Zealana

The Australian Brush Tailed Possum was introduced into New Zealand in 1850’s and with no known predators their numbers have grown to plague proportions. Government agencies spend over $60m per year on Possum control in an effort to limit the enormous damage caused to native flora and fauna by these pests. However they are still not able to eliminate continued significant damage to native forests and endangered wildlife species.

“Anybody using possums as a resource (in this case fur) for pecuniary gain may be helping to control possums numbers albeit at a local level. Any activity that controls or reduces the population of possums is welcomed by the New Zealand government.”

Department of Conservation (NZ)
Herb Christophers, Senior Advisor

Woolyarn’s are pleased to contribute to the protection of the New Zealand environment for future generations, by promoting the commercial use of Possum fibre.

A significant number of environmental protection and health authorities, including MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries) and Regional Animal Health Boards, support the humane culling of possum numbers as a key means of protecting New Zealand’s unique bio cultures and eco systems.

The Problem is the solution:

Possums fur is an ideal fiber for knitting yarns. A thriving fur industry means an enduring effort to harvest the invasive species, sending funds, jobs and international attention to the very heart of the problem. Knitting yarns almost always feel good in your hands, but knitting with possum yarn feels good on your conscience.

Warm. Possum fiber is soft and lightweight, making it an ideal material for knitting yarns. The individual fibers are hollow in structure, which means that it is very warm for its weight, and it will absorb reasonable quantities of moisture without feeling damp.

Soft. In addition to being warm, possum yarns are soft and don’t cause any prickly feeling. The combination of the fibre scale structure and the unique finishing process gives it a soft, light touch.

Durable. Fabrics made from possum-blend fibers have a higher resistance to pilling than other natural fibres. Your knitting project will last and become an heirloom, like all handiwork deserves.