Helen Hamann Designs by Helen Hamann, Alpaca knitted fashion designer, Peru Tours, Helen Hamann's Chocolate Fashion Collection
Helen Hamann, a native of Peru, an internationally know knitwear designer and alpace enthusiast, teacher and author.
Original alpaca knitwear fashions and wearable art by Helen Hamann
Peru tours for alpaca enthusiasts, knitters, fiber artists, and eco and cultural tourists.
Knitting and fashion design classes seminars retreats by Helen Hamann
Andean Inspired Knits by Helen Hamann
Original knitting patterns by Helen Hamann
Needle arts shop partners for your shopping convenience.
Alpaca breeders, alpaca enthusiasts, hobbists, alpaca yarns and spinning
Links of common interest from Helen Hamann

Helen Hamann's Designs. Helen Hamann

Newsletter

June 9, 2007

In This Issue
Announcements
Knitting Tip
FIBER ARTS EXCURSION TO PERU AND ALPACA FIESTA NOVEMBER 2007
ADVENTURE IN PERU 2008
ANDEAN INSPIRED KNITS
BOLEROS FROM ANDEAN INSPIRED KNITS FOR SALE
HELEN HAMANN KNITWEAR ON SALE
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Last Month's Newsletter

ASYMMETRICAL COAT

For all of you that have been wanting to buy the pattern to the Asymmetrical Coat, elann.com (who bought the rights to the pattern a few months ago) is selling the pattern without the need to purchase any yarn.  You may purchase the pattern through their web site.

SURI ALPACAS FOR SALE

We are selling some of the cutest suri alpacas you will ever find.  4 males, 9 females and a not-yet a month old female cria.

Knitting Tip

Provisional CO is an excellent way to have open stitches when you need them to work in the other direction.  And the easiest way to provisional CO is as follows:

Provisional Cast On

CO using a smooth waste yarn. Knit plain for a couple of rows. Then knit ONE row with smooth, satin ribbon that is about 1/8" wide and in a contrasting color.  Cut the ribbon leaving a long tail. Then begin the first pattern knit row above the ribbon row. When it is time to release the stitches, pull out the ribbon or pick up the stitches above the ribbon by picking up the back loop of working yarn on the wrong side onto a needle-then pull out the ribbon.

Some of us are getting ready and excited about our upcoming trip to Peru.  It promises to be a truly memorable adventure.  We have scheduled some unique activities such as a typical lunch "Pachamanca," a combination of African, Creole and Andean way of cooking food.  Peru is also famous for its unique "Paso Horses"; we will have the oportunity to view a spectacular show where the horses will dance "La Marinera."  Peru is the capital of the alpaca industry and for that reason we will visit an experimental alpaca farm to learn some of the latest breeding developments.  We will not want to miss the "Chaccu" where the participants of the Alpaca Fiesta will all herd thousands of alpacas and vicunas to be sheared, as it was done in Incan-times.  Enjoy a peek-preview of the up-coming fashions at the up-scale fashion show with presenters from all over the world and of course, marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Cusco and the surrounding areas including Machu Picchu.

FIBER ARTS EXCURSION TO PERU AND ALPACA FIESTA NOVEMBER 2007

For those of you who are still deciding to participate, we recommend that you make your reservations soon.  There are only a few places left from the maximum 20 that we have scheduled.

The tour will take place from November 4 through 19, 2007.  To view full details and itinerary please visit our website.

To read about our wonderful 2006 tour, click here. This is an Acrobat PDF and will download to your computer and open in Acrobat.

ADVENTURE IN PERU 2008

During this trip, the travelers will have the chance to appreciate the most diverse and beautiful scenarios in Southern Peru, experiencing at the same time the characteristics of textile art in every particular region. The journey begins with the visit to Lima, where we will see pre-Colombian textiles in two different museums and will be able to enjoy the spectacular local cuisine. The Titicaca Lake is our next stop; there we visit the floating islands of the Uros and the Taquile Island, where we will appreciate an extraordinary textile tradition. The visit to the Mallkini Alpaca Hacienda is something that we can't miss on our trip. Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu show us the rich cultural and historic tradition that comes to us since pre-Inca times. During these days we will visit three different remote communities, where the local people will share with us ancient textile techniques and designs. Our final destination will be the Amazon jungle in the Pucallpa region, where we will be impressed by the exuberant vegetation and life, and at the same time will have the opportunity to observe the Shipibo weaving art.

In the next several months we will be announcing new and exciting destinations.  Please check our website for new announcements.  We will also be posting them in our future newsletters.

ANDEAN INSPIRED KNITS

Helen Hamann's Designs. "Many of the patterns . . . incorporate distinctive stitch, color or embellishment highlights that say, 'This is special.'"-Monsters and Critics.com.

"Andean Inspired Knits is an inspiring look at some very interesting construction techniques for knitwear . . . the construction techniques are unique and exciting throughout . . . This book is a keeper and a wonderful reference for knitwear construction."-Splindicity.

"These masterpieces are admittedly labors of love, but easy-to-read full-color charts and thorough instructions will encourage expert needlecrafters and intermediate knitters to tackle new techniques and intricate patterns. The results? Stunning pieces that will grace your knitted collection forever."-Vogue Knitting.

Published by Interweave Press this fabulous book may be purchased directly from them, through your favorite bookseller or you may order it from us.  We will mail you an autographed copy.

We have learned that some of the knit along clubs in the country have challenged their members to choose and knit some of the patterns in the book with outstanding results.

BOLEROS FROM ANDEAN INSPIRED KNITS FOR SALE

Helen Hamann's Designs. We had a few Boleros hand-knitted in Peru to promote the sales of the book and now we are offering them as store models or for your own personal use.  These Boleros are beautifully worked in 100% Superfine Alpaca and are being sold at $150 plus shipping, a real bargain considering the quality of the materials and the workmanship.

HELEN HAMANN KNITWEAR ON SALE

We have a few one-of-a-kind garments for sale.  But since there is only one piece of the items shown, if you want any or all, you need to call us as soon as possible.

Beaded Crochet Shawl Helen Hamann's Designs.

A beautifully crochet beaded shawl ideal for any occasion, this piece is sure to be used over and over again.

100% superfine alpaca - Rainbow beads in two sizes 6/0 and 8 mm Ozark Purple
One size fits all
Peru
Original price $250
NOW $150 plus $10 for shipping.

Beaded Fringes Top

Helen Hamann's Designs.
This top is enhanced by the front fringes which are in turn embellished with large beads.  Crochet.

100% merino wool
Purple
Size M
Peru
Original price $230

NOW $130 plus $10 for shipping.

Glimmer Top with Pearls

Helen Hamann's Designs. A dainty top which may be worn with jeans or on that special occasion is made of soft Glimmer and embellished with pearls along the edges.

100% superfine alpaca
White
Size S
USA
Original price $180

NOW $130 plus $10 for shipping.

Multicolored Cropped Top Helen Hamann's Designs.

A multicolored stepped pattern has been used in this intarsia top, beautifully worked in 100% wool and framed in black.

100% merino wool
Multicolored - black ribs
Size M
Peru

Original Price $150

NOW $100 plus $10 for shipping.
Since there is only one garment available, please call 888.587.5568 or email us for details.

We hope you take advantage of these wonderful offers and that someday you decide to join us on one of our wonderful fiber arts adventures.
 
Sincerely,
 

Helen Hamann
Helen Hamann Designs