Final Post! Georgette KAL

Buttonband:

Using the US#3, 32” circular needle, pick up 1 stitch for every row up the right front, 1 stitch for every stitch around the neck edge and 1 stitch for every row down the left front.  
Work in K1, P1, ribbing for 10 rows. 
On the 11th row, (RS), approximately 2 stitches before the 4th(4th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th) garter ridge from the bottom edge of the body, bind off next 4 stitches in pattern. Work to approximately 2 stitches before 5th(5th, 6th, 6th, 7th, 7th, 8th) garter ridge from the bottom edge of the body. BO next 4 stitches in pattern.  Note: the garter ridges are in the lace pattern and are in the body of the sweater. They are mentioned to help place the buttonholes. 
On the 12th row, (WS), work in K1, P1, ribbing until you reach the first set of boundoff stitches, CO 4 stitches using the cable cast-on-method. Work to second set of bound-off stitches, CO 4 stitches using cable-cast-on method.  Work 8 more rows in K1, P1, ribbing. BO loosely in pattern.  
Finishing:  Sew on buttons. Block to measurements. Enjoy!

And a final comment from Cathi...
I do hope you have enjoyed this Knit a Long!  Since I have gotten only a couple of questions in the past three weeks I am under the assumption that you have found this pattern easy to follow and you are just sailing along!  Good for you!
I do hope to see some of your finished or WIP's  on our FB page...it's always fun to see the end results!

As always, it has been my pleasure.  Happy Spring and Happy Knitting!
Final questions and comments can be directed to me at cathiknits4u@gmail.com.

Sleeves:
Using the US#9, 16” circular or US #9 DPNs move sleeve stitches from holder to needles. Pick up 6 (8, 8, 9, 12, 16, 20) stitches under the arm. NOTE: This is two more stitches than you cast on the body section. Usually this opening stretches just a little. You pick up 2 more stitches than you cast on to close up any gaps.

Knit 4 rounds 
Purl 1 round

Knit 1 round  Note: in this round increase or decrease according to your size: 
     Size 28: No increases or decreases. 
     Size 32: Decrease 9 stitches evenly. 
     Size 36: Decrease 1 stitch evenly.
     Size 40: Decrease 8 stitches evenly. 
     Size 44: Decrease 4 stitches evenly. 
     Size 48: Decrease 1 stitch evenly. 
     Size 52: Increase 1 stitch evenly.

Purl 1 round. 
Knit 1 round. 
Begin Lace for Sleeve:
(Multiple of 12)
Round 1: *(K2tog) 2 times, (YO, K1) 3 times, YO, (SSK) 2 times, K1,* repeat from * to end.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3 – 8: Repeat Row 1 & 2, 3 more times.
Round 9: Purl
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: Purl
Round 12: Knit 
XS & S: Repeat these 12 rows 1 more time for 2 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.

M & L: Repeat these 12 rows 2 more times for 3 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.

1X & 2X: Repeat these 12 rows 3 more times for 4 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.

3X: Repeat these 12 rows 4 more times for 5 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.  
and a short note from cathi~
I have seen some of your sweaters and have to say, they are lovely!  Thanks for sharing!
Some are asking about lengthening the sleeves and like I have told them, "of course you can!"...The sleeve is wide at the bottom, so you will have more of a kimono look.
You might have guessed that we are coming to an end on this project.  Next week will be your final post!  Just the button band to go!
Keep knitting and enjoy the journey!!

Start the Lace Pattern:   (Georgette KAL  Week 2 / March 1, 2015)

Begin lace pattern on RS (Multiple of 12 +1)

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit  (NOTE: The first time you work this row make the increases according to your size. On all subsequent repeats disregard increases.)
     Size 28: Inc 7 stitches evenly across in this row for a total of 109 stitches. 
     Size 32: Inc 1 stitch evenly across for a total of 121 stitches.
     Size 36: Inc 4 stitches evenly across for a total of 133 stitches.   
     Size 40:  Inc 1 stitches evenly across for a total of 145 stitches.
     Size 44: Inc 9 stitches evenly across for a total of 169 stitches.
     Size 48: Inc 4 stitches evenly across for a total of 181 stitches.
     Size 52: Inc 7 stitches evenly across for a total of  205 stitches.
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: RS: K1 *(K2tog) 2 times, (YO, K1) 3 times, YO, (SSK) 2 times, K1,* repeat from * to end. Row 6: WS: Purl
Rows 7 – 12: Repeat Row 5 & 6 three more times. 
XS & S: Repeat these twelve rows 3 more times for a total of 4 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 

