Playing Possum

Kia Ora 8-ply

Rimu Blend

Zealana Yarns

Distributed in the US by Yarn Sisters

60% Merino Wool

40% New Zealand Possum

No gauge information is given on the label, but I used a US size 9 for this swatch, and got 3.5 sts per inch.

My color: Boysenberry

My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

From the Yarn Sisters website: "Like the deep, rich-colored timber, native to New Zealand, this sumptuous yarn is strong and hard-wearing. A blend of 60% fine New Zealand Merino and 40% New Zealand possum fiber with a silky, warm touch you’ll have to feel to believe! "

This is not the animal you find dead on the side of the road, or live hanging from a tree by its tail here in the US. No, this possum is a different animal, and its fiber is nearly as soft as cashmere, and quite durable. New Zealand is overrun with these animals, which are native to Australia, NOT to New Zealand. You can read here to learn about the eco problems they have caused in that country, but the upshot is, we now have a new fiber to knit with. It is quite lovely, soft, cushy, takes dyes well, and is a joy to knit with.