A day later than promised

...but I do have the promised pictures of my current alpaca WIP: (Forgive the crappy photography, I'm clearly not as gifted with my camera as with my needles.) This first picture shows the true color.

I have completed the back of the jacket and I am seriously diggin' on the mini cabled armhole decreases. Tres decorative I think. I am loving this pattern with this yarn so very much more than the other one. It is destined to be my comfy sweater for years to come. BTW the very center has a 2 purl rib which lends a wonky line in it's current raw unblocked state. see what I mean?

and now as promised:


ALPACA KAL ALL ABOUT MEME:

1. I've been hooked on the needles since? crochet since I was about 7 (taught by mammaw), knitting for about 3 years (self taught), but I'm partial to the needles.

2. I'm still a virgin, but not for long: to fair-isle, steeking & spinning

3. She's crafty - she gets around...to : knitting, beading, sewing, & crochet

She's crafty - she's always down...for: reading, writing, watching movies

She's crafty - she's got a gripe...about : people who talk during movies

She's crafty - and she's just my type. What type of knitter are you? I'm a thrower who spends more time deciding what to knit than actually knitting and then gifts much of it. I grudgingly swatch, happily finish, and usually only work on a couple of projects at once.

4. I'm dying to try: lorna's laces

5. I gravitate towards colors like? earthy, spicy, natural colors are my favorite and I detest blue.

6. My most cherished possession (kids, pets, family don't count) is: Family photos & my yarn stash & needles, of course.

7. I'm stuck on an island, what am I reading? Romance all the way, whether it's Shakespeare, Jane Austen or Judith McNaught.

8. If I were about to be executed and I was offered a last meal , I'd be dining on: Sushi, maybe an Indian curry, a thick, juicy rib-eye steak, my famous bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed chicken breasts, and chess pie & cannoli for dessert. I guess I had better put a bottle of Tums on that list as well.

9. Music to knit by: Lilly Allen, Gwen Stefani, No Doubt, Harry Connick Jr., Aaron Neville, India Arie, The Donnas, Letters to Cleo, M.I.A., Michael Buble

10. I have a crush on: Joaquin Phoenix

11. Least favorite celeb: Where do I begin? J-Lo, Brittney, Lindsay...the list never ends

12. Choose:

Brad Pitt or Johnny Depp? Johnny

Madonna or Janet Jackson? Janet

June Cleaver or Peg Bundy? Peg

Jackie or Marilyn? Marilyn

Love or Money? Love

Brains or looks? Brains

Math or English? English

Cat or Dog? Cat

Leader or follower? Leader

Beer or Champagne? Champagne taste-beer budget

13. My favorite smell? the ever present mix of baby powder, milk, and sweetness I smell when I kiss my baby's head or the faint scent of cookies and strawberry shampoo I smell when I hug my oldest daughter.

14. Not many people know this about me: I have written and copyrighted one manuscript and have another in progress.

15. My hidden talent is: singing

If you're reading this then you are officially tagged.

Crap, Crap, double Crap!

Well, that knock around pullover I was working on from Weekend Knitting...Ain't happening! After finishing both center sections and casting on for the yoke/sleeves it dawned on me...Y'know...this big horizontal section across the already ample breastage is going to do nothing for me, DUH! I was feeling meh about the way the yarn was working up at the correct gauge anyway, and then the pattern wording got me all turned around, the construction is a little too wonky-fried for my taste so Phooey! I frogged it and started something new.
I also need to answer the questionaire which I sorta' neglected to do before!

1. How did you find this KAL?2007 KAL page

2. What do you plan on making with your Alpaca fiber? I am now knitting a cashmere zippered jacket from VK Fall 04'...only in alpaca. I'm going to have to order more yarn, (Knitpicks Decadence-100% alpaky, supposedly bulky but more like heavy worsted in my opinion), but what the hell, right. Better to have something I'll actually wear, than something else to stack on the closet shelf.

3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca? Yes, yes, yes! I adore ze alpaca! I'm really in love with a baby hat & bootie set I made for my baby in Atacama Alpaca in a loverly purple colorway. My clapotis is in laceweight alpaca that I'm quite fond of as well,

4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with? I could no sooner pick a favorite star in the sky. Alpaca for me is like buttercream frosting...anything with a little dollop in there is mmmm, mmmm, good.

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? contests with yummy surprises of course, swaps are always fun, our own private sp sign up might be nice, oh and good blogstalking games & memes are a must!

I'll post pics of my jacket progress tomorrow and if it's okay with Crystal maybe I'll post a good "ice-breaker/get to know one another meme." What do y'all think?

