There is nothing cuter than a baby wearing a fuzzy garment made of 100%
angora yarn or even an angora blend. The softness of the yarn and
the softness of the baby seem like a perfect match. They can be if
a little thought is put into the garments ahead of time.
Things to think about:
1) Will the mother appreciate a garment that will
need to be hand washed? Some people do not want to hand wash any
garments and when a newborn is in the house and sleep is at a premium,
this may be an even bigger issue. Don’t be afraid to ask the question, most new moms are more than happy to talk about
any subject relating to their baby!
2) Making items such as hats and booties that are
less likely to be badly soiled and require less washing is a good idea.
3) Babies have a limited ability to move away from
anything irritating or annoying. While we love the soft feel of angora
by our faces, we have the motor skills to move it away should it tickle.
Babies do not. So it is best to keep the fuzzy parts of angora away
from the eyes, nose or cheeks and avoid using angora in blankets.
4) Babies have to taste everything. While handspinners
are well known for describing fibers as “yummy”, we don’t want babies to
be sucking on angora. So leave this and other fuzzy fibers out of mittens.
5) Babies can be sensitive to fibers, dyes, soaps,
detergents, softeners, etc. Use a baby laundry product to wash the
garment before presenting it to the baby. Using natural colors avoids
dye sensitivities and any washing or color bleeding problems. Let
the new mom know that very few people are sensitive to angora fibers, but
that it can happen and if she sees any redness or the baby seems uncomfortable,
to discontinue wearing the garment.
Here is a photo of a 100% angora baby hat. The hat is knitted
from a pattern called Hats for
Little Folks available here at Twin Willows Farm. The yarn is
natural colored chestnut angora. The brim turns up away from the baby’s
face. The ear flaps start well back around the side of the head and
away from the eyes and cheeks. This hat should provide plenty of warmth
and comfort for the little one it is going to.
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question, most new moms are more than happy to talk about
any subject relating to their baby! 