Yes, I'm serious. I've added some Qiviut sock yarn to the store. For those of you who don't know about Qiviut, here's a bit directly from Arctic Qiviut Yarns:
Qiviut is truly an amazing fiber. It is the delicate underwool of the Arctic muskox. It is one of the most sought after fibers in the world because of its rarity, softness and warmth. Qiviut is softer than cashmere and is light as a feather. It’s an insulating fiber and is comfortable to wear in any climate.
Qiviut is eight times warmer than sheep wool. 100% qiviut is non-shrinkable, non-felting and safe for people who suffer from sheep wool allergies. Unlike wool, qiviut is not scratchy. The more you handle and wash qiviut, the softer it feels
The Muskox is not an ox; this large hairy mammal dates back to the last Ice Age, and is most closely related to sheep and goats. The Inuit name for muskox is “Umingmak” meaning the bearded one. Muskox adapted to the life in the Arctic tundra. They have been an integral part of the Inuit lifestyle for centuries as an animal that provides a great amount of nutritious meat, warm hides and soft insulating underwool to knit into clothing.
Qiviut naturally sheds in the springtime. Qiviut commands a high price due to it rarity, softness, warmth and light weight. Qiviut grows from every part of the muskox including the face, belly, ears, hooves and under the horns. Qiviut can grow up to 6 inches thick. A mature male muskox produces around 6 to 8 pounds of muskox fleece raw fiber a year. After processing the 6 to 8 pounds of muskox fleece raw fiber, you will yield about 2 to 3 pounds of cleaned qiviut fiber that is ready for spinning into yarn. Muskox grow a new layer of Qiviut in the autumn.
I've been looking for the right source of Qiviut sock yarn for years now. So when Lara Neel walked in my doors a few months ago showing off the yarn she found when vacationing in Alaska, I immediately contacted the seller to test it (Lara even published this free pattern for the yarn in our local newspaper). Arctic Qiviut is a small company, utilizing the fiber and talents in and around Fairbanks, AK. The yarn I've had the pleasure of knitting, selfishly into socks for myself, are warm, colorful, non-pooling, and a complete joy. Qiviut sock yarn is a rare treat, one that is worth the investment just to say I've knit it... and to have super warm feet.
This is one of my Qiviut socks, un-known sample color. I LOVE the dappled color.
I don't have a lot of Qiviut right now, and it's something that I'll be able to get just a few times a year. It's a truly special treat.
For those of you waiting for the newest Opal collection, I have the 6-ply/DK weight Polar Lights in stock! This collection of 8 self-patterning colors will make an addictive knit... and thick, warm socks. Since it actually snowed for the first time in Fort Wayne yesterday, I'm definitely in the state of mind for super warm socks. I'm also in the mood for decorating the store with garlands and yarn. Mary, Heather (my SSYC crew) and I spent a morning shopping around town last week to find goodies for decorating, and I'll share it with you likely next week.
OMG I want that Qiviut sock yarn. If it's still around after my move, it was meant to be!
Posted by: moiraeknittoo | November 11, 2011 at 12:26 PM
So exciting to see a new Opal color! Wish I could knit with all of them. Mary
Posted by: mary | November 11, 2011 at 01:21 PM
Yarn or food? Yarn or gasoline money? Yarn or clothing...wait, I can use yarn to make clothing!!! The Qiviut looks wonderful!
Posted by: April | November 11, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I've just been trying to get an oz to spin for my blog and you can find sock yarn. Wow I'm envious.
Posted by: Brandi | November 11, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Wow! Love the Qiviut, but it's really expensive :(
Posted by: Milui | November 11, 2011 at 08:18 PM
oh..so..tempting.
Posted by: Vickie | November 13, 2011 at 08:32 PM
I'm dreaming of a Qiviut Christmas...
Posted by: Jennifer Cameron | November 22, 2011 at 10:11 AM
I live in Fairbanks, and have been to see the musk ox in person! They are so cute! Here is a picture of one of them, along with some of my handspun qiviut roving.
It's so luxurious! Truly worth the money.
http://blog.expressionfiberarts.com/2011/10/10/hand-spun-qiviut-is-like-heaven/
Posted by: Chandi | December 08, 2011 at 08:21 PM