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You can make this alpaca crochet beanie with one flat rectangle, one side seam, and one gathered crown. The adult size in this pattern is about 20 inches around and 8.5 inches tall, uses about 174 yards of yarn, and...
There's nothing like a pair of handknit socks. You can use gorgeous sock yarn, choose your stitch pattern, and take them with you wherever you go. One thing I've learned over the years is how to customize socks to fit my feet, and I like a rounded toe. It's important for me because my feet are fairly straight across the toes, and a pointy toe just ends up flopping around empty.
All you need is a smartphone or computer, laptop or tablet, and you can shop for yarn, needles, knitting and crochet patterns, and more, right from the comfort of your own home at Alpaca Direct. We ship to nearly anywhere in the United States in 2 to 3 days and have a hassle free return policy. We also have a shop in Hayden, Idaho, so if you live nearby or are visiting the Coeur d'Alene area, be sure to come by and see us in person!
If I want cleaner edges, smoother stitches, and lace that opens up, I need the right blocking surface and the right pins. Here’s the short version: foam blocking mats give me a flat, water-resistant place to shape damp knitting, and...
Have you heard of Izzy Dolls? They're darling little toys that are included in aid packages, and are sometimes a child's first toy. Designer Esther Braithwaite has developed many patterns for Izzy Dolls, sometimes called Comfort Dolls, and they're available free in her Ravelry store.
Kelley fell in love with them and decided to feature Izzy Dolls on her weekly Facebook Live broadcast, Technique Tuesday.
Alpaca socks are a go-to for keeping your feet warm, dry, and comfortable in cold weather. Thanks to their hollow-core fibers, alpaca wool traps heat better than most materials, making it up to three times warmer than sheep’s wool. These...
Want your alpaca knits to last? Here's the key: proper cleaning, careful folding, breathable storage, and pest prevention. Alpaca fibers are delicate and prone to damage from moisture, pests, and improper handling. Follow these steps to keep your garments soft,...
Transform alpaca yarn into vibrant colors with natural dyes derived from plants, insects, and other organic sources. These recipes use eco-conscious materials like cochineal, turmeric, walnut hulls, onion skins, and indigo to create stunning hues ranging from reds to blues....
If you've ever struggled with the decrease section when knitting a hat on 16-inch circular needles, you need to learn the Magic Loop method of knitting. Similarly, if you hate how sweater sleeves twist up while knitting in the round, you need to learn the magic loop technique.
This technique works on just about any size project, so you can use it exclusively for smaller projects in the round, such as hats, sleeves, mittens, cowls, socks, and so on.
I'm going through my closet, getting rid of things that don't fit or I no longer like. I have a huge pile of sweaters that need to be stored for the winter, and I decided I'd do the knitterly thing and get them all tidy so I can wear them right away come fall.
Here are my 5 steps for getting sweaters ready for summer hibernation.
If I want one simple answer, I start with wood or bamboo for most alpaca yarns. Alpaca has less bounce than wool, so stitches can loosen and slide more on slick needles. When I want more glide for lace or...
Steam blocking is the best way to finish alpaca knits. It uses heat and moisture to gently relax fibers, improving the look, feel, and shape of your project. Unlike wet blocking, steam blocking avoids over-stretching or weakening alpaca, which lacks...
Don't mind me while I write your Holiday gift list for you. Just pass this on to your significant other, kids, and anyone who's in the market to buy you a gift!
This is also a great resource for anyone buying gifts for knitters. We've got the best stuff!
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!
There's almost nothing worse in knitting or crochet than getting a hole in your handmade garments. It's so sad! And how do you fix it?
Well, we're here to show you two different methods for fixing your knitwear without panicking—weaving techniques for fixing weak or worn areas in socks, and duplicate stitch to fix holes in garments.
Alpaca yarn is soft and smooth but can be slippery, making the right knitting needles essential. Here's a quick guide to help you choose: Wooden Needles: Provide grip, reduce slippage, and feel warm in hand. Ideal for beginners and larger...
We're often asked what the difference is between llamas and alpacas. Both llamas and alpacas are south american camelids and they are related but definitely not the same.
Here are 7 quick ways to tell the difference between an Alpaca and a Llama.
