Here is my progress as of Friday night (t-minus 16 hours until class time) -- four (4) inches/10.2 cm. of Torchon ground. I had wanted to reach the bottom of the pricking, but am about two (2) inches/5.1 cm. away from that goal.
It might not look like much, but it represents my best effort and loads of hands-on learning.
[Hand-on learning: a process whereby I would: 1. work two repetitions 2.uncross-untwist back three repetitions to fix an unclosed pin. 3. Rework three repetitions. 4. Examine. 5. Find another unclosed pin. Repeat from step 2...]
Tomorrow I will have the option to work this pattern again, using contrasting color thread in the center so I may see where the threads are going. Or to advance to lesson 3.
The instructor is WAY too nice to say, "Honey, you need more practice." So I will choose to work this pattern again. If I'm not blisteringly bored and/or have achieved error-free lace, more practice couldn't hurt.
Wish me luck that I will get to the bottom of the pricking next time!