Alpaca Mittens for Charity

For the Soaring Eagles Project and Knit Unto Others!!

Branching Out

Classic Alpaca Phlox color size 8 needles 2 skeins

Bulky Alpaca Hat

After a rash of knitting-disasters, the wonderful Pithy Hat has revitalized my zest for fiber.



Pattern: Pithy Hat, modded for bulky yarn use
Yarn: Mirasol Sulka (60% merino, 20% alpaca, 20%20 alpaca 20% silk)
Things I'd change:
Actually, not much. It's a wee bit too long in the back, but I can live with that.

I really really quite love this yarn. It does shed like a mad, moulting canary (hey, d'like my apropos simile there? eh? I try!), so I would personally only use it for accessory knitting.

Another project!

The one row handpun Scarf by Yarn Harlot. I used Elann Pure Peruvian Alpaca and Elann Sierra Aran. Size 7 needles --easy repetitive one more Christmas present down!!!

And another

Arucania Atacama childs size 2 on size 8 needles, cute little fish button!!!!

Arucania Atacama

a size 3 childs vest using Arucania Atacama doubled. This is for charity! Grace

Garter stitch jacket & hat

(cross-posted to my own blog recklessglue)



pattern: Debbie Bliss, the baby knits book
yarn: Debbie Bliss alpaca silk (80% baby alpaca, 20% silk) in coral (#25010)
needles: 4.5 mm bamboo straights

A quick knit! I even did the little matching garter stitch hat to go with it. In the end it took me just over 7 balls of the alpaca silk, which is totally outrageous for a baby knit, but hopefully this little jacket will be enjoyed for a little while at least by my BFF's soon-to-be baby girl.

It's not 100% done as I still need to find/sew on some decent buttons for it:



The DB alpaca silk is GORGEOUS. I've got a couple of balls left of the same coral and plan to do a cowl or something with it, so that I too can be wrapped in it's silky fuzziness at all times!

More Alpaca Lace

I just finished Alpine Lace Scarf from Victorian Lace Today. It is a birthday gift for my mother in law. I really enjoyed working on this project. The central lace panel was very easy but the border kept me interested. I used two skeins of Misty Alpaca and cannot praise this yarn enough. I am certainly going to use it again. More details and pictures for those who are interested are on my blog.

another shawl with alpaca

This shawl is my own design and uses Cherry Tree Hill lace yarn and Mr Joe Montapulcino which is an alpaca baby loop yarn. It was done on size 9 addi turbos and has a crochet bindoff.

Happy Alpaca Day!

I mean, Mother's Day. lol I bought myself 2 and a half pounds of alpaca to spin this weekend. I'm very excited. This was (according to local "officials") the second best bagful. The very best had already been purchased, and it was white. Which, I realize, is better for dyeing and all. I don't want to dye it. I love naturally colored alpaca though. Too bad my camera is broken and you guys only get this pathetic picture, all of the other ones didn't even turn out.

Himalaya

I've got another free pattern for you guys. Stop by and check it out

New pattern available

Hey guys, I just wanted to share a new free pattern with you. It's not in alpaca (though an alpaca blend would be a good sub),but knit out of yak which I can guarantee you'll love if you get the chance to try it out.

Roman

available at www.thiskittenknits.com

Luna Shawl Done

This is the Luna Shawl from Elann It was completed with 4 skeins of Pure Peruvian Alpaca in Atlantic Mist on size 9 additurbos. Its soft and gorgeous Measuring 66 X 36. DH dyed some Alpaca/Silk this weekend, have a look see at my BLOG.

alpaca vest

pattern: Gilmore Vest
yarn: 5 balls of Fable Handknits 100% baby alpaca in "grey"
needles: 3.5 and 4mm bamboo clover straights

Finally finished this vest! More details can be found on my blog if you're interested. I got a great deal on the yarn at pick up sticks. It was all 50% off, and it's the softest stuff I have ever knit with, so I kind of went a little crazy buying it, though I have a feeling they're all sold out of it at this point. Prices are in Canadian dollars so you should go over and check them out for all sorts of stuff. (Sorry, my little plug for pick up sticks, since I've had some really favourable experiences with them!)

And yes, I do actually wear this tacky polyester shirt!

:)

Finally done!

My Liesel Scarf.

(detail)

As yet unblocked but I wanted to get a picture of it up because it may be awhile before I do block it. I certainly won't be needing it anytime soon.

