SoS ii Hint 2 done (in cashmere)

I finished knitting hint 2 in the cashmere yarn last evening. Waited until this morning to take pics. The cashmere version is knitting up very nicely. It's very soft and drapes well. I think it shows the stitch definition nicely as well.

This is a lovely pattern so far -- it is developing into an intriguing design. Hint 2 took longer to knit this week. This was in part because I was busy with family things most of the weekend and really didn't get down to knitting until Sunday.

Started working the hint up in the superfine merino -- but only got about 10 rows done last night and haven't started knitting yet this evening. Hint 3 arrives tomorrow -- so I'm going to be behind on version 2.

Secret of the Stole II: Hint 1 - A Tale of Two Yarns

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The first hint for the Secret of the Stole II came out last Friday. I finished the hint twice. Yes -- twice.

I had decided to use the cashmere yarn for this stole -- and then I tried to cast on using the long tail cast on recommended by DK. Much to my surprise and dismay -- the yarn broke each time I attempted to cast on -- I did finally cast on using a knit on cast on method. After the rough start, the cashmere yarn knit up fine and I like the result. But I am a little concerned about this yarn's stability and strength. Hence, the second version of hint 1 in the superfine merino.

Casting on with the merino yarn using the long tail cast on was uneventful -- no breaks. Now, this is what I am used to with yarns -- even fine yarns. So, I am now doing this KAL in two yarns -- and then I'll decide which one I like better.

I'd appreciate hearing from others with more experience knitting cashmere yarn. What has been your experience?

Secret of the Stole II Group

If you've never done a Knit A Long -- give it a try! My first was the Secret of the Stole -- and I really enjoyed it. (See my earlier posts.) DK does a wonderful job with the designs and moderating the KAL. If you are interested in trying knitting lace and want a project with lots of support and encouragement, I'd recommend joining the Secret of the Stole II KAL.

The Secret of the Stole II Knit A Long begins January 18, 2008. The KAL is still open for those who are interested but have not yet joined. For further information or to join the group go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/secretofthestole-ii/.

Good knitting! Lindy

New Website from DK & Mr. K

DK - the nautical knitter and her husband, Mr. K have just launched this wonderful new website. It is fantastic! Kudos to Mr. K -- as I understand it, he is the computer genius and this is one of the best knitting websites I've seen.

It's filled with lots of stuff for knitters -- You must check out this website -- go to this link:
Knit with Us

Secret of the Stole II Swatches

Happy New Year!

I have finished two swatches for the Secret of the Stole II KAL -- which begins January 18.

I am trying to decide which yarn to use for this KAL. I may be giving this stole to my future DIL for her wedding in April. Both yarns are lovely and knit up well in the swatches.

The first yarn is Sarah's Yarns 100% Monogolian cashmere 2 ply. It has a really soft feel to it and I'm sure it would be warm. The color is natural white.

The second yarn is JaggerSpun Superfine merino wool 2/18. It is not as soft and is less fuzzy than the cashmere. The color is vanilla, so it is a bit darker in color as well. It appears to be a little lacy-er than the cashmere in the swatch.

Opinions anyone?