I’ve been working on Nefertiti for the last week – on the train, at night, during any free time.  I’ve made some progress, and I was reminded how nice this project is.  The yarn (Enchanted Knoll Farm Silk/Merino Lace) is so nice to work with – there is something about a wool/silk blend.    The pattern is interesting, but not so hard that I can’t do it on the train.  I’m really happy that I’m back working on it, and I hope to get it done by the end of the month. 

Its a good plan…except that my knitting time on Nefertiti will be limited to commute/knitting group/car riding knitting, and not night time knitting.    As I mentioned  a couple of posts ago, I was unable to resist a fair isle vest kit from KnitPicks.  I got the package this week – the yarn is really pretty, and I love the colors.  I was all set to start when I realized I didn’t have the right needles.  I have a Knit Picks Options set, so it just never occured to me that I didn’t have needles so I didn’t make sure, and order them with the kit – so stupid.  So I had to wait a couple of days until I had the day off work - on Friday I ran to my local yarn store and bought the right needles, and cast on immediately. 

 

I really love the yarn – but this project is going to take forever – size 2 needles, fingering weight yarn.  But I’m enjoying it, and love the feel of the yarn.  When I first read the pattern I have to admit to being a little intimidated – there are increases, decreases, wraps/turns and steeks.  But I’m just taking it a section at a time, and am happy that I’m finally doing a stranded project.

The needles I bought for this project are Addi Turbos Lace  – and wow!  I usually use Knit Picks Harmony, even for lace, because I like the grab of the wood.  I also have the metal KP Options, and use those for non-lace projects.  But I love these needles!  The tips are very pointy and its great even for a project like this – I would imagine lace is even better.  I love the feel of them, and they are so quiet!  I’m really enjoying them, and I just may have to get some in bigger sizes for lace projects (I think I do have a size 5 already that I’ve never used).  It is so amazing how different needles are, and how they can change a project.

So there you go – my two fall projects.  I’m going to be really focused and resist the urge to start anything else because I want to get both done this fall.  The only thing that really may be hard to resist is a puppy sweater…

I’d like to introduce our new puppy!

She’s about two weeks old, and we will be getting her on October 18.  She’s a Westie, and we are very excited.  We are kicking around names (the current favorite is Penny) and talking about how to make sure the other dogs and cats still feel loved.  And we are looking around and talking about how to puppy-proof the house – its been 11 years since we’ve had a puppy, and we remember how they are (in fact my dining room table still has teeth marks on it!).    

In order to get Penny, I had to reallocate my yarn budget for Garden State Breeders and Stitches.  It was an easy decision – I have a lot of yarn already, but I’ll miss going to Stitches with my knitting group.    But at the same time, I’m ok with it too – my stash is a bit out of control, and I think its time I start to use the beautiful yarn I have and stop buying yarn all the time.  I know, I know – you have heard this before.  I’m not saying I’m never going to buy any – just that I’m going to try to look to the stash first.   I do have some really nice yarn that should be used rather than staying in a bin forever.  (But I have to admit I couldn’t resist a Labor Day sale at Wandering Cat Yarns!)

Today is Labor Day in the US, so we are off work and school.   I had a busy weekend – saw my sister, golfed with Chris and her husband, and shopped with Cieara and Larry.  Today is about staying home, puttering around, making cookies to send to Andrew, and knitting.   I have some movies on DVR, and I’m planning on just sitting down with a cup of tea, and getting past the ribbing on the vest so I can get to the good part!    Dinner is already marinating, and I just have to make some salad and corn, and we will say goodbye to summer.  Hard to believe that its over, but I’m really looking foward to fall!

Have a great week!