Quiz: Your Daily Dose of Fibre

Oops! The correct answer is: 200.

Approximately 200 species of sheep exist on Earth! Every species has a slightly different coat, so artisans can choose different types of wool for each project. One of the most popular species is the Merino sheep, because its wool has antibacterial properties. The coat on a Blue Face Leicester sheep is very long and sturdy, which makes it perfect for socks!

Oops! The correct answer is: No.

The word “wool” only applies to hair from a sheep. Alpaca hair, for example, is simply called “fibre”.

Oops! The correct answer is: Angora goat.

Alpacas, camels, and llamas are all part of the camelid family, whereas the goat is part of the caprine family. Camelid fibres are some of the softest in the animal kingdom! However, these fibres have no “memory”; that is, they deform and stretch very easily. A tuque made from alpaca fibres can easily end up slumping down over your eyes!

Oops! The correct answer is: worms.

The Mulberry silkworm produces a super sturdy fibre that it uses to make its cocoon. Breeders can collect these cocoons and turn them into silk. Silk is used to make extremely soft and light fabrics.

Oops! The correct answer is: blue.

Blue dye can be made with the leaves from a plant called true indigo. This plant is mainly found in Asia, in South America, and in Africa. Given that long voyages like these were complicated in the 17th century, French colonists living in Quebec had to use local plants to produce dyes. They could easily produce autumnal colours like red, orange, yellow, green, and brown. They also made gray-blue dye using black beans!

Oops! The correct answer is: all of the above!

Before the 1960s, needlework classes (knitting, sewing, weaving, etc.) were mandatory for girls. These lessons could also be transmitted from mother to daughter, or even between friends. Even today, you can learn to create using textiles by taking classes or with a friend, but it’s no longer a mandatory subject!

Oops! The correct answer is: pieces of ripped-up clothing.

The catalogne is a perfect recycling project for old clothes! All you need to do is cut them up into strips and weave them into a blanket using a loom.