Knitters: camels, rabbits, mink and yaks?

[Benning Boy]

At this site http://stonearabie.com/Yarns.html can be found a variety of unusual yarns. Can any of you bonnet knitters tell me if any would be suitable for making a bonnet? I'm sure they could all be knitted to a bonnet pattern, but can they be fulled? Whereas I believe the Lairds amongst us might jump on bonnets made of mink, I on the other hand am interested in yak. If I recall my Asian Studies correctly, yak hair is sometimes an ingredient in felt items made by herding peoples.

[KiltedKnome]

It is my understanding that yarns made from most animal fibres can be fulled. It has to do with the protein structure of the strands in reaction to hot water and agitation. So, I think this would be worth the experiment.

You might want to read this article: http://www.maddycraft.com/MC108.pdf

[Pleater]

Usually if the yarn is labelled 'hand wash only' it indicates a tendency to felt.

I have seen 'dry clean' labels on a yarn which would shrink if worn in the rain. It was a while ago now and I can't remember what fibre it was - something very exotic though.

If it is essential that it does then a direct enquiry to the supplier should be made, and if they can't tell you the only options are to look for another supplier with more knowledge and experience or to buy a sample and do the experiment yourself.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: