Knitting Archives - Alpaca Meadows

Knitting Pattern – Tidal Beanie

Erin Gates of Lizzy Knits reached out to me and wondered if we might do some collaborating … so we did! She sent me some of her wonderful knitting patterns, and I sent her some of our alpaca yarn. We both agreed to promote each other and Erin has quite a following, so that is super exciting, and I am happy to team up with another small business owner! The first pattern I knit was Erin’s Tidal Beanie. I used our bulky weight Snuggle Yarn in the color Tan Heather, one skein will do it. I am very new to knitting cables and must say I’m a little less awkward than I was at first. I love the dimension and texture that cables add to a project. Of course, an Alpaca Pom Pom was the finishing touch!

Handmade Knit Alpaca Ornaments

We are now selling these adorable knit alpaca ornaments, handmade by a not-for-profit social enterprise called Global Goods Partners. GGP is is committed to providing sustainable jobs for women, and as stated on their website, they have tapped into the rich well of skill and artistry that is passed from one generation of women to the next.

Since GGP first launched in 2005, they have partnered with over 60 artisan groups in more than 20 countries throughout Asia, Africa and the Americas, helping to design and bring to market the fair trade, handcrafted products they produce. Each artisan earns reliable, fair living wages, and gains experience that can add benefit to all aspects of her life.

Free Knitting Pattern – Darn Knit Cable Hat

This knit hat is called Darn Knit Cable Hat and the design is by Aimee Pelletier. Aimee’s grandmother taught her to knit when she was a young girl. She put her knitting away for many years, and then according to Aimee, her Nan conned her into it again! She now owns her own yarn shop in Stillwater, Minnesota called Darn Knit Anyway. To see more of Aimee’s projects on Ravelry, click here.

Knitting Kit – Forget Not Mitt Kit

Looking for a Spring knitting project? While cooler seasons are known to be the height of knitting and crocheting, many of us know that knitting and crochet season never really ends. With warmer temperatures, we might opt not to be covered in super bulky alpaca wool yarn, but rather enjoy lighter yarns and smaller projects. Today I wanted to share the Forget Not Mitt Knitting Kit with you, along with all the pretty color combinations available. The pictures below are from Ravelry, and all the fingerless mitts were made using this kit.

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Free Knitting and Crochet Pattern – Stormy Sky Shawl

Surely it will be warm weather soon, and thoughts will turn to lighter weight yarn for knitting and crochet projects. I found this pretty shawl on Ravelry, knit by Lynn Fukutani, using Mariquita Yarn, a Fingering weight yarn, which is a luxurious blend of 50% Baby Alpaca and 50% Tencel.

Mariquita yarn has a subtle shine and a beautiful drape, and is the perfect choice for this lightweight, asymmetrical shawl.

Free Knitting Pattern – Simple Autumn Mittens

Usually I crochet, but I saw this knitting pattern for Simple Autumn Mittens by Halldora J on Ravelry and thought I just must share it. I love the feminine, lacy, pattern … don’t they look super soft and wonderful?

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!

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.

Free Knitting Pattern – Susie Rogers’ Reading Mitts

I ran across a knitting pattern this morning for Susie Rogers’ Reading Mitts, which seems appropriate to post as I look outside after yet another snowfall! Seems like it’s been an awfully long winter in Ohio, but I’m very happy to see the sunshine peek in and out. This pattern is FREE, and written for … Read more

Learning to Knit – Getting Started

You have what you will need, basically your yarn and some needles, a comfortable chair and good lighting. You’re relaxed, and you’re ready to get started knitting. Learning to knit, like learning anything new, takes time, patience, and also some practice. It is said that knitting is one of the most relaxing and calming activities … Read more

Free Knitting Pattern – Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf

This Easy Mistake Stitch Scarf is a pattern I like to use when teaching people how to knit. This pattern is from the Purl Soho website. I have adapted the pattern to use with our bulky Snuggle Yarn from the Alpaca Yarn Company, and big needles, so fewer stitches are needed when casting on than what is written in the original pattern.

Consisting of knits and purls, the mistake rib stitch is a great beginner stitch. Super easy to remember, the stitch pattern is just a one row repeat, perfect for enjoyable knitting that you don’t have to think much about. The mistake rib stitch produces a lofty, squishy fabric and though it may look complicated, it’s surprisingly easy to knit!