(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP0nuRxdi-I)

Our Metalico wrap photoshoot was held on such a lovely September afternoon! So that you can share in the day with us, we have put together this video of behind-the-scenes moments, from the perfect weather to boat rides around beautiful Lake George to the camaraderie of the Blue Sky Alpacas team and the models.

But, the details don’t stop there! These very special patterns are all inspired by the writings, women, and characters who inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald throughout a very glamorous and decadent time period. Did you catch all the references? Let’s see!

Fitzgerald, who was born in St. Paul, Minnesota (mere miles from Blue Sky Alpacas World Headquarters!), wrote The Great Gatsby, which is a book that heavily influenced our Metalico wrap collection. (Is anyone else anxiously awaiting Baz Luhrmann’s upcoming movie?)

The Daisy Wrap

In fact, the name Daisy was chosen not just for the floral-esque pattern, but also because one of the main characters in The Great Gatsby is Daisy Buchanan.

The Frances Wrap

Frances had a working name of “Deco Wrap” because when we saw the bold geometric shapes within the wrap, knit in lavish Metalico, the Art Deco Movement just clicked and so did the name Frances, who was Fitzgerald’s daughter.

The Zelda Wrap

Zelda Fitzgerald, his wife, was a Jazz Age icon in her own rite, having been called the “first American Flapper.” She led a lavish lifestyle and had a vibrant social life. Fitzgerald was so pleased when his first novel, This Side of Paradise, was published that he ran up and down Summit Avenue (in St. Paul, MN), stopping passing motorists to tell them his news! It’s a puzzlement what was he more excited about: becoming a published novelist or that Zelda would finally consent to marry him (for he could now support the life she was accustomed to).

Our nod to This Side of Paradise is our use of the main character’s name, Rosalind Connage, in the backstory postcards featured on the lifestyle side of all three patterns. The Sand’s Point, New York address on these postcards was for a real historical site, a home that belonged to a friend of Fitzgerald’s and is the suspected inspiration for the setting in The Great Gatsby. (It has, unfortunately, been torn down.)

We hope you enjoyed this behind-the scenes look at the Metalico wrap collection, and that you find the influences and history as sumptuous as the collection itself!

Daisy, Frances, and Zelda

Blue Sky Alpacas announces our new Metalico wrap collection for Spring 2013. Meet Daisy, Frances, and Zelda, our roaring 1920′s-inspired gals. These special pattern designs include crochet, double knitting, intarsia, and bias knitting. Grab Daisy for a night on-the-town, dress to impress with Frances for a business meeting, or toss Zelda around your neck with denim for the girl-on-the-go. Classic vintage elements, redefined by Blue Sky Alpacas in the shimmering Metalico palette.

Metalico collection, illustrated pattern covers.

The Zelda Wrap, a piece that embodies both fine taste and warmth, then combines them with a soupçon of mystery.

The Daisy Wrap, is a most fashionable crocheted wrap of etched waves and flowers—a charming piece to wear to any soirée.

The Frances Wrap, dramatic angles and splendid intarsia inspire this provocative art deco wrap.

Here is a pattern preview (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPxlbPBseFE)

With the Royal Petite collection causing such a sensation, we hope you’ll adore the Metalico wrap collection, which also features exceptional packaging and collectible patterns available only at Blue Sky Alpacas Stockists. To find a Stockist in your area click here.

On their way to something fabulous.

Belarus Cardigan

A calm has fallen on the house. The hustling and bustling has stopped. People are no longer coming and going at lightening speed and, thankfully, I’m staying put, too! Afternoons spent warm and toasty, with cocoa, movies, and knitting. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday season, but I enjoy the peaceful season following just as much. Snow floating by outside, and happy knitting with nowhere to go. I may need to cast on a sweater, a new sweater for a new year seems appropriate. The Belarus Cardigan has long had my eye, and with its short sleeves and the rich, bright color palette of Techno, it’s a good layering piece for this wintery-white season.

The Details

Pattern: Belarus Cardigan
Designer: Olga Buraya-Kefelian
Size: 33½ (38, 42½, 47, 51½)”
Needles: Size 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 8 (5mm) double pointed needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Techno, shown in Tonic Orange #1979
Pattern available at your favorite LYS, or in the Blue Sky Alpacas Pattern Store

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!).

The elegant Imperial Wrap by Cheryl Nelson.

The minute the first frost hits, the nights become downright cold, and snow is in the forecast, the inevitable happens…a formal occasion pops up. Winter weddings, holiday symphony performances, and even prom all seem to fall when it’s chilly outside. The Imperial Wrap is going to be my go-to solution for adding a chic, knitterly touch to all these stylish events. It will keep me toasty and festive in Laurel (#713) for the holidays; the one I knit in Primrose (#709) will be smashing and en vogue for the wedding I’m attending. (Plus, the Imperial Wrap is a marvelous excuse to purchase bling-y buttons!)

The Details

Pattern: Imperial Wrap
Designer: Cheryl Nelson
Size: 38 (42, 44)”
Needles: Size 5 (3.75mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 7 (4.5mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Royal, shown in Vermilion, #711
Pattern available at your favorite LYS or in the Blue Sky Alpacas Pattern Store

The cozy Compass Cowl by Sarah Smuland.

With that biting wind and frightful cold, most days I just long to be cozy. The Compass Cowl, knit in the decadent Bulky, fits the bill perfectly. Made to be tossed on, over just about any outfit, this cowl-poncho hybrid is a bold, standout accessory. Over my favorite blouse, my Compass will keep me toasty at work, but slung over my favorite flannel shirts, can be weekend excellence to boot!

The Details

Pattern: Compass Cowl
Designer: Sarah Smuland
Size: Circumference at shoulders 44 (54, 64)”
• Length 7¾ (11, 15¼)”
Needles: Size 17 (12.75mm) needles, or size needed to obtain gauge
• Size 15 (10mm) 24″ or longer circular needle, or size needed to obtain gauge
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Bulky, shown in Cayenne #1216
Pattern available at your favorite LYS or in the Blue Sky Alpacas Pattern Store