Maybe I'll just display it on my wall for now!

More info here.

New project

there is a Shawl along over at Elann.com using one of their free patterns. I am using Elann Pure Peruvian Alpaca to make the Luna Moth shawl. I am also using some alpaca in a baby blanket for the afghans for afghans mother'd day campaign. The shawl along is open to anyone---contact midwifeknits@yahoo.com Lisa will get you hooked up!!

I heart alpaca

I absolutely love alpaca yarn and am so happy to have happened upon this blog / knit along!

I just finished this Misti Chunky Ribs & Ruffles scarf...

And currently have this "shaped scarf" on the needles, using an absolutely wonderful, native, natural color alpaca that I purchased at my LYS, A Knitter's Garden.

Looking forward to being a part of this great group!

My Alpaca Project

I've finally thought of the perfect project for me to do for the Alpaca KAL. I met up with a group of local knitters at Starbucks last night and they are doing a KAL of sorts. The pattern is Branching Out by Susan Pierce Lawrence on Knitty.com. I have yarn left from first attempt at Ms. Marigold and wasn't sure what to do with it....this is fabulous. Plus - I think I can take a mini-break from Rusted Root for an hour or so tonight and cast on. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, here's a pic of my cat Hannah sleeping with my soon-to-be new lace scarf!

SD's blog

A Few Days Early

I have to announce the winner of the contest a few days early. This is going to be a busy week, I'm finishing my spinning wheel, cleaning, and getting ready to go on vacation! Just a heads up, I will be out of town for a week starting on the 9th, any correspondence might not be returned until I come home.

Without further ado, the winner of the Comment Contest is:

Cara of Reckless Glue!

Please email me with your address and I will send you your prize. :) Happy Knitting all!

Update on my 1st Swallowtail Shawl

Here's a couple of pictures of my 1st Swallowtail Shawl using Misti Alpaca Lace:

I started this shawl on Mar 3, 2007 and finished it on Mar. 9, 2007. I'm planning on making the next one larger by doing 19 reps on chart 2 vs 14 reps. This was really fun to knit and the nupps were not as bad as I thought they were going to be. I used my working needle and a dpn held together when I did the yo's. This kept them loose enough to do the purl 5 tog on the next row, and it didn't slow me down that much.

My next Alpaca project will be a scarf from the Artic Lace book using Alpaca Cloud from Knitpicks.

Here are my first 2 alpaca FO's. Finished just as temps hit the 80's here in the midwest, wouldn't you know. I think I'll turn the AC down real low and take turns wearing them in the house! More details on my blog (you will have to scroll down a few days back).


I absolutely loved the turquoise Alpaca Baby Grande - it was very soft and silky, it seemed to just fly out of my fingers and onto the needles. And I loved everything about the chocolate Blue Skies Bulky alpaca, from the way it looked (like reggae dreadlocks), the way it smelled, the way it felt, the way it knitted. I am ordering more of this, as soon as I figure out what non-scarf item to make with it - maybe a ski band and mittens.

And here is the start of my new infatuation, some decadent plummy Big Baby from Alpaca With a Twist - my new most favorite. It's just made for the Yarn Harlot's One-Row Scarf pattern!

New Pattern

Elann has posted a beautiful new pattern the Luna Moth Shawl I have made several of SK's designs including this shawl in alpaca, she is creative and thorough in her pattern writing . The shawl pictured is her Garden Path made from Elanns Pure Peruvian Alpaca in Cactus on size 9 addis.

Here is a picture of the scarf I made using Misti Alpaca Chunky. It's a free pattern from their website. I love this yarn!

Alpaca Sweater, just in time for spring :p

At long last, I've completed the Fair Isle U-Neck.


Specs:

Pattern: Fair Isle U-Neck from Vogue Knitting, Fall 2006
Yarn: Knit Picks Elegance
Time to complete: October 2006-March 2007
Things I'd change: The sleeves. I hate them. They're way too loose and baggy compared to the body. I'd also change that, too. The body's about 2 inches too big.

Despite what my "what I'd change" list says, I really do like the way the sweater turned out. The yarn is wonderful, very soft and smooth against the skin. The colours worked out alright as well.
When I make a second one (yes, I will! and I already have the yarn for it!) it's going to be smaller, and the sleeves will be 3/4 length instead of full-length.

This second photo shows the colours a bit better.

Thanks!

