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Fine wool Jaeger yarn
 Two of the most popular fibers for quality yarns are merino and cashmere. Perhaps the only product that outshines these two distinct fibers is a merino cashmere yarn that combines the qualities of both.
Cashmere is wool obtained from the Kashmir goat, which is raised primarily in China, Mongolia, Iran, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Australia. These goats produce a double fleece: a fine, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. Cashmere fibers are collected during the spring molting season by combing or shearing. Combing results in a higher yield of fine cashmere because the method causes less of the coarse outer coat to be commingled with the finer, more desirable undercoat. Though it is estimated that nearly 20,000 tons of raw fiber are collected annually, the refined annual quantity, after cleaning and sorting, is merely 6,500 tons. Because of this, pure cashmere products made from virgin fibers can be very pricey.
Merino wool comes from Merino sheep. These sheep are believed to have originated during the 14th and 15th centuries when Spanish sheep were bred with Berber sheep. Today, the sheep are raised primarily in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, and the United States. They produce soft yarns that are warm, breathable, have anti-microbial properties, and are prized over some other wool for being less itchy. Jaeger Yarn and Cherry Tree Hill Yarns make fine merino products perfect for comfortable items that wash well.
Merino cashmere yarn blends
 Cashmere is often blended with merino and other fibers to create yarns with a luxuriously soft hand at a great value. Hampton Knitting Yarn offers a wide selection of merino cashmere yarn in an array of beautiful colors and blends. The Rowan cashsoft line comes in four distinct types:
- 4-ply--great for adult's and children's patterns requiring a 4-ply yarn
- Aran--ideal for traditional sweater, hat, and scarf designs
- DK--wonderful for finely knit fashionable spring sweaters
- baby DK--perfect for baby garments and blankets where softness and washability are key
You will also find a nice selection of merino cashmere yarns in Debbie Bliss's baby cashmerino line. This soft, washable yarn is ideal for baby items. For fine merino products, browse through our selection of Jaeger yarn, and Rowan Yarns. These beautiful yarns are a joy to work with and a pleasure to wear.
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