Alpacas from Eighth and Mud

At the beginning of the summer I took the opportunity to get out of the city for a day and tour a local alpaca farm. My friend and I set off for Alpacas from Eighth and Mud on a pretty, sunny week day. When we arrived we noticed alpacas prancing in fields on either side of a quaint little shop. I later learned that females were on one side and males on the other. Of course they only mix for breeding purposes! Baby alpacas, known as Crias, stayed with their moms.

We immediately went into the shop and met the farmer, a bubbly welcoming woman named Sharon. She answered all of our questions and showed us some of her hand made works. We feasted our eyes on the shelves of alpaca yarn, hand knit garments, wall hangings and I particularly admired the spinning fiber. You'll also find hand made jams and maple syrup in the gift shop.

Alpaca spinning fiber with silk noils.

Alpacas on Eighth and Mud is also a mill. They mill their own alpaca fiber and will do custom orders for local customers.

Sharon let us see the alpacas behind the scenes. The animals were really tentative around us strangers. 

Before we left we receive some "real eggs" from Sharon's chickens and directions on how to get to a local cheese maker's market.

Top Six Strategies for Shopping the Knitters Frolic

This past Saturday I had an opportunity to attend this year's Knitter's Frolic put on by the DKC at the Japanese Cultural Centre in Toronto.  It is a convention of Ontario yarn shops, wool growers and artisan spinners all selling fibre, yarn, buttons and all the goodies that a knitter could dream of. When I arrived at 9am the line-up was way down in the parking lot and growing by the second!

My friends and I were smack dab in the middle of the line. Look at the end of the line.
We enjoyed admiring the parade of knitwear as we waited.

Looking towards where the lineup begins and as you can see more frolickers are arriving!
My friend said her heart was racing with excitement and I have to admit my palms were a little sweaty in anticipation.

Top Six Strategies for Shopping at the Frolic

1. Know the patterns you want to make and buy the yarn accordingly
2. Go and buy what you're heart tells you to buy and then figure out what you'll make with it later
3. Buy only the deals. Lots of great yarn on sale at the frolic!
4. Go for unique and different. Artisans, small farmers, and handmade buttons rule the day.
5. Hit the booths you know and love first.
6. Bring a friend who is equally addicted to fibre and will not only encourage you to buy what you are considering, but to buy more than one. (thanks Lisa for this one)

Strategy #4 is  my favorite. I really like to find something that I wouldn't be able to access just anywhere. I like getting a hold of some nice hand spun yarn. When we were waiting in line a friend was showing off her scarf made from some awesome hand spun.

Check out the needle felted mushrooms in the yarn! This yarn is by StudioLoo and available at Rose Haven Farm Store.

Proud Knitter

I was inspired to pick up my own skein of StudioLoo Yarn

I chose this one for the colours and the natural walnut shell halves that were mixed in to this yarn.

Cotton fabric was also incorporated into this hand spun.

I employed strategy number 2 and 3 for my next purchase. Three skeins of hand dyed cotton. This yarn was half price. Original price: $17 per skein! Great deal!!

I am totally loving orange lately.

I only had a limited amount of time for shopping because I was teaching a crochet class across town and it would take at least an hour to reach there by transit. I felt like an hour and 15 minutes was just the right amount of time for me to get through the show, take some great photos and to feel satisfied. I would've loved to stay longer but my bank account thanks me for the short stay! My next post I'll feature some of the most unique vendors with lots of yummy shots of yarn and buttons for you to drool over!

Where to Get Your Yarn Fix-My Top Six

What is your porn? For some people porn is their porn, but for me yarn is porn. I am sure if scientists hooked me up to heart rate, and brain wave activity monitors they'd see just how stimulated I get from looking at photos of yarn. While it may not be sexual stimulation I am talking about I spend a lot of time shopping for yarn online and in real life at my Local Yarn Shops (LYS). Sometimes I "have to look" because it is my job. I've gotta know who has the best deals on yarn and it has to be top quality too-I've gotta business to run ya know. I have tried all sorts of avenues to get my yarn fix and today is your lucky day 'cause I am here to share them with you!

photo from Elann.com website
"sample skeins subscription"

