Abby Sunshine

I toured a research facility in Fairbanks, Alaska and learned all sorts of tidbits about musk oxen, these unusual, and highly insulated creatures of the North. The season is changing and so is Abby’s fur. She has this incredible fur that I can’t even begin to describe. First of all, she can stay warm in very cold conditions. She swims happily in ice water. She swims energetically in Lake Superior, average temperature 40 degrees, yes, chilly. She will lay for awhile on a snowbank, get up, and the snow will not be melted. It is as if she has an elaborate insulation system. Today I noticed some groovy, fluffy fur on her legs. I am deducing that it is her super warm winter stuff. It is unbelievably luxurious and soft. I’m not sure the photo captures it,

but take my word, it is SOFT with a capital S-O-F-T. Anyway, it reminds me of what I’ve learned about musk oxen. Abby’s fur reminded me of the fabulous “qiviut” fibers for which the musk oxen are famous. Any Alaskan worth their salt, or any Alaskan that wants to keep warm, has a knit qiviut hat, scarf or mittens.  Qiviut (pronounced “kiv-ee-ute”) www.qiviut.com, the downy-soft underwool from the Arctic musk ox, is shed naturally each year during the spring months. Eight times warmer than wool and extraordinarily lightweight, Qiviut is one of the finest natural fibers known. It’s not only super soft, but it’s also very warm. I think people also wear long underwear of this stuff, so you know it’s got to be warm. I continue to research duck toller fur. Little Abby Sunshine may not be a musk ox (thank goodness, they would NOT make a cozy house pet), but she can stay warm.