Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

Deanna — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 15:22:13 GMT

I was given the book Knitted Lace of Estonia for Christmas but it is not available through Amazon.ca as of yet. Can anyone tell me if there is a problem with the publishing of the book? It was due out the 1st of December but we are being told it is out of stock. We want to buy it through the Canadian source and I am wondering if you are having the same problems in obtaining the book.

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

SelmaJ — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 17:46:08 GMT

Seems I'm not the only one who's been knitting for nigh unto fifty years and just now learning about lifelines. You and all the "backfeeders" are angels! I'm still working on a lace curtain for a kitchen window. It's strips of different lace patterns that look nice against the light. It's in crochet thread in shades of yellow -- and it matches beautifully the kitchen that we moved away from eight years ago! Selma in TN

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

vlhannah — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:25:46 GMT

Dear Sandi, In "Principles of Knitting" by Hiatt there is a fabulous cast on that allows lacy knitting to have a very relaxed edging taht shows off the pattern beautifully and no curling up of the edge. It's called Double-Needle Cast-on on page 132. Once you get the hang of it, it really gets to be fun. Virginia Hannah

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

zibu — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:30:01 GMT

Love your shawl! And lifeline tips! I don't use lifelines that often, but when I do, I use some leftover smooth sock yarn which I always have lying around. I find that it holds up the stitches better, and it is sticky enough to not slide out off the knitting too easily, yet slippery enough to pull out at the end. And instead of inserting a new lifeline at every repeat, I pull out the old one and insert it at the new point. I also find that it easier to slip the lifeline through the stitches while they're on the cable portion of my knitting needles - that way I'm not trying to jam my tapestry needle through the stitches while they're snugly sitting on the needle itself. I've never had to actually rip back yet - but I'm working on the Frost Flowers and Leaves, so I better not jinx myself! ;-) Thanks for a great blog!

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

JamieKay — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:52:34 GMT

Wow! That is so beautiful! Someday I hope to be able to knit something like that!!

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

SharonA — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:17:53 GMT

This may sound incredibly stupid (sorry) but what is the purpose of the lifeline? To mark the end of each repeat? To provide a row at which to pick up if a mistake isn't noticed in time? I like the concept, but (like others here) hadn't heard of this before. The shawl looks yummy, and I'm looking forward to seeing the finished project before your Mum gets her fingers on it!

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

JennieVH — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:13:53 GMT

Not so much about lace knitting, but... aren't moms great to knit for? My mom has never complained but always gushes about the things I knit for her. Sweet!

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

VeryVal — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:48:00 GMT

When working on a lace scarf I made a mistake, but did not notice it until I was several rows ahead. I had to rip out those several rows to correct my error. I found some foam core board and carefully pinned each stitch of the row I wanted to go back to prior to my mistake. When I had ripped out the rows preceding that pinned row, I simply ran my needle through each of the pinned stitches and was ready to correct my error and move on. I like the idea of using a lifeline. I will try that in the future, but the foam core board saved my scarf.

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

JoanS@4 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 16:44:29 GMT

Dear Sandi, You look so pretty in your new picture! Congratulations for the weight loss. That's hard to do.

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

MichelleM@8 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:31:24 GMT

Hi Sandi. Like a lot of your commentors (?) I have knitted for a looong time. I've never heard of a life line, I just had to fix a problem in my lace project. It sure would of helped to have one. One thing I like to do is make my markers out of a smooth yarn, usually crochet thread or embroidery floss, (tho the floss can seperate after a while). I tie them in a loop and cut the tails short. I started doing this because I could sometimes tell where the plastic markers were in the tighter guages. It's cheaper and less apt to take off flying from my needles if I caught it wrong. Also if you accidentally catch it in your knitting you can just cut it out. I really enjoy your site. Happy Holidays

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

SharonH@2 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:59:47 GMT

Hi Sandi, I am an avid knitter (not in your league though) and have learned so much from your wonderful website. Thank you. I must just tell you that you look beautiful with your new hair do. Happy holidays from South Africa.

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

Sharon Imler — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:36:35 GMT

This was wonderful information. I am doing a shawl that is Estonian lace and I love doing the nupps. I tried once to use the dental floss as a life line and it kept working its way out. I guess it wasn't long enough and didn't think about hooking a stitch marker to it. So nice you got the "right answer" for your mom.

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

DeborahM — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 19:19:34 GMT

Hey Sandy, your new look is awesome! Hope you're keeping warm. We miss you in Colorado. The shawl is beautiful, and I'm looking forward to trying the lifeline technique when I get back to my lace. Does anyone use a lifeline on other kinds of knitting -- say, colorwork? I'm about to get started on the Latvian fingerless mitts, and wondering whether I should lifeline there. -Deborah (from Boulder spinning class)

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

Jill Borgardt — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:34:55 GMT

Thank you for teaching me about using a lifeline. I could have used this in the lace afghan that I made. I certainly will try it next time. I will also pass the tip on to my mother. JILL

re: Sandi's Lace Lifeline Tips (and a free lace project!)

MelissaR — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 18:34:52 GMT

I'm not sure where I picked this up, but I think a friend told me about a blog where this tip was shared...or something. Anyway, if you have a lot of stitches to pick up along the edge of a piece, this genius suggest "vertical lifelines". Every row, when you turn the work, loop the working yarn around the lifeline. Then, when the time comes to pick up stitches there they are, already on a thread for you. Works like a charm. Takes about a minute to pick up the stitches rather than days. Beautiful "just for fun" project! Your mother is a lucky lady!