M & L: Repeat these twelve rows 4 more times for a total of 5 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 
1X & 2X: Repeat these twelve rows 5 more times for a total of 6 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 
3X: Repeat these twelve rows 6 more times for a total of 7 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 

 Cathi's comments ~ There you go....that should keep you all busy for a few days.  Aren't you glad you started this sweater?  By now you are beginning to see some progress, and that is always motivating.  Besides that, what better way to pass these cold winter days?
Until next Sunday, stay warm and knit happy!
Any questions or concerns should be addressed to cathiknits4u@gmail.com

Georgette KAL Pattern by Christina Wall / Week One ~ Feb 21, 2015

Georgette By Christina Wall   

Sizes:
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) 
Finished Measurements: chest: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)
Length from underarm to hem: 10 (10, 13, 13, 16, 16, 19) inches 
Materials:
Alpaca With A Twist, Baby Twist, 100 % Baby Alpaca, 50g, 110 yds, 5 (6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13)  skeins; 550 (660, 770, 880, 1100, 1210, 1320) yards
#9, 29” or 32” circular needle
#9, 16” circular needle or #9 DP needles
#3, 29” circular needle
4 stitch markers
2 stitch holders
2, 3” buttons 
Gauge: #9 needle: 4st/5rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch Change your needle size to obtain gauge. 

Note on Yarn Substitutions:
When choosing a substitute yarn for this pattern, you should choose something that has a lot of bloom to it. Because you are knitting a DK weight yarn with a #9 needle you will want a yarn that blooms and fills out when blocked. 
Designer’s Note:
Georgette is worked from the top-down, raglan style. The only finishing required is blocking and sewing on two buttons. If you are not familiar with top-down sweaters, that’s okay. This is a great sweater to learn this technique. The lace pattern is very easy – perfect for mindless knitting. 
Pattern: 
With US#9, 29” circular needle CO 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2), PM, 6 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) PM, 18 (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26), PM, 6 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9), PM, 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2). If you used the long-tail method of cast on, purl back. 

Row 1: RS: *Work to 1 st before marker, YO, K1, SL Marker, K1, YO,* repeat from * across row.

Row 2: WS: Purl all stitches, including the yarn overs. 
Repeat these two rows 17 (20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32) more times for a total of 36 (42, 46, 52, 56, 60, 66) rows. Total stitches should now count, 178 (206, 223, 248, 268, 287, 312). 

Divide Sleeves & Body:
Work across to 1st marker, remove marker, slip all stitches up to 2nd marker on a stitch holder. Remove 2nd marker, CO 4 (6, 6, 7, 10, 14, 18) stitches, work across to 3rd marker. Remove 3rd marker, slip all stitches up to 4th marker on a stitch holder, remove 4th marker. CO 4 (6, 6, 7, 10, 14, 18). Work across to end. The sleeve stitches are now on holders to be worked later. 
Work in stockinette stitch until piece measures 4 – 7 inches from armhole to needles. Ideally you want the lace to begin below your bust line. This is different for everyone so try it on and see how it fits!

and a note from Cathi~
Thank you for joining our first KAL for 2015!  Although the format is a bit different this year, you need to know that help will be available to you should you have any concerns.
You may message me on the Alpaca With a Twist FB page, or email cathiknits4u@gmail.com.
Please do not use my former email address as it is has been hacked and that problem is not yet resolved.

I think you will find that this is a wonderful pattern for all skill levels.  So have fun...feel free to post any photos on our FB page.  It would be great to hear from you.
Happy Knitting...back with your next set of instructions Sunday, March 1st.  Yay!!! March come quickly!

Ready to KAL?

If you need a reason to stay indoors and keep warm we have a great idea!  How about knitting this awesome little number with us?  You will find portions of the pattern posted every Sunday beginning this week (February 22).

For more information check out the blog dated Jan 21, 2015 and you will find a complete supply list and contact information if you have any questions!

Or email me, cathiknits4u@gmail.com.



 We love this sweater and think you will too!

Knit ALong with us!

We think you will agree, the Georgette sweater by Christina Wall is a great project to knit together while we anxiously wait for Spring 2015!

Unlike past KAL's, the pattern directions will be posted here, on the blog, each week.  Questions?  You can send those to me personally and I will answer them in a timely manner.

FaceBook posts should keep you up to date.  You can also watch the Alpaca With a Twist Ravelry Group for concerns and questions.

Grab a friend or two and join our little knitting circle! 
To determine the size you will want to make, please consider that this project is knitted at a loose gauge. It will grow a bit as it is worked and worn.  If you are "between" sizes consider knitting the smaller one, closest to your measurements.

