OUR YARN
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At Merino Queen it was our desire was to provide a premium quality product at an affordable price. With this in mind we selected the finest quality 100% natural 2 ply yarn that combined the qualities of our two favourite fibres; cashmere for its warmth and softness, and merino for the durability its long and strong fibres add.
100% Cashmere, while the ultimate in luxury, tends to produce a rather delicate item that generally requires hand washing and is prone to pilling. Merino by contrast is a longer and stronger fibre that requires less care when washing and wearing.
The combination of the two fibres into a 30% cashmere/70% merino blend results in a more durable item that requires less maintenance but still retains the luxurious warmth and softness of cashmere, at an affordable price.
More about the fibres..
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Merino wool, from Merino sheep, is softer and more refined than regular wool and is a superb material for clothing, given its moisture wicking properties and resistence to odors. It is a great insulator from heat or cold and lightweight and breathable. Merino wool garments tend to retain their shape without wrinkling, they are great for travel and appropriate for varied climates.
Cashmere comes from goats. Specifically, it is produced from fibers that make up the soft, downy undercoat of Kashmir goats that originally inhabited areas in China, Mongolia, India, Iran, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Collecting these particular fibers is a laborious task that must be done by hand during spring molting season, resulting in a relatively small yield. The difficulty involved with collecting cashmere wool explains why it is relatively rare and considered a luxury item.
Cashmere vs. Merino?
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Warmer: Cashmere can be seven to eight times warmer than merino wool.
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Softer: Cashmere has a higher loft, which makes it softer.
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More Durable: Merino wool is sturdier and resists pilling more effectively.
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Easier to Care for: Merino generally requires less care in washing.
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Dressier: Cashmere is a more luxurious fabric with an elegant drape.