Many of you have undoubtedly
heard of Mohair, but may not know what it is, or where it comes from. The
following is an introductory to Mohair with some facts few may be aware of.
Yes, there is a Texas connection to your Mohair Teddy Bear.
mohair: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-mohair.htm
Mohair is a silky textile
produced from the hair of the angora goat. It
is most often spun into a thread that can be woven, knitted, or crocheted
depending upon the application. Mohair is durable, warm, insulating, and light.
It also has moisture wicking properties that carry moisture away from the skin
of the wearer. The hair of the Angora goat has been used to produce textiles
for centuries, and the term mohair entered English usage from the Arabic mukhayyar,
referring to a type of woven head cloth.
Mohair Council of America
From the importation of a small
flock of seven does and two bucks, the United States South Africa and Turkey Texas ,
with a herd of 200,000 goats is the primary
mohair region of the United States, producing 90% of the total US mohair. The
main region is on Edwards Plateau in Southwest Texas, where the mild dry
climate and hilly, brushy terrain are particularly well suited for raising Angora goats due to their dry mountain origin. Additional
range and animal husbandry studies now allow Angora goats to be raised in many
states of the Union .
•Mohair yarns & fabrics have
an outstanding luster and shine.
•Mohair fabrics are wrinkle
resistant.
•The mohair fiber has a high
affinity for dyes.
•Mohair fabrics tend to be
moisture resistant.
•Mohair fabrics are extremely
flame retardant.
Mohair Care & Helpful Hints
Mohair is truly an exquisite
fiber, and with its delicate appearance it is often a surprise to discover just
how durable and hard wearing
it can be. Like most luxury fibers, mohair requires proper handling, but when
treated in the correct way it can last for a very long time.
For hundreds of years, the teasel
has been used to raise the "nap" on mohair and records indicate that
in Ancient Egypt a natural teasel was used to comb mohair cloth worn by
pharaohs. Teasels are still grown in certain areas in England
Mohair upholstery velours usually
do not attract a great deal of dirt, as they are anti-static, and an occasional
brushing of the pile will maintain its luster, but stains such as fruit juice
and coffee need to be treated immediately with a dry foam cleanser or mild
detergent. Liquor and spirit stains should be treated with pure alcohol, and
when cleaned, the fabric may be rinsed in cool water, dried and carefully
brushed in the direction of the pile. Any irregularities in the pile may be
solved by steaming, using either an iron or the spout of a kettle, held
approximately 6" away from the fabric.
Follow these simple guidelines
and your mohair, whether knitted or in fabric form, will provide many years of
enjoyment:
•Wash in tepid water and mild
"hand washing" detergent.
•Gently squeezed out - never pull
or wring.
•Lay flat to dry.
•Garment may be tumble dried in a
pillowcase as long as a low and gentle program is used.
•Store garment in a cool dry
place - Do not store in plastic.
•Do not spray perfume directly on
garment, especially if it is white.
•To reduce shedding, place in
dryer on "Air Fluff" setting and tumble dry for 10-15 minutes.
•Try to avoid friction spots such
as shoulder bag or armrests.
•Do not keep knitted mohair
garments on hangers - Fold and store on a shelf.
•To fluff up garment, lightly
shake or gently brush down with hand.
If you have additional information
or stories of angora goats or mohair, email us at Coppell Collectibles. It
may be included in a possible future entry in this blog.
Harald Mallwitz
General Manager
Coppell Collectibles, L.L.C.
http://coppellcollectibles.blogspot.com/
email: harald.mallwitz@gmail.com
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