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Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!

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my lacy little Summer Shawlette

OK, so I couldn't resist the goofy title. It's Monday, my laptop decided to die halfway through this post...but who cares, because we get to talk about lace knitting this week. Whoo!

Increases and decreases: That's really all lace knitting is--really! Yarnovers (increases) form the holes in knitting, decreases form the ridges and wavy lines that give shape to the holes. If you can do a yarnover and a k2tog, you can do lace...it really is that simple. But to a beginning knitter, or to someone who can't tell knitting from macrame, lace knitting is mysterious, exotic, the stuff of fairy tales. Well, OK...the truth is that lace knitting entrances even expert knitters, because, even when you know how it works, it's still just plain magical. Knit a bit of lace, and no matter how hard it really was, you still feel like you've created a bit of knitted sleight-of-hand.

By this point, you may have guessed that I adore knitting lace. Lace socks, lace shawls, lace on sweaters...give me holes in my knitting and I'm a happy gal. So imagine how thrilled I was when Pam Allen, then the editor-in-chief of Interweave Knits, called me one day to tell me that the Knits Staff project for the Summer 2006 issue was going to center around lace. I was SO excited
Blocking the shawlette that I almost missed the part where Pam said the words handspun Mongolian cashmere.

Cashmere. Plus lace. For a while there, I think I went a little bit lace-looney, thinking all sorts of Happy Lace Thoughts at odd moments. I read every lace book in the Interweave library. I swatched and sketched and mumbled excitedly to myself. I spent a couple of weeks charting and Doing Math and arguing left-slants versus right-slants with myself. At the end of all the mumbling, there was the Summer Shawlette: a miniature Faroese shawl, light and airy, lacy, but not so lacy that it looked like I was wearing my mother's Christmas tablecloth. I laid it out to block it, and could hardly believe that I had knit something that lovely. All the mumbling aside: the actual knitting of the shawl was the easiest part. Really. (The cashmere definitely helped, but still.)

A Little Lacy Survey For You...

So now you know that I love lace knitting--but what about you? What kind of lace knitter are you? That link will take you to a little survey where you can tell me about your level of lace-love so when I talk about lace the rest of this week (and in future posts up ahead), I'll have a better idea of the type of
Michelle's clever Yarn Bouquet information you are looking for.

Questions about lace knitting?

On Wednesday and Friday, I will be sharing some answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions about both the Summer Shawlette and the Comfort Shawl. If you have a particular question about lace knitting that you'd like me to answer this week, go ahead and leave a comment. And if you've already knit the Summer Shawlette, and you'd like to share a photo with us: Send us a link!



About Michelle's Yarn Bouquet: Michelle was very flattered that so many of you liked her little floral tribute to the Knitting Daily community! Here's her recipe for the bouquet, which is much easier than you might think: Take 3 skeins of colorful, fuzzy yarn. Mush each skein into the shape of a ball. Take three green knitting needles. Poke the "knobby" end of each knitting needle deep into the center of a yarn ball. Insert the needles into a flower vase, pointy-end down. Tie a ribbon around the neck of the vase and voila! Dr. Seussian Yarn Flowers.


Posted Jul 09 2007, 12:00 AM by KD Sandi
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Comments

NinaT wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:15 PM
I'm working on the Clementine Shawlette from the Spring issue of Interweave Knits now. So far, it's been easy, but we'll see when I get to the grafting part.
TinaK wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:29 PM
I'm an intermediate lace knitter----- at least I guess that is what happens when you have done several beginner projects. My problem comes from remembering the stitch sequences....... it just all makes me kind of wonky. I would love to hear how other knitters keep it all flowing along. (If I hear that the rest of the lace girls 'just remember it' I'll be very sad!)
StaceyD wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:38 PM
I, too, love to knit lace. Have made some very pretty shawls for gifts, and people are in awe! After a few rows
I seem to be able to "memorize" the pattern and just fly along, it's a visual thing with me. I find lace a challenge that is very fulfilling when the final product is so gorgeous!
DeborahH wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:38 PM
what is a good lace for a beginner. i have done scarves and some hats..but that is about it...but i want to do lace!
J wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:38 PM
How I work with lace or lots of YOs and K2tog.

