Jan 23 2008
Alpaca Toppers
Our weekend trip to the mountains was the perfect time to knit up some quickie projects.
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Twiggy Bobble Hat
Pattern: From Making Things blog
Yarn: Kraemer Alpaca Co. Classic Alpaca in brown
Needles: Size US 5 circular (16″)
The hat pattern caught my eye last year when I saw Sandra’s version. I had several lone skeins of alpaca in my stash, all I had to do was choose a color to work with. This particular alpaca yarn was a gift from my sister, Mimi, two Christmases ago, and it’s chocolatey color seemed just right when I was looking through my yarns. I cast on, and quickly had a hat for the weekend. I loved the bobbles, having already cut my teeth on bobbles with my Street Smart Hoodie. I also loved the purling action - reverse stockinette really appeals to me, and for some reason, it is actually faster for me to purl than to knit, so the hat was easy peasy 
Some of the bobbles get “inverted”, so the dimpling effect is still there, so I don’t mind too much. Plus, the alpaca yarn is nice and warm - and quite soft. I am particularly intrigued by the yarn; it is produced and spun by an alpaca cooperative in north-central Pennsylvania. Although the label does not state it, I assume it is undyed, using the natural brown color of the alpaca fleece.
… and with the leftover yarn, I started another little quick knit…
I was originally going for a cowl/neckwarmer, but I ran out of yarn. So, the leftover yarn turned into a simple earwarmer. It will be good for the slightly chilly days of early spring - but I need extra protection against the chills during these sub-zero temperatures!
They are both very cute! I also liked Sandra’s hat when I saw. Yours is nice in that rich brown shade. Alpaca is such a great winter fiber, it really seals in the warmth. Wear them well!
Love that brown, so luscious!
That brown is beautiful, I’ve seen that hat before and it never appealed to me. Yours is gorgeous.
This is very cute on you!The brown looks great with your coloring. I like the little earwarmer you knit up as well. Simple and functional!
lovely! i like your little earwarmer pattern too, and did you get your hair cut again? it’s looks so adorable with the earwarmer!
Very nice! Great weekend projects!
i wish i had the patience for quicker knits like these! for some reason, i only like to cast on projects that take me forever to finish.
they look great!
What a nice hat (and earwarmer)! Alpaca is such a wonderful fiber, so nice and warm. I really like that brown, too…I think it’s such a nice color for blonde-haired people like us!
Nice knits! I like the effect of the earwarmer, and yes, purling is faster isn’t it!
Lovely! I adore the chocolate-y color! And bobbles are the cutest thing, and so much fun to make. I don’t mind purling either, although there’s not much difference for me in speed between knitting and purling.
what a funny hat! and love the colour!
I really like that headband. You look so chic wearing it!
this hat is coming up in my cue too!
all wrapped up in Alpaca goodness!!!! toasty!
Very cute. And it’s brown. I love brown.
Super cute - great quick projects
How satisfying to get such quick, yet lovely results.
lovely! i love working with alpaca, it’s so soft and warm, and the halo on it is just beautiful. i love the color on this…
Love the color yarn used on these projects! They look like perfect projects for the train! Thanks for sharing.
Those are both pretty knits! I may have to steal your earwarmer idea!
Such cute bobbles!!! Isn’t alpaca lovely!!?
I love your twiggy bobble hat. I’ve made two of them so far, and they’re definitely a fun knit. And what a bonus that you got an earwarmer out of the project as well!
I am glad you like the alpaca. I do like that brown…
Cool haircut, you are more and more modern allthetime. I love the last picture Lolly!