I love spending a good hour or two on Sunday afternoons at a local bookstore. Browse the shelves. Read the first page of a couple of books. I usually have a book or two in mind that I want to buy, today it was Murakami’s collection of short stories. I hit the knitting books section before I left and finally got a copy of Scarf Style. I’ve been meaning to get this book forever! I’m such a knitting nerd…I rushed home to search my stash and swatch something. This 2-ply cashmere by Jade Sapphire always finds its way to the top of my stash. The color of the yarn, lapis, is perfect. (The top photo best represents the color.) It really does look like a blue stone with violet hints. I want to use it for Ene’s Scarf by Nancy Bush. But as much as I love the color I’m a little concerned about the yarn. Maybe I’m just used to the strong feel of silk? I wound the yarn and knit swatches using different needles, to get gauge and to determine the best needle to use with this lace weight cashmere. (Addis too slippery, bamboos not slippery enough, LM ebony too dark/couldn’t see the yarn, maybe inox). Yes, the yarn chose an Inox Pearl Gray 4.5 mm 29” circular needle – up one needle size to get the gauge specified in the pattern. I think it will work but I guess I should wash and block the swatch before I cast on 300 plus stitches.