Presently I am working on the Alphabet Blanket by Debbie Bliss. It is a charted pattern with lots of different YOs and Ktog. I printed off the charts, taped them together, and am using page markers under each line of knitting as I go up the rows. I also am using stitch markers for each section (or repeat) on my needles. If I make an error, it is easier to find in 36 sts than 187 sts. I am sure if I had not created this system for myself, I would probably lose it.

Jean
LynnC wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:44 PM
I have been knitting for 57 years, since I was 10. At age 16, I tackled a knitted sampler afghan with 49 different patterns, many of which were lace. I have knitted lace socks, sweaters, scarves, etc. But recently I tackled a lace shawl with a rose pattern. After taking out the first 6 rows of pattern three times, I gave up and made up my own simple garter st lace pattern. It is lace weight yarn on size 5 needles. Using garter stitch makes it reversible but harder to knit, I think.
Pati wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:46 PM
wow! how right-on is today's topic!! i was looking at the lace pattern in the peapod baby set and i noticed as part of the graph pattern a square that was designated "no stitch". exactly what does "no stitch" mean? is it the same as "slip stitch", by chance? my peabrain sure would like to know!! thanks so much, pati
btw, your blog on bust darts was extremely interesting. as a person who has never been in need of a bust dart in her life, it was interesting to discover how one goes about adding such an accessory!
AmandaG wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:47 PM
I love knitting lace, but I'm not a huge fan of working from written instructions. Would it be possible to get the lace pattern for this shawlette in chart form?

Thanks!! I really enjoy reading Knitting Daily!
RosemaryH wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:51 PM
Eeeeeee! I *love* lace! :D
SilvanaS wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 6:53 PM
Lace! Oh my goodness. I can't wait to hear what you're going to say about lace. I've been collecting all kinds of lace patterns ever since I started knitting and love to make them up into washcloths, shawls, shrugs, you name it. Right now I'm studying Austrian sock patterns from the 19th century. Knitted lace is magic and the only thing I do that garners oohs and aahs.
Kangamom wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:04 PM
I am finishing up the Ribs n Lace Tank from the Spring issue of I. Knits. It is so lovely. I really preferred the lace knitting over the ribs, although fixing the mistakes was much more difficult! I will be very happy and proud when it is finished!
HeidiY wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:05 PM
When knitting lace, I am always at a loss as to what size needle should be used. What are some guidelines?
Kelly wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:07 PM
Hi...I love the looks of the summer shawlette - for a lace newbie like me, the larger gauge makes it look doable. My first attempt at lace was a lace-weight scarf...I got so lost in the pattern, and didn't know how to successfully undo my mistakes, that it's sitting in a basket OTN over 18 months later. Recently I read somewhere (maybe here?) about using a 'lifeline' inserted every so often, so that you can rip out to the lifeline if needed, and you'll know where in the pattern you are. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds like a good idea....
NinaT wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:10 PM
I made up my own graph/chart in Excel, showing exactly which stitch I was doing, not one symbol for both K & P depending on whether I was on a right or wrong side row. If I don't have to think too much, it goes faster for me.
ConstanceB wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:13 PM
*Love* the topic -- perfect for summer knitting. But -- I agree with Amanda: Please-please-please do lace charts! IMHO knitting lace (or any pattern really) from written instructions is soooo painful compared to knitting from a chart.
GeorgiaP wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:15 PM
I love how lace looks and I can do all the increases and decreases..BUT despite 40 yrs of knitting experience ( I learned when I was 4 from my grandmother)...the sad sad truth of my lack of lacy knitting ability is that charts confound, confuse, and cause great consternation..I am lace chart reading and therefore lace impaired !!! :( Help me, please...I need somebody to teach me how to read those blasted charts with all the funny little lines. Georgia
NathaliaH wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:16 PM
Tina, I am a dedicated index card girl, I like being able to flip through the cards and know just where I am when the charts get wonky. While I can memorize some patterns, there is only so much brain power going on. Thalia
diherbert wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:16 PM
What does the front of the summer shawlette look like? Is it open, or is there just a hole for the head?
PamM wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:21 PM
I love this topic. I have knit 4 shawls so far, ranging from easy to very difficult. I also like to put lace into cardigans,scarves and socks. I have so many ideas for designing shawls, but I don't dare to try it. I wish someone could help me!
SharonC wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:25 PM
I think I'll just sit back and learn something this week! Other than a hat, scarf, wrist warmer set for my niece, I've never done lace knitting. Y'all have fun!
SharonC wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:30 PM
I must admit, though, that blocking is the part that intimidates me.
NatashaH wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:31 PM
Re: The post asking how to remember stitch sequences.
I will apologize now for any brain pain I cause to readers but I'm going to attempt to give an answer to this using an actual example from my own grey-matter.
I actually end up turning patterns into number sequences rather than trying to remember sepcific stitches. This number pattern doesn't emerge until I've (struggled) through the first few rows of it, and doesn't usually match the exact sequence the pattern is listed in either.
By seeing the sequence as a loop of steps - step 1, step 2, step 3, step 1, step 2, step 3, step 1... and so on.
If I havne't lost you yet, here's an example from Sivia Harding's "Variation on a Frill" stole (which, incidentally, I turned into a very cute 40's style skirt by breaking it in two and adding some shaping, but I digress).
Pattern as stated: K3, *drop 1 loop off of needle, k2, YO twice, k2tog, K1. Rep from * across row.
Ok, so once you get through that set once, you "loop" back to * to repeat. My brain would take for granted that when I get to a YO I would knit into it only once and pull the whole thing off the needle, so I would eliminate the need to remember that step specifically. Once I do that, the "K1, (from the end of the sequence), drop 1 loop, knit 2 (from the beginning of the sequence)" becomes a simple "K3." Then I get into a "step loop" like this; K3, Wrap 2, K2tog, K3, wrap 2, k2tog... much easier to remember.
In fact, eventually I would reduce that even further to "3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1" because to me the k2 created one stich and thus the 1 made sense.

