items by other local artisans.  Here are a few silk scarves we have, they come in two lengths.  Aren't the colours beautiful?  

Silk Scarves

While admiring these scarves, I realized I have yarns that a very similar!  We tend to think of knitting as a "winter" hobby, but don't forget how often we grab for a light sweater or shawl in the spring and summer!  These yarns and colours would make lovely shawls or sweaters.  And remember you can mix your yarn, not only mixing Alpaca with a blend but also mix your colours for more versatility. A solid with just a bit of colour spices everything up, without going over board.