First things first October 17, 2007
The other day I discovered a KAL I want to join, the Fall Cable KAL 2007. I haven’t actually joined the KAL yet—at least not to my way of thinking—though I did join the group on Ravelry. There are a number of sweater patterns with cables that I want to knit… And yarns to knit them with: There’s the navy Rowanspun DK, the dark green Philosopher’s Wool, the rich red merino/cashmere that would also be good for the Red Sweater KAL… 
But there are socks to finish (nearly there, might even be done later today), a stole to complete, sweatshirt sweater sleeves that need knitting. These need finishing—or at the very least some serious progress—before I can even think seriously about the next sweater project. There’s also some Jagerspun Zephyr Wool-Silk in a fabulous plum that is calling out to be made into a floral lace shawl or stole. Decisions, decisions. There are definitely not enough hours in the day, or years in the life, to knit all the things I want to make. And then there are the beloved counted cross stitch projects that have been hounding me since I dropped them like a hot potato early in the summer, and haven’t touched since.
While I knit my knits and purl my purls and avoid thinking about that next project (yet), here are a couple of things for you to look at. First off, one of the most heinous, um, outfits that I’ve ever seen. Ever. Even the model looks appalled. I’m not quite sure they could have come up with something worse if they tried. It’s that bad.
On a brighter note, Kaffe Fassett has a new book out, Kaffe Knits Again. He’s even doing a book tour for it, if you’re lucky enough to be in the limited parts of the U.S. where he’ll be appearing. If you’re looking for brand new designs from him and already have his older books, you probably won’t want this one. But if you’re new to his designs, want to see some old favorites re-hashed in Rowan’s current line of yarns, or like me just like to have his stuff around for inspiration, then you may be interested in this one. 
In Berroco’s most recent newsletter they let us know about a new line of Jawoll (pronounced: ya-vole) sock yarns called Aktion. I like the October color ways better than the November ones, and the blue-pink-green and the shades of blue color ways best of all that’s there. Here’s the deal:
We are fortunate to distribute Lang Jawoll Color Aktion which comes in a classic 100 gram pull skein with a matching reinforcement bobbin hidden inside of the skein. You use this second strand to ensure the durability of your precious hand knitted socks. Just simply carry it along with the sock yarn when knitting the heel and toe. It’s dyed to match.
Lang Jawoll Color Aktion has taken Northern Europe by storm. Lang’s brilliant designer, Anna Rosa Rugolo, works on a computer to create new patterns and colorways for certain months of the year. For these months, 6 color variations on one color pattern are produced at a high tech dyehouse. Lang ships to our warehouse and we ship the yarn to the yarn shops who participate in Lang’s unique “Limited Edition” program. When the lots are sold out, they are gone forever! So buy it when you see it. It may not be there next time you shop.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, the chocolate yesterday seemed to do the trick as I’m in a considerably better mood today. If you happened to drop by with some dark chocolate in hand I certainly wouldn’t turn you away.
~Kristie October 18
That’s definitely disappointing that Kaffe Fassett isn’t listed to come to our neck of the woods for his book tour, but since he is going to Stitches East, maybe he’ll come to Stitches West?
I saw the new Jawoll yarn at Tall Mouse in Yorba Linda last week. I figured I had enough sock yarn in my stash so I didn’t purchase any. Boy oh boy you sure know how to make a girl regret her decision.