Alpaca Direct Blog

Kelley demonstrates how to knit the TSK (Twin Stitch Knit) knitting technique. Twin Stitches are a clean way to create short rows and are used with the Fish Lips Kiss Heel

Michelle Hunter is hosting another mystery knit-along! This time, she's tackling cables and finishing skills with the Cable Channel pillow. The mystery begins on April 4, when you can download the first clue from Michelle's website. A new clue will be added every Thursday throughout April.

The KAL is free, and no registration is required.

I'll be honest, I love TV. I watch it while I knit, and I thoroughly, unapologetically enjoy it. With the advent of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, the original programming from HBO and Showtime, and the fabulous British detective shows, the options for knit-worthy TV are endless. Here are my top 10 recommendations for knitworthy TV.

I used this super-easy pattern while delving into Cat Bordhi's Moebius Cast On. It's so inventive and addictive! Check out my Facebook Live broadcast for more about this interesting, versatile cast-on technique.

The Rudbeckia Hat is a wonderful pattern to learn Brioche knitting and soon you'll be off adding Brioche to many of your projects.  I took the basic pattern and then made a matching Baby Hat and Booties using the same technique. Be sure to watch my video (below) for tips on how to do this yourself!  

Here are some tips on how to felt your knit projects on the stovetop instead of using a washing machine. This is especially helpful if you have a front-load washer since they often do not create enough agitation. In this example I am felting a knitting project called Gnome Home by Tiny Owl Knits. 

Learn the Easy Sewn Bind-Off In This Quick Knitting Tutorial Kelley shares how to knit the Easy Sewn Bind-Off. You can use the easy sewn bind off any time you want an elastic bound off edge. This edge goes really well with the garter stitch.

Here are some tips on how to make a cute hat using a pattern called A Little to the Left by Amy Gunderson and the Universal Design Team using Universal Classic Shades Big Time Yarn.

We are excited to be carrying the Karbonz circular needles made by Knitter's Pride.

I am using sock yarn,  Karbonz circular needles in size US #1 40 inch, and a pattern called Isabella D’Este found in The Knitter’s Book of Socks which I have checked out from our local library.

Kelley shares a quick tutorial on how to knit the SK2P stitch (Slip, Knit 2 Together, Pass Slip Stitch Over) in this knitting tutorial. It is also called a left-leaning double decrease.

That's great you are interested in learning to knit. If you like to learn by watching videos, be sure to check out our quick How To Knit videos here.

Why Learn To Knit?

There's a host of reason but here are few! 

• Knitting is relaxing and relieves stress
• Knitting is a social activity you can enjoy with others
• Knitting allows you to user your brain and could help in the prevention of alzheimer's and dementia
• Knitting allows you to be creative

Learn The K2tog (Knit 2 Together) In This 1 Minute Knitting Tutorial Kelley Hobart from Alpaca Direct shows the K2tog (Knit 2 Together) knitting decrease technique in this quick 1 minute video.