What’s the Stitch About Knitting Machines?
Let's talk about knitting machines! What are they, how do they work, and does it count as hand crafting if you use one? Why choose a knitting machine vs knitting by hand?
This is a relatively new fiber. This fiber is white in appearance and soft. It has silk-like properties
Milk fiber is a blend of casein protein and the chemical acrylonitrile, which is used to make acrylic. It's made using a process that is similar to rayon/viscose, but because it's a regenerated protein fiber and not a regenerated cellulose fiber, it reacts like wool.
To make it, milk is first de-watered, i.e. all the water content is taken out from it and then it is skimmed. New bio-engineering technique is then applied to make a protein spinning fluid. This fluid is suitable for wet spinning process through which the final high-grade textile fiber is made. A solvent is used and micro-zinc ion is embedded in the fiber which gives it the characteristics of being bacteriostatic and durable. Milk Protein Fiber originated in Italy in 1930.
This fiber is great for those with sensitive skin!
Note: the anti-bacterial properties of the Milk Protein Fiber will wick moisture away from the body, great for socks and undergarments! Milk Fiber advantages: Superior in strength to wool! Contains 17 amino acids and natural anti-bacterial properties...hint hint..socks... Same ph as human skin (great for sensitive skin!) Milk Fiber is environmentally friendly and is considered a "green" product. Dyeing stuff for milk fiber is reactive, acid or cationic dyes. Milk fiber is made from milk casein, instead of fresh milk. Milk fiber has been around for a long time sometimes known as ARALAC, LANATIL, and MERINOVA. Milk fiber has been improved much since the 1930's when it was introduced in its raw form and is re-emerging as a man-made product that is much superior product to wool.
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Let's talk about knitting machines! What are they, how do they work, and does it count as hand crafting if you use one? Why choose a knitting machine vs knitting by hand?
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If you are interested in learning to knit and want some quick info on getting started check out our How To videos for knitting here.