Knitting from a kit: Cheat or Treasure?

I've been knitting for a long time now.  I've knit scarves, hats, sweaters (baby ones, cause they're little), blankets.  I've knit from patterns and designed things of my own.  And in all this time, I've never bought a kit.  This struck me as odd so I got one.  This one from KnitPicks in fact:

http://www.knitpicks.com/kits/Lacy_Cocoon_Kit-Grey__D40947.html

Knitpicks had sent me a catalogue and I figured I'd try out their yarn (woah, it's affordable, though not as fun to shop as my LYS) and why not try a pattern at the same time.  So I got the kit.  I'm feeling a little funny about it as I didn't get to really choose my colors (they actually go together).  It almost feels like cheating (should it be this easy to start a project?).

I chose this particular pattern because I've been wanting to try this 'shrug' shape.  I'm not the kind of knitter that can just read a pattern and understand how it will all fit together.  I need the visual piece plus the physical act of completing it to understand a concept.  Then I am able to begin my experimentation when I knit off the cuff and design as I play.

All that aside, I've officially throw caution to the wind, and cast on my first kit project AND my first adult sized sweater!!!

Here's the first inch and 1/2

It is important to note that I did not have to jump into this alone.  With my trusty couch companions along for the ride, I've set sail into new waters!

That's Dot (English bulldog) up close, and Penny curled up so ladylike in the background, oh, and my hubby Dave half
on, half off the couch

I have to say, this is a very easy pattern to knit up so far.  It certainly won't be a super fast knit as one of the yarns is a lace weight, but I can watch movies while knitting so it is actually kinda nice.

Side bar: Ovation had a great two part Dr Zhivago on.  I was knitting and sobbing through it today.  And when I say sobbing, I mean barely able to take a breath, face and shirt wet, sobbing.  Tragic story.  I'll have to read it now, but that's for another day.

Ok, the sweater.  So I now have about six inches knit up, I think I'm going to like it, and I have to say that I'm very pleased with the yarn so far.  It's pleasant to knit with and has a nice hand to it.  Not scratchy and quite soft, but holds its shape nicely.  So far, Knit Picks gets a thumbs up and kit knitting gets an optimistic grin.  I'm holding out on a final decision to see if they actually gave me enough yarn!  Hmmmm, I think it might be time for a few more inches on that sweater and little dream of mollyandollie kits for the etsy site.

Here's a little taste of Oliver too since I feel like he needs to be represented too!

Oliver and Dada on our "hooray for snow!" walk last night