how to determine fiber content of yarn

Do you have some unlabeled yarn, and are wondering how to tell what it is made of? Some of the new synthetic yarns are so good, that you simply can't tell if they are wool by feel or by sight. You might try the "match test" or trial by burning to determine the fiber content of your yarn.

Here's what Beth Drake explained to me. She said:

"You can always tell animal fiber vs synthetic or vegetable. Synthetic will melt, vegetable will burn, and animal fiber (wool) will smell like burning hair. That way you know what it is. Wool does not burn it just turns to ash and stops. If it is a blend you might have a little melt but primarily it will turn to ash."

You can see her cool stuff at:

http://www.elizabethdrakedesigns.ecrater.com/