Whether or not the above made any specific sense to you or not, the main point I'm trying to say is to "struggle" through the first few rows, but still remember to relax with it so that you start to see the stitches in groups and then you can pick up the flow and rythm of those groups of stitches. However your brain translates that rythm may be completely unique to you and completely unexplainable (see above) but it's yours!
ElizabethR wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:38 PM
I too love lace! But one thing that I still can't figure out is how to fix yarn overs. Oh I can do them if I catch them in the next row but if I miss one a few rows down (or like doing the Syrian Shoulder Shawl in Victorian Lace Today where you make a diagonal of yarn overs) I can't recover and I have to frog. Pictorial tutorial perhaps? :) Thanks! -Elizabeth R
MariaH wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:44 PM
Well, I for one, LOVE knitting lace. I plan on knitting the Shawlette 3 times (once for me, once for a great aunt and once for the fearless leader of Socks For Soldiers). Here is my latest project on my blog ~ http://knackfulknitter.blogspot.com/2007/07/orenburg-diamond-triangular-shawl.html

I enjoy reading "Knitting Daily"!
Sincerely,
Maria
EmB wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:44 PM
Could you show a photo of the front of the Summer Shawlette, please? Thanks!
FrankieV wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:49 PM
I love to knit lace and remind myself to "name" my stitches. For instance if I have yo, skpsso, yo, skpsso, I have 4 actual stitches. If there are 10 stitches in a repeat, I count each "process" as 1 number. 1-10, and place a marker between each repeat. If you get to the last skpsso and you only have 9 you know you skipped something, usually a yo. And a magnet board is the most important thing to me to keep my place.
FranM wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:53 PM
I had a fairly large herd of cashmere and angora goats, so had lots of Fine Fiber to play with. Also spent a lot of time talking with "scared" people at fiber shows who came to my booth to admire but where afraid to try it. Everyone says they are not good enough to knit lace. It is a universal belief.
There is ONE, and only one, secret to lace knitting....MARKERS! Mark every repeat....! Then constantly count the stitches between your markers, if you are off you will find it immediatly and have only that repeat to redo.
I use little white plastic curtain rings as markers. I store them on large blanket pins and always have a pin full of rings handy to replace those that somehow magically disappear. You must have a row counter, sometimes 2, depending on the pattern (one on the needles, the other by my left hand).I also only use circular needles, easier with fine yarn.
The other plus with lace knitting and cashmere or mohair....it travels well. I can fit everything (8 skeins of yarn, needles, counters and markers) into a zip lock bag. Photocopy the directions, slide them into a plastic page protector and use a heavy duty paper clip to mark your place as you work down the page, backing up with your counters.The paper clip is for an easy visual as you knit. You don't have to search for your place and accidently read the wrong line.
Have fun!
Marianne wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:54 PM
thank you for this lovely, interesting and useful little pattern. I have saved it and I'm trying to finish my last projest very quickly so i can move onto this one!
MaryP wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:58 PM
Oh, I love lace so much - but I'm still new enough at it to be a tiny bit intimidated. I've been thinking/planning/dreaming of knitting one of those gorgeous circular shawls to show off the lace, but I'm having trouble starting a pattern that requires only 8 stitches (of laceweight yarn!) to be knit on three needles. Any tips for how to do that?
ReveD wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 7:58 PM
how do you fix/find a mistake. the last time i tried to knit a lacy thing, i had to frog the whole thing because somewhere along the way i missed a stitch.
Elisabeth wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:11 PM
Oh, Knitted LACE! I simply adore it. I've been knitting for 6/7 yrs now, and have become quite addicted to lace. To begin, I made several lace bookmarks (free patterns on the Internet!), which are small and relatively easy to complete. Then you might want to check out the book "Lace Style" by Interweave Knits (yep, same folks!) which has lots of lovely lace patterns worked on larger needles (check out the lovely Feather-and-Fan cardigan on the cover, a lovely lace in bulky weight yarn!). The back pages of this book have a "Design Notebook" with great explanations about the formation of knitted lace, reading charts, and even designing your own lace patterns. Also Meg Swanson's "A Gathering of Lace" has great instructions and advice for lace newbies. I personally used Barbara G. Walker's excellent explanations of knitted lace in her "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns," Book 1, to make a lace "sampler" scarf, using thin yarn and large needles (Size 7) to make about 12 different little sections, to teach myself lace-knitting basics. And I still wear and adore this scarf, even with the many errors I made on my first lace attempts! Now I?m knitting ?Mystery Stole 3?, an Internet (Yahoo Group) lace knit-along where you don?t know how the stole will look until you?re almost finished? Great Fun, and FREE on the Internet! AND there?s tons more FREE lace knitting instructions on the Internet? check out ?See Eunny Knit? and her ?Majoring In Lace? course, from here: http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/03/majoring_in_lace_introduction_1.html. Great free stuff: Try a Google Search for ?Free Lace Knitting Instructions,? and start knitting away! But a warning: Lace Knitting is terribly addictive! I can?t stop myself!
