i've started the Myster Stole 2 over. i screwed up clue 3 somewhere along the line and, since i was already on the fence about whether or not i liked the effect the 3.5mm needles and the Skacel Merino Lace made, i ripped it out. My LYS was lovely about exchanging the needles for 3.25 mm ones (admitedly, they would've been crazy not to--Bryspun circs to Addi's equals about $8). i'm not very far in yet (no pics for a day or two) and i'm really pleased with how all the stockinette looks now--still open, but not crazily so.
i thought that i would share two of my most favorite new knitting hints and tricks. i came acrossed these in my browsing of the web, so someone else thought of them before me; i'm just passing on the goodness! First, if you use any of the interchangable needle sets that tighten up with the little "key" thing (i know of the KnitPicks Options set and the Boye Needlemaster set), it is super easy to add a life-line to your work.
just thread your life-line yarn through the little key hole as shown, and then work a row. there you go! all safe and secure now. of course, it does snag stitch markers, too. i would put the life line in on a plain (or at least the closest thing to plain) row and then just add the markers back on the next row.
Next tip, and this one is good for knitters AND spinners. if you're working with a really fine yarn/ fiber, ya know, one that catches on every little minute piece of loose skin, exfoliate your hands first with this: mix together some salt or sugar and olive oil in your hand and scrub scrub scrub. rinse the goo off, and your hands are as soft and smooth as a baby's butt. i have eczema on my hands, and that can make laceweights a pain in the ass. this helps soooo much!