Let's Begin: Find a sweater that you love, lay it flat and measure it across the back from armhole to armhole.  Double that number and you have your perfect fit.

The Details: Sizes: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
Finished Measurements: Chest: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)
Length from underarm to hem: 10 (10, 13, 13, 16, 16, 19) inches
Materials: Alpaca With a Twist's, Baby Twist  (100% baby alpaca)
                   550 (660, 770, 880, 1100, 1210, 1320) yards
#9  29 or 32" circular needle
#9 16" circular needle or #9 DPN's
#3 29" circular needle
4 stitch markers
2 stitch holders
2 - 3" buttons

Gauge: #9 needle: 4 sts/5 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch. Change you needle size to obtain gauge, if needed.

Note on Yarn Substitutions: When choosing a substitute yarn for this pattern, you must choose something that has a lot of bloom to it,  Because you are knitting a DK weight yarn with a #9 needle you will want a yarn that blooms and fills out when blocked.

Designer's Note: Georgette is worked from the top-down, raglan style. The only finishing required is blocking and sewing on two buttons. If you are not familiar with top-down sweaters, that's okay.  This is a great sweater to learn this technique. The lace pattern is very easy - perfect for mindless knitting.

And a note from Cathi: That's your homework!  Gather your supplies, choose one of the many colors available of Baby Twist and check back in for your first set of instructions on Sunday, February 22, 2015.
And if you have any questions contact me at cathiknits4u@gmail.com.  *Note this is a new email address, as my former email address has been hacked.

As The Wheels Turn~

Tucked away at the end of a strip mall and  the bustle of  Greenwood, Indiana is Starstruck Cat Studio, a haven for fiber artists.  It's located on Meridian Park Lane, behind the Kroger store on Highway 135 (to those of us out-of-towners).

If you knit, crochet, weave or hook rugs you will find all the supplies you need there.  The knowledgeable staff  will assist you with your purchases and can  advise you on your next project. 
Customers are encouraged to sit and chat together in a cozy corner dedicated for learning and sharing.

I visited Starstruck Cat Studio while on a recent yarn crawl, Roving Indiana.  I immediately noticed a wonderful selection of notions, needles, books and bags.  (They had me at hello.)
So when Susan, the owner phoned me to request I bring a trunk show to help celebrate their 4th Birthday this weekend, I jumped at the chance.  After all, a yarn shop seems my natural habitat and who could resist hanging out with fellow fiber artists for a couple of days? 

After dodging potholes, a couple of traffic delays and more than a few impatient Friday afternoon drivers, I arrived at the shop with a trunk full of yarn, patterns and baskets of shop models.
I was greeted by Heather, the store manager (and a great asset to the studio, I might add) who helped me settle in. The next few hours were spent talking with customers who eagerly shared my enthusiasm as they tried on the models I brought and chose Alpaca With A Twist's Baby Twist, Socrates, Fino and Surino yarns for their next project.  A few decided to join our next online KAL which begins in a couple of days.  (Contact cathi@alpacawithatwist.com for more information)
Others just couldn't resist the beautiful colors or luxurious feel that is un-mistakable  alpaca. 

Even better, a tempting discount for all purchases if you buy a project bag (at a discount, of course).  It's a gift to the loyal customers who make Starstruck Cat Studio such a nice little corner of the world!

So it is with eager anticipation I look forward to spending today with new friends and folks who are as passionate of their craft as the staff of Starstruck Cat Studio...and no, I did not see a cat sleeping in a basket of yarn, on a sunny window ledge or anywhere else in the shop.  Makes me wonder how they got the name...

Surprise!! A new KAL and Spring!

There are two kinds of people, those who love a surprise and those who abhor them.

For the fan of surprises, a mystery knit a long is a great adventure.  Those folks quickly sign up and wait impatiently for the first set of instructions to hit their inbox.

While still others think "Heck, no way!" and "What if I don't like it?" or "What if I can't do it?"

It's been a long winter here in central Indiana and having a little mystique might just get us through  the next few weeks. To celebrate the arrival of spring 2014
Alpaca with a Twist is hosting a Mystery KAL.  It is a fast knit, it's fun and best of all, it's free!

All you need to do to join us is send your email address to cathi@alpacawithatwist.com by March 20.  Your first set of instructions will arrive on the 21st, along with a few of my favorite knitting tips.

If your heart is pounding and you are now skimming this post...go ahead and sign up....You won't be sorry.