Elann.com

Elann is a Canadian-based company, yet I am sure that they ship worldwide-but as usual rates are probably better if you live in North America (if someone has purchased from them from outside N.A. please share your experience in the comments section)
I have been buying yarn from these guys for a long time and you don't get much better than this in terms of quality and price. Shipping is super quick, packed nicely and includes their latest brochure on newly released or upcoming yarn releases.
Elann has their own brand and carries some famous brands too like Noro, Debbie Bliss, Ella Rae, Araucania, Berocco and more! They've also got books, but you'll get better deals on those on Amazon or Knit Picks (when they have their sale). However, they do have a customer loyalty program. Once you spend $500 you get $50 to spend on more yarn and if you purchase books you get a certain number of vouchers per book that earn you $2.50 off every yarn order over $25.
Honestly, Elann's prices are like getting good yarn at wholesale price and that makes me very, very happy.

Image from the Knit Picks website.
This sock kit is currently on sale here

Knit Picks

I purchased my yarn swift for $50 (they have a swift sale from time to time-so always wait until it goes on sale). It was the best price I could find for the quality. I realize I am not talking about yarn here, but an indispensable tool for any yarn hoarder, so you can appreciate! The swift is all wood, is packaged well and ships quickly. It gets the job done and I have no complaints. I am sometimes not a careful person, but I take care of my swift because the parts that make up the umbrella seem fragile so I'd say be nice to your swift if you get one, and you and your swift should have many happy years together.
My plan is to start purchasing yarn from Knit Picks. They seem to have a very nice selection, prices are great too. They have a really pretty website and it is full of inspiration. I urge you to check it out! I adore the kits they put together and if you like knitting socks you can buy a kit to make five pairs for as little as $26!



Oregon Trail Yarn

This Ebay shop is one of my faves because I can save money on Brown Sheep Company's Lamb's Pride. This shop sells "mill ends" and the good stuff on cones and saves you a bundle! Mill ends in my experience just means there are a couple of knots in the skein of yarn, which for me is no big deal. I found Oregon Trail to have great customer service, quick shipping and fantastic product and prices. You really can't go wrong.



Craigslist

You probably know this already, but Craig's may have a site for your community where people buy and sell and post announcements. When I was first building up my yarn stash, I trolled Craigslist religiously. You gotta be quick and you gotta be willing to travel across town for a potential good deal. I have NEVER had a bad experience shopping here, but please use your common sense when meeting sellers. Go with a friend, don't go in their house, do what you are comfortable doing and what seems reasonable. In addition to individual sellers, many shop owners post announcements on Craigslist to remind customers about store sales...so keep checking!

Image from the Ravelry home page.

Ravelry

Ravelry is an online community of knitters and crocheters and spinners. If you aren't one of the one million members, NOW is your time to get your free membership. There are more benefits to Ravelry than just shopping for yarn. You can make friends, learn about local Stitch N Bitch groups, get support, find patterns, share patterns, catalogue your stash and tools. Individuals will post yarn for sale or trade from their stash and often if you join the right group you'll learn about "secret" sales. Ravelry is a necessary resource.

Etsy

Seek and you will find on Etsy. Go to the search bar and type in what you're looking for. I like to search "handspun yarn" or "hand painted yarn" choose "supplies" from the drop-down menu on the left and away you go. Pages and pages and pages of yarny goodness. Go to Etsy when you need to splurge and when you are in the mood for something special. Delayed gratification is okay, trust me, your yarn will arrive in the mailbox and suddenly you'll say "today is a good day".

Tell me about your favorite yarn sellers...How do you get your yarn fix?

Project Zoo Loves Alpaca

Hand Spun Alpaca Fibre

This is a really neat fibre-related volunteer project that I coordinate here in Toronto. We asked the zoo keepers to collect the fibre from the alpaca and camels when the animals are groomed so that we can use the fibre to make beautiful one of a kind objects to donate back to the zoo so they can be sold in the gift shop. The money (100%) raised from the sale of these items go to the "Enrichment Fund". The Enrichment Fund provides the animals that live in the zoo with supplies that enhance the animal's experience. I want to share some photos of some of the work that has been done so far on the project. Enjoy!