Thanks for inviting me to join your KAL! I have just finished the Swallowtail Shawl from IK Fall 2006 using Misti Alpace Lace in Cranberry. Here's a picture of it in the blocking stage. This is a cool pattern and I will be making another. I have 2 skeins of Misti Alpaca Lace in Sea Mist, I may use them for the Shetland Triangle or Ene's Scarf...not sure yet.

Sorry

I know I haven't been posting here often, I have been reading and checking on the blog though! The contest is coming to an end soon, don't forget to get your comments in!

Also, since I have been rather busy, did I forget to add anyone to the sidebar? Please let me know.

Thank you

New to the KAL

Hello everyone. My name is Susan, aka Knitters-Delight and I found this KAL through a few bloggers that are on my daily read list. I am currently finishing up Wendy Bernard's Not-So-Shrunken Cardigan, which I'm using merino wool for. After this, I'm planning on starting her Fad Classic in Debbie Bliss' Alpaca Silk DK in a gorgeous wine color. I had previously tried to use the yarn for Ms. Marigold, but it got completely tangled on me and I lost at least 2 skeins. Since this is a smaller amount needed for the Fad Classic, I'm trying to use the yarn again. I also bought a ball winder and I'll re-wind it so that it pulls from the center.

Feel free to check me out on my blog at http://knitters-delight.blogspot.com.

Suggestions?

I am desperate to make this lace shawl from elann.com. I think I'd like to make it with an alpaca blend yarn. Can anyone suggest an aran weight (17st/4") yarn that is reasonably priced that would work with this project?

Freakin' finally...

I'm done with that damned zipper! Details on my blog. Let me just say that It was a quick knit despite all my finishing or rather shopping trouble. I'd recommend the pattern totally. Now I'm off to look for another alpaca project...

Back view

Introducing myself

Hello all,

I just joined this KAL and thought introductions were in order. I went back into the archives and found this intro questionaire and thought I'd start with that. So, here goes...

1. How did you find this KAL?
I was surfing the 'net and found the 2007 Knit Alongs and Swaps website. I saw this one there.

2. What do you plan on making with your Alpaca fiber? Crocheting, knitting, or spinning? If knitting or crocheting give us details on the yarn! I am currently working on the Spinner's Shawl by Fibertrends. It is my first shawl project and I have just barely started. It is being knit with Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Tide Pool, a lace weight yarn. After that, I have a sock of the month kit (from way too long ago...) that is called something like Celtic Cables. The yarn for it is Misti Alpaca lace weight in a medium kelly green. There might be an alpaca spinning project in the future, but I have too many UFOs right now to start something new.

3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca? I have worked with alpaca once before. I knit a pair of socks with Knit Picks Andean Treasure. They are so soft. I love alpaca.

4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with? I have only used these three different yarns. I like the medium weight yarns, sport weight, but apparently keep finding lace weight projects.

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? Any of the above would be great.

Well, that's all for now. I just got off work, so I have chores to do. Looking forward to everyone and all the projects. Nice to meet you all.

Donna

I was lucky enough to receive some fabulous Blue Skies bulky alpaca in deep chocolate brown for the February Color Swap 2007. It is seriously bulky and seriously soft and reminds me of dreadlocks. I want to knit a scarf for myself and since I have 90 yards and like a long scarf, I thought I'd come up with a pattern using stripes in different colors of baby Alpaca Grande (doubled) and Rowan bulky merino (doubled). I wanted to knit the Blue Skies yarn in a seed stitch and the stripes in either seed or garter. The problem is that I am getting very obvious color "bumps" on one side. I am frustrated because I don't like the way it looks - I want clean lines on both sides - but no matter which stitch I use, I keep getting these bumps. Does anyone know what kind of stitch or other technique I could use to eliminate or minimize these bumps and get distinct edges on both sides? Thanks for any help I can get.

Just a Reminder

The comment contest is still running! It will end April 2, and I will announce the winner on April 5th. All you have to do is comment on any post, at any time between now and that date.

The yarn review forms are still in progress, but if you are working with a yarn that you just love, please don't be shy. Let us know about it!

Must Speak Up

lol
I have my alpaca shawl on hold for the moment, what with all my other knitting I *must* get done before I dare cast on for it.