If you are beginning to chew your fingernails and are trying to justify why NOT to sign up, let me encourage you to join us.  If you can knit and purl you can do this and will enjoy not only the finished product, but I suspect will look forward to each new post. 
Our last KAL was so much fun and everyone loved their sweater.  (A hint now)   This is NOT a sweater and we don't have to worry about gauge or size, and that is exactly why I chose it.   You can do this, yes you can!

All you will need is a jumbo hank of AWAT Baby Twist yarn, a size 10  32" circular needle and a couple of stitch markers.  But don't forget!  Contact me: cathi@alpacawithatwist.com and just leave your name and email address. 

Looking forward to meeting some new folks along the way!

Come On! Let's Knit!

The  2014 Winter Olympics will soon be a memory, the days are getting longer and we are all longing for warm, sunny days. 

Why is it?  February is the shortest month of the year, yet it seems March will NEVER get here! The weatherman insists we have more winter weather to endure, after all it is four weeks until Spring officially is here ~ But I have some great news for my winter weary friends and fiber artists.  We at Alpaca With A  Twist are planning our second online KAL and you will want to watch for our announcement next week...It's our celebration of the arrival of March Madness, (Hoosiers know what I'm talking about), the first day of Spring, daylight savings time and spring break!  There is no charge to knit along with us.  As before, you only need to sign up and your pattern will arrive to your inbox with some tips and quips. 

The project is perfect for the time of year and such a great knit.  Here's a hint ~ only one ~
Better browse around for your favorite spring color of Baby Twist, because you will want to begin with us on March the 21. 

Alerts on Facebook and Ravelry will help our KAL community stay connected and questions will be answered in timely, personal manner via email.

So grab a friend or two and join us on a new knit adventure.  You will  be glad you did!
Questions?  Email me at cathi@alpacawithatwist.com

Have you liked us on facebook?  Please do for updates and breaking news!

It's A New Year!

You never know what the next five minutes will bring, let alone a whole year ahead, so why all the celebration and good wishes?  It's that age old desire to start fresh, have a clean slate, and sometimes we just need  a "do over".
So it's January 1, 2014 and once again we get a "do over".  Whether you choose to make brand new resolutions, new goals or seek out new opportunities do it with gusto and include a friend or two and just make it fun.  To enjoy what we do can make or break our resolve. 

That got me thinking about why fiber artists do what we do...frankly, most of us enjoy the creative outlet and the satisfaction a project gives us.  Some of us enjoy the process as much as the finished product, some treasure the end product more than the process.  Neither way of thinking is wrong, it's part of our personality. 

That brings me to my main question.  Is your yarn stash taking over your closet/your life?  Do you feel guilty seeing all that fiber in wait?   Stuff bogs me down.  Clutter makes me grumpy.  You have heard it said, "one man's trash is another man's treasure", so with that in mind I often take  inventory and find a home for those balls of yarn that I have grown weary of, or can't seem to find a project to my liking.

In 2008 our town was flooded and pretty much everything that was stored in our basement was lost.
That incident has changed my thinking.  At a time when so many had lost so much it was easy to give whatever "extras" we had, be it food, furniture or resources and energy.  I instantly lost any inclination to save things for later.  If someone else could use it, or enjoy it, "It" was out of my house.  And know what?  The freedom from stuff was a gift from that whole episode in my personal history.  No, I am not wishing a natural disaster  for anyone, but perhaps this will encourage you to take a new look at some of your old stuff and bless another with it. 

Back to the yarn stash ~ Our pattern called Use It Up might encourage you to dive into your closets, bags and drawers to find materials to knit a few of these scarves and purge the stuff you no longer want. 

It's our gift to you along with best wishes for a joyful New Year!

Use It Up Scarf  by Alisa Winsauer

Measurements:  approximately 44" by 3.5"

Materials:  4 different balls of Baby Twist by Alpaca with a Twist (DK weight):  Colors A and C will  be on one side, Colors B and D on the other side.

US size 6 (4mm) long circular needle (to provide enough room for all the stitches)

Gauge:  5.5 sts  = 1" in stockinette

Instructions:  In Color A, cast on 230 sts loosely - use either a larger needle or cable cast on, or both.

Row 1, 3 and 5:  Knit all stitches

Row 2 and 4:      Purl all stitches

Change to color B and repeat rows 1-5.

Change to color C and repeat rows 1-5

Change to color D and repeat rows 1-5

Repeat these 4 stripes of color stockinette 2 more times.

 

You should get 3 repeats of each color.  With the last color bind off loosely - use a size larger needle.

 

Work in tails and gently wash your scarf.  Lay the scarf "flat", you will want to shape the ridges so they remain crisp, and let the scarf dry.  Enjoy.

