Mishmash

Yup! I’ve broken the 15 pound barrier. Next is passing the weight I was when Lou and I got married 11 years ago. I don’t think I’ve been below that since before we were married.

So here are the pictures I promised yesterday. Oh, before I start that, thank you for all of your well wishes while hiding your giggles behind your hand. I especially appreciate Marie’s helpful advice to attach a key to the dog’s leash. I will be taking care of that this week.

Alrighty, here is the second sock of the never ending broadripple pair. As you can see the heal has been conquered and it’s all down hill from here.

Now for my next topic. I need to get some needles for the shop. Here are the things I’m thinking and I would appreciate your input.

First Fiddlesticks Needles. These are bamboo and if you can’t see it in the craptastic picture the cord is attached right to the wood with no metal.
These circulars do come in sizes all the way down to size 1 (2.25 mm) but from size 0 to 4 they are only in the 16 inch length.
Retail price of these needles is about $7 to $8 and the double points are about the same cost.
They feel good and are very smooth to the touch. they also have the size in American and mm very clearly stamped on them. I’m concerned about the cord because it seems to be a hollow tube that could get a kink in it where your yarn could get caught.

Remember I am thinking about these from the point of view of a lace knitter as that is the customer I am trying to serve.

Next are the KA needles. These seem to be based on the Crystal Palace needles and, from what I understand, the main difference is that the bamboo is just not aged as long. These are also very smooth and the join is exactly like my Crystal Palace needles. The size is not as prominently displayed ad the Fiddlesticks. The price is about the same. These are available in 16 and 24 inch all the way down to size 0 (2.0 mm).

And finally, Lantern Moon Destiny Circulars. I LOVE Ebony and Rosewood needles. I have a lot of Suzannes in both ebony and rosewood. LOVE. I have rosewood Holz & Stein. LOVE. So I really want to get these. BUT they don’t come in any sizes, in circular, smaller than a 4. And the price is $24.00 per set.

Now here’s what I’m thinking. I get either the Fiddlesticks or KA in circulars and I get the Lantern Moon double points.

Please let me know about your favorite needles and why they are your favorite. Lace knitters, I am especially interested in your input.

Here’s what I started yesterday and promised to tell you about.

The Rowena Cardigan from Knit 2 Together.

I’m using Brooks Farm Duet (55% mohair and 45% wool). I got this at Rhinebeck with this very sweater in mind. It took me a little effort to get the gauge I needed – due to stupidity – but it all worked out and I’m only one needle size down from what was suggested in the pattern.

My current bust measures a little less than 41 inches but I cast on for the 38 inch size since I’m losing weight and I don’t want to knit a whole sweater and not fit it when I’m done. I do love it and will be hunting for the perfect ribbon to weave in.

I have nothing to show for the Forest Path Stole but I hope to remedy that by working on it tonight.

I’m very tired out from the workshop today but I think it was pretty good and everybody seemed to be satisfied. I had to stand all day because I didn’t have enough chairs. I’ll be prepared for the next one though. I learn from my mistakes. Keys on Tuesday, Chairs on Saturday.

Here are some action shots of the fam.

Too much action for me. I’m going to bed.

And also, go check out Tia Knits latest post. I feel so much better now.