Your Cart is Empty
Summer Sale! Shop Now > |Free USA Shipping On Orders Over $75!
Alpaca socks are soft, insulating, and moisture-wicking, but they require proper care to maintain these qualities. Here's how to wash and dry them without causing damage: Turn Inside Out: Protect the outer fibers and reduce wear by turning socks inside...
A few years ago I took stock of my notions bags, weeding out the things that I didn't use very often and putting together one main bag that I took with me everywhere with my current project. I filled the other bags with leftovers and put them with my stash.
Since it's been awhile, I looked through my bag again. I had most of the old favorites in there, but I needed to add a couple things that had disappeared in to the void of a project bag somewhere. Here's what's in my notions bag!
If DPNs make your hands ache, the fix is usually simple: grip less, keep your wrists straight, and take more breaks. When I use double-pointed needles, hand strain usually comes from three things: holding too tight, pulling too hard at...
I discovered the Norrland Hat pattern on Ravelry and decided to take on the challenge. I love the trees and snowflakes, and I have never done colorwork and cables at the same time. Since I love learning new things, I bought the pattern immediately and cast on.
I made some modifications, including turning the hat into a slouch instead of a beanie, and I wanted to explain those in case you want to modify your project, too.
Blocking is the key to keeping your alpaca sweater in great shape. This process smooths the fabric, evens out stitches, and sets the sweater's dimensions without damaging delicate fibers. Whether you're finishing a new project or maintaining an old favorite,...
If your yarn keeps tangling in colorwork, the fix is usually simple: keep your yarn order the same, spread stitches so floats stay loose, catch long floats every 5 stitches or about 1 inch, and twist strands at color changes...
Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn is perfect for spring projects, offering a balanced mix of softness, warmth, and structure. Its 50/50 blend of Super Fine Alpaca and Peruvian Highland Wool ensures comfortable wear, excellent drape, and sharp stitch definition. Available in...
The Fix-A-Stitch tool is a handy double-ended repair tool designed to fix knitting mistakes without unraveling your work. Its unique design allows you to switch between knit and purl stitches seamlessly, making it especially useful for intricate patterns. Available in...
If I want speed, I pick pre-stringing. If I want control, I pick hook beading. That’s the whole choice in one line. Here’s the short version: Pre-stringing = more setup before I start, but less stopping while I knit Hook...
If I want one knitting needle set that covers most projects, I’d start with a set in US 4 to US 11, 5-inch tips, and cables that make 16-inch, 24-inch, 32-inch, and 40-inch circulars. That setup handles many sweaters, hats,...
We all have bad habits we need to change. It's hard to do, but so rewarding when we're successful! I've had my share of changing bad habits, and lately I've been working on changing some in my knitting and crochet. Here are ten that I'm working on. I went over some of these in a recent Facebook Live broadcast, but I thought I'd detail them all here.
Ready, set, go!
When choosing knitting needles, the decision often comes down to circular needles and straight needles. Here’s what you need to know: Circular Needles: Two short tips connected by a flexible cord. They’re perfect for both flat and round knitting, reduce...
Alpaca yarn is perfect for sock knitting due to its warmth, softness, and moisture-wicking properties. It’s up to three times warmer than wool and less likely to cause irritation or trap odors. For durability, blends with nylon or merino are...
Lost your cable needle? For most small cables, you can keep knitting. In my view, the best stand-ins for 1x1 and 2x2 crosses are no-tool cabling, a spare knitting needle, a DPN, a crochet hook, a stitch holder, and a...
Good hook care is simple: keep hooks dry, clean them by material, store them apart, and check cases often. That’s the whole article in one line. If I wanted the short version, I’d keep these 7 points in mind: Wash...
Textured knit-purl patterns create depth and dimension by combining two basic knitting stitches: knit (smooth "V" shapes) and purl (raised bumps). These patterns not only enhance the visual appeal of your projects but also add functionality, like extra warmth or...
Looking for the perfect eco-friendly yarn for your next gift? Alpaca and organic cotton are two standout options, each offering unique benefits for crafting. Here's a quick breakdown: Alpaca Yarn: Warmer (3x more than wool), lightweight, hypoallergenic, and requires minimal...
Alpaca yarn is a natural, biodegradable fiber with low environmental impact, making it a better choice over synthetic materials. Alpacas require less water, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and their soft grazing habits protect the soil. Additionally, alpaca yarn is hypoallergenic,...
If you can track one stitch group and one row group, you can follow most repeats in a pattern. When I read stitch repeats, I focus on 3 things first: the symbol that starts the repeat, the number of times...
You can cut most alpaca pilling by lowering friction at every step. In plain terms: wash less, use cool water, dry flat, rotate wear, and store items folded in a dry, breathable spot. I’d keep the routine this simple: Wash...
If you want the short answer: alpaca is usually softer, warmer for the weight, and better for sensitive skin, while mohair is lighter, fuzzier, and springs back better. If I were choosing fast, I’d break it down like this: Pick...
If I want the short answer: I use a straight tapestry needle for long, flat seams, and a bent-tip needle for grafting, ribbing, sock toes, cuffs, and other tight spots. That’s the whole choice in one line. A straight needle...
Brioche knitting in the round is a 2-round repeat: one BRK round and one BRP round. If I keep the yarn position right, cast on an even number of stitches, and treat each slipped stitch plus yarnover as one pair,...
If I want textured alpaca socks to fit well, I keep the texture on top, knit the sole smooth, and use a firm gauge. That’s the short answer. Alpaca is soft, warm, and lanolin-free, but it has less stretch than...
If I want the short answer: cotton and linen are best for hot days, merino works best for travel and active wear, bamboo is best for soft drape, and alpaca blends fit cool evenings and strong A/C. Summer yarn is...
Finding the perfect gift for knitters can be simple with alpaca-based products. Alpaca fiber stands out for its warmth, softness, and durability, making it a favorite for crafting and finished apparel. Hypoallergenic and lanolin-free, it’s suitable for sensitive skin and...
When time is short but you want to make something special, alpaca yarn is an excellent option for handmade gifts. It's soft, warm, and lightweight, making it perfect for cozy projects. This article highlights eight free patterns that are beginner-friendly...
If you’re using a 16 in. circular needle, the safest cowl choice is usually an 18–22 in. finished circumference. That range fits the needle well, keeps stitches from pulling, and works for most of the six free pattern types covered...
If you're tired of losing your cable needles or grabbing the wrong size mid-project, organizing them is the solution. Here's how to keep them tidy and accessible: Take Inventory: Gather all your needles, sort by shape, size, and material, and...
Choosing between alpaca and merino wool depends on your project’s needs. Alpaca is warmer, softer, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for scarves, shawls, and sensitive skin. Merino is more elastic, durable, and moisture-absorbing, perfect for socks, fitted garments, and activewear....
If you knit with alpaca, needle material matters more than with sheep’s wool. Alpaca is smooth, low-stretch, and heavier, so stitches slip more easily and fabric can grow after blocking. Here’s the short answer: Bamboo gives the most grip and...
