WOW what a wonderful educational show on the softest yarn. I did knit qiviut yarn at stitches West one year. from a wine glass. It was a treat to work with. I am so glad you are doing all this research and have a wonderful way to inform us all. Thanks
Thank you for a terrific episode. I hoarded 2 skeins of qiviut majestic blend from windy valley muskox, and ended up making a chemocap using their Aisling pattern. It was so soft and light - a head hug for sensitive skin during chemo. Highly recommend.
Hi Colleen -- thanks for your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I will put the lanolin on my list for future video topics. Thank you for watching! ♥
Thank you for your informative and wonderful videos. I love natural fibers and teach my grandkids sewing and other handicrafts, your information great.
Hi Kris. Just viewed this program and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You incorporated some great video of the three animals. I was familiar with the vicuña and the muskox, but not the Tibetan antelope and I loved learning about them. I have had recent experience knitting with qiviut as my daughter-in-law gave me some she purchased on a trip to Greenland. I used up every scrap and made three cowls, one of which I gave to her. It is so soft and I know it will be warm. It took me awhile to get used to knitting with it, as the stitches tended to adhere to each other and even slip off the needles, but I had it mastered by the third cowl and I was determined not to waste an inch. Love the video format and look forward to future episodes.
I knew about the musk oxen fiber. We went to Alaska and visited a musk oxen farm. I purchased some musk ox yarn mixed with merino and nylon for socks. The sock are so warm and soft. I love your podcast.
When I was a La Leche League leader we recommended a product called Lansinoh for Moms when they had dry and cracked nipples from nursing (it happens a lot!) It was the only product that LLL would endorse. It's all natural and it works almost immediately. For people who are allergic to wool, we would say not to use it, but for most people it worked like a charm. I am going to look into Koru later. My son has eczema and we are always looking for products that heal his skin. Thanks for the information. I am a nerdist myself, I love hearing about all the cool products you show us!
Hi Maggie -- thanks so much! Yes, I have read about nursing mothers using the lanolin cream. It seems like an awesome natural product to use. Thank you for watching. ♥
I really enjoyed your show and the information on the softest fibres. It was so well presented so please give us more. I could never afford to buy the top three but one can dream. As a New Zealander I have used lanolin creams since I was small, and today I use Merino Lanolin products every day - I have a facial cream and a body cream. And I love them.
What a terrific video and I learned so much. I guessed wrong for the #1 finest - a big surprise to me which was the softest fiber. I just found your videos and have watched a fair few. I like your technique of sharing various topics with us. It's a challenge for some of us to find out about some of the things you have shared and I appreciate all the help I can get. I love knitting and yarn and all things to do with yarn! Thank you.
Would love to learn how to make my own lanolin products at home. Again, another great video with lots of good information. This was very interesting; I didn't know anything about the three softest yarns and have never seen them before.
Hi Pat, and thanks for commenting. I will definitely put the lanolin recipes on my list for a future episode. I'm glad you learned something from my video. ♥
Hi Kristine, I just found your podcast this week and am really enjoying them. I'm not sure if you have done a segment on the home made products made with lanolin but I am very interested. I make my own lotions and have just tried for the first time soap. I am very interested in any information, tips or recipes you have using lanolin. If you have already done a podcast can you please tell me what the title of the episode is. Thx so much.
What a great video about these precious animals! Learned so much today that I have new respect for their sacrifice in some cases and donations in others. Please do more! Thanks again
This has to have been the most interesting Podcast episode I have ever seen! I loved it. Thank you for sharing! I was fascinated and glued to my laptop during the entire episode!
I used to use lanolin and didn't care for it on my skin. I found that it didn't allow my skin to breathe and my arms or chest, legs, start to sweat. That makes me kind of crazy. It has been 30 years since I have used it and maybe I need to try again. I am familiar with vicuña. My uncle always wore a vicuña coat and scarf. He lived in Germany and had use for the warmth it gave him. I was not familiar with the Chiru, but am familiar with the qiviut. It's the only one of these three yarns I could ever possibly afford! Lol! Loved the info, as always. I hope you plan to work your way through the rest of the softest wools! I would love it!
Hi Krista -- sorry for the delay in responding, as I just saw your comment. I don't know if I would like using lanolin lotion in the summer, because it would feel heavy like that. But I do like it in the winter. Oh wow, a vicuna coat -- couldn't even imagine how luxurious that was and how much it cost. Thanks so much for watching, and I will be doing more videos on these soft, exquisite fibers. :)
Just watched this for the second time..the first was some time ago.. I found it fascinating, well researched, and nicely presented.. There was so much good information.. Thanks!
Loved the postcards, which made me a bit homesick for beautiful scenery, although not for tornado months! I just discovered your vlog this week and am watching as I try to make new socks to replace the ones that dared to wear out after eight years.
