I’ve always had a bit of an aversion to wool. It’s not a full blown allergy, but I am extremely sensitive.
I hadn’t actually knit an entire garment with wool until I finished my Favorite Cardigan, which I knit with Malabrigo Merino, so I figured I’d be safe. The Malabrigo never irritated my head, hands, neck, etc from my other garments, so I figured I’d be safe for a sweater.
Not true.
That lovely cardigan I just invested all that time in? Itchy! ITCHY ITCHY! I actually have a small rash on my arms.
Sad? Yes. Learned my lesson? Definitely.
I’ve been able to pull off superwash wools (merino or no), and I think that’s simply because the superwash treatment is protecting my skin.
I guess from here on out, that means superwash only for sweaters and other “real” garments that get extended all day wear, like socks. Crap.
Oh - also turns out. Those Juniper Mitts I knit with alpaca? Yeah… guess where else I’m all itchy and rashy?
I think the worst part of this whole affliction is that I hate knitting with cotton. I would rather die a thousand deaths than knit with cotton.
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Comments ( 3 )
Robynn added these pithy words on Oct 08 08 at 2:25 amOh dear. Well. That still leaves silk, bamboo, milk (!) etc… all kinds of exotic planty fibres. Not to mention the not-cottony yarns like Rowan Calmer. (Spendy, though.)
Robynns last blog post..Ally Pally!
Diane added these pithy words on Oct 13 08 at 2:30 pmI too have been careful about wearing wool, like you. No known allergy but a reaction none the less. I have had success wearing bamboo or bamboo/wool blend yarns. It has a soft hand and works up with a fabulous drape.
Knit Pickins added these pithy words on Oct 26 08 at 11:02 amThat’s too bad. Your sweater is just gorgeous. What if you wear it with a thin t-shirt underneath?