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.