Originally Posted by
Traffic Jam
I’m a knitter, spinner, and weaver. A few years ago, I bought some very expensive qiviut (musk ox) fiber to spin and made a knitted hat. To be honest, it’s no warmer than any of my other hand knit, wool hats. I know the experts say it’s the warmest fiber but my perception is different. If it’s the warmest, it’s not obvious to me.
The warmest mittens I’ve ever owned are my dog hair mittens made from the fur of my beloved Norwegian Elkhound. I can only wear them in the coldest weather. They are mixed with sheep’s wool, probably 80/20 and have no doggy smell.
Human hair isn’t easy or practical to spin as it lacks the scales/hooks which makes it stick together. It’s like trying to braid spaghetti.