Yarn Remnants

This top is from the yarn I had remaining after finishing the jacket in a previous posting.
The pattern, Cat’s Cradle Lace Topper, can be found in the January 2007 issue of Crochet! It was a bit confusing. The hook sizes were inconsistent in the instructions. I never could get the correct gauge. And the pattern missed a chain rep in an early round. After a couple of false starts, this is my result on a hanger.

The broomstick lace I’m currently working on is stunning. I am using a sock weight 4-ply yarn I ordered from Smiley’s. If you work with yarns and have not visited Smiley’s…oh my. Lowest prices around. Just use the link and go to their ‘internet yarn sale’, and listen to me in the background saying ‘told you so’.
While I am sharing fiber source secrets, another recent find is ColourMart. ColourMart sells fine yarns from European sources. This quote from their website states it best “the top online supplier of remainder luxury yarns, particularly cashmere and silk.... we source our yarns from the best Scottish and Italian mills”. And. again, the prices are unbelievable. I just ordered a lace weight mohair. Less than $20(total) for  a cone ~3600yds. Can you imagine what I would have paid retail for the same amount in skeins, and add to that tax and postage!
I have my bank account primed for some silks….

Valerie (from the Catskills where it is 46 degrees Fahrenheit and the date is July 12th…sheesh!)