So many WIPs

I don't think I've ever had so many works in progress before.

1. Oliver Socks - I'm about 1/2 done with sock #2's heel flap. This project is no longer suitable for buses, subways, or trains but still fits easily into my work bag. I knitted most of a heel flap at my ridiculously-early-dinner today (worked tonight so had dinner at 3:45). This pattern requires you to knit the gusset and arch shaping at the same time, which I found confusing the first time around because the stitch markers moved in a way I didn't anticipate. Now that I know what to expect, the second time should go much smoother.

2. Girasole - I'm happily knitting Chart D. I went away for Easter weekend and knitted a lot of Girasole on the way to SC and a bit more on the way home.

3. Square blanket - My first crocheted project is coming along nicely. I saw some granny square blankets at Lion Brand Yarn Studio and think I'm crocheting this too loosely but don't really care. I still love it! Next time around I'll know I'm a loose crocheter and will use a smaller hook.

4. Haruni Shawl - I started this this morning with the help of this helpful video (provisional COs always give me trouble). Only one half of the shawl is charted - the second half isn't included and neither are the first 3 sts, center stitch, or last 3 sts. It's not a big deal now that there are only a few sts per row but I hope I don't make a mess of things later on. I put 4 stitch markers to help me keep track of things.

5. Serpentine Socks - okay, well I'm jumping the gun a bit on these because I haven't started yet. My yarn, needles, CO instructions, and pattern (with errata) are ready to go though and I plan to begin asap.

In other big news: We got a(nother) puppy. His name is Dewey and he's a 3-month-old Miniature Schnauzer. He and Hazel are getting along smashingly so far. *huge smile*

Also, I saw Jared Flood speak recently. I sat in the last row and only took one blurry, far-away picture but the LBY Studio people took some great photos and really captured what the presentation was about so take a look at their blog post.