|
 SheepFor centuries, fiber artists, knitters & crocheters have enjoyed the warmth, beauty and durability of a variety of wools in their creations. But what characteristics distinguish one type of wool from another? Why are there so many specialty breeds available in the 21st century that were unheard of years ago? To start us off, we will need some basic definitions and background, and then we will explore several specific types of wool starting with the highly prized merino.
First off, the technical definition for the term “wool” is broader than you might think and, as the American Heritage Dictionary points out, in addition to the fleece of sheep also includes the coats of “certain other mammals, such as the goat and alpaca.” But what really distinguishes wool from other natural fibers and particularly from animal “fur” are three specific features: being crimped, having elasticity and growing in clusters (also referred to as “staples” when referring to the length and quality of the fiber). For most knitters and crocheters today and since the time of the Phoenicians many centuries ago, however, wool is most often closely associated with sheep and the marvelous yarns spun from their fleece.
One of the most highly prized sheep wools spun currently into yarn is Merino, the luscious, ultra-soft fiber from the fleece of the Merino sheep, the oldest sheep breed recorded in historical documents. Dating back to Spain in the 12th through 14th centuries, the origins of the Merino are a bit murky, but researchers speculate that Merino sheep were probably developed by a tribe of Arabic Moors called the Beni-Merines, hence the development of the name. We definitely know from legal records that until the 18th century “the export of Merinos from Spain was a crime punishable with death” as explained in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia.
Then with the beginning of a new era in commerce, Merinos were exported from Spain all over the known world over the next 250 years or so and were bred and cross-bred until the superior fiber we enjoy today was developed. These high-quality Merino sheep are now raised primarily in Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, South Africa and the western United States with Australia producing from 75-80% of the world’s Merino wool according to most experts.
In knitwear fashions and handknitting fibers, the term “merino” carries with it the promise of a garment crafted of the very best, softest wool available today, and that is why it is often called the “cashmere” of wools. For example, the founders of Patagonia Inc., known worldwide for superior clothing & outdoor gear, purchase only 100% merino wool for their products because merino is “exceptionally soft against the skin, naturally odor resistant and machine washable.”
As yarn maven Clara Parkes discusses in her encyclopedic The Knitter’s Book of Yarn when explaining softness and luster, protein-based fibers such as those from animal fleeces & furs have tiny “scales” much like fish scales. As she suggests, just run your fingers through your own hair and you will feel the scales: “Slide your fingers away from your scalp and they’ll move smoothly; in the other direction, they encounter a faint drag and resistance,” the effect of the scales rubbing against your fingertips.
But with superfine merino wool, Clara points out that the scales are “so microscopic that even the most sensitive person won’t be able to feel them—which is why Merino is highly regarded as a scratch-free wool. When the light hits this finely fragmented surface, it reflects back a matte, almost pearlescent light, which is what gives Merino its lustrous sheen.”
Merino is also highly valued for its wicking ability because it naturally moves moisture away from the skin and is able to regulate body temps through evaporation & cooling. In addition, merino resists pilling even in the finest, lightest grades yet is extremely durable with great tensile strength & springiness. For superior drape and stitch definition, choosing a multi-plied merino wool will give excellent results such as in cable styles and intricate patterning.
Overall, merino wool is a sensational choice for garments and accessories where you need warmth & durability combined with exceptional softness and suppleness. Whether the fiber has been spun into superfine yarn by itself or blended with other natural or synthetic fibers for different textures and effects, merino wool yarn is a terrific choice for knitted and crocheted cool-weather projects.
Browse our wide selection of Soft Merino Wool at Yarnmarket.com.
|
