Yeah, I can post again! The issues have been resolved, an early birthday present for me.

I am still working on the baby sweater, and I have gotten some work done on the first Sockapalooooza Sock. My sock recipient only wants 4 inch cuffs (or shorter!), so I'm working the heel flap already. Do I have pictures of it yet? No, of course not.

However, I have yet another unfinished project, the popular Swallowtail Shawl. I was just starting the border and I ran into some trouble, so I took it off the needle and it is "on time out" for now.

This is the coveted Sea Silk. I have no idea what colorway this is, it wasn't labeled.

A close up of the main pattern of the shawl.

I only have the borders to knit on this. These are the longest rows, of course. As for the controversial nupps, the lily-of-the-valley pattern, I plan to increase to 3 as opposed to 5 stitches. The Sea Silk is thicker than the yarn used by the designer, so I think it will look neater.

I like knitting socks, and it's very rewarding when Walker really likes wearing the socks I make him. The only difficulty is that he has size 12 feet. Yeah, that's a lot of knitting.

These are "Gentleman's Fancy Socks" from Nancy Bush's book Knitting Vintage Socks, a really good source for men's sock patterns, in case a knitter wants to knit something besides basic k2, p2 rib. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

The yarn is Regia 4-ply, Color 1991, a pretty light heathered grey, 75% wool, 25% polyamide. I reinforced the heelflaps with some sewing thread to make them a little more durable. i just knit the thread along with the yarn. These took a little over 2 skeins, but I have plans for the remainder as an accent color on another pair of socks for Walker.

Another completed project! A vest for Walker.

I actually finished it in time for Easter, and he wore it to church. Here we're goofing around in the courtyard between rain showers today.

• Pattern: Seder Vest from Dale of Norway pattern booklet # 126
• Yarn: Tahki Donegal Tweed Color #869 Brown
• Needles: Sizes 4 and 6, bamboo
• Horn buttons from Britex Fabrics

It took months and months and I finally just focused on completing it. I'm glad I did, since it's still cool enough to wear it.

Now, I'm not much of a blogger. I don't post everyday, I don't have many readers (not that I don't appreciate all three of you!), but I do try and contribute to other bloggers' and podcasters' projects. I make comments, contribute tips, and just try to support what other people doing.

It's very rewarding to find that my contribution make a difference. On my way home on the bus tonight, I was listening to Episode 19 of Sticks and String and I almost fell off my seat when my story about how knitting ties me to my family history was read. (It appears about 14 minutes into the show).

As someone just getting started with this blogging thing, this is a great way to get out there. Everyone else is just trying to share their experiences with knitting and life, so some supporting words and helpful comments and stories can really make a difference. Joining knit-alongs and swaps is a great way to "meet" people online who share your interests. I am participating in a knit-along making baby sweaters, the Pea Pod KAL, as well a letter swap for knitters started by Domesticat. I am really enjoying increasing my contribution to this blog world, because you really do get out what you put into it.

Whoo! A finished project.

I needed a little taste of lace while I try and finish up other projects. I made this Valentine "cheval" doily from the First Book of Modern Lace Knitting by Marianne Kinzel. I had some crochet cotton from a long-ago expirement with crocheting, and I basically used the whole darn ball.

So I found a deal at WEBS -- you know how it is with those seaonal closeouts. I was bored and looking for some possible contenders with which to make the Sienna Cardigan. Well, I found some Tahki Kerry for $3.99 a ball (color 5023, a fairly pale pink). Granted, the yardage is not great, but so cheap!

But now I have the problem of what do I make first? I have a hard time admitting it, but at this point I have about 5 sweaters' worth of yarn for myself. I don't think of myself as a greedy person -- most of my current projects are for other people. Yet I felt a little guilt for getting still more yarn. I am telling myself, "after