Knit City 2023 – Sneak Peak Nunavut Qiviut!
Knit City Vancouver is only a week away and we have been stocking up on the goodies that will be showcased at our booth in the Marketplace.
What is hand dyed in Canada, fun to work with, and makes a gorgeous pair of socks?
Nunavut Qiviut
We are so excited to bring with us Nunavut Qiviut yarn to Knit City. Qiviut yarn is a rare Arctic luxury that comes from the remote town Kugluktuk and supports the traditional Inuit lifestyle of its community.
This ultra soft and light fibre is gorgeous to knit with and creates knitwear that is beyond imaginable!
What is Qiviut?
Known as the cashmere of the north, Qiviut (Ki-vee-oot) is an Inuit word describing the finest and warmest layer of fur or down on Arctic animals. Most commonly, Qiviut refers to the softest fur of the muskox that is underneath their heavy coat.
- Qiviut from muskox is unusually warm, soft and strong relative to its weight.
- It is not as elastic as wool.
- Muskox Qiviut has an average staple length of 6.5 centimeters and a width of 17 microns or less.
- Pure muskox qiviut cannot be pressed to form felt or shrink because of its lack of barbs and low elasticity.
- Muskox qiviut contains no oils like lanolin in unprocessed wool.
- Over time, with handling and washing of qiviut garments, the fibres ‘bloom’ with an aura of natural beauty and extra softness.
A Traditional Way of Life
Nunavut Qiviut’s source of fibre is the hides of wild-harvested muskox used for meat and fur by Inuit as part of their traditional economy and culture. This is the main source of qiviut in the world.
The highest and most dense natural population of muskox in the world is on the tundra near Kugluktuk, Nunavut. Today, regulations permit no more than 4% of the population can be harvested for food. This harvest is conducted primarily by Inuit in Canada.
By bringing Nunavut Qivuit yarns with us to Knit City, we are directly supporting Inuit local economies and valuing the Inuit belief that every part of an animal be used and nothing wasted.
Nunavut Qiviut prides itself with being an open and transparent fibre company, and are happy to answer any questions about their yarn.
To be able to ask such questions and assess the answers– buyers should be well educated about qiviut and informed in all aspects of purchasing qiviut from any source – including Nunavut Qiviut!
For more information, head over to their website to learn more.
Keep an eye out for our next Knit City teaser!
Don’t forget to get your tickets for Knit City and as always, we are just down the street if you need a dose of fibre love.
