Kelly Rand
Cashmere. The epitome of luxury.
Are you like me in that you’ve seen cashmere yarn in the store, balked at the price tag and thought to yourself “I’ll never try that.”? Well I’m here to give a little prodding to say that its ok to splurge. It’s time to give cashmere a chance. Yes it is expensive but the fiber itself; my god is it soft!
Cashmere fiber comes from a specific type of goat, bred to produce soft downy hairs. And just like with Musk Ox, these goats can be combed for the luxury fiber and then spun into yarn. What is created is a soft, fine and yummy fiber that is irresistible. For fiber fanatics it is impossible to keep your hands off it.
Fabulous Fiber offers cashmere from Jade Sapphire. It is hand spun yarn from Mongolia and the bulkier yarn comes in a range of colors. It can also be found directly from the company in solids and fun variegates.
Still not convinced to spend the cash on the cashmere? No worries. Start slow. Buy only one skein and make a scarf. It is a forgiving yarn and looks best with simple patterns. No need for cables or seed stitch here, just a simple stockinette will do.
Search those thrift stores. If you can’t find skeins of it at second hand stores, you can definitely find sweaters of it at second hand stores and you can then try your hand at frogging.
Once you try it you will love it. But then again what’s hard not to love about a luxury fiber that keeps you warm and feels so good next to your skin?
More Earth Friendly Yarn and Fabric:
[Image credit:Fabulous Yarn]
I’m a little surprised to see cashmere yarn promoted here, considering the incredible ecological impact of cashmere production. As cashmere’s popularity has soared in recent years, cashmere goat farming has increased at a phenomenal rate, leading to widespread destruction of vital grasslands in central Asia. (See this article for more information: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003498352_cashmere282.html) I hardly think that cashmere is a “green” crafting item.
Hi Marsha,
Thank you for your comment. I like to highlight various yarns that people can use that are on many levels of eco-friendliness. Animal fiber is one that is a sustainable resource in that the fiber continuously grows and I haven’t talked about goats yet, so I decided to talk about goats. As with any product, fiber or fabric we highlight, it is up to individuals to decide if it is to their eco-friendly level (for example vegans don’t use any animal fibers, so cashmere is not an eco product for them) but if you know some local goat herders and like handspun, I think cashmere is an option. The article you highlight will also help people in their decision and will help keep up the debate!
So keep the comments coming!