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 .

Simple Chunky Alpaca Hat

Hey Ladies! I have finished my alpaca project. It was simple really, just a hat made with chunky alpaca. Here it is!!
The hat was too small for me but it fit the DH perfectly!!Story behind the pic is that DH doesn't like his face on the internet. I told him that I wanted to just take a pic of him from his eyes up just to show off the hat. So he made himself a little black bar to cover his eyes. He's such a smart ass!
He loves the hat. What do you ladies think?
I can't wait to get my hands on some more alpaca! I've loved knitting with the chunky style now I may try a blend.

All About Meme...

1. I've been hooked on the needles since? about two years ago I started knitting again, and took to it obsessively.
2. I'm still a virgin, but not for long: to spinning, needle-felting, dying yarn, finishing a sweater
3. She's crafty - she gets around...to : knitting She's crafty - she's always down...for: yarn sales, starting something new She's crafty - she's got a gripe...about : oily feeling synthetic yarns She's crafty - and she's just my type. What type of knitter are you? I want to knit just to learn new techniques (like with my Liesel Scarf)
4. I'm dying to try: Lorna's Laces
5. I gravitate towards colors like? deep oranges, reds, fuschias, greens
6. My most cherished possession (kids, pets, family don't count) is: the ring my father gave me 7. I'm stuck on an island, what am I reading? The Little Prince
8. If I were about to be executed and I was offered a last meal , I'd be dining on: Thai Coconut Milk Shrimp Soup & other various Thai dishes, preferably with lots of seafood
9. Music to knit by: CBC radio
10. I have a crush on: Bruce Willis
11. Least favorite celeb: who cares?
12. Choose: Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp? absolutely Depp
Madonna or Janet Jackson? Madonna
June Cleaver or Peg Bundy? Peg
Jackie or Marilyn? Marilyn
Love or Money? love
Brains or looks? brains
Math or English? both
Cat or Dog? cat
Leader or follower? go-it-aloner
Beer or Champagne? beer
13. My favorite smell? nutmeg
14. Not many people know this about me: I like watching boxing
15. My hidden talent is: doing math in my head

Better late than never..

I signed up a while for this KAL and then we started a new semester at uni and everything went mad, but here I am with my anwsers.

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

2. What do you plan on making with your Alpaca fiber? Bulky Green Cables in Rowan Plaid (an alpaca/wool blend)in Sea Thistle, Endpaper Mitts in Blue Sky Alpaca Silk in Chocolate (kindly gifted to me by knitdevil) and Turquoise and some socks using Januarys Fyberpates Sock Club yarn.
Crocheting, knitting, or spinning? Knitting

If knitting or crocheting give us details on the yarn! See above

3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? I have used Rowan Plaid to make a cuddly cable jumper and Artesano Alpaca Opulencia for Misty Garden from Scarf Style for my ISE3 pal.

If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca? I enjoyed both equally as much as they were so different.

4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? I am really looking forward to using the Blue Sky Alpaca Silk as it is soft, and I keep going back to the Artesano Hummingbird yarn.

What weight do you prefer working with? Any and all. I like to have a range of projects with varying weights on the go

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Maybe a structured KAL (a scarf/mittens something small)

Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? Contests, prizes, swaps, surveys - all good!

I can be found at www.myknittingandme.blogspot.com

A Couple of Events

Alright, so, after reading through the posts and most of your personal blogs, I have set up a few things for us.

First, I want to do a small contest to encourage commenting. This will be a bit of a wait, and totally random, but still exciting. Just, comment here on the blog at some point or another (the more you comment, the more likely you will be to win!) in the next two months. That's all. Of course, there have to be posts to comment on. ;) The winner will be selected at random.

The second thing will take a bit more organizing from me, but I want to set up a review. I will email each of you individually and ask you to submit a review of the yarn you are currently using. If you have more than one project, just pick one yarn to review. Would you prefer a form or something more open-ended?

Introducing...me!

Hi!

I'm Melanie...(aka sienna)

& I'm quickly becoming an Alpaca addict.

I don't only knit with alpaca; it would be too warm for a sweater for me, not durable enough for socks or a purse, but for any other accessories I'm game. (depending, of course, on my paycheque that week!)

Ah...the obligatory questionnaire...

1. How did you find this KAL?

- along with everyone else, it seems, through the wonderful 2007 KAL list. (what a wonderful person, whoever organized that!)

