Interviews and Reviews
Blue Sky Alpacas Extra Yarn + GIVEAWAY
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
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.
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.
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 Sweet Sixteen Hat pattern by Elizabeth Mautz-Redmann
- One wonderful skein of Blue Sky Alpacas Extra Yarn in the Lei colorway
- An adorable Pretty Cheep Project Bag
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.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/iatheather/status/519494725355982848
What do I love more than new yarn? Ummm… not much. Perhaps coconut ice cream. Or earl grey tea. Coconut scented yarn served with a mug of Earl Grey tea? Now you’re talking. RavID lcockitt
Favorite caffeinated beverage: Pumpkin Spice Latte, right now is my favorite time of year!
Ravalry ID: nytsua
Oh, I never win these things but I have to comment because I just came across this awesome blog.
What I love more than new yarn is when my husband and I are really tired and for some reason being half a sleep makes us laugh at everything little thing we say to each other. It’s sounds weird but laughing with him about stupid stuff makes me really happy.
More than new yarn… well, new shoes and a fantastic picnic on the beach (with some yarn!). Favorite caffeine loaded drink: cappuccino!
asteride on Ravelry
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/Asterpat/status/521665895404281856
What I love more than new yarn is free new yarn, and when it comes with a pattern so I don’t even have to think about it, all the better!
The only thing I love more than new yarn is a new book. Not even a life supply of chocolate is a close second. For me it’s either or … book or yarn! :D
Rav ID: Dnali
The only thing I can it think of at the moment that sounds better than new yarn is a rich dark chocolate brownie. Favorite caffeinated drink: Mint Mocha!
Email: amindy_2000@yahoo.com
Free yarn is a pretty sweet thing; I’d say it’s tied with new yarn. And a new hardcover book – nothing beats that smell. Can I love all three the same? It’s hard to play favourites!
Wait, I’ve decided: the first cup of coffee in the morning. The first one is the best one ever.
Rav ID: KJschroeder
I love my sweetie more than a skein of new yarn…especially because he understands and supports my new yarn addiction.
Rav ID: IceBebe
Nothing is better than new yarn except… free yarn ! you pretty much hit home with that.
AS for my favorite caffeinated beverage, I don’t drink that much but I love Bionade, a french (?) brand of organic lemonade slightly caffeinated with great natural tastes !
Possibly the only thing I love more than new yarn is my Pug.
And my favorite caffeinated beverage has to be the Caramel Macchiato.
You can find me on Ravelry as LauraNicole
Hmmm, not much is better than new yarn! I do love a good peppermint mocha this time of year!
Ravelry ID: knittingzeal
I love laying in my super comfy bed more than new yarn! doijdd@gmail.com
I also tweeted.
And shared on Facebook.
And pinned.
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