long-term project

 But first: I got two transects done today (it was less humid, and also I knew better what I was doing, so it seemed to go faster, even if it didn't, actually). I think I'm going to take tomorrow as a fieldwork "rest day" and then try to do two transects (or even three) on Thursday.

The one sort of cool thing I saw was this. I'm not 100% sure but I think it's a Tawny Emperor:

It's on a brown-eyed susan, which is fairly common out there. 

***

These socks - I finished them over break - were one of the longer term projects I've had. Best I can tell, I started them around Christmas 2018, and then they were in stall for a VERY long time. The pattern is called "Stroop Stroop Socks" or "Stroopwaffel Socks." The big problem I had with the pattern is it's asymmetrical - there is a very, very long repeat (72 rows, I think?) so you can't memorize it like you can with a 4-row or 8-row lace pattern - and every round is different. So you had to pay close attention to the chart.

It makes little embossed (slipped stitch) rounds, like a stroopwaffel:

You can probably see the little waffle pattern on those.

This is what they look like on:

I did make an error in the pattern on one leg, but didn't have the energy to rip back and redo it, but it's not that noticeable. (I did two rounds with slipped stitches right after each other; there's supposed to be a plain row between). 

I'm glad these are done; like I said, clearing out some of the pandemic and pre-pandemic projects feels like an exorcism.

I also decided to try out the fabric I sort of impulse-bought this weekend, which would likely work for a backing. It's not *perfect* but the colors are close enough and I like the idea of using it:

I do need to sew up the rest of the top. The backing will be simple - cut two equal lengths and seam them lengthwise together.