This is my first post from my brand new computer. I built it myself! Hurrah!

Ok, here is my alpaca poncho progress – it's about half done.

You can't see the detail much there, but it's all baby cable goodness.

I also purchased about 1500 yards of yarn to make the Simple Knitted Bodice . Here's the catch – the yarn is undyed. I'm going to dye the yarn myself! I'm very excited about this. The yarn is called Andromeda, and is 50% Merino Wool and 50% Silk. It's supposedly the same yarn as is used by Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb, of Clapotis fame. Here is what it looks like:

So, I went to Knitpicks and ordered some acid dyes. I ended up choosing the Sapphire, Lilac, Jet Black and Sun Yellow colours. Ultimately I'd like my SKB to be a deep midnighty blue, which I think I can achieve by mixing some black and the sapphire. But as I've never dyed before, I thought I could use some practise on, as well as having a bit of an opportunity to mix dyes. I bought a hank of fingering weight superwash from them as well so I could have a go at either hand-painting or immersion dyeing before I try to dye the Andromeda.

Still searching for the perfect pattern for my Cascade Success yarn. Honestly, I had something akin to the SKB in mind for that yarn, but it's the wrong weight, and it's too beautiful to waste on something that might not fit and/or might not have enough yarn for. I will definitely find something to do with that soon.

At this point, I'm coming dangerously close to stashing. I try not to have a big stash, although at least it's a stash with a purpose outlined for it. But no more big purchases for now! I have a sufficient amount to work with. I still have a lace shawl that needs starting. I think I need to knit faster!