Last week I was contacted by the lovely people at Shokay. They have introduced a pure yak down yarn- Shambala that rivals cashmere and qiviut in luxuriousness. They have asked several designers to contribute patterns to the free pattern portfolio to be used on their website and in yarn stores across the land. They want to use Hey Mickey and are looking over several other sketches. Once they decide the designs they want I’ll be knitting up samples, and let me just say that I can’t wait to get my paws on that loverly stuff. You all know by now what a love affair I have with natural yummy soft fibers and I fear that my lovely alpaca is going to soon have a rival. There are several well known designs to be featured including the ever popular Argosy of Knitty fame by the very talented Vyvyan Neel.

so ever wonder what a yak looks like?

okay, so I had to check…

(I think they’re kinda’ cute, but my family has been raising cattle for generations so I suppose it’s to be expected)

(Okay, admit it. This one is definitely cute even if you aren’t from a ranching background)

and I still haven’t even told you the best part…

Shokay is helping poverty stricken Tibetan herders generate an income while preserving their traditional way of life. So not only do you get to knit (which is good) with something fabulous (which is very good), but you get to help people while you’re doing it (which is indeed the best of all). I promise more details and pictures when I get the yarn in my sticky little paws.