The Knitty McPurly Podcast Episode 115: Mohair and Suri Silk

Hello, Wonderful Knitters! I can’t believe I forgot to mention that the pattern for the Lent MKAL is now available to purchase if you just want to buy the pattern!
Www.knittymcpurly.com
Devin AT KnittyMcPurly DOT com
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Delightful Works (the bucket bag maker, Susan Smith!) on Etsy: www.etsy.com/s...
Paige’s website: zeoliyarns.com/

[@OkTxSheepLady]

Am I the only one who would love to see your dye studio?

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Well, I would have to clean up first! 🤣🤣🤣 But seriously - good suggestion! Perhaps in a future episode! ❤️

[@knittingpossect]

Just when I thought I've watched them all... I found your podcast. Loved it! Can't wait to go back and catch up. Kim

[@selfishknitter]

I’ve been substituting suri for mohair in my stash and it seems to be doing just fine there! 😂 I’m happy to hear that you will be adding suri to your shop.

[@FlorenceFrazier2002]

I would love a Merdog pin!!!! I like your mid winter balm it is so nice. It is a comforting scent. I am looking forward to making your Hepburn sweater.

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thanks Flo! Merdogs are definitely next! ❤❤❤

[@lenorewetzel]

I cannot wait for your pattern release! SQUEE! I fell in love with it when you first started designing it and now you’re going to make it a FREE pattern?! THANK YOU! ❤

[@siobhanmccarthy72608]

Hands down, one of my favorite episodes!! I laughed through the whole thing! Kids in the background, pausing the video because you forgot things, I could go on! Loved your rendition of the "so here's what happened stories" (Have you ever seen The Happiest Millionarie? It is a must see!! There is a scene where the very dignified matriarchs of two families (The Dukes and Biddles) sit and sip tea as they hurl insults at each other in a very proper manner, all through song. That is all I could picture when you described the quilting guild.) You are so generous to be making your Vesper sweater pattern free!!! That is going on my list of must make. Making real progress on my No Frills, I will send you some pictures. Your Mohair looks so beautiful!!

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Aw, Siobhan!!!!! Thank you so much. This comment made my week! It’s pretty nice to be so myself and have people like it. 🥰

[@rdeniserhinehart7512]

I love love love my temperpedic!,,

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Amen sister - it’s the BEST!

[@deborahsatherstringari8367]

Devin your sweater is so cute! I love it!!

[@ArtsyMaki]

I love your mug! Thanks for the podcast!

[@jeanburby6492]

Hi, I loved your podcast today! I also look forward to it each week! Loved hearing about the siri alpacas and mohair. Have a beautiful week!

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thank you! You too! ❤❤❤

[@OkTxSheepLady]

It is an angora goat (breed) which produces a fiber called mohair. I laughed at the description of angoras as “mellow”. Almost ever shepherd I’ve known who kept the tiny goats have commented that they can get through any fence which doesn’t hold water 😉. They are much more prone to get their horns caught if at all possible. Yes, I have sheep quite by accident. And last night twin rams were born, hopefully the last of 10 more accidental lambs. (2 ewe lambs and 8 ram lambs) Having sheep has markedly changed the trajectory of my life.

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Wow! In a good way, I hope?? 🐑 🐑

[@OkTxSheepLady]

@@knittymcpurly1549 I would have never “met” you or several other delightful folks, bought 3 looms, 3 spinning wheels nor attempted to dye fiber, bought land in Oklahoma to support the sheep, etc. So I think it has been good. I would like to be able to spend summers in Alaska. And one of my favorite places there is The Net Loft in Cordova which has beautiful hand dyed yarns and all the very best tools. And Alaska is home of the musk ox which produce the very warmest fiber.

[@jneen17]

Jean, your comment brings back so many memories of my dad’s escapades into owning angora goats!! Both his & my mom’s families came to our area in CO in the year 1900. My dad’s family have been strictly cattle ranchers. Mom’s ancestors raised a few goats. Dad noticed that mom’s families had more grazing acreage because, even though it had been 70 years, the goats had eradicated the oak on the hillsides. He decided to buy goats … A LOT of goats! We were so unprepared! You’re right, they had their horns stuck in literally everything imaginable! Think about getting fingers between the wires of a woven wire fence & the horns of a goat using his full weight to pull himself out of the mess he’s in!! Remember the vinyl tops on cars? We had a visitor who pulled into our front yard in a brand new Chrysler Cordoba with the vinyl top. We were inside visiting when Dad looked out & saw those adorable & ‘mellow’ little goats on top of that beautiful car eating the vinyl off the roof!! Dad was mortified! It’s hard to laugh about it even all these years later

[@OkTxSheepLady]

@@jneen17 lol when you mentioned vinyl topped cars I knew where the story would go. When a herd gets on a metel roof it looks like it’s been hit by a hail storm. When there were thousands of angoras in the Texas hill country it wasn’t unusual to see people pulling off the highway to untangle a goat’s horns from a fence.

