moth damaged yarn

Well, I started knitting a sweater from some fine merino, and I am wondering
whether I should bother continuing, because several of the balls have moth
damage. The yarn is all broken up into lengths of about a meter or less on 3
balls. (sigh)

I noticed this about a month ago, but didn't think it was this extensive. We
were having very cold weather at the time, so I stuck all my yarn out on the
back step for 2 three day sessions to freeze the little suckers out. (72 hours
is supposed to be enough to kill them). I am hopeful this worked, but am
wondering whether it is advisable to use the damaged yarn at all. If I don't
use the yarn, I don't think I'll be able to finish the sweater. If I'm going to
sew in that many ends, I might as well use it for Fair Isle or make a scarf
with lots of fringe.

Dora

I'd tend to take the easy route and scotch the yarn altogether.
Better check the rest of your stash (and woolens in your closet) for
bugs too.

Michelle
Who had carpet beetles once but no moths as of yet

On 12 Feb 2004 16:01:56 GMT, ospam (Bungadora)
wrote:

Well, I started knitting a sweater from some fine merino, and I am wondering
whether I should bother continuing, because several of the balls have moth
damage. The yarn is all broken up into lengths of about a meter or less on 3
balls. (sigh)

I noticed this about a month ago, but didn't think it was this extensive. We
were having very cold weather at the time, so I stuck all my yarn out on the
back step for 2 three day sessions to freeze the little suckers out. (72 hours
is supposed to be enough to kill them). I am hopeful this worked, but am
wondering whether it is advisable to use the damaged yarn at all. If I don't
use the yarn, I don't think I'll be able to finish the sweater. If I'm going to
sew in that many ends, I might as well use it for Fair Isle or make a scarf
with lots of fringe.

Dora

This is what I know should be done but am trying to avoid it. Yikes. I think my
yarn is OK, my entire stash was in the box on the back step when it was -30C.
But I should sort out the damaged yarn and chuck it.

I didn't get around to doing my sweaters but should stick them outside for a
debugging session as well. I have some sweaters in pillow cases (moths don't
eat through cotton) so I'm not worried about them.

The weather will likely soon oblige and stay cold for at least 3 days although
hopefully not down to -30 again.
Dora
Slinky


I'd tend to take the easy route and scotch the yarn altogether.
Better check the rest of your stash (and woolens in your closet) for
bugs too.

Michelle
Who had carpet beetles once but no moths as of yet

On 12 Feb 2004 16:01:56 GMT, ospam (Bungadora)
wrote:

Well, I started knitting a sweater from some fine merino, and I am wondering
whether I should bother continuing, because several of the balls have moth
damage. The yarn is all broken up into lengths of about a meter or less on 3
balls. (sigh)

I noticed this about a month ago, but didn't think it was this extensive. We
were having very cold weather at the time, so I stuck all my yarn out on the
back step for 2 three day sessions to freeze the little suckers out. (72
hours
is supposed to be enough to kill them). I am hopeful this worked, but am
wondering whether it is advisable to use the damaged yarn at all. If I don't
use the yarn, I don't think I'll be able to finish the sweater. If I'm going
to
sew in that many ends, I might as well use it for Fair Isle or make a scarf
with lots of fringe.

Dora

In article ,
Bungadora wrote:

Well, I started knitting a sweater from some fine merino, and I am
wondering whether I should bother continuing, because several of the
balls have moth damage. The yarn is all broken up into lengths of
about a meter or less on 3 balls. (sigh)

Merino is lovely wool. It'd be a shame to have to throw it out.

I think the major question is whether any of the other balls have the
problem. If the rest is okay, I'd go ahead and do the sweater. (But
I'm compulsive.)
snip

wondering whether it is advisable to use the damaged yarn at all.

Well, you froze out the bugs. To be 100% sure, you could dry clean
it after it's done.

If I don't use the yarn, I don't think I'll be able to finish the
sweater. If I'm going to sew in that many ends, I might as well use
it for Fair Isle or make a scarf with lots of fringe.

Could you adapt the pattern to insert a bit of Fair Isle, so it would
be less annoying to be using those short lengths?

If all else fails, you could felt it.

=Tamar

(Richard Eney)

Merino is lovely wool. It'd be a shame to have to throw it out.

I think the major question is whether any of the other balls have the
problem. If the rest is okay, I'd go ahead and do the sweater. (But
I'm compulsive.)

I only have 8 balls, and the first ball had no problems at all. About 3 of the
balls have major problems.

snip

Well, you froze out the bugs. To be 100% sure, you could dry clean
it after it's done.

Could you adapt the pattern to insert a bit of Fair Isle, so it would
be less annoying to be using those short lengths?

No. It's a lace pattern. I'm thinking a short vacation in a nice pillow case
is in order while I make up some lace scarves. This is the second time I've
started a sweater with this yarn, so third time is lucky. Maybe.
Dora