Time for my monthly post! :^) Actually, I have a few actual FO's, and some almosts, too, that I want to document here before they go anywhere else.
First, and definitely cutest, are the puppy slippers - I just love these! It took months, for some reason, to get the cuffs on and the little faces done (had to take a needlefelting class at the lys, of course, to figure that part out) but they're completely finished now. It's going to take somebody pretty darn special to make me part with these!
This shawl is finished - it's an abbreviated Swallowtail - small 'cause didn't think I could get another repeat out of the bitty bit of yarn that's left. But it worked out, since this beautiful yarn was hand-dyed for me by my buddy Hunter, from church (one of his first attempts, but then, he's only 13!), and it needed an extra-special project.
I think this will be the perfect size for an altar cloth. We'll see, once I get it blocked ... still procrastinating on that front! I think he would be excited to see it there, though.
My sorta FO for today is this 'swatch' - I added the loop thinking it might double as a potholder, but it's actually a test for the grazing sheep bag that I first spotted here. Fell in love, got the book, and started sorting through stash late one night ... as I suspected, I think I'll have to use a different white yarn (I had heard that the Lamb's Pride white was a little fussy), but the others felted great - I love it when that happens!
Of course, I have a new cast-on, too ... started these Socks for Soldiers last night at choir rehearsal. 
Heard about the group on the Knitpicks podcast (they provide a lot of the recommended sock yarns), and decided to order a complete package, including this very cool medic's bag with great pockets for knitting gear, and lots of other goodies. I really like the fact that this group doesn't let politics enter their discussions, they just do what they can to make sure that our troops, who are working so hard, so far from home, know they are cared for.
Feels like such a positive direction to send some of my energy, rather than focusing on the more negative aspects of the war, since those never fail to make me feel frustrated and sad. You'll find the group on Yahoo or on Ravelry - in addition to socks, they collect hand-knit beanies, hand-knit washrags and hand-made soap, snacks, and toiletries. All in all, an amazing bunch!
So, who needs wires or pins for blocking?? Well, maybe I do - this picture will undoubtedly display my lack of skills, but even so, the transformation of this piece from wrinkly blob to defined lace is pretty remarkable!
If you know this pattern and are looking carefully, you will see that I skipped the nupps and did not indulge in beading - there was enough going on, for me, with just the colors in the yarn. This was a pleasure to knit, start to finish. 
