Angora fiber ~ Raw Ash Black

German angora fiber is a treat.  Reaching into a bag of angora fluff is like a touch of angels hair.  Angora is simple in it's qualities and easy to work into so many projects. 

Black Angora is my favorite!!! It brings a real depth and warmth ~ in more ways than one!  There is somethings soo sweet about the glow of grey coming from a lovely angora yarn.  Sublime...

If you are looking to, as my kids would say, "level up" your fiber arts game... you might consider a pinch of angora or a handful depending on you subtly level.   

10% Angora can be enough to know there is something subtly different, but not quite put your finger on it.  ~That means inside 1 lb of fiber 1.6 oz is angora fiber.

20% Angora contributes enough to show slight character of the bunny.   ~This means inside 1 lb of fiber 3.2 oz is angora fiber. 

30% Angora is enough to feel and see the difference you can be sure is angora.  ~This is 4.8 oz inside 1 lb of your whole blend.   

On the next level ~ I love looking at the opposite end of the spectrum too.  

20% of a soft squishy wool is enough to give your angora product a little bounce in your yarn.  ~This means for a 1 lb blend you would include 14.4 oz of angora and 1.6 oz of wool.  

Fiber Artist prize prime angora for it's soft ethereal warmth.  A uniform stable length insures the most predictable behavior while you are creating.  I value the synchronized coat that I shear on a consistent 90 day time frame.  It yields angora fiber with minimal potential shedding if any.  

All this fluff comes from bunnies that are fed intentionally with an Oregon sourced (but not too nearby) longevity formulated pellet, hay, treats from the garden, and fresh water.  Individually served, because I believe special attention is key to knowing each bunny. 

Each bunny is held on my lap while shearing.  I have found this to be the best way for me to make them feel secure while I give them a haircut.  I use a small gingher scissors or very quiet clippers to shear handfuls of gorgeous fluff that I grade on the spot while we listen to a podcast or book on tape.  There is nothing like a handful of one of the softest fibers you will touch right off the bunny.  And they love when the shearing is all done and they are light and free again.   

I have been loving this fluff for years. This is where it all started and where our little farm Thee Art in Me shines.  You can read all about the fun angora rabbits on the website www.theeartinme.com.  You may enjoy the article Utilizing Angora Fiber.