There's a new fall yarn called Rowan Finest, a fingering weight blend of extra fine merino wool, baby alpaca and cashmere.  I knit a sample square and loved it; an incredibly nice hand with substance.  The fabric is super soft with a cloud-like weightless feeling, but with stability.  It's hard to explain, but does live up to it's name.  If fingering weight scares you but you've always wanted to give it a go, this would be a good one to try.  And for those, like me, who love tiny needles and fingering weight yarn, you will be crazy over this.  You should start to see this in the shops any day, so go give it a good squeeze.

The supporting pattern book from Sarah Hatton got me thinking of a 60s apres ski party.  Very cool, very retro, and quite elegant.  I'm thinking Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn would approve.  I tried on a few samples at the mill and promptly enlarged my wish list to include the yarn to make two.  For now.  Here are a few of my favorites.

I've ordered the yarn in red for Kay.  Side details, nice shape.  Mad for it. And the skirt, mad for that too!  And while I'm at it I also love the shoes.  It would never occur to me to wear that ensemble together, but it's beautiful, isn't it?  Well, it helps if you are a 22 year old model.

I tried on Evalyn at the mill.  I adore houndstooth and it was gorgeous in black and brown.

Greta, a simple and lovely shortie sweater.

I like demure Lillian.

If only the model were a teensy bit more gorgeous, right?  Um, anyway, gloves and hat would be finest!

Very cool Velma.  Audrey Hepburn would def be wearing this at her apres ski party.

Gloria.  Ordered the yarn for this one too.  See the fair isle?  It's not.  Sarah calls it cheater's fair isle using slipped stitches and some other little tricks.  We all tried this on at the mill.  It's so so pretty and several of us are making it.