Goldwater Springs Alpaca

Just before moving to DC, I was given a skein of tan Alpaca/wool blend Goldwater Springs yarn. It's been traveling with me for the last 4 months and I've finally done more than ball it and stare at it with longing abandon.

The farm is in West-Central Iowa, and produces a great deal of fiber and 'Home' products such as lip balm and bath scents. Their fiber and yarn had won awards in competitions sponsored by Spin-Off, a notable trade magazine in fiber arts. The online store has something to be desired, but email questions and orders are usually responded to in good order. If you are in the upper mid-west, they are also present at many central Iowa farmer's markets in the warmer seasons.

The yarn its self is of between worsted and DK weight, 3ply with a fairly even color that makes me wonder if they haven't added some dye to keep the color solid. As this is my first experience working with alpaca, though, I won't stand too firm by that. The feel of the yarn is absolutely heavenly. It has the slick softness of silk, with the flexibility and stretch of wool. I am told that Alpaca also preserves many of the temperature and moisture-wicking characteristics of wool, though i haven't had a chance to put that to the test. I will say that it is a dream to move through your hands, even to make a quick gauge swatch.

The yarn is well spun, with the plys locking together nicely to help prevent splitting the yarn while working with it. The project I have it in mind for will be using Brittany US10 Double Point needles, the gauge for which on this yarn is about 4.5 sts/in and 5 rows/in. Just doing a gauge watch with this yarn is a pleasure, with the soft smoothness sliding through your fingers. The stitches pop fairly well, leading me to believe that it would display cabling like a charm.

I have this yarn on the needles right now as a hat for an ailing relative. So far, it is knitting up a dream. Above the brim, I plan on using cables to add a bit of flavor to the pattern. Pictures will be added both here and on my Ravelry page with the results. In the mean time, find yourself some Alpaca yarn and just run it through your hands. I think you'll be impressed.

http://www.goldwaterspringsalpaca.com/default.html