[@jneen17]

@@OkTxSheepLady Yes! I can testify that if there isn’t a fence handy for an angora goat to hook its horns into, it’ll conjure something from thin air! A tangle of brush or abandoned wire, an old tire or barrel… endless possibilities!!

[@elaineenstone6834]

That was a joy to listen to. Loved seeing the pictures from the retreat. 🇬🇧

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thanks Elaine! 🥰🥰🥰

[@SenkoFarms]

Well done Gigi!!! Those look absolutely amazing!

[@CherylSmith-tv5jf]

Love your sweater and it is so unique! Thanks for sharing it with us!🎉

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thanks so much Cheryl! ❤❤❤

[@judicrafts143]

Devin, you are the highlight of my Sunday afternoon! You make me smile and often laugh. The thought struck me today that “interesting “ should be your middle name! I love your thirst for and delight in new knowledge and facts. Whenever you say, “Ok, so this is interesting…”, I know something fascinating is about to come. My laugh today was at my own expense. I’m such a routine person that my mind will fill in what I know is coming. When you introduced Knitting Fantasies, my mind filled in the chime, but when it didn’t happen, I was “Wait! What?!” and felt all discombobulated! 😂 Oh, and I wore my new Grace & Wood earrings to church this morning. So beautiful!

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Well, that is just the nicest thing ever! Thank you so much! 🥰🥰🥰 Your kindness made my day! And - 🤣🤣🤣, I know - I realized I forgot the knitting fantasies sound effect after I posted it! I’m glad to hear brains everywhere are filling it in for me! 😂😂😂

[@aarontrish02]

I recently subscribed to your podcast based on the recommendation of another podcaster. (I believe it was Tayler from the Wool Needles Hands podcast.. 🤔) This was the first time I’ve tuned into your podcast, and it was just delightful! ❤ Looking forward to many more! ~ Trish

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thank you so much, Trish! 🥰🥰🥰 Welcome, thanks for telling me that other podcasters have mentioned it (who knew?!), and I am so glad you are here! ❤️❤️❤️

[@aarontrish02]

Thank you! ❤️

[@debraneal4307]

I have travelled through Europe , British Isles, US & Canada and so far no problems with travelling with my knits… I travel with Bamboo needles though. I was told by a customs person to travel with bamboo on plane and check metal… cross my fingers this continues! !!!

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Wow! Great tip! I have never had a problem either, but I haven’t flown internationally with knitting. Good to know that bamboo is safer!

[@lanad409]

Another wonderful episode Devin. Regarding the "Here's what happened" story about the needles, I can totally relate. I've traveled to a decent number of countries in the past and have always been able to bring on my knitting and come back with it in the carry-on. However, this past December I had my needles taken away from me when we were coming back from Mexico. Maybe because I got really daring and had my Chiagoo red lace needles (which are super pointy), but this is the first time this happened to me. Luckly, they were interchangeables and I had that little metal key thingie with me. So I was able to take the needles off and still leave my sweater on the cord. This was really traumatizing and annoying. I had 2 hours in the airport and 2 more on the plane that I could have been knitting. Ugh! Next time we travel outside of the US I think I'll either bring my wooden needles and/or a crochet project. Actually, I really do like to travel with crochet projects because it's easy to stop on a dime. Just secure the one stitch with a stitch marker or a safety pin and the project can be put away quickly. You never get caught in the middle of a row.

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Mexico again! Looks like we have found the culprit. 🇲🇽

[@sewlivi]

Heck yea!!! I love the yellow stripe sweater! I’m excited for it’s release! Thank you. Also, this is a great episode because I’m actually knitting with suri alpaca as you talk about it. Super interesting! I have used mohair in the past as well and I really do think I prefer the suri alpaca. It’s so very soft, like a cloud really. I’m holding two strands together and it’s heavenly. I have heard that it’s better for regulating heat as well, so I’m interested in seeing if that’s true.

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Ooooh - two strands held together??? I love it! I am very interested to know what you think of the heat regulation. Wool is great for that in general, but if the suri is any better then I want to know about it! With regard to the Vesper sweater, I found it so comfortable to wear. It was never too hot. I think it’s the openness of the mohair that lets more air in.

[@sewlivi]

@@knittymcpurly1549 I haven’t had any issue wearing mohair when it comes to the heat. It’s just something I heard from other podcasters. They say mohair traps the heat in and stays while suri will not make you overheat. I suppose I will find out once I have my sweater finished in suri. I plan to wear that for a photo shoot in June. 🙂

[@knittymcpurly1549]

@@sewlivi Oh that’s neat! I will have to pay attention to that when I knit in suri too!

