Well, I gave in.

I realized I "needed" a short, size-8 circular for the Corps of Discovery hat kit I got for Christmas. Carodan Farm happens to sell short, size-8 circular needles.

and they also have the Crocodile yarn I was talking about.

and even more, Elann had some wool/cashmere blend laceweight in a beautiful pale green - perfect for this stole, IMHO.

ok, these are my Valentine's day presents to myself. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.