I decided that even though I hadn't quite finished the last reallly looooooooong hairpin lace strip, that I would start joining the middle strips together. Tried it. Made a dog's breakfast of it. The pattern isn't super clear, so I consulted with a couple of crochet gurus on Ravelry. I am now prepared for attempt number 2. Later. In order to bolster my confidence, I dug out a wip that has been kicking around since April 2008 and am now up to the point where I need to turn the heel 
Tofutsies sock yarn on ebony needles. Very nice. The Tofutsies is a bit splitty, so a soothing vanilla sock is just what the doctor ordered. Now if I can just turn the heel with no problems, I will feel competent again!
ciao
