Toe-Up Socks/4th of July

I couldn't decide which picture I liked the best, so I put all three in. The bottom one shows the pattern a little better, I think.

These were a good practice pair. The yarn is a little thick to wear with my shoes, so I'll probably use them as house socks. But they are soooo comfortable (of course given that it's been about 106 degF here, socks won't be worn by me for a few months).

I did the easy toe version. Next time I think I'll be adventurous and try the short-row toe.
Pattern: 5 Stitch Patterns (lace rib), from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch. Gauge: 6 sts/1" for 8 or 81/2 foot cir on #4 dpn (#2 for the ribbing). Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease in terracotta.

So there they are. My first pair of toe-up's completed. I do like that I don't have to Kitchener at the end and I can measure as I go and hopefully not run out of yarn! The only thing I did not like about this pattern was the purl stitches at the beginning of a round on the dpn (I purl them too loose for my liking and get a little bit of a loose portion), next time I'll have to try on the two circulars, it might be better.

On another note...I just wanted to wish you all a Happy 4th of July. The kids, my mom and I will be traveling to Massachusetts and Maine for the next two weeks, so I'll probably be out of touch with you all for a while (none of my relatives have a computer or Internet access that I know of) so... you all take care. If I can find a computer with Internet somewhere, I'll post on how my vacation is going! Otherwise I'll see you all back here in two weeks!

Happy knitting and Happy 4th! Enjoy the fireworks!!!!!

Forgot to add this morning: Ali's (skeins her way) is having a contest. Stop by and check it out!

My First Toe-Up Socks

Well, here they are in all their glory, my first pair of toe-up socks (well almost, I've got to finish the second). I made them shorties (is that what you call them?) ending just above my ankle.

Adapted from Sensational Knitted Socks by Charlene Schurch (before it has to go back to the library).
The toe.

The Lace Rib Pattern.

(With weird flash problem.)

The yarn is Cotton Ease by Lion Brand in terracotta (I know, it looks red, but it's a real pretty washed out orangy color).

It's just been too hot to knit much here, thus the slow progress on everything (and I do mean everything). And I'm trying to organize everything before going on vacation with the kids. Hope all had a great weekend.