The Mandatory Questionaire

1. How did you find this KAL?
The big 2007 KAL page
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'm going to be doing some freeform knitting with stash alpaca and probably some yet-to-be purchased non-stash alpaca.
3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca?
Yep, I made a poncho out of Catalina 60/40 alpaca/merino blend. Very soft and lovely...
4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with?
I have to say I'm in love with Misti Alpaca Chunky...
5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps?
Oooh. Um... contests and swaps sound good. Plus surveys would be nice. And who doesn't like prizes? So, I guess all or any of those sound good.

My digital camera's dead right now, but hopefully I can revive it and get some pictures up soon.

Hi everybody,

My name is Anna and I live in Brunswick, Maine. I was recently organizing my stash (as a part of my decision to go on a yarn diet for some time) and realized that I have more Alpaca or Alpaca blend than any other fiber. I also have a few Alpaca projects on my needles that I need to finish. I hope this KAL will motivate me to do so. I do like this fiber but I tend to get sidetracked by other projects.
Anyway, here is the questionaire:

1. How did you find this KAL?
I found it on the 2007 KAL 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! Knitting and more knitting. I am currently working on the Eyelet Blouse from the latest Vogue knitting in Knitpicks Ambrosia.
3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca?
I have made a few sweaters using Alpaca yarn and a Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style using Knitpicks Alpaca Cloud. I finished it a while ago but I liked the finished result very much so I am posting a picture. The laceweight Alpac really feels like a cloud.
4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with?
I don`t have absolute favorites so far but I do enjoy knititng with Ambrosia (80%Alpaca,20% cashmere blend in sport weight).

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps?
Contests would be fun. Surveys or everybody`s opinion about the Apaca yarn they are using, project ideas etc. would be very useful. I am mostly looking for inspiration and anxious to see what everyone is working on.

Questionaire Yeah I'm starting soon!!!

1. How did I find this KAL?- Crystal She's so cool!!!
2. What do you plan on making with your Alpaca fiber? Crocheting, knitting, or spinning? I've only purchased 1 skein but I think it will be enough to knit another groovie head like a hole hat.
3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca?
Never have. It's going to be a real treat!
4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with?
No faves yet but I'm working with a chunky one.
5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps?
Swaps are fun! So are contests and prizes! maybe we could do a KAL for a cause. That would be groovie.
Pic of my Alpaca to come!!!

My Belated Questionaire

I have to apologise for answering this so late. I was sick all last week and didn't have the energy to post answers to the questions. But here it is, hopefully better late than never!

1. How did I find this KAL?- From the 2007 Knit-Alongs page
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! So far, I have the Bejeweled scarf that I am knitting (mentioned in a previous post). Then I discovered a UFO that I started years ago. It is a crocheted scarf using a silk/alpaca blend from Cascade. (I'm not sure the yarn is still available.) I also intend to make a shawl from Doris Chan's Amazing Crochet Lace using Berroco Ultra Alpaca. If I get all that done, then I want to go through my stash of alpaca and alpaca blends and decide on some more projects to do this year.
3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca? I'm not sure that I have ever finished anything made from alpaca yarn. I may find some more UFOs, though!
4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with? I don't really have a favorite alpaca yarn yet. I probably prefer working with ww, but I have yarn in my stash in every weight from lace to ww. My only real preference is that I don't particularly like bulky yarns.
5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? Contests and swaps would be fun, but aren't necessary. I would really like to learn more about the pros and cons of working with alpaca and I look forward to seeing what everyone is working on.

Hello girl !

My name is Dorothée and I'm a french knitter, so be indulgent for my english !

I will start soon a shawl call "Le verger" with red Alpaga Coproca from Leslaines.com. This shawl is my own design. I did it last year in green.

You can have the chart for free here.

I'll show you more on my next post.

Buttons!

Not sure if you all noticed, but we now have buttons! Thanks to one of our new members Jacque.

I'm already sporting one. ;)

Another intro

I'm Rachel and I do alpaca...oh no wait this isn't alpaca anonymous.

1. How did you find this KAL? Crystal told me about it and asked if I would like to join.

2. What do you plan on making with your alpaca? I am currently making Shifting Sands out of Misti Alpaca DK.

3. Have you worked with alpaca before? Yes, I made the same scarf out of alpaca for a gift.

4. What is your fav alpaca yarn? I REALLY like Blue Sky alpacas, but I have another sweater planned this year out of Frog Tree Alpaca.

5. What sort of things would I like to see with this group? I do like swaps, I am always up for swapping yarn.

I am looking forward to seeing what everyone is working on and cant wait to see the finished projects!

