Camel

The coat of a camel consists of an outer layer of guard hair and an inner layer of down. Camel fiber is obtained either by gathering it after shedding, or shearing or combing the camel. The staple length found in most camel roving or tops is approximately 2 inches. Camel fiber is similar in warmth and softness to cashmere.

You will typically find camel roving in natural colors (light brown to darker reddish brown) or a darker dyed color because although it can be dyed, is fairly fragile and does not bleach well. If there are any current auctions for camel roving or top on eBay, you’ll find them listed below. Click the picture or description for any auction to get more information or place a bid.

Yummy!~~50/50 Baby Camel/Silk Top~2oz~spin wool roving US $9.00 End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 3:30:13 PST Add to watch list

Yummy!~~50/50 Baby Camel/Silk Top~2oz~spin wool roving US $9.00 End Date: Wednesday Mar-17-2010 4:36:29 PDT Add to watch list

100% WOOL ROVING - CAMEL - 1 OUNCE-GREAT FOR FELTING! US $3.25 End Date: Sunday Mar-21-2010 17:36:00 PDT Add to watch list

Coarse Camel Hair Fiber for Masks, Rugs, Weaving 8 oz US $13.95 End Date: Sunday Mar-28-2010 10:41:57 PDT Add to watch list

Camel Down Natural Loose Spinning Wheel Fiber US $6.95 End Date: Friday Apr-02-2010 17:00:51 PDT Add to watch list

If there aren’t any current auctions for camel fiber, you may be able to find some for sale at Plum Crazy Llama Ranch’s eBay store. They often have both camel roving and camel/silk blends in stock.

Another good source for camel roving is Paradise Fibers. They even occasionally have baby camel top in stock!

Camel fiber does not felt easily, so if you’re thinking of using it in a felting project, you will probably want to blend it with wool first. Because of its softness, warmth, and relatively light weight, camel roving can be spun into a beautiful, soft, lightweight yarn that would be perfect for knitting into a next to the skin sweater for winter wear.