Interviews and Reviews

Blue Sky Alpacas Extra Yarn + GIVEAWAY

SweetSixteen1
photo courtesy of Blue Sky Alpacas

There are three things in life that are better than new yarn. The top two are triple-grande cinnamon dolce lattes and free yarn. So when Blue Sky Alpacas asked us to participate in a blog tour for their new EXTRA Yarn, I jumped at the chance.

They sent us a delightful box containing a hank of Extra Yarn in “Lei”, the Sweet Sixteen Hat knitting pattern from their new Destination Collection, and a Pretty Cheep Project Bag. And of course, an identical set for one of our lucky readers. ;)

But before I tell you how scrumptious this yarn is — and seriously, it’s so yummy Megan-Anne joked about putting whipped cream on it and serve it for brunch — let me tell you a little bit about the Destination Collection.

http://instagram.com/p/s0sSjjCZpv/?modal=true

photo courtesy of Blue Sky Alpacas
photo courtesy of Blue Sky Alpacas

Blue Sky Alpacas gathered six top-notch designers from around the world to put together their versatile new collection. The line is a self-proclaimed journey through yarn and needles, specially created for the new Extra Yarn. The designers drew their inspiration from locations that were meaningful to them, and every piece requires just one or two skeins to complete it. Megan-Anne and I checked out all the patterns before deciding to make the Sweet Sixteen hat. It’s fun, and funky, and as American as apple pie. And I always go for pie.

The Sweet Sixteen Hat pattern by Elizabeth Mautz-Redmann takes its inspiration from a blend of “all-american swagger with the sweetness of the girl next door.” In that spirit, I felt like there was no better recipient for the hat than our little sister Alena.

She was really excited when we told her it was for her. But she’s met us, so she was also ever so slightly suspicious of free hats. But guys, Laner-Pooh is about as girl-next-door as it gets, and she doesn’t need to know that this hat only took about 4-5 hours to make. Let’s all let her believe Megan-Anne toiled over it for days.

Sweet 16 Hat (3)

The yarn is amazingly soft and squishy. I mean, like, really squishy. I’m considering filling a wading pool with it declaring that “my nest.” I can’t wait to get my hands on more of it to design some fluffy mittens.

A luxe mix of baby alpaca and fine Merino wool, Extra comes in generously sized hanks and a rich color palette, making it ideal for one and two skein projects. Light and lofty with a springy twist, it’s a versatile Aran weight that lends itself beautifully to a variety of knitting tensions and needle sizes.

Sweet 16 Hat (4)

Working with Extra yarn was a real treat for Megan-Anne. She talked through several episodes of Supernatural about the yarn, and was constantly making me “squish these cables.” The hat knit up in two short sittings and has just the right amount of slouch. It went from this:

http://instagram.com/p/s0_uWxiZmz/?modal=true

To this:

http://instagram.com/p/tLmft6CZvi/?modal=true

All in about five hours. The twisted rib and short rows kept it interesting while the bulky yarn made it fast. Here at Lattes and Llamas, we’re huge fans of one-skein projects. Megan-Ann wound up having enough of that single skein left that she might make some matching hand-warmers next week.

I could go on and on about Extra yarn, but I think I’ve kept you waiting on this giveaway long enough. When you’re done entering the giveaway, check out Blue Sky’s nifty Extra video. It’s ever so slightly more eloquent than I am.

::::::GIVEAWAY::::::

Would you like to receive a package in the mail that looks eerily similar to the one pictured below? Well, here is your chance!

http://instagram.com/p/ssyiNGHy86/?modal=true

THE PRIZE

THE RULES

  • The giveaway is open to all of our readers currently residing on planet Earth. We’re not shipping to Mars, so don’t ask. Sorry, interplanetary readers!
  • Giveaway is open until Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 11:30 PM EST.
  • All comments must include a valid email address or Ravelry ID, so that we can contact you if you are the winner.
  • Winner will be chosen via random number generator and will be contacted within 48 hours after giveaway ends.

HOW TO ENTER

  • Leave a comment below letting us know what you love more than new yarn or at least what your favorite caffeinated beverage is. Don’t forget to include your email or Ravelry ID in the comment or else you’ll be disqualified!
  • Bonus Entries: Tweet, Facebook, or Pin this post. Then, come back and leave an additional comment for each place you’ve shared.

Tweet: Can’t wait to get my hands on #blueskyalpacas new Extra Yarn! Enter to win with @DoctorLlama @jac_attacking: http://wp.me/p30KHy-Ku

::: The Giveaway is now closed! You can find the winner here, along with a blocking tutorial.::

A huge thank you to Blue Sky Alpacas for inviting us to be a part of the EXTRA Yarn Blog Tour! You can find the rest of the tour stops below:

Week One: Cosmos and Cashmere
Week Two: Woolen Diversions
Week Three: Lattes & Llamas, woooo!
Week Four: Rock + Purl
Week Five: HeyJenRenee
Week Six: Miso Crafty Knits

~ Jac
The third thing is between me and my God.

