Fluffy (mohair and similar) yarn

[aedifica]

I've done a couple of shawls in sockweight yarn now, and I'm thinking I'd like to make one with laceweight yarn next. It turns out my mental image of laceweight yarn is the fluffy stuff, mohair and the like (for example this stuff), because when I looked at non-fluffy laceweight yarn something inside me was saying "that's not right!"

I've never worked with that kind of yarn before. Is it easy or hard to work with? Does it require special care?

Comments

[hugh_mannity]

This.

Fluffy yarns are always a PITA to tink or frog, and laceweight ones are worse because they're fine and thus breakable.

While they can produce very nice FOs, they're best suited to simple lace patterns as they obscure the stitch definition. If you want to do complex lace, and show off the result, use a smooth yarn.

[hugh_mannity]

Also, you might want to buy one ball as a test. Make a short skinny lace scarf or a doily you can frame to see whether you like that type of yarn or not.

[aedifica]

That's a good thought! I'm normally resistant to the idea of making test objects (for example, I hate making gauge swatches although I do make them), but I remembered an auction I can donate the finished test object to. Good outcome all around!