Alpaca Pinwheel Scarf and Hex Slippers

Upon searching the Ravelry pattern databases for fun scarf ideas, I came across a technique known as the Catherine Wheel, which creates a wonderfully eye-catching pattern.  The pinwheel effect is achieved by mirroring two rows of bunched crochet stitches, with narrow intermediary segments which are shaped by subsequent rows, forming this wave-like design.  It’s also very practical – the bunches become epicenters of warmth which shield against even the sharpest winter winds.

For these reasons, alpaca was the ideal material for me to create the Amigami Pinwheel Scarf.  The yarn used to craft this piece was created entirely from animals living in the Upper Ohio Valley regions of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, on farms we know personally.  My partner Ramon was the shearer responsible for collecting the raw fiber from these animals, and the white and two-tone yarns were handspun by the animals’ owners.  From hoof to hand, this beautiful scarf is the epitome of regional handmade crafts, and is truly a must-have for any winter wardrobe.  And lucky for you, they are available in my Etsy shop!

From the same skeins I’ve also created these ultra-warm Hexagon Slippers, named for the 6 sided panels which are used to form the shoes.  The three hexagons, stitched together in the center, are then stitched around a double thick sole, creating a durable and comfortable cushion for your foot.  I need to work with adjusting the sizing on these slippers before they are ready for sale, but if you are interested in some let me know and we can get started on a custom order.

2 Tone Suri Alpaca Beanie – 100% Handmade, From Cut To Crochet

This is hopefully only the first of many in a very special series of crochet work.  My partner Ramon travels the countryside each spring shearing alpacas, and a few weeks ago he returned with some of the fruits of his labor.

Mother Rasha & cria Morningstar, donors for the White fiber in this hat!

Amongst his clients is Vision Acres Ranch of Berkeley Country, West Virginia.  After the 2009 shearing season, Judy of Vision Acres began processing this high-quality alpaca fiber into exquisite hand-spun dual-toned yarn.  And it’s not just the dual coloring which makes this yarn unique – it is composed of 100% Suri Alpaca fiber.

Herdsire Scimitar (a.k.a. "Sam") contributed the brown yarn for this hat!

Suris, unlike their more popular fluffy Huacaya counterparts, feature fiber which forms natural locks, giving the final product an altogether different consistency and feel than your standard alpaca fiber.  Thank you to the Judy & everyone at Vision Ares Ranch for caring for these beautiful animals & creating the yarn, as well as to Ramon for shearing the alpacas and for bringing me spoils.

The hat is created using a modified version of a stylish beanie pattern I found in the Ravelry databases.  Unbelievably soft & warm, it’s also extremely breathable, making this hat a great year-round accessory.  Accented by a large natural-colored button I found in my mother’s vintage sewing supplies, this luxurious hat has certainly been given the personal touch from start to finish.