Mohair Yarn Deals

Mohair Yarn News

Mitts Givings

Yes, it is the first week of December and those of us with a true crafting spirit feel compelled to make at least one or two handcrafted items for gift-giving this coming holiday season. I know, time is short and the thought of knitting an entire sweater, even a vest, seems overwhelming. There are so many other activities that demand our attention at this time of the year. A quick and easy project with readily available materials - that's what we're looking for. No hunching over rows of complicated knitting or hours of darning in ends, pressing, blocking and joining. So may I suggest knitting some mitts for those you love. Mitts are a small project, quickly knit, and best of all, you can make a dent in that yarn stash - providing you can find it.

Both gloves and mitts serve as a protector for the hands from wind and cold but gloves have always been the somewhat snobby fashion-conscious cousin of the mitten. Throughout history, gloves have been considered to be a stylish accessory whereas mittens were worn for warmth. Linen gloves were even found in the 14th century BC tomb of the Egyptian king, Tutankhamen. Sticking with the upper classes, gloves in the Middle Ages were only worn by men of high rank or by those engaged in falconry, a past time of the well-to-do. The masses made do with mitts or garments that had extra long sleeves to keep their hands covered. Gloves became a must-have for women in the 16th century following in the fashion footsteps of Catherine de Medici, who was consorting with Henry II of France at the time. In the 17th century, gloves made from soft kidskin became very popular.

In 1834, glove making became a full-fledged industry when Xavier Jouvin of Grenoble, France invented a Cutting Die that made it possible to fashion a precise fitting glove. Gloves for both men and women were a requirement for proper dress in the height of the 19th century, a trend which continued until after World War II. Although, I certainly remember wearing a snappy little pair of stretch lace gloves. Then again, weren't we also wearing "spring bonnets" on our heads at the time? Although nowadays some wear gloves as a practical measure to get a better grip or to enhance a swing or a slap shot, mitts are born to keep hands warm but do take on many other tasks. There are bath mitts and baseball mitts, mouse mitts for carpal tunnel syndrome, heated beauty mitts, oven mitts, mitts to groom your pet and mitts to wash your car.

So make your list and gather some mitts patterns. Make soft mittens in angora or mohair - sure to warm up loved ones' hands and hopefully their hearts. Make luxury mittens in cashmere or alpaca. Knit stripes, felt wool, work a Fair Isle design, or embroider some spring flowers on mitten backs to brighten a dreary winter's day. On such a small project, even a complicated design can only last for a few rows. Lace patterns look terrific if the mitts are lined with a warm flannelette fabric - in a contrast color of course.

Attach a couple of pompons along with a twisted cord and these mitts will never make an appearance in the lost and found. Add a trim of faux fur or circle the cuff with a ring of antique buttons. Remember mitts don't have to stay outside - knit a mitt in cotton or linen, tuck in a sweet-smelling bar of soap, and tie with a ribbon for a bath lover's mitt. So I throw down the gauntlet and challenge you to knit some mitts. Best wishes for a terrific holiday season. Don't forget to steal away some time to knit.

About the Author

Maddy Cranley is a professional knitwear designer, who has created exclusive designs for knitting and craft magazines, authored and published three books on the subject of creating felt garments and projects from handknitting, and produces an ever-expanding line of maddy laine and maddy baby handknitting patterns. For additional information, see http://www.maddycraft.com

Mohair Yarn Questions

I'm a Beginner in Knitting, please Help!?

I've went to Daiso bought a Acrylic Mohair Yarn (* I dont know how to see the Sizes) and a Wooden Needle Size 11 (5.4mm).

The Acrylic Yarn is too Thin! I can't even knit nicely at all!
Have i Bought wrongly???

My suggestion to beginners is always use larger needles and thicker yarn. Just because it is easier to handle.
Projects to learn with are scarfs, pot holders and baby blankets with basic stitches.

Size 11 needles aren't bad, just get some thicker yarn and work on a scarf. Gauge isn't important with a scarf.

Have fun and relax.

Who makes Moda Vera yarns and where can I get patterns for it? (Specifically children's clothes.)?

I bought some gorgeous Moda Vera Sentiments yarn (a kind of mohair blend) from Spotlight, intending to knit a jumper or cardigan for my 2 year old daughter. Unfortunately Spotlight stock the wool, but no patterns for it, and the wool isn't marked to show what ply it is. When I contacted Spotlight for help, they could only give me a generic pattern for an adult's shrug!

Does anyone know who manufactures the Moda Vera range? I figure if I contact them, they might be able to help. Does anyone know what ply this yarn is? Does anyone have a suitable pattern they'd be prepared to share?

Thanks heaps!

Moda Vera yarn is a 50/50 mohair/acrylic yarn made exclusively for Spotlight stores in Australia: http://www.spotlight.com.au I believe it's 8-ply. The only patterns designed specifically for Sentiments yarn are two wraps (both PDFs):
knit http://www.spotlight.com.au/__data/page/8602/sentiments.pdf
crochet http://www.spotlight.com.au/__data/page/8602/Sentiments_Wrap.pdf

The patterns call for 7mm knitting needles and a 4mm crochet hook but do not give the gauge (aka tension) and don't give the dimensions of the finished shrugs. You can substitute this yarn in any pattern -- if you can get the specified gauge & the correct drape.

How to knit a gauge swatch: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/FEATswatchout.html

There are literally hundreds of cute sweater patterns for a two-year-old. Here are just a few. (Or you can find lots of great Knitting Books at your local library.)

Cardigan
http://www.thegarterbelt.com/complimentaries/tatercardi.pdf (PDF)

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall03/PATTaccordion.html

Pullover (aka jumper)

http://www.knitty.com/issuespring07/PATTbriarrose.html

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring03/PATTduo.html

Mohair Yarn Videos

TNNA Yarn Group Fall Fashion Show 2008, Groups 16 — 20

Rowan Kidsilk Mohair Yarn Review Video

It has never been easier to shop for Mohair Yarn. So run - don"t walk, and find some Mohair Yarn at bargain prices!