Excellent video, very interesting information on the softest fibers. I would LOVE to watch a follow-up or continuation exploring other soft fibers. I have vicuna and qiviut in my collection but havent knit with them yet. You've inspired me to think about working with them rather than saving them.
So fascinating. As an alpaca rancher, I was familiar with vicuna. They say that alpaca are domesticated vicuna and llamas are domesticated guanaco. I've even toyed with the idea of getting vicuna. There are already some in my state so I know I could acquire them. As you can imagine, they are expensive to purchase. I'd love to feel the qiviut yarn! - Tashia
Hello Tashia -- I wonder if the vicuna near you are the "paco-vicuna" which are a cross between alpaca and vicuna. I didn't think vicunas could be exported from South America. I'd be interested to know if there are "real" vicunas here in the US and how they got here. It would be pretty exciting to have access to their fiber, for sure! :)
Great topic! It was so interesting.. You are lucky to have that wonderful yarn.. Be sure to show us what you do with it.. Thanks got all the great information.💜💜😎
Yes please make more videos about lanolin especially one on how to make your own creme or lotion. Thank you so much for your informative videos! I so enjoy them!
This was the first one of your videos I have watched. The title drew me in -- the softest yarn in the universe. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a different kind of "fiber" show. I only know of the number 1 softest yarns. They all sound wonderful. I saw some yarn in on online shop, and I can't even remember the name of the yarn, but I was surprised that it was $60 a skein! I thought that was the most expensive yarn ever, but, from this show today I see that it is relatively inexpensive! :) I will be popping in to see more videos in the future.
Hi Virginia! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it informative. Yes, I think these rare fibers can border on ridiculous in terms of price (of course, I'm sure they are totally worth it because of their exquisite nature), but it would be nice to see what they feel like even if we can't buy. :) Thanks so much for watching. ♥
Oh, yes! It would be so wonderful to see it and feel it. That is a big part of the fun of utilizing fibers, yarns, fabric, etc., is the joy of going into a shop where it is sold, and then just be able to feel and see it all in "person". :)
Hello, I love learning about these animals who produce these soft fibers. I would love to see more of these as well as unique fibers and the products made from them. Have you considered a companion photo book to complement this feature? Best wishes -Amy
Hi Amy -- thank you for your comment. I definitely have this topic on my list for future videos, so keep an eye out for more. :) I am intrigued by your idea of a photo book but I'm not sure what you mean. Could you tell me a little more? What would be in the photo book (the animals featured in the video? yarn?) and how would I do one of these books? If you have a link to an example, that would be super. Thanks so much for the idea and for watching. ♥
I was thinking of animals in their habitat, yarn produced from them, the process of obtaining and preparing the fiber and beautiful objects created from them. I think you could use a print service such as Snapfish. I made books about topics for my family while my children were growing up through high school. I was thinking of a coffee table type book.
I had heard of musk ox and vicuna but not the Tibetan antelope. I would love more episodes with other fibers. I have not tried a lanolin lotion yet. Just got some in a swap package today and am looking forward to trying it.
This was a very interesting podcast. Loved the shots of the animals in the wild. Something I'd like to know is how can you predict if a yarn, such as merino, will pill. I once knitted a sweater that started to pill while it was still on the needles. Thanks for your interesting approach to all things knitting.
I enjoyed this episode. I really need to get some lanolin! This summer we are going to Alaska and, of course, I've already researched yarn shops. I discovered one shop that offers qiviut. Thanks for the info! Since I live in a warm climate, I doubt I will buy any, but I hope to touch some.
Great episode! I love your podcast on youtube & tend to watch it while knitting. I enjoy learning from you. As a dermatologist, I especially think the lanolin stuff is interesting. Some individuals rarely report allergies to lanolin. Derms use a lot of aquaphor which does contain lanolin. Keep up the great work!
I would like to add that sheep lanolin is the most common source for vitamin D in supplements for vegetarians. Some would argue that because the sheep are not harmed during the process and it is not something that the sheep need during the summertime, it's OK also for vegans. (I imagine they are more comfortable without it, though I feel the shearing time might be a bit too early - perhaps they do it before the lambing season starts?)
I never worked with these fibers. At first I said the rabbit was the softest then i switched to Musk ox. I was looking around for info on natural fibers.
I kn0w about Vicunia and know it is very rare and expensive. When my sister brought me a couple of skeins of yarn from Peru, I thought they were all alpaca yarns. Now, ten years later she tells me it is Vicunia. I have a typical knitters stash - 1 whole room, 3 closets and one under the bed rolly. Now I have to find it......
