The next sample I'm knitting for the store is this lovely cable and lace sweater from the new Rowan Classic Alpaca book; except I'll be knitting it in Plymouth's Super Taj Mahal - a merino/silk/cashmere blend. I'm relieved that it's not going to be in alpaca. I love alpaca, but after having knitted the last 2 out of 3 projects in some form of alpaca or another, I'm glad to be going back to a smooth fiber (that doesn't shed).



I'm also still knitting my husband's Cambridge Jacket from the summer Interweave, but progress has been glacial due to having to knit it on US 8 straights. It's very tiring on my hands since I have to knit it very tightly to make sure the gauge doesn't get too large. I tried switching to US 7's, but even loosely knit, the gauge turns out too tight. So, I'm in a Goldilocks situation here where nothing seems to be just right. I wish needle sizes had more gradations available. I'm thinking a 7.5 might be useful here.