2. What do you plan on making...etc.?

- I have the Liesel scarf on the needles as we speak (type)
- I have some Alacama left and I'm not sure yet what I want to use it for
- I'm sure other things will crop up as time goes by (maybe a shawl!)

3. Have you worked with alpaca before? & Favourite finished object?

- I made Fetching fingerless mitts with Alacama from Araucania Yarns. Lovely to work with and they look lovely. I may give them to my co-worker Leah (since she admires them so much) as a congratulatory gift for getting a scholarship to Fairleigh Dickinson University! Besides, I have enough for another pair in the same yarn if I miss them too much.

4. Favourite alpaca yarn?

- I probably can't afford the heavier weight yarns! I do like fingering weight and might try a lace weight shawl later this year. I must say I love the Noble yarn from Michell which is 90% alpaca, 10% something-in-Spanish.

5. Things to Do?

- I'm open...I would probably be more into contests & surveys than swaps...and everyone is into prizes. :)

The shawl is done !

This is the last stitch of my red alpaca.

A little patience to see the shawl… For the moment it is blocking.

Fair Isle U-Neck in Alpaca

And now to move on from the monster-sized post I just did yesterday:

Here's my alpaca project that's currently on hold (but I hope to rev into high gear now that I've joined this KAL!).

It's the Fair Isle U-Neck from Vogue Knitting, Fall 2006. This is only the back, and it's been in this state since October!

And Hello to you All!

Howdy!

I'm always terrible at intros, so I'm going to wimp out and instead present my answers to a couple of surveys posted earlier in this blog :)

1. How did you find this KAL?
That nifty "current KAL" website.

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 currently have a fair isle sweater (the one from VK fall 2006) on the needles. Sad thing is, I haven't touched it since October! It's about halfway up the back, and looks alright so far. I have nothing but absolute praise for the alpaca/silk blend that I'm using. It's Knit Picks Elegance.

I also need to make myself another pair of fingerless gloves (my own silly, meandering pattern) with the buttery-soft Elsebeth Lavold ClassicAL. My first pair, after having served bravely for 2 winters in a row, have finally developed undeniable holes in the thumbs. The second pair won't have thumbs, most definately!

Finally, there's this giant afghan that I've been meaning to start for ages now. It's pretty far down the list of project priorities now!

3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca?
So far the only completed project I've made with alpaca are my fingerless mitts with Elsebeth ClassicAL. Mmm, I love that yarn!

4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with?
I am *blushingly* ignorant of alpaca! I hope to broaden my horizons with this KAL.

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps?
Great question! So far I'm grappling with the mountain of WIPs that I have. I really love swaps, though, and contests and prizes are always fun!

________________
ALPACA KAL ALL ABOUT MEME:
1. I've been hooked on the needles since?
Knitting for about 4 years, crochet for 1 and cross-stitch for about 2 months!
2. I'm still a virgin, but not for long: to steeking and mitred squares.
3. She's crafty - she gets around...to : knitting, sewing, quilting, crochet and cross stitch.
She's crafty - she's always down...for: reading, playing my guitar.
She's crafty - she's got a gripe...about : not living in a yarn store!
She's crafty - and she's just my type. What type of knitter are you? Terrific question. I'm crazy about starting new projects, not so much about finishing them.
4. I'm dying to try: Blue Sky Alpaca
5. I gravitate towards colors like? (I have to copy your answers, knitten kitten, cause they're the very same as mine!) earth tones like greens, browns, pinks, creams and golds are my favourites. I don't care for blue or red.
6. My most cherished possession (kids, pets, family don't count) is: stash, baby!
7. I'm stuck on an island, what am I reading? Jane Austen.
8. If I were about to be executed and I was offered a last meal , I'd be dining on: butter chicken and basmati, with a decadent cheesecake to finish.
9. Music to knit by: Beatles, Oasis, Nirvana, Sarah Harmer, the Murmurs, Hawksley Workman, Sam Roberts.
10. I have a crush on: Jon Stewart.
11. Least favorite celeb: too many, can't count.
12. Choose:
Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp? sorry, neither.
Madonna or Janet Jackson? Madonna
June Cleaver or Peg Bundy? Peggy!
Jackie or Marilyn? Marilyn
Love or Money? Love
Brains or looks? Brains
Math or English? English
Cat or Dog? Dog
Leader or follower? follower
Beer or Champagne? beer
13. My favorite smell? freshly made chocolate chip cookies
14. Not many people know this about me: I love to dance!
15. My hidden talent is: dancing :)

____________

There you go: far more than you needed to know about me!