 

***Use it Up Scarf can be knitted with any yarn, but take into consideration the correct needle size and weight of yarn will determine the size of your finished project ~plan accordingly.

If substituting yarn: 440 yards***

 

 





The Big Reveal~

It is hard to believe it is time to begin the very first KAL from Alpaca With A Twist!
We have been working hard to iron out all the details and finally it's time to let you know what we
have in store for you.

Lovely in Lace, from our pattern collection created by Christina Wall  is lovely using our best selling yarn.  Baby Twist is  a DK weight, 100% Baby Alpaca fiber.  There are currently 49 colors to choose from. 

The pattern was orginally written for Temptation, a worsted weight silk and alpaca blend.  It is a loose fitting, A-line cardigan featuring a lace and cable edging.  It is knitted from the top down (no seaming!) and has a 3/4 inch sleeve. 

Several shop owners have requested the pattern be adapted using Baby Twist, so we got to work to see how that might go.   The body of the sweater is knitted using garter stitch, and  since I don't need any more bulk around my mid-section,  I decided to knit some swatches to see what I wanted my sweater to look like.  I wanted a loose and drapey piece and I am more than pleased with my result.

So it begins...If you would like to sign up send an email to  cathi@alpacawithatwist.com and I will send you all the information you need.  There is no cost to join and your pattern will be sent to you at no charge. 
Online help will be available throughout the KAL.

I enjoyed knitting this sweater.  The lace and cable edge kept me interested enough not to get bored, but with the garter stitch body it became my "mindless knitting" project.
So consider this our invitation to you and contact me if you want to KAL.
Happy Knitting and Happy Fall!
~Cathi

On the road again...

The wheels on the car go round and round Indiana...from Shipshewana to Morgantown  to Shelbyville, hosting trunk shows and planning and plotting knit retreats!

A trip to Shipshewana has been on my "bucket list" for years and I am happy to report it was all I hoped it would be...and perhaps even more.  Tucked away in Northern Indiana is a village full of history, passion, wonderful food, friendly folks and a wonderful yarn shop, D'Vine Gallery.

Chris, Peggy and Nancy were gracious hosts and my two days there were so pleasant that  I am hoping to get back again when travels take me in that direction.
D'Vine Gallery is an interesting place.  It's tucked around the corner of the main street, but it was obvious to me that it has become a destination stop for travelers.  Filled with pottery, herbs, beads and buttons and of course, yarn...and lots of it.

As we visited I noticed that many of the same projects that had once been so popular in my former shop are still quite popular with knitters.  The Wingspan Shawl, The Hitchhiker, The "potato chip" scarf were all favorites among the travelers in and out of the shop. 
It makes sense, all are easy knits and something that is simple to master while in the car.
There were plenty of husbands milling around too.  A few of them admitted to knitting, one guy told me he crocheted... but one thing was evident, those guys appreciated a chair and a corner to relax while their companions scoured the shelves and baskets brimming with yarn.

It was a perfect way to spend the 4th of July holiday and even my husband found the town a great little get away and kept busy while I worked.

Next stop for me and my baskets of yarn, patterns and shop models was Sheep Street Fibers located in Morgantown/Martinsville Indiana.  The shop sits on 20 acres of land located along the scenic highway 252 at the borders of Martinsville and Morgantown.

Nancy, Pat and Tim did a great job of getting the word out that Alpaca With A Twist would be there. The place was packed both days of my visit. They too were more than gracious and allowed me to visit with their customers and show off the fibers we chose for their trunk show.

Sheep Street is an interesting place ~ and there is plenty to see during your visit.  Pet some sheep, watch spinners and weavers, adore baskets and baskets of roving and kettle dyed fibers which have been hand spun right there in the shop. 
Along with the notions, patterns, books and fibers you would expect to find in such a place, you will see a whole corner filled with spinning wheels and looms. 

This shop too. appears to be a destination place for fiber artists to visit.  Entire families packed the shop last weekend.  They were greeted heartily by both man and beasts ~guests are encouraged to check out the livestock in the pasture and then welcomed back inside for demonstrations throughout the shop.

Regulars drifted in and out filling the place with stories and laughter.  It's casual atmosphere makes you want to kick your shoes off and stay awhile. 

A knitting retreat is being planned for early 2014 and I would guess this will become an event that will be repeated year after year. 
Pat takes care of the Sheep Street Facebook page and he has mastered keeping the humor coming day after day with his postings of cartoons and quips.
Tim is a great designer and teacher and Nancy holds things together and does a great job keeping things running smoothly. What a team!

