Welcomes and Farewells

One of the things that I love about the fiber industry is finding out what's new- new to my yarn shop, new patterns, fancy new buttons and beads, and my very favorite- new colors and new yarns.


But sometimes to embrace the new, you have to let go of the old. Due to a dramatic increase in the cost of silk and added painting fees from our mill, we are saying farewell to our line of handpainted Fino. It will always hold a special place in my yarn-heart (especially you, Starry Night) but it's time to say goodbye. We only have these three colors remaining, but not a whole lot of them, so if you'd like to help us say our farewells by grabbing some for yourself then give us a call.But sometimes goodbye is a good thing. Sometimes goodbye is merely opening up shelf space to bring in new colors. So today I introduce to you the new members of the Fino family (from left to right) Aster, Camel, Foxglove, Wintergreen, and Paprika. They're not here yet, but they're coming. And they're pretty.

Want to be Super-Involved?

Good day fiber crafters! It's that time of the month again- where we all brave the elements and get our knit/crochet/weave on at the Creation Cafe to work towards those 8,000 Superbowl Scarves!

Can't make it on Wednesday? That's fine- there's 2 other Super-events happening around town so you can jump in on the fun!

Wednesday, February 16:
Super Scarf knitting at the Creation Cafe from 6-9 pm.
337 West 11th Street, Indianapolis

Thursday, February 17:
Free class at Mass Ave Knit Shop! Bring in (or buy there) some white and blue yarn and your needles for a free class on how to make argyle scarves! (I might have to sneak in on this one- Argyle scares me!) 5-8 pm. 862 Virginia Avenue, Indianapolis (Fountain Square area for those not familiar)

Saturday, February 26:
Craft-along at Mass Ave Knit Shop! No classes this time, just fiber-fun and snacks for people who would like to get their scarf on with other fiber crafters. Noon-3pm.

Hope to see you there!

Happy Valentines Day from Jacks the Warehouse Cat

Jacks would like for me to wish you all a very happy Valentine's Day full of chocolates, yarn, and cuddles.

Wondering Where We Are, Blame In On the ICE!

Everyone knew before me that a storm was coming. I really must have been living in my own world this past weekend because I missed all the hype. Monday came and I was reminded it might be the last time I was in the warehouse for a couple of days so I needed to have everything packed. UPS comes and I have only started, but never fear my UPS guy is the best and he comes back an hour later. I still wasn't finished packing but that was OK I would just take the rest of the boxes with me. It was 5:15 and so far no rain/sleet/ice. Well I finished packing and was ready to start thinking about going home at 6:30. I go out to move my car to the dock and it was covered in ice. I backed up to the dock using an open door and loaded the car to sit for 30 minutes so I could drive home and actually see.

Move forward to Thursday after two days at home and a brief visit to the warehouse on Wednesday. Which I find out in no way shape or form could I ask anyone to come to work there as the stairs, dock, and parking lot were nothing short of an ice rink. On Thursday with the help of some guys my sister grabbed from the gas station the warehouse was less of a hazard or so I thought. My goal on Thursday was to start getting caught up. Not only have we had ice but Paige has been sick and she keeps everything at the warehouse moving so we are really behind. I start to get work done and run upstairs where the restroom is to hear water coming in. Not too big of a deal as leaks have been chased all fall and winter with a new roof. An hour later I run back upstairs to find not 1 but 20 or more leaks and it is time to call the land lord. Only the land lord is my sister and in my family when 1 sister has a problem both sisters have a problem. I spend the next hour placing containers under the drips (what is it called when the drips all run together?).

So the next time an ice storm comes and people are worried about losing electricity (which never happened) I'm going to be worried about all of the flat roofs that are covered with ice and leak when the ice starts to thaw and all of that water has to have someplace to go. What a mess. I did see the roof of the warehouse and it would have been the most wonderful skating rink. It was beautifully smooth and a nice big open space. I also have to say my sister texted me to tell her she had a roof leak at home at the exact same time I was calling her to tell her about the multiple roof leaks at the warehouse.

Spring where are you?

Super-Knitters!

Last night was Super-Scarf knitting at the Creation Cafe and a great time was had by all! (At least I think so- I had a great time and I didn't see anyone sulking into their scarves so I'm declaring last night's event a success)

There were fiber crafters of all ages and skill levels and I kept bouncing back and forth between a couple different tables but did manage to sneak in a couple pictures.

And I feel like I need to announce this: I'm actually making progress on my scarf! I'm one of those knitters that always has a thousand projects going but rarely ever finishes one, so this is a big deal for me! It's out of Touchdown (naturally) and I'm super-proud of my super-scarf! And if you would like to send me a picture of YOUR super-scarf made out of Touchdown, I'd love to do a blog entry of all of your wonderful creations! Just send me a picture at paige@alpacawithatwist.com and I'll make it happen!

Sip and Knit for Super Scarves

It looks like everyone had so much fun at the last Sip n' Knit, we're going to do it again!

There will be a group knitting Superbowl Scarves on Wednesday, January 19th at the Creation Cafe (337 West 11th Street, Indianapolis 46202) from 6-9 pm.

Kits with yarn and needles will be available for $15, and knitters/crocheters of all ages and skill levels are most welcome! I'm told there will also be food and drink specials for Super Scarf crafters.

*It looks like we will be doing this the third Wednesday of every month until November of this year. I'll try to keep posting these reminders a few days before the meet-up. Hope to see you there and happy crafting!

We're so Vogue...

So you may have already seen it...but we're so excited we're going to show you anyway!

We made the cover of Vogue Knitting!

*Vogue Knitting Winter 2010/2011, photo by Rose Callahan
Designer: Deborah Newton
Alpaca With A Twist Highlander, 3 skeins, Color used: Birch

While the hat does look really awesome in Birch (color 96), why not try making it really your own? We've got some really fun light colors in Highlander that would be sure to showcase the pattern really well while making it your own. I'll be making mine in Wild Pansy, a really pale purple...

(left to right- Lichen, Hawthorne Pink, Wild Pansy (my favorite!) Sandy Beach, Primrose Yellow and Skye Blue)
And if you're making one of the hats from Vogue, we'd love to see it! Send us your pictures at info@alpacawithatwist.com or post them to our Ravelry group to qualify for some awesome prizes. Happy Knitting and have a great day!