"The Diamond Fiber"

Recently I have been doing a lot of volunteer work for EAGMA for their big show in June. One project, lately, has been making some handouts about Mohair that we can have at an information table. I have been working with my friend Greta: researching, compiling, writing, producing. Below is an excerpt from one -- it is basically a list, but I thought it was interesting.

UNIQUELY MOHAIR PROPERTIES:

1. APPLICATIONS - It is an incredibly versatile fiber. Mohair is used in all kinds of yarn and garments in a practical sense, but also used artistically in tapestry and rugs.
   
2. CARE - It is very easy: wash in tepid water with a small amount of detergent, do not agitate, rinse and air dry.
   
3. COMFORT - Mohair is not scratchy, and not a skin irritant - as some natural fibers can be.
4. COMPATIBILITY - Because of the features in this list, it is an wonderful choice to blend with other natural fibers, such as: angora, alpaca, cashmere, llama and wool. It makes wonderful blended roving, yarn and finished products.
   
5. DURABLE - Mohair fibers can be stressed with out damage. It endures through both time and hard wear.
6. ELASTIC - It can be stretched up to 30% and return to its original shape.
7. HISTORIC - Angora Goats which produce Mohair have been a domesticated farm animal and source of fiber for over 3000 years.
   
8. INSULATE - The individual fibers are hollow, so they resist conducting heat, better than wool, even when wet.
9. LIGHT WEIGHT - It is a smooth fiber which makes it ideal for yarn and garments.
10. LUSTER - Mohair is extraordinarily luminescent; it brilliantly absorbs dye and displays vibrant color.
11. MOISTURE SMART - It is very tolerant of, and effective at, absorbing and releasing moisture. This makes it an excellent choice with reference to weather and human perspiration.
12. NON-FLAMMABLE - Mohair will not burn unless it is exposed ot a direct flame.
13. PRODUCTIVE - Each goat can be shorn between 2 or even 3 times a year to get a 4 inch staple length of fiber, each fleece weighing on average more than 4 pounds.
    
14. SHRINK RESISTANT - Mohair shrinks much less than wool; the smooth fibers do not felt as easily as wool.
15. STRENGTH - Mohair is stronger than steel of the same diameter.

So that is why they call it "the Diamond Fiber." Pretty cool, hey! --kjs