Elisabeth wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:34 PM
Oh, and others are completely correct about Using Markers: Mark each repeat in lace patterns, esp. if you have a lot of stitches on the needles! Then you'll know if the repeat has, say, 8 stitches and you've only got 7 between your markers, something has gone wrong! Then you can fix only those 8 stitches instead of the whole row. I also use Post-It notes to read lace patterns (chart or written), and find it very important to Cover Up any instructions other than the row I'm currently working. One of my most-frequent mistakes as a beginner was simply reading the wrong row. Cover it up, and ignore it! And a Lifeline: Must Have! Use a yarn needle and fairly thin yarn, and when you're sure the current row is right, thread the new yarn right across the row on the needles right now. If you must rip back, you only have to rip out to your Lifeline. I usually place one at least every 10 rows. And another bit of advice: Make sure your Lifeline is a really long piece of yarn! I use both charts and written instructions: I dislike charts because I must count stitches myself, but I like them because the pattern looks a lot like what?s on the needles right now. If charts had little notes saying ?14 stitches between these K2Tog?s,? I?d be a very happy camper!
BonnieS wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:35 PM
I knit almost always with alpaca, so lace patterns look particularly lovely in this fine fiber. I've made several lace shawls, but would like to do a faroese type shawl - the type that wraps around and ties, rather than just drapes. Many faroese patterns are quite plain overall, so I'd really like one more open and lacey.
I really like Knitting Daily - thanks!
JenniferH wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:37 PM
I am terrified, yet drawn as if to a flame, by lace knitting. So, I'm spinning for the Icarus Shawl - thankfully, this is going to take awhile - & will be knitting up the Summer Shawlette in handspun from my friend, Becky. Thus, I can get my fingers in synch, I hope, prior to the Icarus Shawl! ACK
I don't knit lace, did I mention that?
ArundathiJ wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:38 PM
the thing that prevents me from tackling "real lace" is the prospect of picking up hundreds of stitches for the edging, and most patterns don't allow us knit things in one piece. maybe i'm just lazy, but even with "vertical lifelines," it seems pretty daunting, so anything you could say to help allay my fears or teach my how to go about doing it is appreciated.
PA wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:47 PM
Is there any way to correct slipped yarnover stitches that you discover later on in your project? I see from the comments above that it's easier to prevent them in the first place but hints on correcting would be appreciated.
BeckaK wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:51 PM
Kangamomm, I just finished the Ribs and Lace Tank from Spring IK, too..I love, love the pattern! I'm with you, the lace was much more fun!
LauraS wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:54 PM
Beautiful lace patterns DO exist that have easy to follow charts, written instructions for chart haters, and even shawls knit in one piece that you don't have to pick up hundreds of stitches along the sides to knit on a border!! You just have to look around. Do some internet searches. They really are out there. And finding just the right pattern is very personal depending on your skill level and the kind of challenge you want! I personally find the narrower pieces like an all-over lace scarf about 25 rows wide with a 10-14 row pattern repeat the hardest to follow. Yet I'm having a BLAST with Ene's Shawl from Scarf Style. Lace is fun and there's something for everyone.
BethT wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:55 PM
I'd like tips on blocking lace please.
MichelleL wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 8:59 PM
I'd like to see more photos of the Summer Shawlette, please! Much like the Chanson en Crochet pattern, where you have different views (front, side, back) at different levels of zoom (stitch detail, part-of-outfit). I'm trying to decide if it would be something I would regularly wear, as opposed to the little wrap bolerothings I go for. More pictures would REALLY help -- and on the internet, unlike on a book, they're practically "free"!
SaraJ wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:04 PM
I've had the yarn for about 6 weeks now, Elann Sonata Incan Clay (variegated in beautiful colors) for their (Elann.com) free pattern, Pacific Waves shawl.