Brick and mortar shops are each unique.  The vision of the  owner creates the space.  Support of  customers keep the doors open and as long as there are knitters there will be a need for such a place.  As great as it is that we now have U Tube videos for support and even on line classes to subscribe to, it is the day to day hands on help that will keep customers perfecting their craft and exploring new projects. 
I have been so grateful for the opportunity to meet so many fine folks!  Now let's see...what's next?  Oh, the places we will go!

Just for the Fun of It!

This spring I bought The Knitter's Life List (author Gwen Steege) for myself and a friend.  The book has been out for a couple of years and it always intrigued me.  I just never took the time to buy it, let alone read it.  The book is full of tips and techniques, styles and traditions, suggested yarn fibers to try, famous knitting personalities and 1001 inspirations for every knitter.  So if you need a summer read, this one will keep you up until dark (and that's saying something here in Indiana)!

Summer knitting often involves smaller projects that can be toted about in our beach bags, suitcases and handbags.  Like you I have done more than my share of knitting socks, scarves and hats to amuse myself on long car drives and air flights. 
There's something empowering, I think, to be  working on my Christmas gift giving list during the summer months.  (Let's be honest here.  I never am finished with my ever growing list until the final hours.  It's a goal, that's all.) 

Knitted toys are perfect knits for the warmer months and there are so many wonderful patterns and unusual ideas that one can hardly imagine what to pick up first. 
I think they have become so widely popular due to the number of clever designers and wonderful creations they have shared. 
Even though they might be small in size, quite often there are a variety of techniques in knitting them and that keeps one interested.
Not only can you brush up on your knit skills, you will be creating a little masterpiece to share with a child who will love the fiber thin and threadbare.  What better compliment to each of us!

You might knit a super hero or a beautiful doll.  You might design a monster (and you all know there's a great little contest going on for that).  You might knit animals for a baby shower gift or even finger puppets.  One thing is for sure, bet you won't knit just one because every child in your life will be standing in line for their own little creation. 

So what does all this have to do with The Knitter's Life List?  Actually knitting Just for the Fun of It is one chapter in the book and I concur, sometimes you do things just because it's fun and it makes someone smile.  So how is your monster coming along, anyway?

*Follow Alpaca With A Twist on Facebook for updates about the contest and remember Big Baby is available at your LYS!  Good luck!

A Summer Challenge

Monsters, create them and knit or crochet them for cash!!

Who doesn't love a challenge?  Just for fun, we have one for you!
Even better, one talented designer will receive a $100 cash prize and yarn to replace what was used for the entry.
No need to attend Monster University, just get out those needles and hooks, pick up a ball of
Big Baby ( our super soft and cuddly fiber) and create an original design.

Check out our little Monsters on our Facebook Page!

So here's the scoop:
Submit your written pattern and photo to info@alpacawithatwist by July 15, 2013.
The winner will be chosen by a panel of judges based on originality of design and pattern support.
Please include your name, mailing address and phone number with your submission.
Finalist will be asked to send in their monster for photo opts and authenticity.
Be sure to use Alpaca With A Twist's Big Baby yarn to qualify!
Our winner of the Summer 2013 Contest will be announced August 1st. 

Bring out the kid in you, and good luck!

A Gentle Spirit

  I'd like to tell you about Ruthanna.  Everyone who meets her wants to grow up to be just like her.  She is 87 years young and she continues to amaze all of her friends and family. A couple of years ago she had a knee replacement and since "that went so well" she had the other knee worked on this past winter.  She has no fears.  It would have taken me months to make that decision.  Not her, without hesitation she scheduled that surgery and was ready to go within a couple of weeks.  It was no big deal.  She just took care of business. 
 
  She was raised on a farm.  She married Jim and they raised their family on a farm.  She told me once that she was so happy to have lived that life.  She said she learned so much on the farm.  I think that must have been true.  She is as wise as any women I know, but in a quiet, unassuming way.
    
  Ruthanna has knitted for more years that I have lived on this earth, but I think the secret of her youth is the eagerness to learn something new and to ask for help if she needs it.  Here was a woman who could knit and crochet circles around all of us and yet she often signed up for a class just to learn a new way of doing things.

  Her winning smile and quick wit won her many admirers in the yarn shop.  She was helpful and gentle with new folks who would wander in the store, making them feel quite at home.  She is an encourager and good knitting companion.

I always could count on her to pop in to see the latest shipments each week.  Nasty weather did not detour her...In fact, I always suspected that bad weather just made her antsy to get out and about. 