[@bakerstknits8342]

I just got one of those yarn minder thingys a couple weeks ago! I've only used it to manage 2 yarns though, not 4 😂. But I can't keep 2 yarns in my left hand without help, so I've found it handy for that. (I *can* do one in each hand, but my right hand gets sore after a while 😅). I have found that it's difficult to catch my floats with it though! I'm intrigued by the suri alpaca! I'm not the biggest mohair fan ever. I've used it once (in a cowl, so probably not the best move ever 😂). It's ok. A little irritating after a while, but very warm and cozy so...almost even trade off. I still have more mohair I'll use eventually. But I'm interested to try the suri alpaca next and see what I think of that! After I finally use the other alpaca yarn I got from you 🤣

[@knittymcpurly1549]

After you get comfortable with 2 strands, move on to 3 and 4, and then when you go back to 2, it feels like nothing! And I agree - I don’t love mohair on my neck, but it was super comfy in the sweater! Thanks for watching and leaving me a comment, Sarah! ❤❤❤

[@jessicacoverdale1514]

I looove the color combinations that Gigi put together. 🤔 is this something we can request when you put out that striped sweater pattern? So many fun color options! I love your podcast ❤

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thank you so much Jessica! ❤❤❤ I know - GIgi did amazing! Yes, I will have a sale and lots of yarn choices ready for this sweater’s release!

[@gayleklein8890]

Enjoyed this episode so much!!

[@OkTxSheepLady]

Lol. I put a pair of glasses in a very safe place one time and found them two years later. Better luck with the sock blockers.

[@knittymcpurly1549]

😂😂😂 I found them an hour after I posted the video. 😂😂😂

[@janetjroberson2581]

Hello from St.Louis Missouri!

[@knittymcpurly1549]

You sure get around, Janet! I was born in St Louis! ❤❤❤

[@therese1226]

I wasn’t going to make your new sweater because I was like, I wore that in the 80s, dude. But then I saw all your colors combos, and now I MUST. 😂

[@knittymcpurly1549]

😂😂😂 The 80s are BACK! Just the good parts, I hope. But this sweater is definitely a good part. 💗💛💗💛

[@Susi1406]

I have used both mohair silk and Suri silk. I like the Suri more because of the prickle factor in the mohair. However, there are times where I like the finish of the mohair more. ❤️Siri is gorgeous but I think 🤔 their are occasions where the mohair is better for the project because of its finished appearance. 🫣I hope that makes sense 😂😂😂

[@therandomlifeofkatie3277]

I am so excited about you dyeing Suri! I have heard it is not itchy like mohair

[@knittymcpurly1549]

It is SO SOFT!!!!

[@susansmith3264]

Devin, I love your new sweater, especially the neckline! So generous of you to make it free! Do you think it would be perfect for an advent calendar? Can't wait to see your new design although 4 color colorwork is a little scary to me! I've done 3 colors and didn't love it. All of your color combos are just stunning!! I've got so many Fosette combos in my head!!

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Thanks so much Susan! It would be amazing with an Advent!!! The only thing is that the stripes get larger as you go, so you may want to have some larger scraps for the biggest rounds in the sweater. And - I was also terrified of working with four strands! But if you want it bad enough, you can do it! And after that, two strands feels like nothing! 🏆

[@SusieQ3]

The kids 😂 I was about to go tell my kids to stop yelling at each other 🤣 seriously, the struggle is real and relatable 💜

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Right??? I mean - sheesh!!! 😂🤣🤣

[@glendabathgate4036]

That was fun

[@kelemenhenrietta]

I substitute mohair for suri all the time - mohair seems to irritate the neck area of the skin, while suri does not.

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

Just found your page and I love your sweater!!! Free pattern?

[@knittymcpurly1549]

Yes! It will be available late April/early May! ♥️

[@debracoulter]

hi i love watching you i am from canada i am begineer knitter i would love to do the boneyard shawl in the alpaca you talked about

[@sharonbrooks3638]

what's the needle size for your socks?

[@knittymcpurly1549]

I am using US3.

[@mama_knitter]

I live in Texas on an acreage... so I'm thinking I need mohair goats!

[@OkTxSheepLady]

This popped up on my suggested list and I thought of all y’all: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmm5hqGVgsSXg7M Happy designing.

[@ellamirabella5870]

May be a good podcast but still so disappointing when you're looking for something explaining the differences between mohair and suri and then watching this video and still waiting after 15mn that she talked about the subjects in her video title... 🙄