Embossed Leaves (and the Hedgehog)

I hit a knitting slump after returning from Hawaii. I lost the pattern for the Diagonal Triangle Tank, and couldn't find any of my small DPNs to start socks with (the two are probably somewhere together). I just wasn't in the mood to work on anything else. Finally I bought more small DPNs (and some yarn- who wants to pay for shipping) from KnitPicks.

A few weeks back I cast on for the embossed leaves with the KnitPicks Essential Tweed in Plum. I'm really liking the yarn, but as these are my first socks I don't have much to compare it to. It is a bit splity at times as it untwists sometimes after ripping, but overall I'm rather happy with it, but we'll see how it wears.

Here is my progress after some knitting (two flights, one night of Aloha Knitters, and a few hours of TV). The cast on took be a while to figure out, and the first twisted ribbing at the top seemed to take forever, but the lace part is enjoyable and I feel like I am making progress.


I've got about 15 more rounds before I start working on the heal. I've heard that the heal in this pattern is a bit odd. I'm not sure if I should just go forth with the pattern or try to do some adaptations. As this is my first sock I feel like I shouldn't mess too much with the pattern. I may leave this for a time when I can have some guidance and fellow knitters with me.


Also, here is the final version of the hedgehog. I'm so happy with it and my mom loved it. I'm thinking I might make a crazy colored one for my sister. I highly recommend the pattern (Fibertrends 228), it was fun, quick, not to difficult (plus felting hides many mistakes), but still interesting. The shaping is done with short rows, much like the Fibertrends Felted clogs. I tried some eyes that I had bought, but they just looked strange, so I needle felted the eyes on. I have to say it was kinda fun to sit there and stab away at the critter to get the needle felting done. I may have to try using this technique more.