When I announced the closing of my shop she was gracious, but  I knew that she would surely miss the camaraderie she found at the cottage.  She came in several times a week to stock up on supplies and patterns for what she thought might be a fiber drought.   She thanked me and others for always "being so nice".  But here's the thing...she treated everyone with consideration.  I can not imagine one mean spirited bone in her body.  She seems to find the best in everyone and isn't afraid to tell them so .

Lucky are we that have come to know this charming woman...and is it any wonder so many aspire to be just like her? 
I will check in on her.  She came to love Baby Twist and bought several large hanks.  She said she couldn't help herself.  I understand that and  I imagine she will have them worked up into quite a masterpiece. 

My sincere wish is that you have someone just like Ruthanna in your life ~

Cathi
 

Those nasty detours!

Alpaca With a Twist is on the move!

After spending the last fifteen years of my life sequestered in a couple of small businesses, I now find myself trekking over roads and highways visiting yarn shops in all corners of the country.  We determined that I will stay within Indiana to begin with, to get my feet wet, so to speak.   Needless to say, my navigation skills within a yarn shop are a bit more fine-tuned than my road skills.  But hey, just another life chapter, right?

So now I get to do the fun stuff...take this wonderful fiber to shops who host these events. I love the excitement that each guest brings, and I can't wait!  The car is packed, the tank is full, and I am ready to roll.

After four weeks of "retirement," I began my first adventure of taking the Alpaca With A Twist Cash and Carry Trunk Show to a yarn shop located about 40 minutes away from my home.  That would be 40 minutes if  the roads are all open, the  google map is updated, and I wouldn't have to bypass a bridge that is under construction.  Of course, those were the exact complications of my journey!

You know even that would not have been too bad, had it not been for my "quick stop" to my bank prior to leaving town.  As I am sitting at the drive thru I hear then see a firetruck racing into the bank's parking lot followed by an ambulance.  I'm not sure what the trouble was, and I didn't ask.  As you can imagine, this was not a quick stop, but no worries, I just made a quick call to let the shop owner to let her know that I may be a few minutes late.
No time for that breakfast stop...but that banana and water I tucked away for lunch would tide me over.  I gobbled it up before I left town.  Michael Buble's latest CD was playing loudly and I'm thinking..."now this, it is good."  (You know those kind of moments when the sun is shining brightly and things look really fine.)

And then it happens.  Only 14 minutes later I have no idea where I am going, as the road is closed.  The bridge is out, and I have a choice: left or right.  I choose left.  I should have known by the way my morning began that could be a wrong call. 
I saw places and burgs that I didn't know existed.  I followed a tractor that was in no hurry.  I was getting nervous and I had to make a pit stop...but there were no pits to stop.  Needless to say, I wasn't making very good time.  However, as you might have guessed, I finally made it to my destination and jumped out of my car.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear but two familiar faces who had come to support the trunk show and to say "hi".  As they helped me unpack we caught up on what they had been working on and  we began planning their next project. 
I met with many fine folks that day and left feeling happy to have spent the afternoon inside a world of color, fiber and creativity.  Every yarn shop has a different feel, created by the vision of it's owner. That is what makes each visit seem like an adventure.  That is why we knitters and crocheters scout shops all through our travels.

So why do I tell this tale?  It just goes to prove these truths that I have known for many years.
They are: 
1) You never know what is just around the bend.
2) Always be ready for a change in plans.
3) Friendly faces and places can make our days seem A-OK.

The new chapter has begun.

Cathi

Yarn Bombing

OK So we are a little late in posting these pictures but we really wanted to share.   Alpaca With A Twist participated in their first yarn bombing ever this year.  With the help of our friends at Silver In The City and the Project School we did a decent job in what was a quick turn around.   We'll do something even more spectacular next year.

IRELAND



Kinsale, Ireland

Ireland was beautiful and what I consider to be storybook perfect.   I stayed in Kinsale and we (my friend Michelle and I) traveled the southern part of the country.   We toured old churches, and old homes, and old castles.  I was really excited to learn more about wool and the knitting industry in Ireland.   We even stopped to visit a sheep farm and watch a herding dog demonstration but what I learned was most of the sheep in Ireland are meat sheep and not used for their fiber.   Even though all of the beautiful tweeds (including the tweed in Highlander) come from Donegal Ireland and the Aran sweater is from The Aran Islands, there isn't a lot of wool or knitting.   I have to admit I was not in the northern part of the country where you find Donegal or the Aran Islands but I thought I would see more of it in the country as a whole.  There were a lot of knit items in the tourist shops and we did see several examples of weaving.   But I came across a really interesting label so I took a picture just to share here.

Has anyone else ever seen a chart of what a specific stitch or cable means?

Knitting Weather?

