Photo © Knitscene, Accessories 2013

A beautiful hand knit accessory can be the pièce de résistance that elevates an outfit, Resistance by Megi Burcl is exactly that. Plus it’s jam-packed with technique. Modularly knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight, a squishy yarn paired with squishy garter stitch, to mimic an oversized herringbone motif. With excellent colorplay opportunities given the large palette (and don’t forget Melange, too!), you can stripe this shawl in different combinations for very different results.

The Details

Pattern: Resistance
Designer: Megi Burcl
Size: 48″ wide
• 20″ deep
Needle: Size 6 (4mm) 32″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight, shown in Light Gray #507, Eggplant #512
Pattern available from Knitscene, Accessories 2013

Photo © World Wide Knit in Public Day

Started in 2005, and celebrated this year from June 8th to June 16, World Wide Knit in Public Day is a time for knitters and crocheters who usually stitch in solitude to gather and meet up with one another.

Photo © Craftsy

And Craftsy has you covered this year! Their 13 steps will have you knitting in public like a pro. Everything from Step 1: Find a Meetup and Step 2: Get a pattern from the Craftsy Marketplace all the way to Step 11: Knit away!

Do you have any Knitting in Public plans?

Photo © Purl Soho

As if you ever need a reason to cast on… But just in case, here are eight good reasons to cast on for the awesome Knit Octopus!

1. Stuffed animals, especially of the homemade variety, will be cherished  for years to come.

2. Which brings me to… this is a great gift for boys and girls (even grown ones!).

Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight

3. Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight is extra soft and squishy.

4. Marine life and the mysterious ocean are fascinating. Cuddling an octopus and dreaming of ocean wonders sounds delightful!

Photo © Purl Soho

5. No detail is spared in Knit Octopus, which is complete with eight arms that showcase a textural stitch on the underside to mimic a real octopus’s suction cups. Cool!

6. Octopuses are really special animals for many reasons, including the ability to camouflage their skin to mimic the color, pattern, and texture of their surroundings.

Pearl (Finding Nemo) © Pixar/Walt Disney; Squiddly Diddly © Hanna Barbera; Squidward © Nickelodeon

7. Chances are there is already a famous octopus you know and love!

8. And last, but not least, those eight arms we mentioned… make octopuses the world’s best hug-givers!

Those are eight reasons for casting on, what are yours?

The Details

Pattern: Knit Octopus
Designer: Purl Soho
Size: circumference around widest part of body – 20½”
• Height – 7½”
• Length of each arm – 10″
Needle: Size 6 (4mm) 16″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 6 (4mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Sport Weight, shown in Natural White #500
Pattern available from the Purl Bee

But… finally… the ice was gone, thanks to a couple warm days and a lot of hard work from Linda.

On Saturday, April 6, I drove to Foggy Bottom with butterflies in my tummy, knowing that today was the day. At long last, Ollie was coming home! When I arrived at Foggy Bottom, both Mark and Barb were there, ready to help on Ollie’s Big Day! *trumpeting fanfare*

First, we trimmed Ollie’s toenails so he would be all spiffy. Since a halter makes it easier to get him in and out of the vehicle, as well as walk with him, I put one on him and led him around for a bit so he could get used to it.

Ollie tries on a halter. This halter is properly positioned high on his nose so that he can breath easily.

At first Ollie wasn’t too sure…

At first, Ollie wasn’t too sure about the halter… he can’t be Mr. Independent while wearing a halter!

…but once he got accustomed to it, he did great and looked very sophisticated.

But he soon warmed up to it.

Next, he was weighed, coming in at 73 pounds! 

Ollie weighs in at 73 pounds!

So hard to believe that the first time I saw him he was only 17.8 pounds.

After that, Barb fed him a special syrup called Nutri-Drench, which provided extra vitamins to keep his tummy in balance and gave him a bit of a boost for the stressful day. She also gave me some extra grain and hay to help transition him to the new food at Linda’s, and then it was time to get him into the Foggy Bottom minivan.

Cozy digs inside Foggy Bottom’s minivan.

“Okay, Ollie, let’s go!”

Looks like Mark may need to encourage Ollie to get in!

Mark gives Ollie a boost.

Ollie inside the minivan. 

