alpaca yarn

[knitfan]

I have a dilemma. I purchased beautiful alpaca yarn in two colors to make a scarf, either for myself or as a gift. I love working with it, it feels so soft. But the minute I put it up to my neck--SCRATCHY and ITCHY! Now what do I do? Should I continue finishing this project and how can I give it away as a gift when I know how scratchy it feels??

[Jan in CA]

I can't wear animal fibers either, but I can knit with them. I would finish it and give it to someone who doesn't have the same skin sensitivity.

[Ingrid]

Jan's right. Some people are sensitive to certain fibers on their neck when others aren't. Before you give it away, make sure that they are comfortable wearing it.

I made a very soft hat for a bald man at the request of his wife. He liked the way it felt, but not the way it smelled. It was commercial yarn, so all the farm was out of it. I couldn't smell anything.

[hartleystudio]

You might wait and finish it (if you haven't already) and then give it a bath in some gentle wool wash (I like eucalan) and that might do it. I know I knit some socks from Misti Alpaca and they softened up quite a bit after I blocked them.

That's a bummer. Sorry. But, if you can't wear it you will totally make someone's day with such a great gift!!

Good luck!