Crochet Pattern – Faroese Shawl

This wonderful triangular shawl called Faroese Shawl is a traditional design by Cheri McEwen from the Faroe Islands.  Ever heard of this place?  Eighteen mountainous islands form an archipelago that are located half way between Scotland and Iceland in the Northeast Atlantic.  Looks like a beautiful spot, and an interesting fact, it is home to puffins … who knew!  Be sure to click the link for a delightful video.  Anyway, a Faroese shawl is a traditional piece of clothing from the Faroe Islands with the distinguishing feature of these shawls being the lovely center back gusset shaping.

The pattern designer crocheted the shawl in a solid color and it is very pretty (click the link above).   I opted to use two different types of Dk weight yarn and three different colors, in shades of blues and grays and purples.   I happen to really like this color combination, but whether a solid color, or mixing and matching, you can’t go wrong either way!

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What is a Ruana?

So what is a Ruana, anyway?  Quite fitting, both alpacas and ruanas are originally from the Andes region of South America. The word Ruana means “Land of Blankets”.  Simply put, it is a blanket you can wear!  Usually they are thick, soft, sleeveless, and about knee length.  The shape is square or rectangular, with a slit for your head and the front piece split down the middle to drape over the shoulders.

 

Garnet Gem Ruana

Ruanas are quite easy to throw on and take off, and add an extra layer of warmth without having to be all buttoned up as you would in a coat.  They can also be worn over a winter coat for extra warmth and style.   Ruanas are great for dressing up, or dressing down.

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Free Crochet Patterns for Bulky Weight Yarn

Enjoy my collection of crochet patterns, none of them mine, but rather my favorites by other talented designers.  Each pattern calls for bulky weight yarn and would be perfect for our Snuggle Yarn.  This yarn is currently available in many solid colors, as well as a handful of hand-dyed tonal multi-colors that coordinate with one or more of the solid colors.  Snuggle is a wonderful lofty alpaca blend yarn that feels light and has an incredibly soft hand. Free Crochet Patterns for Buly Weight Yarn

Created for those who like immediate gratification, or perhaps need some quick gifts for Christmas.  Start scrolling … and enjoy!

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Free Crochet Pattern – Sweet Stripes Alpaca Baby Blanket

I’ve been in the mood to make baby blankets lately … don’t ask me why.  I don’t know anyone that’s expecting a baby and I certainly am way past those years. Maybe it’s because it took so long to warm up here in Ohio, and I haven’t minded having my lap covered with a warm alpaca blanket!  Our Classic Alpaca Yarn is the perfect choice for this Sweet Stripes Alpaca Baby Blanket.

 

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DIY Summer Outfits for Crocheters

Ok DIY-ers, crocheters, and yarn-lovers…don’t think all your projects have to be winter scarves, hats and gloves! Check out these awesome summer pieces and create your very own chic, unique, summer wardrobe.

Boho Mini Dress

Crocheted summer dress

 

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5 Unique Crochet Patterns to Try

There’s so many things that can be made by knitting and crocheting…the possibilities are endless! If you’re bored of hats, scarves, blankets etc., here are a few unique things you can make! There are great patterns for unique gifts, decorations, or just a new accessory for yourself!

Save The Drama Llama




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Crochet and Knitting Patterns for Alpacas and Llamas

We’ve been raising alpacas for quite a few years, and now suddenly they’ve become popular! They seem to be everywhere, and on everything. There are some darling knitting and crochet patterns for alpacas and llamas, as well as purses, backpacks, finger puppets, pillows, hats and mittens, shaped like or adorned with these magical creatures!

Crochet and Knitting Patterns for Alpacas and Llamas


Some still mistake alpacas for llamas, and vice versa. The size difference between alpacas and llamas is obvious, but the other distinct difference is their ears. Alpacas have smaller, spear shaped ears and llamas have larger, banana shaped ears. Find out more by reading 6 Differences Between Llamas and Alpacas by Modern Farmer.

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Snuggle Wrist Cuffs and Yarn Substitution

This was a FREE knitting pattern I picked up at JoAnn Fabrics, also available on the Lion Brand website, and Ravelry.  It is an easy beginner’s pattern.

I substituted one of our Snuggle yarns for the Lion Brand Yarn that the pattern called for.  Both the Snuggle Yarn and the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn are considered Super Bulky weight at 5-6 wraps per inch.

Snuggle Black Alpaca Blend Yarn

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Free Crochet Pattern – Crescent Shawl

I love, love, love the new yarn called Mariquita from The Alpaca Yarn Company.  If you liked the Astral Yarn in all its beautiful colors, you will like this one too.  It has 50% tencel which is what gives it the lovely sheen like the Astral, and it is blended with 50% baby alpaca!  This Crescent Shawl, pattern by Julie Aakjaer, was perfect for the Mariquita, our new fingering weight yarn.  I used a smaller size hook than what the pattern calls for, which created a very lacy look that I think is very pretty with this yarn.

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