This month I will talk about Nordic Yarn Baby Camel and give some ideas what to knit with it.
What Kind of Yarn Is Baby Camel?
First, the yarn. Baby Camel is 100% baby camel and has 230 m/ 252 yds per 50 g hank and is fingering weight. Suitable needle size varies according what you are knitting but generally size 2.5-3 mm/ US 1.5-2.5 could be recommended. I have tried different needle materials and have found that I prefer metal tips as the yarn slides smoothly on them. If I would knit a garment or a shawl with Baby Camel I would go up with needle size, the lovely subtle halo ensures that the fabric does not look to open. Camels produce longer fibres than sheep, which results in a more durable finished product. And the bonus is that harvesting camel hair is done by hand so the humpies do not experience any discomfort, quite the opposite, they are happy to get rid of their old coats.
What Is Baby Camel Suitable For
Secondly, what is Baby Camel suitable for? Well, for almost anything. It is absolutely fantastic yarn for garments, hats, cowls, shawls, wrist warmers and mittens; anything that comes in touch with your skin as camel wool fibre is finer than most merino sheep wool, making it often feel just as soft as cashmere. It would be especially suitable for thermal underwear as a camel’s hair is thermo-regulated and has both strong warmth retention and air permeability – this translates into warm yet breathable fabric. It would make fantastic wrist, ankle, shoulder etc. warmers for people suffering through the cold months. Surprise your grandparents with a lovely gift!
And don't forget the babies! Blankets, garments, accessories, whatever comes to your mind. You could also knit with two strands together to make extra warm but still light weight items to keep your baby warm and happy.
And, well, socks, not the most durable yarn for them as there is no man made fibre to strengthen the yarn but as I have a tendency to knit socks from almost any yarn I've made a pair, Baby Camel Socks. I use them as bed socks and as a liner for thicker wool socks on the very cold days and they have withheld fine with the light use.
February's free knitting pattern is Kaneli (cinnamon in Finnish) Hat, a basic slouchy with rolled edge, perfect for late winter and early spring.
Free Knitting Pattern - Kaneli Hat
PATTERN INFO
Sizes
S (M), to fit head size 50-52 (54-56) cm/ 20 (22) inches
Yarn
1 ball of Baby Camel (100% baby camel; 230 m/ 251.5 yds per 50 g).
Needles
2.75 mm / US 2.5 and 3.25 mm / US 3 circular needle or double pointed needles or needle size to obtain gauge
Gauge
30 sts x 40 rows = 10 x 10 cm / 4 x 4 inches in stockinette st after blocking
Notions
Darning needle
Tape measure
Markers
INSTRUCTIONS
Brim
With smaller needles CO 124 (132) sts with long tail CO or with your preferred method. Join to work in the round being careful not to twist the sts and PM to indicate the beginning of the round. Knit 6 rnds.
Rnd 1: *k2, p2; rep from * to end of rnd.
Repeat Rnd 1 until brim measures approximately 3 cm/ 1.25 inches including the rolled edge.
Change to larger needles and knit all sts until the hat measures approximately 21 cm/ 8.25 inches.
Crown
Rnd 1: *k2, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd; 93 (99) stsRnds 2-4: k all sts
Rnd 5: *k1, k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd; 62 (66) sts
Rnds 6-7: k all sts
Rnd 8: *k2tog; rep from * to end of rnd; 31 (33) sts
Rnd 9: k all sts
Rnd 10: *k2tog; rep from * to 1 st before end, k1; 16 (17) sts
Rnd 11: k all sts
Break yarn and pull it through the remaining sts tightly. Weave in ends.
FINISHING
Place the hat in lukewarm water and let it soak thoroughly. Gently squeeze out the excess water. Place on a towel and roll in to remove further moisture. Lay on flat surface and let dry completely.
Abbreviations
CO cast onk knit
k2tog knit 2 stitches together
p purl
PM place marker
rep repeat
rnd(s) round(s)
st(s) stitch(es)