We just got back from a two week visit in NYC.  It was a lovely, relaxing break, and we both really enjoyed catching up with our families.  I spent so much time lounging around, watching the water, talking, and eating that I didn't get a stitch of knitting done! 

It seems weird, since I almost always have needles around, but running around in circles, making trains, trying to meet up with people, and being on time to events just isn't conducive to picking up the sticks.

While we were there, I did get the pleasure of visiting a yarn store that I occasionally order bulk from and was able to pick up some worsted weight alpaca at a fabulous price (without having to pay shipping!) to fill out the amount I need for my husband's sweater.  I also picked up enough for a sweater for me, of course. :)  

I did spend some time charting out new patterns and have a plan of attack for a new product.  What's that involve?  Mostly twisting my brain and stretching my deficient spatial skills to imagine swatches and maneuvering of mental knitting needles.  Very painful, but it's usually a pretty important step in my creative process.  I'll probably start seriously working on those in the next few weeks, depending on how the madness here at home goes.

When we got home, my alpaca yarn was waiting for me.  The stuff is gorgeous and this is my new favorite supplies.  The balls are bigger so I don't have to worry about breaks in the second sock, and the quality is amazing.  It's like spun kitten hair with teflon strength.  Truly beautiful, decadent stuff.

I've already started a pair of socks out of the black.  I'd hoped to have knocked out at least one pair of alpaca socks for Father's Day by now, but I had a sudden custom order come in and knocked out four pairs of tabi in two days.  My elbows hurt!  So I'm taking it easy on the alpaca and will just start making a dedicated effort to knock out a pair every week or so until the holidays (or a bunch sell! :) )

That's life in the fast lane.  It's great to be home, and I can't wait to catch up and get back into the groove.

I've been playing ring around the rosie with the supplier who I buy my alpaca yarns from for the past few months, and I finally gave up on Tuesday.  My refund is being processed and I've already placed another order with another supplier.

About a year ago, my favorite tabi yarn supplier dried up and I had a mad scramble to find a new source.  After that, I apparently learned my lesson and have spent a few hours each week keeping tabs on prices, shipping times, etc.  I'm very glad I did because it was much less painful to lose a supplier when I had another two lined up and ready to go.

I originally ordered only three colors (green, blue, black), but I decided to rethink the colors with this second order and I have black, gray, olive, and a lovely, soft lilac on their way.  I'm going to pay back twiddletoes for some of the lilac because I have a few women in my life who will love a pair of socks out of it over the holidays.

So we'll see how this goes.  I've been itching to play with more alpaca, and the brick/rust red that I ordered retail just isn't doing it for me, for some reason.  I'd like to have some blacks, grays, and greens ready for Father's Day.