Needle Felted Alpaca

For more information on the project please visit our website:

www.projectzoo.wordpress.com

What is Making Me Happy-Right Now

Lately I have had the urge to knit socks. I have not knit a pair of socks before, not because I thought I couldn't do it, I just felt that I would not have the patience to work with such light weight yarn. I grabbed some yarn from my stash and got to work on a basic sock pattern I found on Ravelry. I knit up one sock in two days and started the second. I still have that second sock on the needles 'cause I have been pretty busy with work knitting, so it'll be on hold. For now I am really enjoying checking out the array of hand dyed sock yarns on Etsy.

Have a look with me at some of my favorites:

Black Sheep Dyeworks Superwash Merino Wool in Aegean Multi 

Yarnbreath's Merino Silk sockweight yarn

Colorful Yarn Creation's Aztec fingering weight yarn

Fibre Optic's Radio No. 61 Traditional Hand Paint Foot Notes Sock Yarn

Grant Creek Yarn's Persimmon Hand Dyed Fingering (Sock) Yarn, Superwash Merino Wool and Nylon

Lampyridae's Alpaca/Cashmere/Silk sock yarn

Knitting Like Crazy's Witchy Superwash Merino Sock Yarn

Hope you enjoyed!

-LadeeBee

Athabasca Spring Scarf Knitting Pattern

This lightweight spring/summer scarf is named for the Athabasca River, which can be seen clearly from the air as one arrives to the well-known oil town, Fort McMurray, Alberta. I began knitting this scarf just before my journey up to the northern Alberta town and completed it while there visiting my mother. The colours that appear in these sumptuous yarns remind me of hues of green and blue that can be seen from the airplane window high above the town. It is beautifully stunning countryside!

Materials
Yarn A: 1 skein of Punta Cotton Hand Paint  Colour Hp10 (100 % cotton/ 214 meters, 235 yards/ 100 grams)
Yarn B: 1 skein of Nuna by Mirasol Shade 1017 (40% wool, 40% silk, 20% bamboo/175 meters, 191 yards/ 50 grams) 
1 pair of 6mm knitting needles


Notes
This pattern is really all about the yarn. If you choose beautiful yarns, your scarf will look amazing! This pattern is very simple and is great for beginners or experienced knitters that want a great pattern to sit and relax with.
Yarn B will be carried along the side when you knit the rows of yarn A. Just simply wrap A and B around one another when you carry B so that yarn B is hugged more tightly to the edge of the scarf thus diminishing the appearance of a loop.

Instructions
With A CO 47 sts
Row 1-3: k
Row 4: With B *k1, yo twice, k1* repeat to end
Row 5: continuing with B *k1, slip 2 yo off needle, k1* repeat to end
Row 6-9: with A k 4 rows
Row 10: with B *k1, yo, k1* repeat to end
Row 11: continuing with B *k1, slip yo off needle, k1* repeat to end
Repeat Rows 1-11 until your yarn is nearly finished. End with 3 knit rows in yarn A. BO loosely and weave in ends.

DeVine Neck Warmer: Knitting Pattern

Materials

• Diamond Yarn Luxury Collection: Lima 100% Peruvian Highland Wool (or any aran weight yarn) 160m, 100g 1 ball or similar weight yarn. I used colour 1984-Tobacco Row.
• Yarn needle
• 3 buttons at least 20mm or 3/4"
• 5.5 mm straight needles

Gauge: gauge for this pattern is not that important, however this pattern using the above mentioned materials will have finished measurements of 23" long and 7.5" wide.

The neck warmer can be worn with a button open, or with the top button in the middle buttonhole and the middle button in the bottom buttonhole for an accidentally on purpose twist.

my buttons are made from coconut

CO 38 sts.

k 6 rows in garter stitch.

Next row: k4, pm, k to last 4 sts, pm, k to end

NOTE: first 4 and last 4 sts are always knit. This creates the garter st border of the neck warmer.

A note about the increases: increases are achieved by knitting into the front and back of the same stitch and likewise for the purl increase, purl into the front and back of the same stitch.

Begin vine leaf pattern.

Vine leaf pattern (middle 30 sts):

Row 1 (WS): k7, p5, k4, p3, k11.

Row 2: P9, p2tog, knit inc, k2, p4, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p7 (32 sts)

Row 3: K7, p7, k4, p2, k1, p1, k10.

Row 4: P8, p2tog, k1, purl inc, k2, p4, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, p7. (34 sts)

Row 5: K7, p9, k4, p2, k2, p1, k9.

