I completed my first toe-up sock! The short-rows aren't pretty but I did it. I love this yarn, too. It's Lorna's Laces special colorway for Purlsoho---a self-striping yarn. Besides this color, there are many other wonderful ones to choose from...
Are toe-up socks faster? It seems as if this one went faster than normal... Maybe it was the lack of pattern and the lovely color calling me to my knitting.