I had terrible eczema as a child in the late 50s and 60s. Everything prescribed was in a lanolin base....until skin tests discovered I'm allergic to lanolin/wool. LOL! So my parents felt terrible because they'd been rubbing my allergen right into my eczema all those years. No wonder it did not improve. They then got one of the earliest synthetic wall-to-wall carpets so I could sit on the floor and wrestle with my sibling, etc. and my Mom searched everywhere for sweaters and cardigans and coats with no wool for me.
Hello, and thank you for your comment! Oh that must've been awful. I know that a lot of people who think they are allergic to wool are actually allergic to the lanolin. So glad you figured out what the culprit was and can avoid it now. :) Thanks so much for watching. XO
I enjoyed this show! I went to Alaska a few years ago and got one hank of 100% natural Quviut (not dyed at all). I purchased this on the island of Juneau. Unlike wool, Quviut does not shrink when washed. I made a simple cowl because , you are right, the yarn has quite a halo and takes some patience. Even though my cowl is thin, it is so warm that I can hardly stand to wear it for too long as I get too toasty! But the cowl is very special to me. Also, I’m for humanely harvesting animal fibers...but would never purchase anything where an animal (or several) were killed. I watched for this while in Alaska making sure that I did not get anything that could have been ivory or whale bone. ( FYI...that is just for my personal convictions, I’m in no way trying to say what native Alaskans should or should not do). so, I did get a moose antler carving, but moose naturally shed their antlers, so no harm done there..
I remember using lanolin for stretch marks and tender breasts during and after pregnancy (a couple of decades ago). Nowadays, I have seriously dry skin instead (including eczema in certain areas), and I'm always on the lookout for the most effective moisturizers. I will have to investigate Koru Naturals. I see you live in Monmouth, IL. My daughter is a senior at Monmouth College (graduating next month), and she's long since learned that yarn from the thrift shop in downtown Monmouth makes a great cheap present for Mom. Where do you buy yarn for your stash, by the way? My local Shopko carries some yarn, but I don't believe the one in Monmouth does, so I'd guess that you'd have to go to Galesburg to buy yarn. I'll have to look you up on Ravelry sometime soon. (For a hint as to my Ravelry handle, look at the projects made with the pattern for "Jennifer's 20-Minute Pet Rug"; I always use an N hook with that pattern.)
Oh wow, small world! Monmouth College is my "second home" -- I know all of the psychology faculty really well. Most of my stash yarn I get from dyers on Etsy or as souvenir yarn when I'm on vacation. :) Our Shopko doesn't have yarn. There is a nice yarn shop in Galesburg and another one in Knoxville that is crammed full of yarn, and I visit those shops every so often. We will have to connect on Ravelry!
Great info about these rare and beautiful fiber. Sad about the poaching of these animals, but hooray for those conservationists who are doing something about the diminishing population. To answer the question you had at the end of the episode, yes I would like to learn more about the genesis of different fibers. Thanks for this fascinating video.
My Mother-in-law used to gather it in Alaska. I still have the last batch she gathered for me. The Alaskan natives don't pronounce it as you do, I have had a few discussions with my fiber guild, I'll just go with the native pronunciation.
The info you give is amazing!! I truly LOVE learning about these topics. (Now, constructive criticism.....I know when I was in college if I presented an assignment the way you have...dry, very staccato, as though you are reading every word but are completely unfamiliar with the material, like someone else did the research and wrote the report....I would have gotten a failing grade. Considering you are a professor w a doctorate, I would expect 'public speaking' to be fluid and effortless. If the info wasn't something I was so very interested in, I would not have finished this video. I say this not to be mean....on the contrary, I hope it stimulates improvement.)
Hi Karan -- haha, yes, I definitely have the rabbit idea on my list. I have seen a lot of requests for another show on this topic so am adding that to my list, too. Thank you so much for watching. ♥
I knew a little about the Muskox. Would love to have some Oiviut, but my hubby would think I lost my mind if he knew the price! LoL Thanks for sharing!
I found this video fascinating! I live in Alaska and we have a few muskox at the University. The babies are absolutely adorable! I've knitted with qiviut and find it a little bit difficult to work with because the fibers tend to felt a little. I recently made two cowls with a qiviut and cashmere blend. It was a beautiful yarn and worked up really well.
Hi Rita -- I see that, and it is very exciting. But ...$300 an ounce is just a bit too pricey for me. I would love to be able to touch it, though. Thanks for sharing! XO
Liked learning about the animals and their fibers, but was annoyed with the often repeated phrase of “softest in the Universe.” “In the World” or “on Earth” would be much more accurate given that we have no idea how many planets there are in the universe let alone what sorts of species populate them. Using the phrase “In the Universe” is so over dramatic that it feels childish, lol!
