the blue blog archives: charmed

I finally managed to wind that gold yarn... and so my first Charmed Knits House Hat is done! (Remember, you can download the free pattern from the book at the Charmed Knits knitalong site!)

I made the beanie style with the paired decreases on the top. I think it looks much more boyish than the standard swirly decreases that hat patterns usually create. I'll have to make a girly beret next.

Gotta say that I loved this Ultra Alpaca yarn! (Turns out the maroon wasn't Cascade 200 after all. The gold is, but I found the label for the maroon and it was Berroco's Ultra Alpaca.) Such a nice hand, very comfortable to work with, soft, smooth, and warm. Next time I'm looking for a lovely, cozy yarn for a cardi, I'll definitely keep this one in mind.

posted by alison at 9:21 am | in charmed knits

Comments

I am a big fan of the ultra alpaca too. I am knitting a cardigan in it. Beautiful yarn.

Posted by: michelle at April 23, 2007 10:44 AM

That is a lovely hat. I can't wait to get my hands on that book!

Posted by: Erin at April 23, 2007 10:59 AM

Nice hat. I'm looking forward to the next preview! Knitpicks has a bunch of pictures from the book up on their site, and I soooo can't wait to get my hands on the book!

Posted by: Liz at April 23, 2007 11:17 AM

Great hat! I love the Ultra Alpaca, too.

Posted by: Julie at April 23, 2007 12:10 PM

Just wanted to let you know that I made sure my totally lovely local book store will be getting your book in. They're a great small place in the neighbourhood with a fantastic selection of books for kids and young adults, as well as a knitting section and a selection of beautiful yarns. Needless to say they're very excited about Charmed Knits. They looked up the distributor while I was in the shop yesterday.

Posted by: Rachel h at April 23, 2007 12:27 PM

Dumb question: since you have kids, I'm sure you experience this, how do care for kid's hats and mittens that you have made with wool? Seriously, do you hand wash those items?

Posted by: Jenifer at April 23, 2007 12:32 PM

Yeah, isn't that Ultra Alpaca outstanding?! So squishy, such good colors, such good value. I concur, a great yarn. LOVE the pattern, too. I think we're going to knit these hats for Warm Woolies at our next charity knitting get together!

Posted by: xtina at April 23, 2007 12:39 PM

Another ultra alpaca fan here. the hat looks great!

Posted by: Jennifer at April 23, 2007 12:58 PM

I made the beret pattern in hufflepuff colors this weekend--great pattern, thanks for the preview, too. I plan to send it in for warm woolies.

Posted by: Alliesw at April 23, 2007 1:02 PM

I love the cardigan I made in Ultra Alpaca...it's so soft and warm, and the yarn blocks and drapes beautifully. I will definitely knit another sweater with it!

Posted by: Michelle at April 23, 2007 1:13 PM

I got the idea from you to make an afghan from Sarah Dallas Knitting and I used the Berocco Ultra Alpaca! Isn't it divine? And great yardage for the money, don't you think?

Posted by: Monica at April 23, 2007 2:08 PM

I love Ultra Alpaca too. I knitted a wavy lace shawl with it, and absolutely love it. I sometimes take it to bed with me, lol. I have enough for a Ribby Cardi too. Great colours, great yarn.

Your hat turned out well. I agree with you about the paired decreases. I'll have to give that pattern a go one of these days.

Posted by: seejayneknit at April 23, 2007 2:28 PM

Oh CUTE hat! I really like the way the decreases make it squared off on the top! :)

Posted by: Laura at April 23, 2007 3:05 PM

It came out great! I like those decreases too, very boyish.

Posted by: Sarah Carey at April 23, 2007 3:38 PM

I totally agree about the Ultra Alpaca. My SP9 secret pal sent me some, and I've recently dug it out of the stash for a pair of mittens. It is LOVELY!

Also, fantastic hat.

Posted by: Erin at April 23, 2007 7:19 PM

I made the Colleen Christmas stocking that Colleen Subway Knitter had linked on her blog--and I kept stopping to pet the yarn and rub it against my face, etc.

Posted by: Barb in Sudbury at April 23, 2007 8:24 PM

I've heard a lot of good things about Ultra Alpaca. Good to know. Like the hat. Looks like the Redskins hat I made for my nephew for his birthday in February.

Posted by: Mary at April 23, 2007 9:44 PM