As Ollie stood quaking in the van (scary new place + first time he was ever alone!), my heart went out to him and I got teary-eyed, but I knew he was safe and would be okay, even if he didn’t understand that yet. Then, we began the drive to Linda’s house, me in the front in my little car and Mark following behind me in the minivan with Ollie. (Barb couldn’t come with us, as there was a cria due to be born at the farm that day so she had to stay behind just in case!) Mark told me Ollie kushed (sat down) about five minutes into the ride and settled in, so he relaxed after a while and realized there was nothing to be afraid of.

Once we arrived, Mark opened the door, then led Ollie out of the minivan…

Brave little Ollie exits, ready for more adventures!

Welcome home, Ollie!

…and we walked to the barn where Linda’s existing alpacas live.

Mark walks Ollie to Linda’s barn.

Mark gave Ollie a final hug, whispered some words of encouragement, then released him so he could meet his new family! It is clear that he and Barb (and Sara!) care for Ollie very much and, though they were happy to see him go to a new home, it was still hard to say goodbye.

Mark gives Ollie a final hug.

There was quite the crowd (of humans) to greet Ollie! Along with me, Linda, and Mark, my husband, Logan, was there, as was Linda’s husband, Chad, who had brought his camera and got some of the beautiful photos you will soon see. (Fun behind-the-scenes note: Chad is the head photographer for Blue Sky Alpacas. I felt very honored to have him there to catch this special moment in Ollie’s life.) As Ollie slowly made his way to the fenceline, Mark got to visit with Mr. Jones, who came from Foggy Bottom just like Ollie!

Mark stops to say hi to Mr. Jones, who came from Foggy Bottom just like Ollie! In fact, Ollie and Mr. Jones are half-brothers, sharing the same sire.

Here they all are, seeing each other for the first time! (Is it just me, or does Ollie look really relieved to see other alpacas? )

Linda’s existing alpacas get a first glimpse of Ollie.

Here is the same picture from Chad’s point of view—you can see Linda’s existing alpacas approaching as cautiously as Ollie did!

Linda’s existing alpacas are curious about Ollie!

Now everyone moves closer to get a better look…

Ollie and Linda’s alpacas introduce themselves.

Ollie is on the left, then Mr. Jones is the dark one in the middle, then Cassius is on the right, and Reggie is hiding in the back. Here is that same photo from Chad’s point of view! Cool!

Linda’s existing alpacas gathering together to meet Ollie.

Then, Mr. Jones came rushing out to greet Ollie!

Mr. Jones rushes out to greet Ollie!

Here are big brother and little brother, getting acquainted!

Mr. Jones and Ollie say hi!

After some encouragement…

Mr. Jones encourages Ollie to meet the rest of the herd.

…Mr. Jones led Ollie into the yard so Ollie could greet Reggie and Cassius up close.

Ollie follows Mr. Jones into the yard to greet Reggie and Cassius.

They all stood around together for long minutes, busily smelling each other and getting acquainted. Then, they wandered off to explore, with Ollie in the lead.

Ollie leads the way as the others show him around.

At this point, I put my own camera down so I could just enjoy the moment, but, fortunately, Chad was there with his camera!

Ollie, Mr. Jones, Reggie, and Cassius, together at last!

Under the watchful eye of the rest of the herd, Ollie wandered around, occasionally interacting, but also just figuring out what all this means. I was even able to get some special cuddle time with Ollie, which Chad got on film! These are very special photos because probably this type of thing will not happen again—as he should be, Ollie is bonded to his new herd, not to me, and these moments were briefly allowed by him in all the confusion as he sorted things out.

“Mom, you’re embarrassing me!”

As time went on, the other humans dispersed and it was just me and Linda with the four alpaca boys. We watched as Ollie kept a respectful distance from the other alpacas, trying to introduce himself without being overbearing. Reggie, the leader of the herd, did plenty of shows of studliness to make sure that everyone understood that he was still in charge. We even saw Ollie asking Reggie if he could be a part of their family, and watched him share food with the others. Such a good boy with a friendly nature and a good heart!

Once again, Ollie showed me how not to be nervous and to trust that he is part of something very old. He knows what to do instinctively, how to engage the other alpacas and be accepted, and he is resilient and brave. I was bursting with pride at how well he did, taking a very stressful day in stride, while being so sweet to his new herd.

