Angora Wool
Angora wool is a luxury fiber that is soft, warm, and lightweight. It also comes in a wide variety of colors: agouti, self, chinchilla, white, brokens and harlequin. It is perfect for use in a wide range of clothing and accessories, such as sweaters, scarves, and hats.
One of the most unique characteristics of angora rabbit wool is its insulating properties. Because of its fine, hollow fibers, it can trap a large amount of air, providing excellent insulation against the cold. It is 6x warmer than sheep's wool! This makes it a popular choice for winter clothing, as it can keep you warm without adding bulk.
Surprisingly, it is also durable! Despite its delicate appearance, it is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. I intend to test this out by making a pair of mittens - Stay tuned!
Angora wool is also, in theory, hypoallergenic. This makes these sweet bunnies an excellent pet choice for people with allergies. As well as an ideal fiber for those with sensitive skin or wool allergies.
Angora wool is harvested either by shearing or plucking. The method of choice depends on the rabbit, not all angoras are pluckable and need need to be sheared. Whereas the pluckable variety will start to "shed" their coat but need help removing the stands from wool that is still attached. I cannot speak to production on a large commercial scale, but in my experience, small scale breeders and spinners take very good care of their sweet bunnies. Their wool is typically harvested every 3-6 months depending on what length is desired.
After harvesting - the fiber does not need to be washed or processed in any way, it can be spun from the cloud! It also blends well with other fibers and only 30% angora fiber is needed to achieve a beautiful halo.
If you have an item that is made of angora wool it is recommended to hand wash it in cold water with a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting the fibers, rather gently press out any excess water and lay the item flat to dry.
Angora wool is a luxurious and high-quality fiber! It's insulating properties, durability, and softness make it a popular choice for those who appreciate the best in quality and luxury. It really is SO soft!