back on the wagon....

i rarely knit during the summer, but as it wont stop raining down here i am wondering if we are ever going to get some summer weather....i usually start a knitting project at the beginning of winter and then only get to wear it for a short time before the heat arrives, so it seems like a good opportunity to start next winters project...i have had this drops pattern printed out for weeks but have had trouble sourcing some suitable yarn....in the wool store in subiaco, i found just the right stuff, and learnt a few new tricks...1) the staff are not as busy so very happy to spend some time to help you search for the correct project requirements 2)next seasons wool from europe has arrived already and is stashed out the back. 3) woolen yarn is cheaper during the summer months, including next years order as they have not priced it up yet, so they sell it to you for last years price...4) they will keep an extra ball out the back for you ,incase you need more yarn....i started the project last night...i bought an italian yarn called 'Vai' by Mondial...it is knitting up well and i love the dark charcoal colour with the little flashes of other muted tones that show their face every now and again... i am not very quick on the sticks, so this can be knitted without any pressure to have it finished, i have months before winter '09 is here.. has anyone out there used this yarn before, i am very interested to hear any comments, good or bad...