There are lots of preparations going on around here. We’ve just launched the badass project, and then I’m also working on launching a few more fibery projects, coming soon to a blog near you.

I’d like to start another shawl-scarf like the one I just finished. I have the stitch pattern picked out, and I thought I had the yarn I wanted in the stash, but swatching revealed that it is just not up to the task. So yesterday, we went off to a couple of LYSs in search of the perfect yarn.

We found a couple of close contenders, but nothing that was quite perfect. (Well, there was one yarn that was close to pure perfection, but it was also pure silk and therefore just a wee bit over the budget I’d like to keep.)

So I’m still on the lookout, waiting to find the perfect yarn. I want something smooth with high stitch definition and a lot of shine. I’d also like a reasonably low price tag, because I want to make a bigger piece with it and six 50 gram balls adds up fast (especially when it’s pure silk!!). I’m guessing I need around 400 yards. Both the Cascade Venezia and the Louet Gems were perfect; I’m looking for something along those lines, but I’d like to try a new fiber rather than just sticking with what I know (I have a tendency to do that if I’m not careful.) Any ideas?

We didn’t find the yarn we were looking for, but we did find a few distractions.

The first is a set of yarns for a new scarf for Branden. From left to right, we have Nashua handknits Isabella in Labradorite (love the texture), the ever-reliable Cascade 220 #2401, and ShubuiKnits Merino Worsted color 6, which has a very nice semi-solid look that you can’t really see in the picture. Aren’t they beautiful?

And then, I fell hard for a skein of Madeline Tosh lace. I don’t need any more lace weight. My stash is full of it, almost to the exclusion of all else. But how could I resist this color?

I caved when I realized that I have a cone of Rayon weaving yarn just waiting for a perfect partner.

I think we’ve found it.

Today’s lovely pictures brought to you by some beautiful winter sunshine, and Branden, who is home for the weekend and agreed to spend time taking some blog pics.