Free Crochet Pattern – Lost In Time Alpaca Shawl

I used the pattern called Lost in Time on the Mijo Crochet website for this beautiful alpaca shawl. Johanna Lindah, who designed this pattern, lives in Sweden, and has included 12 different translations of the pattern, including English, lucky for me.  I love the vintage look, and all the different stitches she has included, which just … Read more

Free Crochet Pattern – Squish Cowl

I love this pattern by Tamara Kelly that she calls her Squish Cowl.  She uses a special stitch called Split Bullion Stitch that involves yarning over six times which creates lots of gorgeous texture and squishiness! Tamara’s pattern is FREE and can be found on her blog that she calls Moogly, by clicking here. I chose our … Read more

What I Did With This Year’s Alpaca Fiber

There are many options when it comes to processing alpaca fiber into a value added product.  Finding a fiber mill that will help you evaluate and determine the best use of your fiber is very helpful.  Morning Star Fiber Mill, an artisan fiber mill in North Carolina, offers custom processing and did our processing for … Read more

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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Flowers, Flowers, Flowers

I love hats with flowers, maybe not on me, but a flower just sets off a hat, makes it so much more stylish!  I love flowers, and it is Spring, so thought I would share my Flowers, Flowers, Flowers Pinterest Board.  On it you will find crocheted, knitted, fiber, and felted flowers, some with instructions and … Read more

Free Crochet Pattern – Two Tone Mitts

I love these fun two-tone gloves, each glove with colors opposite from the other.  The pattern is by Pollyfoofoo and her website is pollyfoofoo.blogspot.com.  Her pattern calls for a bulky yarn, but I’ve chosen our Astral Yarn, a dk weight yarn, which comes in some gorgeous colors.  I think you could mix-n-match almost any two colors of this Alpaca/Merino/Tencel blend yarn and be pleased with the combination.

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Crafty’s Big Back to School Supplies and Classes Sale

This post contains affiliate links through which I might earn a small commission on purchases.  Funds earned will be used to help fund my mission trip to Guatemala. Perfect timing, I just find out how to offer online classes, and there’s a sale offered!   Now thru 9/9/15, Craftsy is having a Big Back to … Read more

How To Use A Ball Winder and Swift

Anyone that plays with yarn will be interested in two great tools, a Swift and a Ball Winder.                    Otto and Joanne Strauch, owners of Strauch Fiber Equipment and makers of fine tools for spinners, demonstrate how to make a center-pull ball using these two must-have tools.

Free Crochet Pattern – Half Moon Shawl

Featuring a bobble stitch, this pretty Half Moon Shawl has a bit of a textured look with lacy, open stitches, a luxuriously soft feel, and an elegant sheen that will make you feel like a queen! Adapted from a pattern from the Lion Brand Yarn website that calls for a super bulky yarn and Size N hook, … Read more

Free Knitting Pattern – Drop Stitch Swizzle Alpaca Scarf

I love how this scarf turned out! The yarn I used is 100% alpaca so of course it is soft and lovely!  This yarn is hand-dyed.  The color is Academy Blue, one of the nine beautiful shades in the Swizzle line from The Alpaca Yarn Company available at Alpaca Meadows.  The pattern is by Christine Vogel of … Read more