I enjoy watching your videos and increasing my knowledge about yarn and knitting. You provide some really good information but I think your videos are very wordy and I'm constantly fast-forwarding through the parts I think are irrelevant, like your book reviews and particularly in this video about your unrelated product reviews. No offense to you, but really wish you would keep the content relevant to knitting and the videos shorter.
Gail Cerva it sounds like my format is a deal breaker for you. Given that I'm doing what my subscribers and I love, I will bid you a fond farewell. Best wishes in finding a channel that suits your preferences.
WOW what a wonderful educational show on the softest yarn. I did knit qiviut yarn at stitches West one year. from a wine glass. It was a treat to work with. I am so glad you are doing all this research and have a wonderful way to inform us all. Thanks
Thanks so much, Karen! ♥
Thank you for a terrific episode. I hoarded 2 skeins of qiviut majestic blend from windy valley muskox, and ended up making a chemocap using their Aisling pattern. It was so soft and light - a head hug for sensitive skin during chemo. Highly recommend.
Hi Laura -- oh wow, that would be an amazing chemo cap! Thanks for your comment and for watching. ♥
I loved learning of the different Fibers!
Also I think instruction of lanolin soap, lotion, or lipgloss would be terrific 🙌🙌🙌
Hi Colleen -- thanks for your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and I will put the lanolin on my list for future video topics. Thank you for watching! ♥
Wow. What an informing show. i didn't know any of those animals undercoat could be harvested. thank you so much. Lynne
Hi Lynne -- I'm glad you found it informative, and thank you for watching! ♥
I enjoy handmade clothing and knitted garments. It is a joy to wear and own. Thanks for the tip. I will continue to watch your Vlog. I am learning.
Thank you for your informative and wonderful videos. I love natural fibers and teach my grandkids sewing and other handicrafts, your information great.
Yes. I was checking lanolin this week!!!! Please more about lanolin 😊 also about fibers. Thank you.
Kristine, I love, love, love your podcasts! You do a fantastic job! Thank you so much!
Aww, thanks so much, Dorothy! XO
Hi Kris. Just viewed this program and I thoroughly enjoyed it. You incorporated some great video of the three animals. I was familiar with the vicuña and the muskox, but not the Tibetan antelope and I loved learning about them. I have had recent experience knitting with qiviut as my daughter-in-law gave me some she purchased on a trip to Greenland. I used up every scrap and made three cowls, one of which I gave to her. It is so soft and I know it will be warm. It took me awhile to get used to knitting with it, as the stitches tended to adhere to each other and even slip off the needles, but I had it mastered by the third cowl and I was determined not to waste an inch. Love the video format and look forward to future episodes.
I knew about the musk oxen fiber. We went to Alaska and visited a musk oxen farm. I purchased some musk ox yarn mixed with merino and nylon for socks. The sock are so warm and soft. I love your podcast.
Thanks, Pat. :) That would be awesome -- I really want to go to Alaska and see the musk oxen for myself. ♥
When I was a La Leche League leader we recommended a product called Lansinoh for Moms when they had dry and cracked nipples from nursing (it happens a lot!) It was the only product that LLL would endorse. It's all natural and it works almost immediately. For people who are allergic to wool, we would say not to use it, but for most people it worked like a charm. I am going to look into Koru later. My son has eczema and we are always looking for products that heal his skin. Thanks for the information. I am a nerdist myself, I love hearing about all the cool products you show us!
Hi Maggie -- thanks so much! Yes, I have read about nursing mothers using the lanolin cream. It seems like an awesome natural product to use. Thank you for watching. ♥
That’s what I use! I recommend it to fellow yarners constantly
Awesome podcast. So enjoyable and informative. I enjoy all your podcasts.
Hi Dusty -- thank you so much! ♥
Thank you for a wonderful and informative episode. My husband watched it with me. He doesn't watch yarn videos too often!.
Hi to you and your husband, too! I'm so glad you both enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. ♥
I really enjoyed your show and the information on the softest fibres. It was so well presented so please give us more. I could never afford to buy the top three but one can dream.
As a New Zealander I have used lanolin creams since I was small, and today I use Merino Lanolin products every day - I have a facial cream and a body cream. And I love them.
Hi Margaret -- thank you so much. I am putting this on my list for another soft/exotic fiber topic. :) Yay for the lanolin products! ♥
What a terrific video and I learned so much. I guessed wrong for the #1 finest - a big surprise to me which was the softest fiber. I just found your videos and have watched a fair few. I like your technique of sharing various topics with us. It's a challenge for some of us to find out about some of the things you have shared and I appreciate all the help I can get. I love knitting and yarn and all things to do with yarn! Thank you.
Hi Terri -- thanks, and I'm glad you are enjoying my channel. ♥♥♥
Amazingly interesting show. Love learning about these exotic animals and their fibre. Please do share more. Looking forward to next week.