Our final update in the Ollie series will be Ollie’s first shearing, my plans for what to do with his fiber, and a very special giveaway, so keep your eyes out for the final installment! (Don’t you worry, Ollie fans! I’ll be sure to pop in with occasional updates on how he is doing at Linda’s; it just won’t be nearly as often, as now that he is leaving criahood his life will move into a comfortable routine. ^_^)

Photo © Vogue Knitting, Crochet 2013

Last year, to great success, Vogue Knitting published a special issue dedicated to crochet. Naturally, crocheters clamoured for more. The 2013 Vogue Knitting special Crochet publication is excellent and features over thirty patterns! The Mesh Cape, worked in Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, evokes old Hollywood glamour. With its dramatic collar, bold color, and mysterious air, I cannot help but think that you’d turn heads, even at a Gatsbyesque sized soiree.

The Details

Pattern: #23 Mesh Cape
Designer: Kathy North
Size: Small/Medium (Large/X-Large)
Hook: Size H (5mm) hook, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, shown in Pomegranate #813
Pattern available in Vogue Knitting, Crochet 2013

Droolworthy Metalico braids!

Lee (from Loop, London’s blog): I have never knit with BSA, but am already planning how to get to your shop to have a feel of these yarns. The Metalico range looks like a wonderful combination of ‘natural’ and ‘sophisticated’. I would love to knit the Daisy Wrap to keep my daughter warm as she breastfeeds her baby (soon to be born) in the middle of the night. Not that she’ll need to be sophisticated then! But she could also wear it on her first night out with her partner after the birth.

Patsy (from Blue’s Blog): Metalico looks stunning and would love to knit with. All 3 patterns are amazing but love the Frances.

Congratulations to the winners, who will receive their choice of one of our 1920s-inspired Metalico wrap patterns (Daisy, Frances, or Zelda) and enough Metalico yarn to complete their project! Thanks again for participating, everyone!

Bustling Camden Passage! Photo © http://mycreativephotography.co.uk/

Now that we’ve oriented ourselves, let’s check in with today’s interviewee: Loop, London’s owner, Susan Cropper!

Susan Cropper. Photo © Loop, London

Jillian: Hi, Susan! Thank you so much for talking with me today and for being our first international shop interview! Your shop has been open for almost eight years, but let’s go back to the beginning. Can you tell me how you came up with the name for your shop?

Loop’s logo. Photo © Loop, London

Susan: I came up with the name of my shop after weeks of brainstorming with family and friends. I wanted something short and “loop” was perfect in that it reflected what the yarn was doing in a sense—a series of loops.

Jillian: Indeed, loops are important in knitting, crochet, weaving… almost all fiber arts. And it’s hard to get much shorter than four letters!

Front window display. Photo © Loop, London

Susan: Haha, true! Funnily enough, Craig from Loop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania must have had the same idea, as we opened around the same time and have the same name. I like his shop and he’s a lovely guy, but our shops are actually very different! Both great shops, but in their own ways!

Super-cute display of baby sweaters in the front window! Photo © Loop, London

Jillian:  Absolutely. Now, let’s go back even farther! How did your love for all things textile evolve?

Susan: When I was young, my mom went back to art school to study Interior Design and there were always mood boards strewn around our apartment and stacks of design magazines. I was dragged around the Museum of Modern Art and the Decorative & Design Building in NYC on weekends.

Colors and textures everywhere! Photo © Loop, London

Susan: My mom saved up to get a pair of Mies van der Rohe Barcelona chairs and then started weaving. Suddenly, there was a huge wooden loom in our living room and hanks of yarn drying in the bathroom, which she had dyed with cochineal and plants that she sent off for. I think I must have become a designer and textile junkie by osmosis. I knit. I love to knit lacy shawls most of all.

Jillian: I am still practicing many techniques in knitting, and lacy shawls are still something I have to master! Clearly, this interest in textiles and design followed you into adult life.

Susan: Oh, yes. I studied both Textile Design and Graphic Design, and, before Loop, while raising my three children, I was a designer and director for lifestyle magazines in London. I love to go to design fairs, vintage fairs, and flea markets wherever I am.

Jillian: It is no surprise, then, that this love of texture, design, color, and textiles led you to opening a shop! How was the response?

