I thought I might share my method of madness on how I keep track of where I'm at on my lace pattern charts. I know everyone has something they do that really works for them. I just thought I'd share mine. I purchased this here for a start.
And trust me, it's made it so much easier. I took the VLT book and photocopied the chart, then I increased the size of the photo to help make it larger for reading. Then I highlight specific instructions that are important to remember. 
I also have a place for keeping track of which row I'm on and how many repeats I've done. (Row counters just don't work for me.)So no matter if I end up not knitting for a day or two, I'll always know exactly where I'm at and where I'm headed. What works best for you??**I've changed the pictures out since I wasn't really trying to give the pattern away free. I attached the post-it notes to the chart to help hide details. If you like the pattern, trust me - BUY the book - it's well worth it!
8 comments:
My method depends on the project. I used a magnetic strip to keep my place on the Faux Russian Stole from A Gathering of Lace. That pattern would just *not* go into my head. Most other lace patterns seem to make enough sense to me that I can look at my work and tell what row I'm on. For the Fichu, I did jot down which rows were attatched to the collar, and ticked them off as they got done.
That thing is pretty cool for only $10. I should probably add it to my wish list. I just enlarge the chart and use a sticky note to mark where I'm at. And, I also use a row counter as a back up, in case the sticky falls off (which happens sometimes) or, I forget to move the sticky (which happens a lot). I seem to have the row counter ingrained in my though, and that is usually pretty accurate - as long as the kids leave it alone. :)
I'm doing pretty much the same thing. Photocopy, enlarge, and plop it on a magnetic board. I'm not writing down rows or repeats - just using the magnetic piece to keep track of the row I'm on.
Thanks for posting your system. I've only done really easy lace so far, but I plan to use photocopied enlargements and my magnetic board from counted cross stitch. I tend to keep track of patterns by crossing-off or making hash marks. I knit a pair of mitts that had gusset increases every 4th row and cabling on the back every 6th row, so I used a different color pencil for the cable row hash mark.
I used to use a magnetic board and magnetic strips but my last lace project caused me to switch to using highlighter tape to 'highlight' the rows right below the one I'm working. The tape stays in place better for me than a magnetic strip.
I found the highlighter tape in an educational (i.e. classroom, teaching supplies) store.
Wow, you're organised. I'm impressed. With the alpine scasrf I just keep the book on the armrest and use my kacha kacha row counter t okeep track. With other lace patterns I've photocopied it and enlarged it. My mum used to always colour in with a pencil the rows she had done when she did traditional Norwegian fair isle patterns.
I use a magnet board but I then have the problem of where to put it: that device looks much more clever. Another essential purchase, dammit.
While I do love this board and magnetic strips, because I pack it and carry it with me the strips can accidently be moved. Thus, the row and tick marks, it just makes it easier for me to assure that I'm REALLY where I think I am.
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