Hot off the presses: Six best-selling books to refine, re-imagine and reinvigorate your craft at Alpaca Direct. As the last snow drifts finally melt away, more and more knitters come to our Hayden storefront ready for something new to usher in the spirit of springtime. A well-written book of patterns or techniques is just the thing to freshen up your repertoire! Here are just a few staff favorites from our library of more than 150 knitting, crocheting and spinning books.

For the beginning knitter with a taste for the classics: "Knitting Workshop" by Elizabeth Zimmermann

For many luminaries of the knitting world, Elizabeth Zimmermann is revered as part legend, part grandmother. Her wry sense of humor and visionary approach to garment construction are a treasured part of many knitters' heritage, and for good reason! "Knitting Workshop" provides an instructive blend of patterns and technique tutorials ideal for the new knitter just getting her feet wet. Featured are her classic Hawser Sweater (a versatile template for a beginner-level yoked sweater) and her infamous Baby Surprise Jacket (you won't believe what it looks like before the seams!).

For the skilled knitter looking to polish her skills: "Finishing School" by Deborah Newton

As our store manager, Jan, always says, the biggest difference between "handmade" and "homemade" is the finishing! If that's the argument, then Deborah Newton's new book is the proof. Not only does Newton masterfully dissect technique after technique - everything from modifying patterns to include seam stitches to the dreaded but critical Kitchener Stitch - but she also provides stunning patterns that rely on many of the techniques you'll learn. Many finishing books take a textbook-style approach, assuming the knitter will treat it as a reference. "Finishing School" improves greatly on this idea by providing the same high-quality information in an almost magazine-style layout, with projects built right in. Skip straight to the final project, the Embellished Cardigan, to see how top-notch finishing techniques can turn an ordinary sweater into knockout couture.

For the bored knitter ready for a challenge: "Knit, Swirl!" by Sandra McIver

Let's put it this way: When sock savant (and Magic Loop Method inventor) Cat Bordhi is blown away by a new innovation in knitting, we sit up and pay attention. This new book is a collection of variations on the swirl jacket: a broad, circular piece of knitting crafted into a wearable masterpiece. Vogue Knitting says it best: "It's hard to imagine that you wouldn't get mobbed at a wool festival should you decide to knit one." We think you wouldn't even make it that far - your non-knitting friends will mob you first!

For the young Ravelry knitter: "Coastal Knits" by Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig

If you love the Featherweight Cardigan (and, who doesn't? More than 4,000 Ravelers can't be wrong!), you simply must page through "Coastal Knits." It's an embarrassingly tasteful collection of patterns from the mastermind behind the Featherweight (Fettig) and her equally talented friend, the blogger behind the "Never Not Knitting" podcast. The collection includes five gorgeous and wearable sweaters, and five charming accessories - all of which look like pages out of an anthropologie catalog.

Alpaca Direct is a direct merchant of high quality yarn, apparel and jewelry. We stock a full line of fiber art accessories, from handcrafted needles and hooks to spindles and spinning wheels. Our carefully curated boutique selection also includes Peruvian alpaca sweaters, hand-loomed lace scarves, performance alpaca socks, pima cotton pajamas, cuddly alpaca teddy bears and unique international jewelry.

Our building is handicap accessible, with ample parking and is easy to find. We are located on Hayden Avenue, just two blocks west of Highway 95 at 1016 W. Hayden Ave. in Hayden.

Our Alpaca fiber experts are on call 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Visit us at 1016 W. Hayden Ave. or online at www.AlpacaDirect.com - your local destination for luxury yarn, apparel and gifts. "Like" us on Facebook for exclusive coupons, product spotlights and news!