However, this afternoon, while out on a stroll along the muddied snow street of this fair little burg, I discovered I have to knit something else for myself, and very soon. I must knit myself a wide enough, thick enough, LONG enough scarf. As if I haven't been out in worse weather at all this entire winter. For some reason today, wearing my nice thick, but rather short, alpaca blend scarf that I made months ago for no real reason other than I had left over bits of alpaca/cotton blend yarn and wanted to see what they looked like together (lovely really).
I knitted up this 38 inch scarf, using red, black and white alpaca/cotton blend bulky yarn, as I had nothing better to do and the balls of yarn were leftovers from someone else's projects--and I figured well, why not.
I adore the scarf. I've not worn this scarf this year til now. I need one about this thick (roughly 10/11 inches wide), just....longer. Even blended with cotton, the scarf today was wicked warm, except where the wind streaked in under the edges as I could not properly loop it around my neck to keep the wind out.
I have I believe it is called Indica alpaca yarn, 100%, one lone skein, and it is calling to be blended, with who knows what at this moment, to create a very long very lovely scarf to keep me warm, no matter what.

So, first I shall need to go stash diving. My skein of Indica is sports weight (so says the label, but it is REALLY thin for sports weight, I say) and it is dark grey. (It also cost me $1 in the sale bin at my lys as it was the sole remaining skein of that colour when I happened in one day). Then, I shall go--pattern diving. Something simple is all I require at the moment, simple and yet--divine. :-) Or at least cute, ok? :-)

I'll let you know where I end up. I probably won't go stash diving until tomorrow. I have comfort shawl to finsih before I commence anything for myself.

Toodles.

Done !

I've just finished my irish sweater with the baby alpaca DK from Rowan. So sweet !

I've got goodies

I wanted to let you all know that I've opened up shop over at Etsy and I have a few things you might like. I will also be more than happy to make anything custom if you've got any ideas. Just let me know. (oh, I would also appreciate any opinions-good & bad on how things look) Suggestions always welcome.

These were with all of you (and me, of course) in mind.

Knitter bracelet

Purl Girl bracelet

Scissor fob with Ankh charm

bookmark

Newbie

Hi,

I'm a newbie here, and this is my first KAL of any kind~ I'm a relatively new knitter, but I'm loving alpaca, so I thought I'd post my first attempt at knitting with it.

I just finished this cowl a couple weeks ago:



So that's it inside out, though I kinda like it that way. I'm wearing it with pretty much everything --It's like a giant necklace! I'm not super crazy about the colour ("mist"), so I definitely plan to make another, it was a very, VERY easy knit. Kinda tedious, really, just endless purling. Pattern and yarn both from Fable HandKnits and it is 100% baby alpaca, just about the softest yarn I've ever knit with.



I bought the yarn from Pick up Sticks, which I believe is Vancouver based (I'm Canadian...) and I think the yarn itself is also from a Canadian company (for those of you who appreciate all the details!)



I've also since bought a whack more of this fabulous yarn in other colours (it's currently half price!), and have cast on the "Gilmore Vest" from the same Fable Handknits site, so that'll be my next alpaca project...I'll be sure to post photos of it once it's completed, which might be awhile...

So, that's my introduction, I look forward to reading up on what everyone else is knitting with alpaca, and checking out all your blogs as well!
~Cara :)
http://www.recklessglue.blogspot.com

Hey Ya'll!

My reality-based name is Katie, but in Blogland, I am known as "Criquette". I have only been knitting for about 1 year and love making scarves and hats. I have also knit a kitty pi bed. And now that I have actually constructed small garments made of both knit and purl stitches (sometimes in the same garment!) I am ready to start branching out. Alpaca is, so far, the softest yarn I have worked with and I want more, more, more!!! I thought this group would be a fun place to learn my next steps.

1. How did you find this KAL?
On the KAL 2007 website. I like the idea of focusing on yarn instead of a specific project.

2. What do you plan on making?
I hope to make a cabled scarf (maybe Irish Hiking scarf), a pair of mitts, and perhaps a shawl in a feather-and-fan pattern. All will be knitted. I have crocheted for most of my life, but much prefer knitting now.

3. Have you worked with alpaca before?
Yes! I made several hats for a local charity and a scarf using Paton's Rumor yarn, which is an acrylic/alpaca blend. It was budget-friendly and knitted up quickly into my SIL's President's Day gift - you can read more about it here.

But, that little mix just wasn't enough - I immediately went and bought myself some skeins of the real thing - Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande # 3347 and made myself a lushly decadent scarf - this is the first item I have knitted for myself and I love it!