Hi, and thanks so much. I'm putting it on my list to do another show on this topic. I'm glad you liked it. :)
Absolutely fascinating. I would LOVE to hear more please! Thanks so much.
Hi Susan -- I'm glad you enjoyed it. I am putting it on my list to do another show about this topic. Thank you for watching! ♥
Would love to learn how to make my own lanolin products at home. Again, another great video with lots of good information. This was very interesting; I didn't know anything about the three softest yarns and have never seen them before.
Hi Pat, and thanks for commenting. I will definitely put the lanolin recipes on my list for a future episode. I'm glad you learned something from my video. ♥
Hi Kristine, I just found your podcast this week and am really enjoying them. I'm not sure if you have done a segment on the home made products made with lanolin but I am very interested. I make my own lotions and have just tried for the first time soap. I am very interested in any information, tips or recipes you have using lanolin. If you have already done a podcast can you please tell me what the title of the episode is. Thx so much.
What a great video about these precious animals! Learned so much today that I have new respect for their sacrifice in some cases and donations in others. Please do more! Thanks again
Wonderful episode. Thank you for putting out these interesting & informative podcast.
Hi Judy -- thanks so much! ♥
Love the topic! I've never had the luxury of quiviat. Here's to changing that !
Hi June -- yes, I hope you can get ahold of some to at least touch it! ♥
Loved, loved, loved that you made a video of this. Learned soo much and the only one I had ever heard of before was the Musk Ox. Hope you do more.
Thanks, Elyse -- I have it on my list to do more shows about soft fiber. :)
This has to have been the most interesting Podcast episode I have ever seen! I loved it. Thank you for sharing! I was fascinated and glued to my laptop during the entire episode!
Hi Sonia -- thank you so much. I'm happy to hear that you found the information interesting and useful. Thanks for watching and for your support. ♥
I used to use lanolin and didn't care for it on my skin. I found that it didn't allow my skin to breathe and my arms or chest, legs, start to sweat. That makes me kind of crazy. It has been 30 years since I have used it and maybe I need to try again. I am familiar with vicuña. My uncle always wore a vicuña coat and scarf. He lived in Germany and had use for the warmth it gave him. I was not familiar with the Chiru, but am familiar with the qiviut. It's the only one of these three yarns I could ever possibly afford! Lol! Loved the info, as always. I hope you plan to work your way through the rest of the softest wools! I would love it!
Hi Krista -- sorry for the delay in responding, as I just saw your comment. I don't know if I would like using lanolin lotion in the summer, because it would feel heavy like that. But I do like it in the winter. Oh wow, a vicuna coat -- couldn't even imagine how luxurious that was and how much it cost. Thanks so much for watching, and I will be doing more videos on these soft, exquisite fibers. :)
Just watched this for the second time..the first was some time ago.. I found it fascinating, well researched, and nicely presented.. There was so much good information.. Thanks!
Hi there, Sandy! That's nice to hear -- glad you found it helpful even the second time around! ♥♥♥
I didn't know qiviut are the softest. I always wondered why they are so expensive here in Greenland, now I know
Loved the postcards, which made me a bit homesick for beautiful scenery, although not for tornado months! I just discovered your vlog this week and am watching as I try to make new socks to replace the ones that dared to wear out after eight years.
Hi Dora -- thank you so much for watching. That is awesome to hear you're making new socks. They are one of my favorite kinds of projects. :)
Excellent video, very interesting information on the softest fibers. I would LOVE to watch a follow-up or continuation exploring other soft fibers. I have vicuna and qiviut in my collection but havent knit with them yet. You've inspired me to think about working with them rather than saving them.
Hello Marilyn -- I hope you make something exquisite! Thank you for watching. ♥
What are you knitting with your yarn? I was just wondering also how did you like knitting with it and would you buy either again?
So fascinating. As an alpaca rancher, I was familiar with vicuna. They say that alpaca are domesticated vicuna and llamas are domesticated guanaco. I've even toyed with the idea of getting vicuna. There are already some in my state so I know I could acquire them. As you can imagine, they are expensive to purchase. I'd love to feel the qiviut yarn!
- Tashia
Hello Tashia -- I wonder if the vicuna near you are the "paco-vicuna" which are a cross between alpaca and vicuna. I didn't think vicunas could be exported from South America. I'd be interested to know if there are "real" vicunas here in the US and how they got here. It would be pretty exciting to have access to their fiber, for sure! :)
Could be. I saw them at the Nebraska state fair. Actually, I think they just had one in a pen with their alpacas. I'll have to look into it.
Great topic! It was so interesting.. You are lucky to have that wonderful yarn.. Be sure to show us what you do with it.. Thanks got all the great information.💜💜😎
Hello Sandy! Thanks so much. Oh I will show you when that yarn becomes anything. :) XO
Thank you so much for all your information. Love your channel!
