Completed Sockapaloooza socks

Hello!  I finished my Sock Pal's socks this Friday.  Finally, eh?  I'm not sure why it took me so long; I loved the pattern.  Too many hobbies, too little time.
Anyway, here are some photos...

Together as one:

I kept the photo the original size because the lace pattern shows up better here than in the small ones.

Up-close shot of the lace.  Can you see the leaves forming little Vs?


Details:

Pattern: Falling Leaves socks by Jessica Landers

Yarn: Regia Line Steps 5373
I bought this yarn expressly because the people I asked in the knitting community said it had short color varigation, ensuring it wouldn't pool.  Also, I think green is a good color for leaf lace.  (I know, creative, right? :) )  The main green is like a camouflage green, which I usually don't like, but it works with the little bits of spring green and greenish yellow.  I like how it sort of striped the stockinette portions.  I hope my sock pal doesn't think the stripes on the heel and toe detract too much from the lace pattern.  I like this yarn, even though the dark color attracted all the fur in my house to it.  Don't worry, pal, I'll lint-roll the heck out of your socks!

Needles: Size 2 40 inch. circs; my first time using a patten specifically for Magic Loop socks

Comments:
I loved this pattern!  My first go at lace socks, and it was an enjoyable one.  Loved the fact that the toe and heel instructions are the same.  It was also my first successful attempt at toe-up socks.  Very cool.  One thing I need to work on, though, are my short row toes/heels.  One side was looser than the other.  I reinforced them with yarn, but there has to be a way to make them neater.  Maybe wraps instead of yarnovers?  I like short row heels better than heel flap ones, so I must perfect my technique.

I will knit this pattern again, for myself.  Probably not until I get better at short row heels, though.  All and all, a very enjoyable experience.  I hope they fit; I blocked them but my pal's feet are larger than mine.  I can't wait until I can send them to her!  (with a little goodie included)

Next up:
-finishing two 6x6 cotton squares for a SnB attendee's surprise baby blanket (for Tuesday)
-knitting the second sock to three pairs of socks (oops)
-fixing my cotton sweater that went oh so wrong all of a sudden 

--Megan