It's supposed to be an easy pattern, it's a feather & fan/wavy type . . . . I've been meaning to swatch for it . Thing is, you have to cast on 500+ stitches for this (but this one has no borders, edging, etc., the rows get shorter from there). But it has you mark with a stitch marker, every 18 stitches. For the whole huge cast-on. I figure that will help me keep errors to a minimum, as well as Knit Picks Options needles make inserting a lifeline into your work easy!
Any way, this is the first lace I'm attempting (other than feather/fan type waves on a dolphin dishcloth, but funnily enough, that project has been hibernating right where that part starts), and I can't BELIEVE I'm trying this!

I like the Summer Shawlette, although the intermediate rating scares me a bit. The new wrap posted today looks AWESOME, and I want to make it (will need to make or create a plus size for it, but some of that's been covered recently!) Not sure intermediate is something I can do, yet, though.

Lace is actually what inspired me to learn to knit, although recently I've been relaxing in an easy groove of stockinette, for some felted pillows (in stripey Patons SWS).
SaraJ wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:09 PM
Oh, and THANK you SO very much for the great tips, hints, advice, examples, and personal experiences, methods, and "systems" you have used for tackling and remembering lace, mentioned above. Thanks to the commenter, early on, who asked the question about remembering the pattern! The following comments have had excellent info, and no, my brain pan doesn't hurt after that one comment, it makes sense to me!
LizF wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:10 PM
I am curious about the pros and cons of say ssk vs. skp or k3 vs s1, k2t, psso, it seems like sometimes you can decide for yourself which stitch to do, but I don't feel I have enough experience to make that decision.
KarenG wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:18 PM
I made a baby blanket from one of the Vogue Knitting on the Go books that was a leaf lace pattern. By the end of it I could knit that pattern in my sleep!

