Belle Epoque Socks

I've finally, finally finished the socks I've been working on since October 8th, 2012 according to my record on Ravelry.  It is really strange that I have gone multiple days in a row without knitting ever since I started graduate school.  This is especially strange considering knitting was my biggest stress reliever in my undergraduate days.  So, I was even more proud of myself when they didn't look like this anymore:

The pattern is Belle Epoque by Wendy Johnson from her book Toe-Up Socks for Every Body.  I love Wendy's patterns, I learned how to knit two-at-a-time, toe-up socks from one of her books and she made it so easy with her clear instructions.  I'm not usually one for lacy things (although who doesn't enjoy decreases), but I really loved how these looked.  After struggling with the cuffs for a while I decided to go with just a plain ribbing, which I don't like quite as much.

The yarn is Cascade Heritage Silk, which is a nice merino/silk blend.  I don't like most of Cascade's yarns, they have always been a disappointment to me when compared to Berroco.  I didn't think that it was as soft as that blend should be, but I've noticed that about Cascade's competitor to Berroco Ultra Alpaca as well.  It did have a gorgeous color complimented by a slight shininess that I loved though.

I actually finished these before holidays, but couldn't find the time to photograph them.  I also couldn't stop wearing them because they take me back to my modern dance days for some reason (I want to wear a long flowy skirt with them).  So there you have it!  Another finished project!

Knitting Progress Report

Some of you had the most amazing Trader Joe's suggestions, most of which I've never tried.  Needless to say, my shopping list is a bit longer than usual this week.

So, where to start with my huge pile of in-progress knitting projects...

Here is the latest progress on the draft blocker.  I'm almost to the length I need and I'll still have some scraps left over for another project.  Good thing Nancy keeps on posting amazing scrap project inspiration.

These socks really should have been finished by now, but I've had to rip back several times to fix some unfortunate mistakes.  I know that they won't be as long as the knee socks shown in the book example because I only have one skein of yarn, but I've decided to make them as long as possible.

This scarf is a little bit out of character for me.  I started it a few weeks ago when I was really stressed and needed a quick project with a comforting yarn.  This Cascade cotton/wool blend was gifted to me by some wonderful family friends and it fit the bill.  Now if only the colors went together in combination with the pattern.  I'm strongly considering ripping it out, but what do you think (honestly)?

I've also resumed slow progress on the BFF cowl I'm knitting along with Ashley (by the way, have you seen her beautiful desk space yet?  So creative!).  This project serves as yet another reminder that I'm just so lucky to have such wonderful knitters from all over the world that I get to connect with every day.

Also, a random question: why can kitties be so relaxed one minute and then completely spazz out and look like a wild panther beast the next?  It may not be obvious from the photo, but one of her little fangs is sticking out making her extra goofy-looking.

Now I'm going to return to my busy week as a student while contemplating Ness' tempting plan to build a comforting nest of yarn, I hope you all have a great rest of the week!