It was a seriously soggy Saturday yesterday when I drove to Manor Farm, Bourn http://manorfarmbourn.com where the Purl Alpaca http://www.purlalpacadesigns.com workshop was happening in the Malthouse.
We were warmly greeted by Tracy and Kari-Helene with tea and homemade biscuits, a great start! Among the little group of six were a lady who’d driven from Birmingham and another who had combined a trip to visit friends & family with the workshop. She was over from Malaysia…..a testament to the winning combination of Kari-Helene’s designs and Tracy’s luxurious ‘home grown’ alpaca yarn!
One of the great things about Purl Alpaca workshops (and if you visit them at yarn shows), is that you get the chance to try on the garments as well as to actually see the true colours of the yarn and to FEEL it! I warn you now this stuff is addictive!
‘cloud’ of alpaca fleece.
I think I came across Purl Alpaca at the Knitting & Stitching Show at ‘Ally Pally’ some 9 or 10 years ago, http://www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com/london/ and was immediately drawn to the unique designs, soft colours and feel of the yarns. I tried on the Iago waistcoat and loved it! It was also an incredibly clever and straight forward pattern, perfect for this beginner! http://www.purlalpacadesigns.com/product/iago-waistcoat-knitting-pattern/ Every time I wear it I receive admiring comments. (I have to be honest, the pattern photo doesn’t do it justice).
Five balls of yarn and a pattern are included in the workshop so once everyone had decided what they wanted to make we sat down to enjoy more tea and cookies and casted on! Both Tracy and Kari-Helene were at hand to help and advise and explain new techniques. 
The mini version of mine!
http://www.purlalpacadesigns.com/product/solo-tank-top-knitting-pattern/
I have to admit I already had this so brought it along to ‘dive in’ with the help of Kari-Helene.
Just before lunch we paid a visit to meet the V.I.P.s themselves!
…….then there was lunch!
All homemade and delicious!
…..and the most delicious chocolate cake with bramble coulis and cream, but it didn’t last long enough for me to take a pic!
Sitting, knitting with friends, tea & cake on a soggy Saturday afternoon is good for the soul….I didn’t want to leave! But I’ve got this little stash to keep me going till next time!
Soggy selfie!
Someone else I met on the way out at Manor Farm…
……and finally…….
Tracy calling her ‘people’ up for apples.
For further info on Purl Alpaca Designs, patterns, yarn and workshops go to: http://www.purlalpacadesigns.com
The Knitting Trucker 
What a lovely thing to do on a rainy Saturday. I do love the elegance of Purl Alpaca designs and what’s not to love about the natural colours and feel of alpaca yarn. Great selfie, what a topknot!
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It was perfect for a wet Saturday afternoon Nicky……so lovely all of it.
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This is such a lovely story; thank you so much for being such an enthusiastic participant on the day.
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I’m so glad you like it. Thank you for such a great day! xxx
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