Row 6: P7, p2tog, k1, purl inc, p1, k2, p4, ssk, k5, k2tog, p7. (32 sts)

Row 7: K7, p7, k4, p2, k3, p1, k8.

Row 8: P6, p2tog, k1, purl inc, p2, k2, p4, ssk, k3, k2tog, p7. (30 sts)

Row 9: K7, p5, k4, p2, k4, p1, k7.

Row 10: P7, yo, k1, yo, p4, k2, p4, ssk, k1, k2tog, p7. (30sts)

Row 11: K7, p3, k4, p2, k4, p3, k7.

Row 12: P7, [k1, yo] twice, k1, p4, k1, m1, k1, p2tog, p2, sl 2 knitwise, k1, p2sso, p7. (30 sts)

Row 13: K11, p3, k4, p5, k7.

Row 14: P7, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, p4, k1, knit inc, k1, p2tog, p9. (32 sts)

Row 15: K10, p1, k1, p2, k4, p7, k7.

Row 16: P7, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, p4, k2, purl inc, k1, p2tog, p8. (34 sts)

Row 17: K9, p1, k2, p2, k4, p9, k7.

Row 18: P7, ssk, k5, k2tog, p4, k2, p1, purl inc, k1, p2tog, p7. (32 sts)

Row 19: K8, p1, k3, p2, k4, p7, k7.

Row 20: P7, ssk, k3, k2tog, p4, k2, p2, purl inc, k1, p2tog, p6. (30 sts)

Row 21: K7, p1, k4, p2, k4, p5, k7.

Row 22: P7, ssk, k1, k2tog, p4, k2, p4, yo, k1, yo, p7.

Row 23: K7, p3, k4, p2, k4, p3, k7.

Row 24: P7, sl 2 knitwise, k1, p2sso, p2, p2tog, k1, m1, k1, p4, [k1, yo] twice, k1, p7

Rep rows 1-24 4 more times

K 2 rows in garter st, remove stitch markers.

Buttonhole row: k4, yo twice, BO next 2 sts, [k12,yo twice, BO next 2 sts] twice, k4.

K 2 more rows, BO.

Weave in ends with yarn needle, block, sew on buttons.

handmade buttons by AB Originals

I purchased these at the Knitter's Frolic in 2009 in Toronto.

John Galda is the man behind the buttons. I also purchased tagua nut, deer antler, spalted maple, and ebony buttons.

my neck warmer is lined with vintage fabric

If you would like to line your neck warmer:

*cut a piece of fabric 1/2" wider and longer than your blocked and completed neck warmer.

*fold each side 1/4" twice and iron seams.

*stitch around border with sewing machine or by hand

*whip stitch the lining to the knitted neck warmer with wrong sides facing

*do not sew over button holes!

**a note about source: the leaf repeat pattern, though may be published in other material, was published in "Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book" in Chapter X Stitch Dictionary. I have made use of the dictionary to produce a pattern for this neck warmer.






Check out one blogger's experience knitting this pattern here

Knitting in Toronto

If you plan to visit the T-Dot for some knitting tourism, then here is your guide to getting to the LYSs in Toronto.

Romni Wools

658 Queen Street West, near Bathurst

http://www.romniwools.com/

You will not be disappointed if you make your way down to Romni Wools! Romni boasts the title of Canada's largest yarn shop. The aisles are filled with yarny goodness. Pack light because you're not going to want to be bogged down by extra bags as you navigate your way past other customers and through the narrow aisles. If you are looking for it, this shop will most likely have it. Also, there is a basement for sale yarns that are discontinued. Additionally Romni has some fibres for spinning your own yarns, spinning wheels and tools in stock, and packages of colourful wool for needle felting. You'll also find a nice selection of knitting needles, crochet hooks, buttons, patterns, and knitted gifts.
Tip: Walk east (toward Yonge St) after visiting Romni and you'll end up in the fashion district. If you like beads and fabric you're in for a treat!

