Mohair comes from the the Angora goat, a beautiful animal that has long been sought after for its luxurious fleece. Mohair is usually shorn from the animals twice a year and then processed by various means into yarn that is woven, knitted or crocheted into fabric and clothing. Valued for its strength, luster and feel, mohair has been mentioned in the context of clothing as far back as biblical times.
Originating in Turkey, the angora goats take their name from the city of Ankara which was central to where they originated. The Turks so highly valued these goats that they didn't begin exporting them until sometime during the 16th century when they ended up in Spain and France. The Angora goats eventually made their way to the US in the mid 1800s with most of the domestic herds now found in the region of San Angelo, Texas.
Although most mohair yarn is seldom soft enough on its own to wear next to the skin, it makes a great accent to other softer yarns that I use in Pussy Caps. It also adds a wonderful sheen to any yarn that it's spun with. Most of the mohair that I use is mill spun in Italy where many of the world's most beautiful fibers, fabrics and yarns come from.
