Can this hat be saved?

[zvi]

I started making a 50/50 wool alpaca hat.

I started itching a lot.

I think I may be allergic to wool. Is there a way to line an object I've made with wool to make it comfortable for me to wear, or should I just give it to a friend?

Comments

[sedge]

It's possible that the fibers themselves are too scratchy, in which case lining should work - you could either make another hat out of something that doesn't itch (it would possibly need to be much finer yarn to avoid bulk, and therefore a different gauge) and then sew it inside, or sew a lining from soft knit fabric.

Sometimes people are sensitive to chemicals used in cleaning, dyeing, or otherwise processing the fiber. A good careful wash might deal with the problem in this case.

[zvi]

No, it's not scratchiness, definitely. It's a lovely bluesky alpaca and it is AMAZEBALLS soft. It is just on the inside of possibility that it's dye, though. I actually crocheted three other balls of same, but in three other colorways, with no problem (although with considerably less exposure of skin to yarn, also [long sleeves, covered legs].)

[sedge]

The dye seems plausible, then. And there are people allergic to alpaca - it would be pretty rotten if you've developed that.