Costume Parades and Alpacas

Look what I found at the Harvest Ho Down - some Alpacas ....from a new Alpaca farm right here in my town.
These are two of their alpacas, Salt and Pepper. The first thing I wanted to know was what they do with their fleece! They haven't done anything with it yet, but plan to have it processed and spun as soon as they can find a place to do it. They are such gentle animals.
This is my grandson talking to and petting them.
My DH wants to know if I want to get some - he thinks he's being funny, but I do think it would cut down on the grass mowing. Maybe when I retire?
And here is poor Casper dressed as King Casper for the pet parade - he wasn't very happy, but did win a dog biscuit.


And the costume parade - the mermaid with the purple hair is Tori.

I Love Alpacas

I think I want to raise alpacas when I grow up! They are such sweet, gentle, animals. And...their fleece is the softest and warmest ever. Alpaca farms seem to be sprouting up all over Maine. I visited this one today and met the sweetest alpaca! My friend Vicki on Purple is a Fruit raises alpacas and spins their wool. Alpaca people just seem to be the nicest people, and they love their alpacas like their own children!

Mandy over on NH Knitting Mama is having a little contest She has a free pattern for her "Mandy's Candy Bag" which is really cute. Go on over and check it out. I plan to make a few of these! And you know what else? She's a Red Sox Fan!!!!! Gotta love her.
Progress on my DDs yellow tomato from Knitting Daily:

And my Patchwork bag from "Easy Knitted Accessories" - pre-felted it's 13"x20". I still have to make the handles, which are braided.


Tonight I am casting on for the Comfortable Felted Sling Purse from Knitty Chick, also for my DD.
I'm using these colors, and probably I'll add a little purple too. This is the same bag I made for my pal in the ITEIV Swap except that I made it in a solid color with needlfelted flowers. My DD loved it, but wanted it done in stripes.