Learn to crochet, knit with online help from Alpaca Direct
DEVIN WEEKS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 years, 5 months AGO
This image from an up-close technique video on Alpaca Direct's YouTube channel shows how to make specific knitted stitch. For those stuck at home, Alpaca Direct has a strong online community where people can connect with other fabric enthusiasts from around the world. (Courtesy image)
Alpaca Direct co-owner Kelley Hobart discusses different yarns during a video for the store’s YouTube channel. Alpaca Direct has tons of online videos for those who want to learn, and is offering curbside pickup for local customers during pandemic closures.
Courtesy image
Mittens and fingerless gloves are just a couple cool things to knit, as shown here by Alpaca Direct's Kelley Hobart. (Courtesy image)
Devin Weeks is a third-generation North Idaho resident. She holds an associate degree in journalism from North Idaho College and a bachelor's in communication arts from Lewis-Clark State College Coeur d'Alene. Devin embarked on her journalism career at the Coeur d'Alene Press in 2013. She worked weekends for several years, covering a wide variety of events and issues throughout Kootenai County. Devin now mainly covers education, entertainment, human interest stories and serves as the editor of North Idaho Live Well magazine. She enjoys delivering daily chuckles through the Ghastly Groaner and loves highlighting local people in the Fast Five segment that runs in CoeurVoice. Devin lives in Post Falls with her husband and their two eccentric and very needy cats. | March 28, 2020 1:00 AM
Don't just sit at home — knit at home, with guidance from Alpaca Direct.
Owners Jim and Kelley Hobart have temporarily closed the brick-and-mortar store at 1016 W. Hayden Ave. because of COVID-19. But online orders are still being processed and local customers who order online can call the store at 208-209-7079 to arrange curbside pickup from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday.
Patrons and newcomers alike can also visit www.youtube.com/user/AlpacaDirect/featured for a whole library of about 200 free knitting and crocheting videos from which to choose. Alpaca Direct sells yarns and products made from the wool of the long-necked and adorable animals. It has a strong social media and online presence.
"We made a tough call" to close the store, Jim said, but for those who enjoy the online options in this time of being home, they can look forward to an even stronger community when things get back to normal.
"Hopefully it inspires some people to learn to knit," Jim said.
Each week, Kelley hosts "Technique Tuesday with Kelley," live tutorial videos.
Facebook knitting group: www.facebook.com/groups/alpacadirectvip
Knitting and Crochet Resources: www.alpacadirect.com/pages/how-to-knit-and-crochet
Free mobile app with more than 200 knitting videos: www.knitideas.com
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