KNITTING WITHOUT DOG HAIR IS NOT AN OPTION

Yup - I'm not kidding you. I finished the back of Dad's vest yesterday afternoon while spending a few delightful hours at my favorite yarn store in Virginia Highland - Knitch.

But first, Jen and I had some trouble getting to the store. Yesterday of all days - Jen and I hadn't had any knitting outings for an eternity - the City of Atlanta hosted the Georgia Marathon, so naturally a lot of streets were blocked for the runners. I was smart enough to consult with hubby before leaving, to find a good route into the city. But then you know how it is - everybody and his uncle has the same idea. At least Jen and I had plenty of time to catch up, and the weather was beautiful, too. Eventually we made it to the store. We even took a little walk along a very pretty street with zillions of blooming trees and flowerbeds.

We also met up with Melissa, who brought her latest stitch markers for us to look at and offer comments and ideas about. Jen and I drooled for a while and then I had to bring these bugs home with me. Aren't they cute?

Guys, guess what I bought at Knitch?

Needles, needles, needles...

According to the latest info from a very important government agency, the best needles to take on a plane are wooden needles. I have to say tho' that I've travelled quite a bit since September 11 and never had any problems. But better to never say never, so I thought I'd better start preparing for my upcoming trip to Germany.

When I travel, I try to have a project on my needles so I look like a serious knitter. Also, I don't take straight needles on the plane - but mainly because a) I am not a big fan in the first place and b) they take a lot of room to maneuver and I hate to impose on my seat neighbor. (Of course, that doesn't mean the seat neighbor is as polite...) I also try not to bring enormous projects. Hmm, maybe the seat neighbor might want to curl up under an afghan while I am knitting on it. Nah - takes up too much space in my backpack.

So, I bought wooden dpns size US #0, #1 and #2 for any sock projects that might come along. For the two weeks that I work in the Munich office, I will have a one-hour train commute each way. Jen said she was sure I would come back with 30 pairs of socks. Girl - I am not that fast and I am not Jane the sock queen either. But to help this obession along, I ordered More Sensational Knitted Socks. It is brand new and hopefully it'll get here before I leave.

But back to what I bought at Knitch. I also got some Addi Naturals (US #4 - in case I need to finish Dad's vest on the the plane - but my goal is to get it done within the next 2 weeks) AND (drum roll, please) Addi Turbo Lace needles. If you're interested, here is a good review. I love them. I bought only one pair - US #4 - to try out on the front piece of Dad's vest. They are very light and very pointy. These needles are made from hollow brass. While the standard Addi Turbo needles are nickel-plated, these needles are coated with a fine resin to seal the brass and provide a subtle hint of drag to the needle surface. I can only guess - haven't tried lace on them yet - that this helps you keep control over those fine lace stitches. Really nice needles! Definite competition for the Knitpicks needles - but I already have the complete Knitpicks set, so I might just get a few Addi Turbo Lace needles in the smaller sizes (US #0, #1, #2 and #3).

After I got home from my quality knitting time, I spent some time with the fiber dogs in the back yard. I know, I know - the pooches haven't been mentioned in a while. How dare you, mommy! I tried to take pictures of them frolicking, which was pretty much impossible because they chased each other like crazy dogs and played, played, played like there was no tomorrow. ;-) This is the best shot I could get:

But finally they got tired and lay down. So here they are a bit calmer:

Oh - and before I forget - here is proof that I finshed the back of Dad's vest:

As you can see on me, my Dad is tall and skinny. I already cast on the front and, as of a few minutes ago (during my lunch break), I made it past the edge and two pattern repeats (of 24 to reach the armholes). I really am trying to get it done ASAP!!!

And then the dogs and I enjoyed a nice sunset. Too bad weekends go by so fast.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!