I used Yarn Harlot's "One-Row Handspun Scarf" pattern (scroll down to the 10/12/06 entry) using #11 Clover bamboo needles and am very happy with the drape and texture. I have only to sew in the ends, block and wash her and then I'll be praying for some more cold weather so I can get a few wearings out of her this winter!

4. What is your favorite alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with?
I' m not ready to commit to a favorite since I don't know what else is out there! ;) In general, I like to work with worsted weight and somewhat bulkier yarns. This could have a lot to do with my need for projects that do not strain my tiny attention span and reward me with fast results OR it could be because I like the more substantial feeling from the thicker yarns as it glides through my fingers.

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do?
Motivate, educate and entertain each other. I'd like to see the group participate in a charity project together - Red Scard Project, Dulaan, or something similar. Knitters can save the world!

6. Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps?
I am open to any or all of the above and will happily donate a prize if a contest involving a charity project were to occur.

I will be posting the responses to the Al-KAL meme on my blog, Prairie Gumbo, later tonight. I've started reading everyone's blogs and want to say that you all seem like a really fun bunch of knitters and I am looking forward to getting to know you.

Ok--Time To Speak Up

Better late than never..
It's been awhile since i joined this kal--and I am still stymied with a pattern--but I am getting there. Lots of things going on at home as well I won't bore you with (think--divorce,with children involved--that should be warning enough)

1. How did you find this KAL?
The KAL 2007 webpage.

2. What do you plan on making with your Alpaca fiber? Crocheting, knitting, or spinning?
If knitting or crocheting give us details on the yarn!
I want to make myself a faroese shawl--but not an overly lacy one or anything
I have actually (see I must be mad) considered making an EZ pi shawl!
hence the pattern stymie--I will be knitting it
I have to figure out where I have hidden my stash of alpaca--I have it bagged up on its own, sitting on a shelf where I cannot reach it so I won't just sit and stare and pet it.
The yarn is a bulky weight (yes, I am still sure I want to make the shawl :-) ) 50/50 alpaca cotton blend
I have several colours of it--I think I have enough off white to make a whole shawl with no problem, but I also have some black and green, in case I want to stripe it--or embellish it--or make something entirely different with it


3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca? I have used many different alpaca blends before--and I ahve one lone skein of 100% alpaca sitting in my knittig basket (this is the one I take out and pet alot)--it's dark grey and 110 yds--and cost me $1.50 at the lys as it was the last skein--and I had to have it--even if it is fingering weight!
I have several alpaca blend hats and scarves I have made, and so do many friends and family members (those who are not allregic) and due to a distinct error on my part while making a head scarf one of my 5yo dd's dolls has a quite lovely alpaca shawl/blanket as well
Actually the most fun I had was making that darned doll shawl--although I was most upset to hand it over to a doll who normally sleeps under a pillow anyway!


4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with? if it has alpaca in it--I am a very happy girl
I have been to alpaca farms (and one day I swear I shall have my own--and not just so I have to learn how to shear and spin either--although those are perks for me :-) )
Right now I actually prefer to knit with hand spun and worsted weight
it's cold here in MD between the mountain peaks (we do literally live in a valley between 2 mountains) and the dry chill air bothers my hands alot--so it's easier right now to work with somewhat thicker yarns
although in warmer climes I enjoy sports weight yarns as well

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? you mean other than support one another? lol
I enjoy all sorts of kals and swaps and exchanges

Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? oh yes--lovely

if I missed anything I apologise
I am off running now

so much to do
so little time :-)

Tabitha

Eyelet Blouse

Hi Ladies,
I have finished my alpaca Eyelet Blouse from the latest Vogue Knitting. It did not even take me so long (I usually have several projects on my needles), which means this KAL is working as a good motivation. I enjoyed knitting it even though I had a hard time putting this piece together as it consists of too many parts for my taste. I used Knitpicks Ambrosia, 80% alpaca-20% cashmere blend and here are a few thoughts about that yarn:
I loved working with it. It feels very soft, slides nicely through my fingers, does not split and knits pretty evenly. When I put the blouse on though, I realized that unfortunately it does itch a little even though my skin is not particularly sensitive to wool or alpaca. I haven`t blocked it yet, but I hope blocking will somewhat soften it. If not I will have to find some cami to wear under. Some more pictures and details are on my blog .