Such an inviting interior! Photo © Loop, London

Susan: Enormous, from both press and customers! It has been so much fun to teach so many hundreds of people to knit, watching their excitement grow as they see what they can do. And, it is gratifying to hear the exclamations of delight as people come into the shop—I want people to find joy in colour, texture, and design as much as I do. I feel proud of the contribution we make to the knitting community.

Jillian: It certainly sounds delightful. What types of activities do you have at your shop?

Susan: We have a huge range of classes from beginners to advanced and lots of technique workshops. We also have special visiting teachers who are masters at their craft, such as Stephen West, Franklin Habit, Cecile Balladino, Cecille Franconie, Julie Arkell, and Brandon Mably. We also have KnitNight every Thursday night and book launches at the shop.

So pretty, all arranged in a rainbow! Photo © Loop, London

Jillian: There seems to be a real sense of community surrounding your shop and yarn crafts in general.

Susan: Absolutely. Sharing interests and learning new skills helps you feel connected with your wider community.

Jillian: Before we end for today, I just want to go back for a second. You mentioned earlier that you grew up in NYC. How did you end up in England? I thought you were from England!

Susan: *smiles* I wound up in London because I married an English guy who was living in NYC. He grew homesick, so we moved here in 1985.

Susan’s third book! Photo © Loop, London

Speaking of Loop, London’s blog, be sure to stop by today and read the reciprocal interview they did with us here at Blue Sky Alpacas! Even better, in honor of Loop, London’s favorite Blue Sky Alpacas yarn and the release of The Great Gatsby, we are hosting a simultaneous giveaway, in which one winner chosen on each blog will receive one of our new 1920s-inspired Metalico wrap patterns of their choice (Daisy, Frances, or Zelda) and enough Metalico in their color choice to complete the project. To enter, leave a comment telling us why you love Metalico and we’ll announce the winner next week! And don’t forget to head over to Loop, London’s blog to check out their interview with us and enter their contest!

Remember, if you own or visit a shop that carries Blue Sky Alpacas yarn or is hosting a special class or activity with Blue Sky Alpacas patterns or yarns, drop us a line at info@blueskyalpacas.com! Also let us know if there are questions you’d like answered by our shop owners that we aren’t touching on, and we can look into adding them to our repertoire.

It’s all in the details. Photo © Loop, London

Buckingham Hat

The Buckingham Hat is the perfect, uncomplicated gateway to indulging in this decadent fiber.

The Details

Pattern: Buckingham Hat
Designer: Bobbi IntVeld
Size: Circumference: 18″, unstretched
• Height: 7½”
Needles: Size 2 (2.75mm) 16″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 2 (2.75mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Royal Petites, shown in Antique Black #1705
Pocket Pattern available at Blue Sky Alpacas Stockists
Digital Pattern available in the Blue Sky Alpacas Pattern Store

Westminster Hat

The Westminster Hat, with its sophisticated, all-over texture, is one of my favorites! With this hat, you can learn to cable without a cable needle, like I did.

The Details

Pattern: Westminster Hat
Designer: Bobbi IntVeld
Size: Circumference: 18″, unstretched
• Height: 7″
Needles: Size 3 (3.25mm) 16″ circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 3 (3.25mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Royal Petites, shown in Cameo #1704
Pocket Pattern available at Blue Sky Alpacas Stockists
Digital Pattern available in the Blue Sky Alpacas Pattern Store

Two cable rounds.

I’ve cabled before, but never so repetitively. Usually, it seems that there is one large cable in the front of a sweater, and one cable doesn’t really make for good practicing of this technique… it’s not a good way to retain the skill of cabling without a cable needle. However, the Westminster Hat features two distinct cable rounds. One round with right twist cables and the other round with left twist cables. To achieve the all-over texture, the cables are worked across the entire round for the entire hat, making this a great project to master cabling without a cable needle. And boy… do my cable projects fly off the needles now!

Slouchy-Style Westminster

This is the tutorial I used to learn to cable without the cable needle. I liked it so much I just kept knitting my Westminster for many additional rounds to get a slouch-factor. (That’s really the only thing you have to do to make a hat slouch, just keep knitting.) How do you prefer to knit cables? Do you like a beanie-style hat or do you prefer hats with slouch?

Photo © Barney Sellers

Even the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll knows his way around a ball of yarn!

Royal Petite Boxed Knit Kits

These kits, available at your LYS, include two Royal Petite balls and a Royal Petite Pattern… everything mom needs to get knitting!