2 into 2 knitted swatch (star stitch)

Well, I can't really tell the difference between the two.  I like the look of the 2><2 on the bottom but the 2)(2 on the top seemed easier to knit.  It could be the color of my yarn, the way I blocked it or some other variable that doesn't lend itself to defining the stitch very well.  If I can find my white lace weight yarn, I'll knit it on bigger needles and in a lighter color.  Did anyone knit a swatch they would like me to post?

     

2)(2 or star stitch

I talked with Sharon at lace group the other night about how to knit this stitch.  She said you can either k2tog thru the front loop and then k2tog tbl (do both before removing from the left hand needle) OR you can k2tog tbl first and then k2tog tfl and remove from left needle to right needle.  Either way will give you a star but they will be the mirror image of each other.  I will try to swatch this and post it so you can see the difference.  Right now, I have to get ready to go work out with my trainer so I don't turn into a couch potato doing all this knitting (lol)

Ok, I'm back.  Here is a sample for us to swatch to illustrate the 2 into 2 stitches or star stitches.