Hey, Your blog is on my Ravelry queue, and I can help with the double knitting thing. I felt like the instructions for double knitting on this pattern were the clearest: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring06/PATTexchequ... Also, I didn't do any kind of fancy cast on, I just did a one color cable cast on because it would be more stretchy.
Wow! I just moved to Portland 2 weeks ago and I am so excited about all of the crafty places that I need to visit around town. I think that Hovawart is talking about the Bins, which are at 1740 SE Ochoco St. The Zinester's Guide to Portland is also online and has good info about other cool things about town. http://pdxguide.org/ I love this town. Now I just need to find a job...