ABOUT MOCO QIVIUT
by Caryll Designs
Musk Ox Qiviut (kiv-ee-ute) is one of the finest and warmest fibers on earth. The musk ox have adapted their extraordinary undercoat to protect them since prehistoric times. Their down-like under-hair is eight times warmer than wool by weight and finer than cashmere. Each spring the musk ox sheds this two-part coat and it can be harvested by separating the down from the long guard-hairs. The harshness and remoteness of the Arctic limits the amount of qiviut available making it one of the most sought after and treasured of all natural luxury fibers.
Qiviut fiber is so fine that if you laid 1,950 of them side by side, they would barely cover an inch measuring 16 microns each. The pattern of small scales on the surface of Qiviut fibers is smooth and even. This characteristic gives it resistance to felting, scratching and shrinking.
The appearance of Qiviut garments improves with washing, giving it more loft, softness and warmth. Qiviut’s blooming characteristic enables one to use larger than normal needles, hooks or setts for yarns of this weight to create a garment that is remarkably lightweight yet incredibly warm. Whether you knit, crochet or weave your garment will become an heirloom. Be gentle and respectful of its delicate nature, you will be rewarded immensely.
Qiviut responds well to fondling! The more you fondle Qiviut, the softer it becomes. You’ve got to feel it to believe it!