Just in from the Andes...

My knitting friend Dave recently returned from a semester in Argentina (read his Argentina blog), and he brought me some Argentinian knitting stuff! Check it out:

First, the pinkish yarn is 100% mohair in one of those chocolate cherry colorways that are always popular around Valentine's Day. It was made (handspun? millspun? not sure) in Purmamarca, but Dave bought it in Santiago del Estero. I would describe this as bulky weight yarn. I'm not sure what to do with it yet. Ideas? More on mohair fiber here.

Next, the grey and brown skeins on the sides of this picture are llama yarn. Dave says someone told him it is muy importante to wash this before knitting with it. I will put a note on them reminding me to wash before winding the yarn with my ballwinder. You can really see the guard hairs on these skeins - fascinating! The grayer skein on the left almost blends into my patio stones. More on llama fiber here.

Last, the needles were handturned by someone and are about 3mm in width. I'm not sure if I'll use them much, but they will look great in my vase o' needles, and I will be able to say "the tall ones are from Argentina." How cool is that?

Thanks, Dave!!! Next time I leave the country, I'll repay the favor!