This is a fabulously soft mixture. Handwash very gently in tepid water, unless you wish to felt it. As far as gauge is concerned, anything containing Angora should be knitted as though it were twice its weight. Lace as 4ply, 4ply as DK, etc. I have been knitting this yarn (in bottled rabbit ) and am using a 5mm needle, and getting a lovely fabric, but I knit rather loosely.