Thank you for presenting this information in such an interesting way. I enjoy your podcasts and look forward to each and every one.
as always, watching your podcast is so interesting and wonderful. I have learned so much from you. thank you.
Thanks so much! ♥
Yes please make more videos about lanolin especially one on how to make your own creme or lotion. Thank you so much for your informative videos! I so enjoy them!
Hi Deborah -- thank you. I have it on my list. :)
This was the first one of your videos I have watched. The title drew me in -- the softest yarn in the universe. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a different kind of "fiber" show. I only know of the number 1 softest yarns. They all sound wonderful. I saw some yarn in on online shop, and I can't even remember the name of the yarn, but I was surprised that it was $60 a skein! I thought that was the most expensive yarn ever, but, from this show today I see that it is relatively inexpensive! :) I will be popping in to see more videos in the future.
Hi Virginia! I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it informative. Yes, I think these rare fibers can border on ridiculous in terms of price (of course, I'm sure they are totally worth it because of their exquisite nature), but it would be nice to see what they feel like even if we can't buy. :) Thanks so much for watching. ♥
Oh, yes! It would be so wonderful to see it and feel it. That is a big part of the fun of utilizing fibers, yarns, fabric, etc., is the joy of going into a shop where it is sold, and then just be able to feel and see it all in "person". :)
Thank you so much,I love yours videos I am learning so much
Can I crochet with any of these yarns?
Hello Deborah -- well, I don't crochet, but I don't see why you couldn't use these yarns for crochet. ♥
Good show. Fun to learn about different animals. Maybe there's a softer fiber, yet.
Thank you for the show Kristine. xxx
Hi Katarina -- thank you so much for watching. ♥
Hello, I love learning about these animals who produce these soft fibers. I would love to see more of these as well as unique fibers and the products made from them. Have you considered a companion photo book to complement this feature? Best wishes -Amy
Hi Amy -- thank you for your comment. I definitely have this topic on my list for future videos, so keep an eye out for more. :) I am intrigued by your idea of a photo book but I'm not sure what you mean. Could you tell me a little more? What would be in the photo book (the animals featured in the video? yarn?) and how would I do one of these books? If you have a link to an example, that would be super. Thanks so much for the idea and for watching. ♥
I was thinking of animals in their habitat, yarn produced from them, the process of obtaining and preparing the fiber and beautiful objects created from them. I think you could use a print service such as Snapfish. I made books about topics for my family while my children were growing up through high school. I was thinking of a coffee table type book.
Hi Amy -- I love that idea! Maybe sometime I can do that. It is probably a little too ambitious for me right now, lol! Thanks for your comment! ♥
I have a question about the strength of quviat yarn. Would it make a nice sturdy pair of socks and what about the washability? Loved the video!
I enjoy this knowledge. eye opening. please continue to do more like this. Thanks.
Hello -- thanks for your nice comment. I will do that! XO
Great show and topic's, thank you!!!
Hi Sheila! How are you? I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching. ♥
I am doing good and yes I even guessed right C. Love the video content you provide us on this channel!
I had heard of musk ox and vicuna but not the Tibetan antelope. I would love more episodes with other fibers. I have not tried a lanolin lotion yet. Just got some in a swap package today and am looking forward to trying it.
Hi Christina -- I am putting it on my list to do another show on this topic. It's great that you just got some lanolin lotion and hope you enjoy it. ♥
This was a very interesting podcast. Loved the shots of the animals in the wild. Something I'd like to know is how can you predict if a yarn, such as merino, will pill. I once knitted a sweater that started to pill while it was still on the needles. Thanks for your interesting approach to all things knitting.
I enjoyed this episode. I really need to get some lanolin! This summer we are going to Alaska and, of course, I've already researched yarn shops. I discovered one shop that offers qiviut. Thanks for the info! Since I live in a warm climate, I doubt I will buy any, but I hope to touch some.
Very interesting episode! Really enjoyed learning about fibres I didn’t even know existed.... thank you so much for this very informative lesson! 😍
I loved every minute in this video, thank you for sharing this information
Thanks for this info. I had heard musk oxen has soft fibre, but didn't realize it was the softest. I hadn't heard of the other two.
Hi Pat -- thanks for your comment, and glad you found some new information here. :)
Great episode! I love your podcast on youtube & tend to watch it while knitting. I enjoy learning from you. As a dermatologist, I especially think the lanolin stuff is interesting. Some individuals rarely report allergies to lanolin. Derms use a lot of aquaphor which does contain lanolin. Keep up the great work!
I appreciate your insightful, interesting posts! Thank you!
