100% Mink and Natural Blends

© Canadian Museum of Nature, American Mink

Mink hairs are rather short, but very thick and soft. No animals are hurt during the production of the yarn - the mink hair is hand stripped off the animal and then spun into the yarn. For the animal, it probably feels like brushing (similar to regular brushing for cats) or a gentle massage. Yarns made of mink hair are beautiful, extremely soft, and very delicate - mink fiber must be spun with another, stronger fiber such as wool or silk, or, if it is 100% Mink - we would suggest to combine the mink with another yarn to obtain enough strength in the finished project. The natural wild colour of mink's fur is a glossy dark brown. Commercial farming selectively bred much paler colours, and mink furs come in many other natural colours, such as Black, Mahogany, Pastel, Demi Buff, Aleutian (Iris), Sapphire and White. Mink are aggressive animals and must be handled with care. They bite readily and are handled with thick leather mitts. Wild mink spend up to 80% of their time in their dens, sleeping, grooming and eating food they have carried home. Reference: The Canadian Encyclopedia.com

MINKA by Makalu FIBRE: 70% Mink, 20% Merino Wool, 10% Mulberry Silk YARN WEIGHT: Fingering TENSION: 10x10cm (4"): 32 sts / 40 rows NEEDLES: 2.75 - 3.5 mm (US No. 2-4) LENGTH: approx. 190 m / 210 yds BALL WEIGHT: 50g * hand wash | made in China