Rowan Chunky Cashmere
A TOUCH OF CASHMERE We treat cashmere yarn with a touch of
cashmere’s micron count is very low—typically
reverence. It’s such an exceptional pillar in the
between 15 and 19 microns. That means it’s
world of fiber arts! Whenever we think of treating
yummy, buttery, cuddly, next-to-the-skin soft.
ourselves to something special, cashmere pops up in our thoughts. But what makes cashmere yarn so special?
While this natural fiber has a beautiful side, its production can have a detrimental effect on the environment. So we look for yarn-makers who
Cashmere fiber—produced by a hardy breed
continue to improve their sourcing practices.
of goat—is finer, stronger, softer, and warmer
For example, the Scottish cashmere mill with
than most sheep’s wool. In fact, it’s about three
whom Rowan works to create Pure Cashmere,
times more insulating. Cashmere goats have a
sources their fiber from nomadic farmers in
double fleece—a fine undercoat and a coarser
the Gobi Desert. They encourage sustainable
outer coat. It’s from the downy undercoat, that
herding and grazing practices, promote high
the prized fibers are combed—and the yield is
standards of animal welfare, and work to protect
quite small. Fiber gathered from one goat can
the traditions of these nomadic communities.
be made into a scarf; it may take fiber from three goats to make a sweater quantity.
Few of us have the resources or live in the climate where a full cashmere garment is
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Once it’s spun into a yarn, cashmere creates
practical, so a little touch of cashmere—
light, breathable, oh, so soft fabric. In fact, we
whether it’s a classic cap or a precious cowl—
often think of ‘cashmere’ as synonymous with
is really special. And, as long as we treat our
‘softness.’ You may see a micron measurement
cashmere hand-knits with care, they’ll be long-
associated with a cashmere yarn. This refers to
lived! We can attest to that—many Mice have
the diameter of the fiber—the lower the number,
cashmere pieces we love to wear year after
the finer the fiber, the softer the yarn! Naturally,
year after year.
