Aloo from Himalaya Yarn

You can't get much more earth-friendly and fair-trade than "Aloo" from Himalaya Yarn, a natural fiber handspun by families in Nepal through a cottage industry. The Himalayan Giant Nettle plant grows perennially, resists disease and pests (obviating the use of pesticide in its cultivation), and produces a rugged, moth repellant fiber similar to raw linen.

The Nepalese have traditionally used coarse aloo for centuries to make hard-wearing fishing nets, string bags, and storage totes; they have now extended its use to the carpet industry.

However, extra sorting, spinning, and washing render it softer, suitable for home accessories and even garments. Aloo's hollow core traps air for insulation, and blends well with wool, adding extra durability and bug protection for blankets, rugs and storage bags.

Knit or crochet soft Aloo yarn into:

• bags and totes
• placemats
• washcloths and dishcloths
• sachets
• bath puffs (see above photo; project available in One Skein)

Available in limited quantities seasonally, this undyed gray-beige yarn will wean you away from clammy synthetics for your next knitting project.

Yarn Characteristics

Attribute	Specifics
Yarn Name	Aloo
Brand	Himalaya Yarn
Fiber Content	Aloo: Himalayan Giant Nettle girardinia diversifolia
Weight	varied weight; averages into DK or light worsted
Knit gauge	17 - 25 stitches per inch in Stockinette Stitch to 4 inches or 10 cm
Skein Weight	100 grams
Yardage	100 - 150 yards
Texture	plied slubby (hand spun)
Needle Size	knitting needles US #5 - #7
Care	Hand wash in cold water, dry flat.

Himalayan Giant Nettle

Aloo is a natural fiber made from the Himalayan Giant Nettle (girardinia diversifolia) plant, which grows 10 - 16 feet tall at elevations of 5500 - 8500 feet.

G. diversifolia is a perennial plant, which thrives on nitrogenous and over-fertilized soil. It naturally resists disease and pests (obviating the use of pesticide in its cultivation), provides undisturbed ground cover, and can support many species of insects.

G. diversifolia produces the strong, breathable, high-quality fiber "aloo", similar to linen. The fibers are hollow and trap air, creating natural insulation.

To produce the fiber, the inner bark of the nettle stem is

1. stripped
2. boiled in water and wood ash for about three hours
3. simmered overnight
4. beaten
5. dried in the sun
6. drawn into yarn