Hello all

Hullo fellow alpaca lovers...

I am happy to join your ranks. I live for alpaca and think it is the most loverly stuff in the universe.

I am beginning with this knock-around pullover from weekend knitting using Knitpicks Decadence in tan, but I'm not sure if I like the way it is knitting up at the required guage. I may order some lace weight alpaca to knit along with it to maybe beef it up. Any opinions?

Actual Knitting Content

Yes, I tried to resist the urge that is Alpaca and failed miserably. Project Spectrum doesn't start until the first of February, and yet I find myself working on one of my projects for it. It was just supposed to be a swatch but the yarn is so delectable that I couldn't stop! My hands just cast-on this raglan by themselves, I swear. Even the stitch markers fit in with PS, they are blue and white. Of course, the only other color I had was pink.

I also received my KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud for the lace cropped tee I'll be working on in April/May. It's not as yellow as I had hoped. Of course, that's okay by me, I'm not really into yellow. It still qualifies as yellow as far as I'm concerned. Check out my blog for more info as to what I'll be doing with those other yarns.

Introduction and Current project

Hello! I'm Rose, and I've been knitting for a little over a year now- and acquired quite the stash in the process! But my stash is mostly wool, and I was tickled pink when my dh got me 7 hanks of this for Christmas:

I am currently working on this v-neck vest from Knit Simple Fall '06 (not the best picture of it, sorry). The back is complete, but I got sidetracked with my merino tam. Hopefully I can get the front started tonight after my kiddos hit the sack...

(the yarn used above is NOT alpaca. blech. slubby brown yuckiness)
I must say that working with this yarn is heavenly. So ultra soft, knits up really quickly, and great yardage for the price. (roughly 110 yds/$13 US.) I highly recommend it so far. I'll post a pic. of the final product sometime this week, hopefully!

edited to add the questionairre:
1. How did I find this KAL?- From the 2007 Knit-Alongs page here: http://knitalongs.xaviermusketeer.com/
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! (see above:)
3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca? I've only worked with blends containing the most minimal amount of alpaca- this is so much more luxurious than anything I've used before.
4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with? I'm one of those knitters who work as fast as I can to complete a project, so something simple in a larger gauge is perfect. I just can't say enough about this grande yarn!
5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? I absolutely love swaps, but I have a hard time committing to anything much larger than a hat or small bag. With two kids and full time biology classes at the university, I get stressed at any commitment much larger. (I ADORE swapping hanks or skeins of something new.... *wink*) Contests are also fun!
-Rose

Questions, Answers, and A FO

1. How did you find this KAL? Through the 2007 KnitAlong website.
2. What do you plan on making with your Alpaca fiber? Various items are planned. As I said previously I plan to knit an alpaca sweater. I'm sure that at some time during the year I'll knit more fingerless mittens. Those are a quick filler project and they are great to have on hand as gifts. Since I came up with my own pattern I'll probably sell some in my farm store. I have quite a bit of undyed yarn on hand that I will dye for scarves and maybe a couple of lace projects. After shearing and show season are over I'll spin some of JJ Jaxson's fleece. He is a light fawn that was born to our farm this year and has amazing fiber. The color is on the peachy side.
3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? I've been working with alpaca for about 3 1/2 years and am addicted.
4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? Other than my handspun I'd have to say The Alpaca Yarn Company and Blue Sky Alpaca. I like the way they are processed. Some mills do not remove enough of the guard hairs and the resulting yarn has to much itch factor. These two companies have done a good job eliminating itch. What weight do you prefer working with? I prefer sport and DK but love it all.
5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps? Mainly encourage each other and spread the word about alpaca. I'd really like to see all the myths proven to be just that, myth. Elasticity is still the one that gets me the most. Quality alpaca fiber has great crimp. Crimp = elasticity. Breeders have done a tremendous job in the last few years breeding desirable fiber characteristics into the North American herd. The result is more premium yarn is hitting the market. Contest and prizes are always fun. I'm not much into the whole swap process.

This Shawl was finished all except for blocking before this KAL began but I thought since it's now officially done that it would be ok to post it here. It is the Swallow Tail Shoulder Shawl from IK (I forget which issue now). It was knit in Blue Sky Alpaca 100% Alpaca sportweight on size 7US circs. To see more pictures visit the Swallow Tail Knitalong pages. I'll be posting there after I finish up here. This shawl is very drapey and soft. It will probably become a gift next Christmas.

Just a Few...

Questions.

