Alpaca Direct Blog

The long-tail cast on method is one of the most popular cast on methods in knitting. 

The reason it is so popular is it easy to do and it adds structure to the edge of your project. 

Kelley Hobart shares an easy way to make your own Faux Fur Pom-Poms to decorate your knitting and crochet projects and other craft and gift items. Here's the associated video on how to attach your pom-poms for easy removal. https://youtu.be/D5sCAn3uObk

The knit stitch is the first basic knitting stitch to learn and it's easy and fun to start your journey with Knitting.

Hand-knit mittens, gloves, and fingerless mitts are wonderful, but what about that thumb gusset? Inevitably, there's a hole left where the thumb joins the body of the mitt or glove, and you have to take the extra step of closing it up with a needle and yarn. Not the end of the world, but still.

I've figured out how to avoid that hole altogether, so when you're done, you're really done!

We've been seeing faux-fur pom poms everywhere lately—they're so cute! They add a touch of chic to any knit hat pattern.

Shop owner Kelley figured out how to make faux-fur pom poms at home, easily and inexpensively, with faux fur from the fabric store and items she had around the house. She's so clever.

Here's a video of the process.

I discovered the Norrland Hat pattern on Ravelry and decided to take on the challenge. I love the trees and snowflakes, and I have never done colorwork and cables at the same time. Since I love learning new things, I bought the pattern immediately and cast on.

I made some modifications, including turning the hat into a slouch instead of a beanie, and I wanted to explain those in case you want to modify your project, too.

Hats are the knitting trifecta: small projects that are useful and make great gifts. You can most hats done in a short time, and many are one-skein wonders.

Here is a variety of free knitting hat patterns, from beanies to slouches to earflap hats, that are guaranteed to suit your gift-knitting needs this season and for years to come.

We're often asked what the difference is between llamas and alpacas.  Both llamas and alpacas are south american camelids and they are related but definitely not the same.  

Here are 7 quick ways to tell the difference between an Alpaca and a Llama. 

Knitting is a rewarding hobby and a great skill to master. But, getting started with something new can be overwhelming. There’s new terminology to learn and you don’t understand what all these numbers and abbreviations mean.  Take a deep breath. You can do it. We’re here to help learn how to knit.  If you prefer videos be sure to watch these free videos to learn the basic stitches. 

When grading alpaca yarns for knitting, there are different classifications depending on what knitting association you reference. In this article I will highlight the most common ways we grade alpaca yarn so you can make the best choices when choosing alpaca for your knitting and crochet projects. 

It's that time again: last-minute knitting for the holidays. You had plans to have everything done a month ago, but alas.

Don't despair, though, we've got five ideas for quick projects, each totally doable in a week or less, so you'll be stress-free and ready to wrap!

Learn some of Kelley's top tips for improving your knitting and crochet. She'll help you be a better knitter by sharing some of her expertise about learning skills, unique approaches to the craft, and her opinion on several tools and techniques.