Better Breakfast is one of our bestselling line of yarns. It’s springy, durable, and comfortable for even the most sensitive of skins. But what makes up this incredibly soft and squishable fiber? Better Breakfast is is a blend of 55% Merino, 35% dehaired Alpaca, and 10% Nylon. The dehaired alpaca makes the yarn hypoallergenic so you can say goodbye to itchiness and irritation. These natural, undyed fibers are highly sought after by fiber artists.
Merino sheep originated in Morocco, where sheepherders were aiming to breed wool of superior softness. Merino sheep started being imported to Spain in the 12th century and were very popular among Europeans. Spain strictly prohibited export of the Merino breed so that by the middle ages, the country had leveraged its monopoly on the “wonder” fiber.
Merino sheep ranged widely as they grazed southern plains in the winter and moved north into the mountains during the hotter months. By the end of the 18th century, Merino sheep were being transported to other continents and crossbreeding with strains in those areas. This is how Rambouillet, Saxon, Debouillet, Delaine, and Peppin breeds developed.
The fiber has an extremely close, regular crimp which means that it can be very finely spun and still remain soft, lightweight, and luminous. Its temperature-regulating qualities allow for optimal insulation and moisture wicking fabrics.
Alpaca fleece mixes well because it is fine, silky, and soft. While similar to sheep's wool, it is warmer and has no lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic. There are two breeds of alpaca, most common being the Huacaya. They range in 16 different natural colors, all resistant to wrinkling and pilling.
The alpaca belongs to the South American camelid family. Its ancestors are thought to have migrated from the North American southwest to the Andean region more than 50 million years ago. While they became extinct in the north, their wild ancestors were domesticated in the south and evolved into what we know today as alpacas and llamas. Alpacas are tolerant of harsh climates and are highly disease-resistant.
The small percentage of Nylon in Better Breakfast Fingering yarn gives it an added measure of durability and improves its ability to keep its shape for those who like to use it for socks (DK and worsted weights are spun without Nylon.) If you’re on the hunt for a super-soft artisan yarn, look no further than Better Breakfast.
