In Search of the Elusive Kashmilon Sheep

There have been a lot of stories circulated recently about the elusive Kashmilon sheep that produce the fiber that is woven into vividly colored saddle blankets that dot the marketplace. Many victims have had the “wool pulled over their eyes” regarding the durability and origin of this fiber. We have seen this product referred to as Kashmilon Wool or Kashmiloon Wool touting its softness and durability.  Some sources have even said that it is better than wool.   We believe that there is an intended inference to the wool from the Kashmir region of India that is renown for its softness.

In reality, this fiber is knitting yarn. The very same “animal” that you will find on a shelf at a local hobby shop or discount store. It is a synthetic fiber that exhibits similar properties of other synthetic fiber – vivid colors and softness of feel. Pressures of the marketplace and misinformation have enabled this product to flourish in applications not previously seen. This is the same material that your Grandmother knitted into an Afghan for your couch or a sweater for your back.

Mayatex recommends that this product be used in a show environment where durability is not the primary concern. This product comes in a variety of vivid colors that are sure to catch the eye. Synthetic fiber, as a rule, will absorb more dye thus producing brilliant color. However, as anyone knows who has ever worn a knitted synthetic sweater, the problem of durability, that long-lasting “new” look, can outweigh the attention-getting advantages.

NATURAL FIBER

Natural Fiber (cotton or wool) will burn and then self-extinguish. Rub the end of the burned side between your fingers and note the soft ash residue. If there is no hard ball of plastic material (similar to the ends of nylon ropes when burned) but only a soft ash, then you have a natural fiber saddle blanket.

BLENDED FIBER

If there is a soft ash with bits of hard plastic granules on the end of the burned length of material, then you have a blended material blanket (wool blend or cotton blend).

SYNTHETIC FIBER

Synthetic Fiber (polyester, nylon, acrylic) will burn readily but not self-extinguish. The end of a synthetic yarn will form a hard plastic ball on the end of the sample material.