I can't tell if it's Spring or not. Weather in Indiana is crazy during a "normal" year- we can have Summer in February or snow in May and most Hoosiers just shrug and add/remove a layer.

This year has been unseasonably warm and extra unusual, even for Indiana. My daffodils bloomed the first week of February, and crocuses after that. Those have come and gone and the tulips are on the way out. In late January, I was going to rugby practice in a T-shirt and shorts. I'm sure that we're going to pay for this prematurely wonderful weather sometime, but until then I'm just going to enjoy it.

I'm absolutely loving my warm evenings, sitting on the back porch, knitting with my glass of Chardonnay. I'm just having a hard time deciding what it is I should be knitting. Not having a winter has really messed with my knitting- I only managed to sneak in one cardigan this year before the weather changed in to what is clearly NOT sweater-knitting weather. I am one of those year-round fiber crafters, I just move my crafting outside when the weather is pleasant and opt for smaller projects on light weight yarns. But as I sit outside and listen to the birds chirp while my needles are clicking away on my new deep red lace tablecloth that *fingers crossed* I'd like to put in the State Fair, I can't help but feel a little remorse for the winter sweater that wasn't.

So I will share my musings and ideas for warm weather knitting with you with a few little tidbits from the Alpaca With A Twist office.

Elizabeth Zimmerman thought that Summer was the perfect time to make mittens. Come to think of it, she had a point- you aren't rushing to get mittens done in May when the weather is warm. Knit or crochet that extra inch to keep your wrists warm, add a cable motif- take your time. May I suggest the Chinook Mittens knitted in Baby Twist? The Mojito Mittens in (surprise!) Mojito? Bella's Mittens in Big Baby? (Those would go really fast!) There are also some fantastic fingering-weight glove ideas out there- and Socrates is always a favorite of mine. If you were wanting to try out some of our limited-edition kettle dyed colors, we've still got a few hanks of the blue hanging around, as well as 4 hanks of our very first limited-edition Socrates, Fruit Smoothie.

I am a Summer sock knitter. And the heathered shades of Socrates are my favorites- they add depth to a project without overwhelming the lace or cabled pattern like some hand-dyed colors might. There's also thousands of lace patterns made for fingering weight yarns if you're wanting to try a tangy project but aren't as comfortable knitting with lace-weight.

And there's always lace! If you are a lace knitter, then you will love our five new colors of Fino. If you aren't a lace knitter (or crocheter) then what's holding you back? We have a really awesome intro to lace course that's a hefty packet loaded with tips on everything from life-lines to blocking. It even comes with a pattern for a sampler scarf that will gently introduce you to the wonderful world of lace.

If you would like to share your thoughts on fiber crafting through the seasons, have questions about anything mentioned here or want to share a project, let us know! We're all ears for our friends. Shoot me a message at paige@alpacawithatwist.com and I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Mojito's Big News

We have decided to give our line "Mojito" (100% baby alpaca, worsted weight, yummy) a facelift. And since we dearly love our devoted readers, we thought we would let you know so that you have a chance to stock up on your favorite colors before they are gone for good and bring in new ones. **All colors are in stock but as a reminder- you have to order our products through your local retailer.
And since nothing inspires me like seeing what other people have done with Mojito- there are some really creative people out there on Ravelry! So here's a huge THANK YOU you to all of the wonderful fiber crafters that have given me permission to share their beautiful projects with you as the kick-off to our goodbye to the Mojito colors.

Here is a beautiful shrug by HopeForHoneybees made in the Pink Impression colorway. So pretty! I just love these pictures! No touch-ups, nothing from a magazine, just plain old knitting and snapping a picture. I love a yarn that doesn't need proper backlighting to look fabulous! Here is a scarf from KZooErica, also in Pink Impression. Pattern is called "Edgar". Here's a lovely cardi from our friend BonnieBeth in the Hugs & Kisses colorway. Pattern is called Off-Rib cardigan from Stephanie Japel. Here's KZooErica again in her gorgeous "Anne" in the Fall Into Me colorway.I just want to curl up in this reversible cabled scarf by KKD48! Isn't it yummy?I absolutely LOVE how the colors worked out in Maryzona's Drunken Ruffle scarf! I might need one of these- here's a Clapotis by Maus in Hugs & KissesMsLynn, will you make me one too? I love this Star Crossed hat in Bountiful! And here's the mittens I made a few months ago (I'm Booknutty in case you were wondering). They're also in Bountiful, but it looks like the lighting was quite different!


Do you have a project you'd like to share with us? We'd love to see it! Email me at paige@alpacawithatwist.com or send me a link on Ravelry to booknutty.