Not To Be Missed!
Shibui Knits has done it again! They have a brand new yarn for us to love!
This time it’s a cuddly bulky weight that will knit up so fast you’ll be amazed! It’s a blend of 70% Super Baby Alpaca and 30% Merino.
from left to right: Ash, Abyss, Bone, Mist, and Tar
Super Baby Alpaca is a specific category of alpaca fiber. Also known as Royal alpaca, it has a diameter of 18 microns or less. As a comparison, Merino, the softest of wools, usually has a micron range of 18 - 24.
A micron is a unit of measure that is one millionth of a meter. The smaller the micron count, the finer and softer the fiber. As an example, human hair is about 100 microns in diameter. A wool’s micron count is the physical measurement of the diameter of the wool. This can be done with a portable measuring unit as soon as the animal is shorn, right in the pen! Here is a good article if you’d like to read more.
from left to right: Quartz, Dew, Noire, Dawn, and Ivory
The term ‘baby alpaca’ refers to where the wool comes from on the alpaca itself. It does not refer to the age of the animal. It can come from alpacas of any age although most baby alpaca wool comes from animals that are less than two years old. As alpacas age, their wool becomes coarser as the fiber diameter increases. Baby alpaca is shorn from the neck and chest area and can also be found on the back. This is where the finest and softest fleece is found.
Torrey hat and cowl pattern © Shibui Knits
Shibui Knits’ lovely new yarn, Murmur, has both a low micron count and is softer than soft because of where the alpaca part of the blend comes from! There are new patterns designed expressly for Murmur; two hats, a cowl, a scarf, a pullover sweater, and a vest-type layering piece. You can use any pattern that calls for bulky weight yarn of course but sometimes it’s fun to use a yarn that the pattern is specifically designed for!
Monroe sweater © Shibui Knits
My Sister Knits has a darling new sample that must be seen in person to get the full impact. Our Princess Tulle dress , designed by ScandiKnit, is a work of art and is perfect for a child who loves either princesses or ballet! Knit with Leading Men Fiber Arts Sparkle Sock, this little dress absolutely sparkles! The sparkle comes from a small amount of Lurex, just enough to add a bit of glamor but not enough to scratch. You can just imagine a child dancing about in it, fluffing up the skirt! All of our samples are works of art but this one takes it to a new level!
The sparkle doesn’t show up in the photo so be sure to come in to see the dazzling full effect!
We invite you to come in and behold with wonderment both Murmur and this little dress!
Remember: Sandy Barnes from Shibui Knits will be visiting My Sister Knits on Tuesday, September 6th from 4 pm until 6pm! She’ll bring yarn for playing with Color Mixing to create your own color effects.
Happy knitting,