I have been using 'Merino' brand lanolin-based lotion for years. It's the only lotion that moisturizes well and doesn't irritate my eyes.
Great information on these wonderful animals and their fibers! Thank you!👍🏽🤗
can you possibly give me the list of animals? im very curious about fiber friends.
My black Pomeranian dog’s undercoat is so light, soft and warm. I made a scarf :)
I would like to add that sheep lanolin is the most common source for vitamin D in supplements for vegetarians. Some would argue that because the sheep are not harmed during the process and it is not something that the sheep need during the summertime, it's OK also for vegans. (I imagine they are more comfortable without it, though I feel the shearing time might be a bit too early - perhaps they do it before the lambing season starts?)
Thanks for all the information, loved it!
Hi Norma, and thanks so much. ♥
I never worked with these fibers. At first I said the rabbit was the softest then i switched to Musk ox. I was looking around for info on natural fibers.
I kn0w about Vicunia and know it is very rare and expensive. When my sister brought me a couple of skeins of yarn from Peru, I thought they were all alpaca yarns. Now, ten years later she tells me it is Vicunia. I have a typical knitters stash - 1 whole room, 3 closets and one under the bed rolly. Now I have to find it......
Hi Katharine -- lol re the stash. I resemble that remark. :) Hope you find the vicuna yarn!!!
So loving this! Different breeds are so interesting!
Hi Heidi -- so nice to hear from you! Thanks for watching. ♥
That was absolutely fascinating. Thank you!!
Aww, thank you! ♥
I had terrible eczema as a child in the late 50s and 60s. Everything prescribed was in a lanolin base....until skin tests discovered I'm allergic to lanolin/wool. LOL! So my parents felt terrible because they'd been rubbing my allergen right into my eczema all those years. No wonder it did not improve. They then got one of the earliest synthetic wall-to-wall carpets so I could sit on the floor and wrestle with my sibling, etc. and my Mom searched everywhere for sweaters and cardigans and coats with no wool for me.
Hello, and thank you for your comment! Oh that must've been awful. I know that a lot of people who think they are allergic to wool are actually allergic to the lanolin. So glad you figured out what the culprit was and can avoid it now. :) Thanks so much for watching. XO
This is a fascinating podcast/RUclips video! WOW! Just WOW! Thank you.
Love the different company. Will check them out
Hey Kristine, What University do you teach in? I am an online student for Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka Illinois.
That's awesome -- I'm a few hours southwest of you. 💜
So very interesting. I've never heard of chiru. But I have the vicuña and musk ox.
I enjoyed this show! I went to Alaska a few years ago and got one hank of 100% natural Quviut (not dyed at all). I purchased this on the island of Juneau. Unlike wool, Quviut does not shrink when washed. I made a simple cowl because , you are right, the yarn has quite a halo and takes some patience. Even though my cowl is thin, it is so warm that I can hardly stand to wear it for too long as I get too toasty! But the cowl is very special to me.
Also, I’m for humanely harvesting animal fibers...but would never purchase anything where an animal (or several) were killed. I watched for this while in Alaska making sure that I did not get anything that could have been ivory or whale bone. ( FYI...that is just for my personal convictions, I’m in no way trying to say what native Alaskans should or should not do). so, I did get a moose antler carving, but moose naturally shed their antlers, so no harm done there..
I remember using lanolin for stretch marks and tender breasts during and after pregnancy (a couple of decades ago). Nowadays, I have seriously dry skin instead (including eczema in certain areas), and I'm always on the lookout for the most effective moisturizers. I will have to investigate Koru Naturals.
I see you live in Monmouth, IL. My daughter is a senior at Monmouth College (graduating next month), and she's long since learned that yarn from the thrift shop in downtown Monmouth makes a great cheap present for Mom. Where do you buy yarn for your stash, by the way? My local Shopko carries some yarn, but I don't believe the one in Monmouth does, so I'd guess that you'd have to go to Galesburg to buy yarn.
I'll have to look you up on Ravelry sometime soon. (For a hint as to my Ravelry handle, look at the projects made with the pattern for "Jennifer's 20-Minute Pet Rug"; I always use an N hook with that pattern.)
Oh wow, small world! Monmouth College is my "second home" -- I know all of the psychology faculty really well. Most of my stash yarn I get from dyers on Etsy or as souvenir yarn when I'm on vacation. :) Our Shopko doesn't have yarn. There is a nice yarn shop in Galesburg and another one in Knoxville that is crammed full of yarn, and I visit those shops every so often. We will have to connect on Ravelry!
I knew about the musk ox, but not the other animals fascinating
Thanks, Eileen -- I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
👏👏👏👍👏👏👏 to me, all three are new, as you are too. Fascinated, I'm off to your next video. 👏👏👏
Thanks, Paul. :)
I had heard of musk ox and vicuna but not the Tibetan antelope. Interesting, thanks.
