My friend Maureen posted about a Yarn Along and I couldn’t resist. I made this morning’s post earlier this week but it turns out to be timely 🙂
I’ve been reading and enjoying All Year Round. It is full of such great ideas. I have about 5 knitting projects on the go -I don’t know how people do it one at a time. But these are the two most often knit things right now. On the right are a pair socks for Isobel, my mother-in-law. On the left is the start of Ella’s Christmas stocking. As you may recall, I just made a Christmas stocking, but after seeing others do the same pattern with a name I couldn’t help myself. Obviously I only work on the stocking after a certain Miss has gone to bed. If you are looking for a stocking pattern this one knits up very quickly.
Just like when we were married in 2003 (a week after the giant blackout), it’s a good thing I’ve got my Christmas projects basically done (this is the last pair of socks). I found out on the weekend that my bizarre Mother and Daughter think that alpaca is ‘itchy’???!! How is this possible?? Alpaca is gorgeous! Sigh, now the alpaca scarves I made them last year will not be worn. So being the Dutiful Knitter that I am, I bought some Marble yarn (100% acrylic) at Algonquin Sewing Centre up in Petawawa. The colours are pretty and at least they will wear them. Now I have to get busy and whip up some scarves before it really gets cold.
At Home With Us 
Yes, some people react to alpaca! I’ve spun it and find it a joy to work with, but buyers of my yarn have asometimes asked for something soft that isn’t alpaca – they seem to have an allergy. It must be a protein in the hair. I’ve used silk blends (silk, Shetland, even chincilla) to make kitten soft yarns that sub for alpaca.
If the scarf was for myself, I’d make it from a cashmere blend, but Mom can feel wool in any amount (even gorgeous merino). So instead of ‘wasting’ any more expensive wool, it’s easier to give in and buy acrylic. I was hoping Ella would love wool if I started her early. I will try a sweater in merino for Ella later. I don’t want to always use acrylic 🙂
Thanks for joining in-sorry the linky expired on you! We’ll be doing it again this week if you want to join again.
Your stocking is beautiful!
[…] Mom). It’s made from Misti Alpaca. I know what you are thinking, isn’t this the Mom that’s ‘allergic’ to alpaca and you would be right. But this shawl will be worn […]