I've had the problem of superwash wool growing when it is wet, and tossing it in the dryer for a short time helps it get back into it's desired shape.  Just my experience, but it turns out looking nicer when it is machine washed/dryed... I suppose that you could take it out of the dryer when it was slightly damp to shape it and finish drying, but I've just let the dryer do it's work.

If you want to do something other than a snowflake, you could always knit tiny stockings out of leftover sock yarn... a quick and easy project, and no stiffening needed!

Have you considered Knitpicks Swish?  It's a worsted weight superwash... and if you're really adventurous, you could buy some of the bare swish to dye yourself!

I have only knit socks with superwash wool, but I have heard people say that some non-superwash wool sock yarns do felt when you wear them, especially if your feet get a bit damp when wearing.  I hear it happens mostly in the heel/toe area.

I agree with the Knitpicks Options set.. well worth the money, and better quality (from what I have seen and heard) than the Boyle set.  Plus, you get free shipping on your Knitpicks order, because it's over $45!

Gilmore Girls!  There was a Knit-A-Thon to save the Old Muddy Bridge!  It was an episode in the last (7th) season, which will be out on DVD on November 13th. 

I'm so sad the series ended!  At least the show is on DVD

I e-mailed Canvas Works and asked and they swear you can bring yarn from anywhere to their knitting nights etc. So maybe they changed that policy? :-)

They may have changed their policy, but they won't be seeing me in there again.  It really is a great store, and my friends still go knit there sometimes.  If you go, I hope you are treated much better than I was.

McMenamins (I can never spell that) just opened a place in Oly, it used to be the Spar Cafe... still called the Spar though.  It's a brewery chain, good food, burgers, beer. 

For a nicer place to go, Ramblin' Jacks is good too. 

I would try Knitpicks Shine Sport or Worsted.  It's much softer than the other cottons, and it has some modal in it.

Thanks for this tutorial... I had just done a yo, k2tog on the strap, which turned out a bit short.  I was going to cast on a few extra stitches on the strap to accommodate that, but now I don't have to!