The Knit Cafe

1050 Queen St. West (between Ossington and Dovercourt)

http://www.theknitcafetoronto.com/
Located a hop, skip, and a jump from Romni Wools is this cozy and intimate yarn shop.
The knit cafe specializes in carrying a selected few brands of high end fibres. They have a good selection of needles and accessories and a cafe with a refreshing selection of coffees, teas, treats, flavored waters and sodas. Some of my favorite things about the cafe are the patterns written by knit cafe staff that are for sale, the monthly high tea, and the weekly stitch n' bitch.


The Purple Purl


1162 Queen Street East
http://thepurplepurl.com/index.shtml




Queen Street is definitely a happening place when it comes to yarn shops. If you travel east you will eventually reach this well known and renowned destination-The Purple Purl. Many Toronto knitters talk about the Purl and I think this may well be one of their favorites. Staff are exceptionally friendly and have a wonderful energy. The shop focuses on providing local yarns as much as possible. There is also a little cafe so you can grab a tea and relax in an armchair with your fellow knitters. Lots of events happening at this shop so it's well worth taking a look at the website to see what's coming up.

Americo Original

456 Queen Street West

http://www.americo.ca/

If you started your knit shop journey on Queen West you won't want to miss out on Americo Original. This is one of my favorite shops! Americo sells their own brand of high end yarn. Lots of alpaca, wool and cotton here. There are loads of sample patterns knitted up and lying around the shop-just waiting for you to play with them. Patterns are revealed after you purchase the yarn to complete the project, but believe me it is worth it! You won't want to use any other yarn. Chunky bags, shawls, sweaters, and ponchos plus baby knits. The shop is a feast for the senses. A must-see!

Lettuce Knit

86 Nassau Street

http://www.lettuceknit.com/

This cool little knit shop is tucked away in Toronto's authentic Kensington Market. Kensington Market is a must-do neighbourhood as an afternoon walk on a nice day. Lots of eclectic little shops, health food stores, vintage clothing and goods, handmade items, cheapie stuff, fresh produce, fish and meat, and specialty food items. I am glad that Kensington includes a knit shop because for me this is what makes the 'hood more than worth the trip. Lettuce Knit is a small, narrow shop with lots of yarn goodies to keep you happy. Check out their website for up to date info. They offer lots of classes, so you may want to check one out while you're in the city!

Downtown Knit Collective November Bus Trip 2009

"SHOW US YOUR KNITS"

proposed slogan of our DKC bus trip

Our first stop was the Needle Emporium in Ancaster, Ontario. This is a gorgeous yarn shop in a heritage house just on the outskirts of Hamilton, Ontario.

The Masonic Lodge just across the street from the Needle Emporium. We could not have asked for a better day. Clear blue sky, fresh breeze, beautifully fall.

A basket of sock yarn. I had to buy just one! This is Mini Mochi by Crystal Palace Yarns, 80% merino wool and 20%nylon.

Sock yarn, cottons, anything you can imagine. It's all here.

This is a photo of the sweater kit that I purchased. The owner graciously gave us DKCers 20% off all yarn. The kit I purchased was for XL, in the same colours in the photo and pattern by Spud and Chloe. The yarn is comprised of superwash 55% wool and 45% organic cotton. It is simply delicious to the touch.

Foxy ladies in a line-up. I tried asking them not to smile, but I think it was impossible for them while clutching a bag of newly purchased spoils.

Mug Shot

Belfountain Inn. This is the quaint venue of our lunch. We had quiche and salad, bread with oil and vinegar, and pie for dessert.

Rhubarb Pie!!! with fresh cream (not enough of it!)

My new friend Annie. She and I were accused of skewing the average age of the DKC membership. Yep, I'm the baby. Feels good to be the babe sometimes.

Our next stop after lunch was Camilla Valley Farm. Lots of stuff for the weaver and knitter and what a beautiful property. Worth the drive!

Fresh skeins of Manos silk. I desperately wanted to buy some of this lime green, but thought better after leaving the Needle Emporium with my sweater kit. I managed to score some amazing linen, cotton, and wool at $1 per cone or skein in the bargain bin because they were supposedly "mill ends".

A good look at the merchandise.

The woman in the purple top is the prez of the Toronto Downtown Knit Collective. She is spunky and way cool. Her name is Carol!

Taking a break outside of the Camilla Valley Farm Weaver's Supply Shop

A view from their property.

That's the end of our trip. We head home, our bellies full, our bags full, and our wallets empty, smiles on our faces all the while. Until next year, I hope.