Icarus and Laceweight and Charts - Oh My!

For the past 6-8 months I've been knitting for this LYS. It's a pretty sweet deal; they get samples for the shop, and I not only get to play with new yarn, I do it in exchange for product. I also get to branch out and try things I might not ordinarily make or something new that makes me a little nervous.

Like my current WIP for them. I'm almost done making these: They're Twinkle Toes Socks (Michele Wyman, Effectiveness By Design). I'm making them out of a bamboo/wool blend, which I just love. It's a little bit splitty but so soft, and it shows the stitches beautifully. I'm considering picking some up for myself - perhaps a cabled top?

So last week I let them know I was nearly ready to start my next project. D. from the shop came by my office to pick something up and to bring me my next challenge. And a challenge it will be! The only lace projects I've done so far are a couple of feather and fan scarves, and the lacy bottom portion of Soleil. Apparently it's time to jump in with both feet: I'm going to be knitting the Icarus Shawl from Interweave. Yikes! As lace goes it's fairly simple, but it's still a major deal to me. I'm making it with with this, Graceful in Golden Tones. It's gorgeous stuff, super soft, and very fine. I can't wait to get started. And frankly, I'm scared. Of failure and of blindness.

I did some serious walk training this weekend; more on that next time!