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Vicunas are known as the "bearers of the golden fleece." The Vicuna fiber is the rarest and finest hair fiber in the world. It is lighter, softer and warmer than any other hair fiber. The Vicuna fiber, which is sensitive to chemical processing, is left in its natural color, a spicy cinnamon.
Fiber Content: 100% Vicuna
Color: The fiber's natural color, Spicy Cinnamon
Gauge: 7-8 sts per inch
Weight: Lace/Fingering
Yardage: 217 yds (198m)
Size: 1 oz (28g)
Suggested Needle Size: US 1 (2.25mm) to US 2 (2.75mm)
Care: Hand wash.
About this product: The precious Vicunas live only in the upper altitudes of the Andes Mountains at elevations between 12,000 and 18,000 feet. Each animal produces only about 4 ounces of harvestable fiber each year. Previously hunted nearly to extinction, conservation programs have rescued this shy and graceful animal. Though still considered endangered, in 2002 the United States government allowed importation of Vicuna garments from Peru. The garments carried with them certification that the fiber was legally obtained through a government sanctioned chacu, the process by which Vicunas are rounded up, sheared alive and then returned to the wild. Once sheared, the animals cannot be sheared again for at least two years. Vicuna yarn from Jacques Cartier carries this certification.
Vicuna is often woven into material for luxury apparel and home fashions. Vicuna fabric can range from $1,800 to $3,000 per yard. One ball of this precious fiber will create a lovely lacy accessory.
Handknitting Vicuna yarn from the same source, the only source, is currently distributed by Jacque Cartier and Windy Valley. Your label may bear either name. Both bear certification that the fiber was legally obtained.
Click here to see Vicuna/Merino Wool Blend Yarn.
Pattern suggestions:
Click here to see more pattern suggestions!
This item could take 4-6 weeks to ship. If you can't wait, email us for more information. As always, we will ship as soon as we can.
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