Xback Begins!

During the race yesterday I cast on and knit to test for gauge for the XBack. I love working with the ribbon yarn (no splits!) and it feels really good on my hands. Only problem is that I bought a 16" needle like the pattern called for (technically it called for 16" or 24") and I find it very awkward to knit on these. My gauge is right, but I think I'm going to get new needles before casting on for real.