Austermann Step socks; and a question

1. I have been knitting a pair of basic socks with this yarn, and I have to absolutely sing its praises. It's so soft, the colours are so pretty, and I'm just drooling at the thought of having several pairs of socks knit out of aloe vera yarn, just for everyday! And you can throw them in the wash, too! Surely this is too good to be true...




(and yes, I know I've got the 'ladder' issues...Am hoping to resolve this for the 2nd sock ;) )


2. A question - have any of you ever knitted something from Viking Patterns for Knitting? I recently browsed this book and had to physically restrain myself from buying it and yarn to go with...The cables are just gorgeous! Anyhow, if anyone has any stories of projects from this book I would just be so grateful to hear about them ;)