Sockapaloooza: Done!

Stick a fork in these socks, they're done!

Pattern: Elfine Socks by Anna Bell
Needle: US1 Addi Turbos, done on 2 circs
Yarn: Tess Designer Yarns Super Sock & Baby, lilac, purchased at Md. Sheep and Wool
For: My sock pal!
Started: Feb. 23
Finished: March 12
Modifications: Changed top to 2x2 ribbing
New techniques learned: Toe-up, short-row heels

As I've said before, this is an addictive little lace pattern. I made a lot of mistakes on the first sock, and painstakingly tinked back again and again until I wrapped my mind around the rhythm of the lace. It was worth it though -- the second sock was tink-free! I consider that a major victory.

I made one small modification to the pattern: It calls for a garter-stitch top, but I really wanted there to be extra stretch to help these slide over the heel. So I converted it to four rows of 2x2 ribbing. It lines up pretty well with the lace pattern:

The lace really blooms on the foot -- I'm not going to block these socks, but there is a good bit of stretch in the lace pattern. I tried one on -- it doesn't look great around the toe, since my sock pal has bigger feet than me. But you get the idea.

All in all, I'm really happy with the way these turned out. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that my pal will like them too! [And a very special thanks to Anna Bell for publishing such a delightful pattern!]

***

And with that out of the way, it's time for some NEW PROJECTS!

I've been totally inspired by the warm spring weather here, and the great new designs I'm seeing, that I was compelled to start not one but two new items! First up:

That doesn't look like much, but it's actually the start of Breezy, from RY Classic Summer:

I'm in desperate need of a wrap, and I bought a good bit of Blue Sky Silk Alpaca in a silvery-blue color when it went on sale at the happy place for such a purpose. And, for the past 6 weeks or so, I've been casting about for a pattern. I think this will suit me well - I'm always cold at fancy functions, yet I love slipdresses. So the silk-alpaca will help keep me warm. And, bonus: when I finish the knitting, there's a tiny bit of BEADING around the edges! So I will tip my toe into the beading waters.

Also, what have we here?

It's the smallest beginning of a Sea Breeze.

I am so in love with this sweater it hurts. Not sure about the yarn yet -- when I was swatching, it was a little uneven, and also felt a little twiny. But then again, the US7s I was using felt like broom handles. And I do love the way that the swatch looks - tiny bits of tweedy silk catch the light and reflect away in a delightful manner.

And, of course, I will be casting on soon for a sock... just a little something to keep my hands happy on the subway.

***

In other news... the wedding is officially less than 2 months away! The date is May 12, and we'll be getting married at Roberts Grove in Belize. I'm so excited, but also am starting to feel a little overwhelmed by a few details. Like... my general fitness level and shape--so now I'm hitting boot camp at 5:45 a.m. for the next 7 weeks. [Moral support welcomed!] And like... the dress. Not liking anything I'm finding locally [I'm a buy-off-the-rack kind of girl.] This morning, I ordered just about everything in the J.Crew bridal collection, hoping that something will work out. But I welcome any suggestions for good local stores or good online sites that might have a low-key but distinctive dress appropriate for a beach wedding. [This is perfect, but I'm not so much a tummy-cutout sorta girl.]

And in house news... looks like this will be the year I discover whether I have a green thumb. We have a lot of landscaping to do! Stay tuned!