on the needles

I know, it's not what I asked about in the last post, but I started it as I waited for advice. (Thanks Gale! It's next on the list after a cute little Easter goodie for the girlie that I found on whipup! but don't want to show yet....)

Pattern from ravelry here. Very simple. Surprising, really, as I'm generally not a ruffly gal, but hey, it called to me....

It's a lovely red yard Italian yarn called Cestari in Dahlia Red that a very nice lady gifted me a while back. Noticing that it's really almost the same color as the coat I wear out into the wet weather daily. And my French Market Bag. I'm thinking of a slouchy hat to go with it...

Sunbreak! Must take Spot out for a walk while we have a few precipitationless moments. Happy weekend!

(Oh, here's a hat I banged out for M recently, too....

Helllllp meeeee!

I've fallen hard for this lovely.

This one, by a super-duper knitter, is delightful.

As is this one.

The contenders for my affection are a skein of Socks That Rock mediumweight (380 yds), Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (2 skeins 215 yds each) and in a distant third place, some very friendly New England Shetland (I think I have about 4 skeins, 196 yds each).

I'm not great at substituting and making it work.

Which would suit best? And what the heck needle size do I switch to? I know I'd need to check gauge and all, but what would you suggest?