Victorian Lace Today

Alpine Shawl, Finished

2009-01-18T15:21:00.003-08:00

Project Stats:

Pattern: Alpine Scarf with Double Border from Victorian Lace Today
Yarn: Zephyr Wool Silk in Coral
Needles: Size 4 straights
Mods: Omitted two center pattern repeats at the end
Finished Size: 72" long, 19" wide

It took me a very long time to finish this, but now that I have I really love it.

Shoulder Shawl

2008-12-28T23:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! First I must apologise to everyone as it's been a very long time since I have last made a comment or a post due to my DH's illness. You can read more about it on my blog helenknits. Knitting has and is helping me cope in these tough times.

What I do want to post about is that I have finally finished my sister in laws 50th birthday present the beautiful Shoulder Shawl by Jane Sowerby. I gave it to her on Christmas Eve and she loved it. Yeah!!! And here are a couple of photo's of it. I used Debbie Bliss Pure Silk in Purple, it is a wonderful yarn to knit with and the colour is amazing. It blocked beautifully.

Alpine Shawl

2008-12-24T15:11:00.000-08:00

This is my Alpine Shawl, made from JaggerSpun Zephyr in Coral. It's about 75% finished. I've been working on it for a while now. I had to stop and order more yarn because I ran out. Now I am just trying to finish up some other projects before I dive back in.

2008-11-22T21:02:00.000-08:00

A Handsome Triangle

2008-06-24T14:06:00.001-07:00

Made in silk from Colourmart, which turned out to be really hard to photograph well. And I didn't have enough pins for the blocking, so the edging got kind of pointy... I'll see if I try again.

On the first repeats I thought "I'll never learn this". But I soon got the hang of it, and knitted most of the shawl on my daily train ride to work. The last repeats were just boring.

There are details on Ravelry.

Scarf with French Trellis

2008-05-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

I finally got this blocked...a great, fast knit and I am very happy with the final results!

Half Curved Shawl with Diamond Edging. DONE

2008-04-16T13:33:00.002-07:00

yarn: JaggerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk 2/18
needle: Addi Turbo Lace 3.00mm 24in
Duration: 8 months
size: 92in by 42in

Done done done! After the disaster with my cat, I finally picked up the needles and re knitted again. It took me a while to figure out the edging and at the end I didn't use dpns to knit the edging but with circ needle by picking up the edging first then knit the edging pattern.

you can view more photos on my flickr.

It was fun to knit this shawl.

Maltese (Madness) Shawl

2008-03-22T17:37:00.001-07:00

I knew the minute I saw this shawl, I would make it for my sister. There was just something about it that screamed her name to my ears. However, it was a challenge from beginning to end and was nearly the death of me! First, I couldn't get the color right and started it three times with three different yarns. Then, there was no rest row, a border that wouldn’t end and when the end was nearly in sight…a mistake! Not only did I end up ripping off the entire border, I had to reknit some of the actual body as well (don't frog when frustrated!).

I have never been so glad to get a project off my needles! It’s lovely but I’m convinced that only because it was for my dear sister is it a FO and not still a WIP! But she loves it and I’m glad it’s done.

Half Curved Shawl frogged

2007-11-17T07:31:00.001-08:00

I was this close to finishing the main body of Half Curved Shawl with Diamond Edging with shy of 3 repeats of chart A. I had to rip it off because my cat jumped on me on a WRONG TIME. I lost sts at the end about 10-15sts. Couldn't take the frustration, so decided to frog it all.

But now at the 2 repeats of chart A. I must say, it's going a lot easier because I kind of memorized the st pattern.

Fir Cone Border Scarf

2007-09-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm knitting the scarf with fir cone border on page 96. I'm having trouble with Chart A, row 3. I end up with an extra stitch at the end of the row. I've ripped and restarted this border at least fours times with the same result. I've modified the pattern by making the first stitch a k2tog which evens out the stitch count but leaves a slight difference at this spot on the edge.

Did anyone else have trouble with this chart? If so, how did you resolve it?

Also, my chart legend shows the edge stitches with the shading reversed. RS stitches are shaded in the chart but not on the legend. WS stitches are not shaded in the chart but are on the legend. I've choosen to ignore the shading and to work the stitch as instructed.

I haven't seen any errata for this particular pattern. Has anyone else?

2007-09-20T11:16:00.000-07:00

Scarf, p.80, finished

2007-08-27T09:08:00.001-07:00

I finished and blocked the Scarf from page 80 at last, see way back when. I knitted it in this beautiful alpaca (with a little bit of nylon because it's intended as sock yarn) that I got from Fyberspates' sock club. It's a mélange of blues and pinks with a little bit of purple, which the camera can't quite rise to, even when you click.

I had been going to make it quite long, but as it progressed I decided that it wouldn't do justice to the pattern, so I've made it so that it can be crossed or tied after going round the neck once, which shows off the ends better. I think I'll give it to my niece; it's her colours and I don't really 'need' a scarf myself. I have scarves the way some women have shoes.

I'm not one of nature's lace knitters. Or at least, not yet. I found the pattern for the middle a bit dull to do rather than rhythmical, and I think it's not helped by the fact that it's in garter stitch. On the other hand, it took me three goes to do the second end (which is done as a border) because I was too lazy to look up the technique and kept trying to work it out for myself. I still like the idea of doing more from VLT which is a fascinating book, but I should choose more carefully next time.

Melon in a heavier weight

2007-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:00

I had to share my progress on Melon. I using Knitpick's Elegance for a more substantial wrap. It has taken me a while to really enjoy this pattern, but I believe I'm a changed woman. Simple enough for tv. Not so simple that it's tossed aside. The perfect pattern! More details on the blog, of course! I'll post better pictures once the sun breaks.
-Lola

HEEEELP!

2007-07-30T05:30:00.001-07:00

I've been meaning to post for a while about my finished Victorian Ruby, but a catastrophe has nudged me to cry for help.

When I was blocking my Alpine Lace last night, I discovered some holes. Not dropped stitches ... I'm quite happy rescuing those. Not a broken thread ... that's doable. But a plurality of broken threads. My best guess is that gentle squeezing did it in.

There are 5 or 6 holes, scattered throughout the shawl. Can anyone offer advice as to fixing/not fixing, method of fixing? Potential repairs are complicated by the fact that the yarn is gently shaded from blue to purple over hundreds of yards.

Then there's my finished Victorian Ruby, with Kid Silk Haze in a pewter-y color. It doesn't have any recalcitrant holes.

Scarf w/French Trellis Border

2007-07-30T04:59:00.001-07:00

Scarf w/French Trellis Border
Yarn: Knit Picks' