http://www.onbeing.org/blog/world-through-hands/3931

A poignant video interview with Renate Hiller that discusses the importance of yarn crafts in creating both useful and beautiful things. In using our hands to craft, we in turn create a sense of self. As Ms. Hiller states, we “feel whole,” and that sense of completion changes our perspective of the world. I think this sentiment is shared by many artists and craftsmen.

When last we left Ollie, he was just three days old and was having some difficulty in gaining enough weight. This meant there was a question about whether Ollie would be healthy enough for me to buy him and raise him as my very own with Linda’s existing alpacas.

Let’s check in on my little boy now. How is he doing? *drum roll*

Ollie (in front), at two months, speeding around the field with Temperance, a cria pal.

Hmm… he seems to be doing just fine! Here is a summary of the first months of his life so far.

One Week

At one week, Ollie’s weight began to become more consistent and the original fears about his health dissipated.

Ollie at one week.

Ollie standing by while his mom, Duchess, eats with the other dams.

One Month

When Ollie was one month old, I attended a class at Foggy Bottom Alpacas which was geared toward assisting and informing both new and potential alpaca owners. It was run by Sara Bender of Foggy Bottom Alpacas and a special guest from Virginia, Nancy Ogan of Double “O” Good Alpacas. We had classes on how to set up pens, create a business plan, and manage your farm, as well as hands-on learning with regard to witnessing a breeding, trimming toe nails (alpacas have toes, not hooves!), administering medications, and catching and haltering alpacas.

In between training, I got lots of pictures of Ollie!

Ollie at one month.

You see this often at the alpaca farm: a cria following its dam. Through imitating his mom, Ollie learns about the world.

You can see how he is filling out and becoming fuzzier!

Two Months

Ollie is becoming more independent and really starting to mature. Just look at that handsome face!

Ollie at two months.

He is growing so quickly! *sniff* He is already spending less time with his mother and more time with the other crias, running around the field, kicking at the air, grazing on his own, and prancing just out of reach of Sara and her parents.

Ollie (middle) and the other alpacas spot me as I approach them. (I love all of their shadows on the field!)

“Is this my good side?”

In the peaceful chill of the morning air, Ollie (forefront) grazes with the other alpacas.

What’s next for Ollie? Look for a three-month update and… as the New Year turns over, I become his official owner!

Photo © The Purl Bee

I adore handmade ornaments. In particular any ornament that can withstand falling off of the tree (thanks to my two darling cats). The Snowflower Ornaments from the Purl Bee fit the bill: handmade, unbreakable, and lovely! One hank of Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico makes about 9 ornaments! That’s one for me, my Mom, my Grandma, my cousin, my Aunt, three girlfriends, and my neighbor! I love crocheting holiday cheer!

The Details

Pattern: Snowflower Ornaments
Designer: Purl Soho
Size: 3″ diameter
Hook: Size D (3.25mm) hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico, shown in Opal #1610
Pattern available on the Purl Bee

The brand new Royal Petite Boxed Knit Kits

I know that, as a knitter, I’m not always the easiest person to buy a gift for. No one seems to know what I would like (which is usually just more yarn!). But this year is different because Blue Sky Alpacas just released Royal Petite Boxed Knit Kits, which come complete with two Royal Petite balls and a Royal Petite Pattern! Now, I can buy a gift for a knitting girlfriend, and a little treat for me, too. With seven pattern options, there is something for everyone!

If you would also love to have a brand new Royal Petite Boxed Knit Kit land in your stocking this year, just print this post and share with friends and family. They’ll know just what to purchase for you at the neighborhood LYS.

This holiday season you’ll be all set to gather with family and knit (maybe with a glass of eggnog!).

Photo © Interweave

Perusing the latest editions of knitting magazines is one of my favorite ways to unwind. To make myself all cozy after a day at work and take a look at all the lovely designs on each page is entertaining and inspiring. Every now and then a design really grabs me, makes me exclaim aloud, and has me dashing for my stash rather than staying under the cozy afghan. Kyoko Nakayoshi had not one, but two exclamation-inducing designs in Knitscene Winter 2012. These designs, Merging Ripples Shawl and the Sideways Shawls patterns, are variations on a theme, one symmetric and the other asymmetric.

The Details

Pattern: Merging Ripples Shawl
Designer: Kyoko Nakayoshi
Size: 45″ wide and 21½” tall
Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, shown in Salsa #806 and Pomegranate #813
Pattern available in Knitscene, Winter 2012

Photo © Interweave

I especially enjoy the asymmetric balance of the Sideways Ripples Shawl. Probably because my life is frequently a bit off-kilter.

Looking forward to heathery Cornflower in an eye-catching combination with Cinnamon.

I was inspired by oxidized metals to put Cornflower #800 and Cinnamon #804 together. As fellow BSA coworkers passed by my desk, I heard many “Ohhh… ahhh!’ and my favorite, “Wow! What is this going to be for?”

It’s safe to say this shawl is going to look awesome, and I’m itching to cast-on!

The Details

Pattern: Sideways Ripples Shawl
Designer: Kyoko Nakayoshi
Size: 45″ wide and 21½” tall
Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, shown in Dijon #807 and Licorice #803
Pattern available in Knitscene, Winter 2012