Hi Christine -- great to hear from you. Thank you for commenting and for watching. ♥
Fascinating!!! Thank you ☺☺☺
Hi, and thanks for watching! ♥
Great info about these rare and beautiful fiber. Sad about the poaching of these animals, but hooray for those conservationists who are doing something about the diminishing population. To answer the question you had at the end of the episode, yes I would like to learn more about the genesis of different fibers. Thanks for this fascinating video.
Hi Rena -- great! I'm adding it to my list to do another show on this topic. Thank you for watching. ♥
Oh my gosh, I thought I was the last living person who still loves snail mail! I have had the same penpal for 39 years.
My Mother-in-law used to gather it in Alaska. I still have the last batch she gathered for me. The Alaskan natives don't pronounce it as you do, I have had a few discussions with my fiber guild, I'll just go with the native pronunciation.
Hi MaryAnn! I'm guessing you're talking about the qiviut? That's awesome to have some hand-gathered. How special! How do the natives pronounce it?
I will search for qiviut now. There goes my paycheck...
Hi Teresa! LOL! I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot. :)
The info you give is amazing!! I truly LOVE learning about these topics.
(Now, constructive criticism.....I know when I was in college if I presented an assignment the way you have...dry, very staccato, as though you are reading every word but are completely unfamiliar with the material, like someone else did the research and wrote the report....I would have gotten a failing grade. Considering you are a professor w a doctorate, I would expect 'public speaking' to be fluid and effortless. If the info wasn't something I was so very interested in, I would not have finished this video. I say this not to be mean....on the contrary, I hope it stimulates improvement.)
I would love to hear about the other animals with fine fibers on your list!
Hi Cayenne -- so nice to hear from you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I will add it to my list to do another show on this topic. Thanks for watching! ♥
Great episode as always!
Thanks, Kristi! XO ♥
Merino Lanolin Skin Cream I have used it for years. Small amount is all you need. Will not wash off.
Hi Kari -- thanks for commenting. I'm glad you are enjoying the lanolin cream. ♥
One of the things that adds to qiviut being so light is that the hairs are hollow.
i loved this info! thanks
I love your work
very interesting! Please do more of this
i would love to hear about exotic fibers. also, rabbit fur or hair? hare hair? lol
Hi Karan -- haha, yes, I definitely have the rabbit idea on my list. I have seen a lot of requests for another show on this topic so am adding that to my list, too. Thank you so much for watching. ♥
thank you for such interesting information!
Hi, and thank you for watching! ♥
I have quivet from Arnica, scored 2 skeins for nzd $50 yep 50, if I bought from Arnica I would of paid nz $150. no plans yet to knit.
Hi Belinda -- awesome! ♥
The socks are really cute.
I was saddened about the cruelty of the Tibetan antelope. I love the amount of information that I learn from your videos.
Diy lanolin lotion? Yes please
Thank for pronouncing vicuña properly.
I knew a little about the Muskox. Would love to have some Oiviut, but my hubby would think I lost my mind if he knew the price! LoL Thanks for sharing!
I made a cowl out of musk ox.
I used lanolin when I started breastfeeding. It was torture at first, but my Dr. told me to use lanolin. Problem solved!
I found this video fascinating! I live in Alaska and we have a few muskox at the University. The babies are absolutely adorable! I've knitted with qiviut and find it a little bit difficult to work with because the fibers tend to felt a little. I recently made two cowls with a qiviut and cashmere blend. It was a beautiful yarn and worked up really well.
Hi Sandy! Oh, you are so lucky! Your qiviut cowls sound amazing. Thanks so much for watching. XO
Are you aware that "Windy Valley Muskox" is selling "Vicuna" yarns!!
Hi Rita -- I see that, and it is very exciting. But ...$300 an ounce is just a bit too pricey for me. I would love to be able to touch it, though. Thanks for sharing! XO
Liked learning about the animals and their fibers, but was annoyed with the often repeated phrase of “softest in the Universe.” “In the World” or “on Earth” would be much more accurate given that we have no idea how many planets there are in the universe let alone what sorts of species populate them. Using the phrase “In the Universe” is so over dramatic that it feels childish, lol!
I enjoy watching your videos and increasing my knowledge about yarn and knitting. You provide some really good information but I think your videos are very wordy and I'm constantly fast-forwarding through the parts I think are irrelevant, like your book reviews and particularly in this video about your unrelated product reviews. No offense to you, but really wish you would keep the content relevant to knitting and the videos shorter.
Gail Cerva it sounds like my format is a deal breaker for you. Given that I'm doing what my subscribers and I love, I will bid you a fond farewell. Best wishes in finding a channel that suits your preferences.
Human poachers 😡😡