Well... I also did a double take on the appellation for the yarn. Panama, being a happy tropical country (mostly rain forest, a few plains, and pine forest in the north volcanic region bordering with Costa Rica) grows some sheep for food and milk but not for the wool. Knitting is not a primary craft there. That is why you had to teach yourself to do it, my dear. It was not, and still isn't in my talent box. But your description of the yarn brought up a few giggles. It sounds as if you were describing your mother's character and personality: serviceable, sturdy, reliable; but definitely not soft enough for gentle baby blankets or booties. One big plus: the skein hue unchanged, consistent throughout.
My mother sewed most of our clothes. She didn't knit either, but practiced every other fiber art and craft with expertise. I remember owning only a shell and sweater set mail ordered from the Sears catalog. Light weight. Pale yellow. Suitable to wear on foggy mornings during a stay at a mountain hotel in Cerro Punta's volcanic region, where coffee plantations cover the mountain side and a cold morning drizzle welcomes you to the skirt of the Barú Volcano. But, as usual, I digress... At a certain age one tends to reach for every thought before it vanishes in the profuse jumble of memory.
By the way, Panama hats, so light, white, finely woven with jipijapa straw, and "only in my dreams" expensive, are made in Ecuador. Panama hats worn by Panamanian men and women, are woven with a variety of straws and decorated with black rows of dyed fibers. They are functional, take well to the calid climate. Like I said... digressing.
Never having been to Panama and mostly only able to visualize maps and news reel images of the canal as it was being built, I truly thank you for the details you have shared with us. I treasure your digressions! :-)
Sandi, I really appreciate how you put a spotlight on locally produced wool and yarn, especially small batches. There’s much you’ve described about the yarn that makes me want to get a couple of skeins (I love the saffron color). I think size 9 needles might be my limit. Sometime ago I knitted something with size 10 or 11 needles … goodness, I can’t even remember what I knitted, but I do remember how my hands hurt from wielding the large needles. I thought it would have been easier on my hands, but it wasn’t.
I have never heard of it, either. It sounds like a good yarn for the Chore Coat in the Farm and Fiber Knits magazine! Thanks for increasing awareness of breed specific yarns!
Sandi, I so appreciate all that you are doing to shine a light on sheep breeds, their wool and processing! The time and money you spend to get to know the yarns is also appreciated. On a side note, I am thinking this might be a good yarn for making RYA rugs. :)
This yarn isn't as coarse as most "rug yarn". It would make a garment which would hold up for a good long time, but I don't know how it would do in the pile of a rya rug that sees lots of foot traffic. For a hooked rug, however, it would be terrific.
Well... I also did a double take on the appellation for the yarn. Panama, being a happy tropical country (mostly rain forest, a few plains, and pine forest in the north volcanic region bordering with Costa Rica) grows some sheep for food and milk but not for the wool. Knitting is not a primary craft there. That is why you had to teach yourself to do it, my dear. It was not, and still isn't in my talent box. But your description of the yarn brought up a few giggles. It sounds as if you were describing your mother's character and personality: serviceable, sturdy, reliable; but definitely not soft enough for gentle baby blankets or booties. One big plus: the skein hue unchanged, consistent throughout.
My mother sewed most of our clothes. She didn't knit either, but practiced every other fiber art and craft with expertise. I remember owning only a shell and sweater set mail ordered from the Sears catalog. Light weight. Pale yellow. Suitable to wear on foggy mornings during a stay at a mountain hotel in Cerro Punta's volcanic region, where coffee plantations cover the mountain side and a cold morning drizzle welcomes you to the skirt of the Barú Volcano. But, as usual, I digress... At a certain age one tends to reach for every thought before it vanishes in the profuse jumble of memory.
By the way, Panama hats, so light, white, finely woven with jipijapa straw, and "only in my dreams" expensive, are made in Ecuador. Panama hats worn by Panamanian men and women, are woven with a variety of straws and decorated with black rows of dyed fibers. They are functional, take well to the calid climate. Like I said... digressing.
Mom, you're the best! I'm glad this piece led you to memories of your homeland, and I thank you for sharing those memories. 🩷
Never having been to Panama and mostly only able to visualize maps and news reel images of the canal as it was being built, I truly thank you for the details you have shared with us. I treasure your digressions! :-)
Sandi, I really appreciate how you put a spotlight on locally produced wool and yarn, especially small batches. There’s much you’ve described about the yarn that makes me want to get a couple of skeins (I love the saffron color). I think size 9 needles might be my limit. Sometime ago I knitted something with size 10 or 11 needles … goodness, I can’t even remember what I knitted, but I do remember how my hands hurt from wielding the large needles. I thought it would have been easier on my hands, but it wasn’t.
That saffron color is really beautiful.
Thanks Sandi. A new-to-me breed.
You’re welcome, Jill. I hope you’re doing well.
I am! Still working and knitting. Hoping to finally finish my book this year!
Congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading it!
I have never heard of it, either. It sounds like a good yarn for the Chore Coat in the Farm and Fiber Knits magazine! Thanks for increasing awareness of breed specific yarns!
This would be a good choice for your Chore Coat design!
Sandi, I so appreciate all that you are doing to shine a light on sheep breeds, their wool and processing! The time and money you spend to get to know the yarns is also appreciated. On a side note, I am thinking this might be a good yarn for making RYA rugs. :)
Thank you, Sandy!
This yarn isn't as coarse as most "rug yarn". It would make a garment which would hold up for a good long time, but I don't know how it would do in the pile of a rya rug that sees lots of foot traffic. For a hooked rug, however, it would be terrific.