Timeless knit treasures that still fascinate
Kelley Hobart | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 4 months AGO
If you plan on attending this year's Wooden Boat Show perhaps your appreciation and admiration come from knowing these vessels were all crafted by hand. Many of these boats were built or restored by grandfathers and great-grandfathers and have been passed down to the next generation. We not only appreciate the beauty and artful skill these vessels require but their timelessness.
As all knitters, crocheters and hand crafters know, what we create with our hands can also become a timeless treasure that lasts through the generations. Our daughter's daughter wearing the baby sweater we made for her, the young bride receiving great-grandma's afghan that she used on cold chilly nights, or the scarf Mom knitted you that you and your daughter fight over who gets to wear it. There is something priceless in the value of dedicating yourself to a craft and preserving its value through the years.
Alpaca Direct believes in the talent and creativity of its customers. We carry a wide variety of instructional books which contain fabulous projects ranging from mittens and hats to intricate blankets, throws and sweaters. Our staff is knowledgeable in technique and yarn selection and we keep our store stocked with notions and needles to ensure your success. One of our customers is a great aunt from Coeur d'Alene to more than 14 great-nieces and nephews. For every wedding she has crocheted them an off white, beautiful afghan to use as a throw on the end of their bed or draped over one corner of the couch in the winter. These timeless treasures are admired, used and appreciated much like the classic wooden vessels you will see on the lake this weekend.
Imagine a hand knit heirloom throw out of our Alpaca Yarn, the luxurious warmth, the softness and durability will make this a favorite gift to give yourself or a loved one.
Come in to the store now and browse through our idea books and yarn selection and let our staff help you get started on your next project. Alpaca Direct (AlpacaDirect.com) is located at 1016 W. Hayden Avenue, Hayden. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday's 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ARTICLES BY KELLEY HOBART
Give the gift of warmth
As the old saying goes, "Cold feet, warm heart," but when your feet get cold, it's hard to feel jolly this time of year. For most of my life, I’ve struggled with staying warm when the weather turns cold. I remember always wearing jackets growing up and still being constantly cold until about 11 years ago when I discovered Alpaca. This was life changing for me. Finally… I was warm! I was determined to introduce the wonders of alpaca fiber to others and we had just started raising alpacas for my daughter’s 4H project. I wanted everyone to experience the warmth of alpaca apparel, but it had to be high quality and reasonably priced. My husband suggested we launch a website and a few months later “AlpacaDirect.com” was born.
Knitting for those who serve our country
At Alpaca Direct, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community. I can not think of anyone more deserving than those who keep our country safe so we can enjoy our freedom.
Elderly people give us joy and wisdom
Last Saturday we loaded up our Alpaca socks, scarves, yarn and teddy bears from our store in Hayden to attend the Home and Garden show featured at the Garden Plaza independent living retirement center in Post Falls. Our host Beverly was very gracious to allow us to be part of this very special event. They have quite a facility for our elderly community members! The best way to describe it is a town within a town. It's much like the Hilton in that you have a top notch place to live with all the amenities (Post office, gym, spa, hair salon, restaurants, activities) which are located inside of the living center area. I noticed how the guests were part of a close knit community since they live within walking distance of their neighbors and do not have to bother going outside or driving. Spending the day with these folks brought back fond memories of times earlier in my life where I spent a large part of my time with the elderly.