129 thoughts on “Blue Sky Alpacas Extra Yarn + GIVEAWAY”

  1. Nichol Wojcik says:

    I love my pitbull more than new yarn…but I love her more than anything else in the world :-). As for caffeinated beverage, I’m pretty happy with anything off the Starbucks menu!!

    Reply
    • Rosemary Diletto says:

      I love the entire line of Blue Sky Alpaca yarn. My favorite caffeinated drink is Manhattan bagel iced coffee. Revelry ID: RMJD

      Reply
  3. Judy Pierce says:

    I love shopping for new yarn, seeing what other people make with their new yarn, and dreaming about new yarn (over a cafe au lait) almost as much as the new yarn itself! Ravelry ID: goldenbee

    Reply
  4. knitcrak80 says:

    That yarn looks absolutely scrumptious!
    What’s better than new yarn? How about a gift of new yarn? Or how about knitting a gift and seeing the recipient wearing it!

    Favorite caffineited beverage? A triple shot espresso over ice with sugar and cream. Yum!

    Ravelry ID knitwit23. Keeping my fingers crossed (even though it’s hard to knit that way.)

    Reply
  7. Denise L says:

    Hmmmm… about the only thing I love more than new yarn is my family :) Caffe Mocha is my favorite caffeinated beverage. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  12. Tina Mulcahy says:

    New yarn is better than an ice cream sundae on a hot summer day. I love Blue Sky yarn. Just finished a project with it.

    Reply
  14. Jennifer says:

    The only thing I like better than new yarn is starting a new project, something I’ve never knitted or crocheted before. My favorite caffeinated beverage is almost any form of coffee as long as it’s dark & rich [same for beer ;)] My Ravelry id is auntteejen.

    Reply
  15. Tracie says:

    I love one skein project, talk about instant gratification and my favorite drink…skinny vanilla latte. Raverly ID: Simply-Stitched

    Reply
  16. Connie K. says:

    Caramel Latte! My go to treat for a chilly day – taking my knitting to the coffee shop and sitting next to the window with my project and a yummy Caramel Latte.

    greyowl (ravelry id)

    Reply
  17. karmic9 says:

    The only thing more necessary to my existence than new yarn is my Aeropress coffee maker. Fresh ground goes in, magic elixir comes out.
    Karmic9 on rav.

    Reply
  19. craftyone says:

    I love my family more than yarn; that’s easy. I do not drink caffeinated drinks including tea; a little amount can keep me up over twenty-four hours.

    Reply
  27. Linda says:

    Just found out (about 10 minutes ago!!) that we have a new granddaughter! Now that’s a good reason to want some Blue Sky Alpaca yarn!!! SOFT!!! Thanks for the giveaway! Rav ID is Lindajm

    Reply
  29. Michele says:

    What can I love more than new yarn? In no particular order would have to be my puppies, Lola and Luna, and Diet Pepsi to get me through the obsessive late nights of nonstop knitting.

    Reply
  31. Juliana Restrepo says:

    I really cannot think about anything better than buying yarn. Maybe a gift card from the yarn store? My favorite caffeinated beverage is definitely coffee. My ravelry is Alanamoya. Thanks for this awesome giveaway!

    Reply
  33. Kate M says:

    The only thing that I like better than new yarn is an amazing new pattern/pattern book!!! Thanks for the chance to win! (zima21 on Revelry)

    Reply
  39. Diana says:

    Better than yarn I can only think of my hubby and baby son, but maybe just a slight advantage :P
    The yarn looks absolutely lovely, thanks for the giveaway. My ravelry ID is LadyDianaGoth :)

    Reply
  41. Rona says:

    Doh! Forgot my ravname! rondaletts

    I love my children who want me to knit them All The Things! But let’s be honest, it’s a close tie with free yarn!

    Reply
  42. Rona says:

    I posted to Facebook. rondaletts

    My fave drink has been grande nonfat raspberry white mocha, but since I’ve been trying to eat better (aka BOOORING), it’s a tall skinny vanilla latte. Sniff.

    Reply
  43. Rona says:

    I also tweeted :). rondaletts

    How about I also love fabulous free patterns with which to use the lovely free yarn! And yummy fibre to spin on my Minstrel. :)

    Reply
  44. Dovile says:

    What’s better than new yarn? Finishing the project and finging it to be perfect.
    I prefer tea, but I like cappuccino too.

    spamscape [at] gmail [dot] com

    Reply
  46. Michelle DesEnfants says:

    My ravelry is mdesenfants and yarn is in my top 5: God, my husband, two sons, the dog – then yarn. I’m usually a hazelnut coffee drinker but that changes to pumpkin spice in October and November.

    Reply
  47. mountainkidd says:

    I love my toddler more than free yarn – especially in those 3 seconds between story and sleep when he holds STILL and snuggles. But if a yarn trumped my adorable child, it would be by Blue Sky. How is all their yarn SO yummy? And I also love whole milk lattes. A lot. Sometimes I’m excited to go to bed because I know I get one when I wake up…
    Ravelry:MtnKiddMichelle
    Email: michelle@mountainkidd.com

    Reply

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