One more request on the Summer Shawlette: I read the pattern and haven't started to put it on the needles, but I'm a little confused about the direction of the knitting and the picking up stitches. A diagram showing how the shawlette grows as you knit would be worth a thousand words to me!
AnneB wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:21 PM
Never knit lace before but had already printed out the Summer Shawlette. This past weekend, I picked up some Classic Yarns
Tammy wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:29 PM
I'm just branching out in lace knitting. I made a pair of socks, and I have a bit of lace edging that I'm working on now. I really want to make a shawl soon!
SharonB wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:39 PM
I just finished the Rona Lace Circular Shawl that I knitted using handspun single silk & merino. When I first started knitting, I thought "what have I gotten myself into?", but once I got going and viewed the piece as a whole while I knitted instead of row by row, I finished in no time and really enjoy the beautiful results. I believe that I am hooked on lace knitting and am anxious to spin and knit some more!
CayenneD wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:47 PM
The front of the Summer Shawletter is open. It was really fun to knit and because there is a lot of stockinette in between the lace it was easier to keep track of where I was in the pattern. I loved knitting it. It really is lovely and stays on my shoulders nicely. I have a picture of mine from the front at www.windybrook.blogspot.com.
AlewineL wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:49 PM
I've tried doing a ripple shawl as my experiment in lace-sort of- before I was truly ready for that level. I had a hard time keeping up with where I was. What I have is a half finished random pattern lacyish thing. What should I do. I hate to rip it all out. It was SO much work. Should I just finish it and use it to see how far I've come? Any suggestions are welcome!
krazyknitter wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 9:56 PM
I have never knit lace before (actually up until a Yarn Harlot sock a month ago, it was pretty much blankets and scarfs - nothing that I HAD to figure out gauge for!) But I decided that I'm in for the long haul and have started the Mystery Stole 3 from Pink Lemon Twist as I do nothing by halves! :) So I'm excited to see this coming weeks info on lace knitting, another level of addiction! Yea!
DebbieP wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 10:04 PM
I know this is not the intent, but could this be knitted using worsted weight wool. My aunt would not hand was and re-block, this I know for sure.
AnitaM wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 10:09 PM
I've only been knitting for 6 months after giving it up as "too hard" 20+ years ago as a teenager. But I too have discovered the lure of lace!
In 6 months I've knitted 2 lace shawls and 1 lace scarf, and if I can do it, anyone can!
Lifelines are an absolute MUST for anyone starting out. It gives you the confidence to move ahead, because you know that you only have to rip back to the lifeline if you can't fix a mistake.
One of the shawls I made was the Beginner's Triangle in Meg Swansen's "A Gathering of Lace". This is a great pattern for a beginner, as the repetitive diamonds make it easy to get into the rhythm of the pattern. There is also a fabulous tutorial included for that particular pattern - it's like having someone sitting next to you showing you what to do next!
And if you need any more inspiration - have a look at Victorian Lace Today.
Sjgill wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 10:27 PM
in a different life, i knit a tablecloth on a fine bed knitting machine a completely different way of doing the pattern but fun looking forward to trying it on regular needles love your site!!
Esh wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 10:50 PM
ya know, I responded to the survey before I looked at the Charm Wrap. I'm not a big fan of real lacy things and a the moment I'm contentedly working on afghan squares and stuffed animals. I said that I'm not that interested in lace (though if I was I'd be a beginner). Then I clicked on the link for the Charm Wrap. And I think that it has just the right hint of lace to not be "too lacy" or "too frilly" and yet still be very pretty! Thanks for providing that very cute pattern, I'll stash it away for when I'm brave enough to knit big things!
MarciaC wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 10:51 PM
I'm doing the Clementine Shawlette, too. It's about l/2 done, very pretty. I love the pattern. I recently purchased Victorian Lace Today, a beautiful book that I'd recommend to all who love lace.
Anne Kaelber wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 11:00 PM
I just finished my first "lace" project--- the Huck Lace Shawl in the Morehouse Merino book (page 41). I used KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud and Czech glass beads (in size 8/0, I think). This pattern gets high marks from me----I have received so many compliments on it just from my husband and son, as they watched me finish it. It's a gift for my sister and I can't wait to hear what she thinks!

I'd recommend this pattern to beginners of lace because I have never knit lace before and this was a very easy pattern, with a graphic explaining the special stitch that made the "huck lace".

I'm for lace designs for the collar/v-neck, the cuffs of sleeves and the hems of shirts. (Both for knitted "shirts" and added on to store-bought shirts.)
SarahT wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 11:16 PM
I have knit two summer shawlettes and have yarn for two more. I used Lamb's Pride worsted with great success. My only question is regarding how my shoulder shaping came out- not nicely rounded, but with slight points. It's not terrible, but could be better. I'm too novice to know how to fix...
Donna J.H wrote re: Holey Lace Knitting, Batman!
on 7-9-2007 11:20 PM
I've wanted to do the summer shawl, but the slightly larger version of the comfort shawl would suit me more. BUT, I worry that I'd need to make it even a bit larger, maybe. My clothing size is 18-20. If I need to e