Unusual Yarns wools for making yarn

here you go: http://www.vipfibers.com/how-to-use-your-pet-yarn.html The samoyed is really pretty!http://www.vipfibers.com/free-knitting-patterns.htm I've made the mittens (only with sheeps wool instead of dog, heh) that is my absolute favorite mittens pattern, I first learned it when I was a kid in upstate ny (ironicly) from the workbasket magazine. you make an interesting thought regarding (smelling like a wet dog) I did not find an answer to that on the website, maybe I did not open the right link. I kind of like this idea - a fur coat without killing the animal, but only taking care of its normal grooming needs.

okay, I found the answer on the same website.... http://www.vipfibers.com/pet-yarn.htm#odors ------------------------------------------- FACTS ABOUT PET YARN ODOR & ALLERGIES are caused by the oils, dander and enzymes in a pet's skin, not the actual hair itself. Washing the fiber, yarn or finished product may remove some of the culprits, but not all. VIP Fibers is the only spinnery that has developed a patented process for permanently removing all of these factors from your keepsake yarn. Though each natural fiber has it's own scent, your keepsake yarn will not "smell like wet dog" and your keepsake will not affect people with allergies. ---------------------------------------------- end quote I found this quite interesting: ------------------------------------------------- natural fibers from mammals contain Keratin, a natural protein that is the main diet for cloth moths. Moths can eat through plastic bags and squeeze their way under the lids of just about any air-tight container. Fiber stored in an air tight container only intensifies the scent of the Keratin and acts like a flashing "diner" sign for moths looking for a place to lay their eggs. Cedar, lavender and the like, help mask the scent of the Keratin and depending upon the strength of their scent, may fool the moths for a limited time, but eventually the little critters will figure it out. Cloth moths do not like light or movement, which is why you will see the adults flutter away when you turn the light on in your dark closet or open a drawer. So storing your keepsake project in an open, well lit area will help deter a pending attack. Folding of wearable keepsakes creates a dark cozy place and an ideal nursery for egg bearing moths. Sweaters, scarves and hats should be hung up. ---------------------------------------------------- end quote

thankfully ours does not shed. bichons are noted as being hypoallergenic dogs. But they do grow a lot of curly hair - it is nothing to fill up 2 walmart sized bags at each grooming.