I thought I'd encourage more posting, since I'm guessing most of us are in the middle of other projects or maybe don't have progress pictures. Whatever the reason, I'd love to see more interaction. So, how about a little survey? I'll start.

1. How did you find this KAL?
Okay, well that's cheating for me because I started it, but I'm interested to see how the rest of you found this.

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 have several projects planned, hey, we have a whole year right?! My first one will be a cropped top-down raglan in grey Skacel Alpaca Seta. The picture is in a post below. Also, a cropped lace tee from IK summer 06 in KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud. A pale yellow for the April/May months of Project Spectrum. The biggest project will be a sweater for my husband in Elsebeth Lavold Classic Al. Apparently men aren't a fan of color and stick with natural or neutral colors.

3. Have you worked with Alpaca before? If so, your favorite past project knit with Alpaca?

My ver first ever hat. Knit with Blizzard in, I think the color was tan?

4. What is your absolute favorite Alpaca yarn? What weight do you prefer working with?
This is tough, and I know a few of you own Alpacas and spin your own. I guess I generally prefer a DK weight, but I do love that Blizzard yarn. It's soft and warm!

5. What sorts of things would you like to see this group do? Would you like any contests, prizes, surveys, swaps?
I'm running this, but I really want some input from my participants. Doing some swaps or contests sounds like a fun idea to me, and I don't think I'd be totally opposed. Tutorials would be nice if you can think of anything we would need tutorials on.

Take this and run with it. Please post your answers to this blog, and your own if you want, so that we can all see. Also, if I haven't added your info to the sidebar, just let me know. I get a bit forgetful sometimes.

Hello from Connecticut

Hi, my name is Priscilla and I'm an alpaca lover! I joined last week, and it finally occurred to me that I should stop by and introduce myself. Usually, I hang out at my blog, By Hook or Needles.

Since I found this KAL, I have realised that I have alpaca or alpaca blends in my stash in every weight from lace to worsted, but that I don't have many finished projects to show for myself. So hopefully this will help me to reduce my stash and add some alpaca FOs to my name!

I had thought that my first project was going to be the "Blue Curacao Shawl" from Doris Chan's Amazing Crochet Lace, in Berroco's Ultra Alpaca in a heathered blue colorway. But I have decided to save that for February and make it my first Project Spectrum project. So instead, I have started a "Bejeweled" scarf in Nashua Handknits' Ivy. It is a wool/alpaca blend with a silver thread running through it, and as soon as I found it at Webs a few weeks ago, I knew it would be perfect for Bejeweled. It must be a fairly new yarn, however, because the company's website is still under construction.

I can't wait to see what everyone else is up to!

I'm so Excited!

I've got a couple of projects planned for February. The most challenging one will be a top-down raglan in Alpaca Seta. It's grey though, and is going to be part of my Project Spectrum knits. This yarn is beautiful and I have wanted to knit something with it for awhile. I figure a top-down raglan will give me more opportunity to fit it as I go.

Does anyone have any reccomendations for a good Alpaca fingering or laceweight? I want to make the Icarus shawl.

Alpaca Lover

What a wonderful idea. I've actually thought of doing this before but just never had the time to follow through with it. So glad that someone got it started. I raise alpacas on our small farm in Tennessee and think their fiber is the greatest. I hear stories on blogs all the time about how alpaca can't be used for one type of project or another. I think you just have to get to know its characteristics to properly use it to its fullest. Contrary to popular belief it can be used in projects with cables. You just have to know that if you're going to knit cables don't use a worsted or heavier yarn. It is best to use say a sportweight. I hope that we can dispell some of the myths and get others to learn to appreciate this fiber the way that those of us that work with it now do.

I am about to embark on a sweater project using an alpaca silk blend. It will be the Shocking! Jacket from IK winter 2004. It is a Veronik Avery design. The hard part is deciding which color to use. There are about five that really call to me.

I'm looking forward to seeing what others will be doing with their alpaca fiber.

Thus it Begins

Inspired by a picture posted on Lolly's flickr and blog, I have decided to start an Alpaca-along. This is a generally open KAL. The only real rule is you must do something with Alpaca! Spin it, knit it, crochet it. I don't care. Blends are permissable.

I think I might get more in depth with this later, but for now, just email me if you want to join. Post about your yarn, pattern, and loves of Alpaca! My idea is to have a list of the different patterns/objects and yarns we are all using. If you have any suggestions/questions put them in your email. Subject line should read Alpaca along, so I don't accidentally delete it.

Email should also include:
Your name
Email address
Your blog/website name (if you have one)
Yarn you are using (including details: weight, yardage, color, etc)
Pattern you are using (or object you are knitting)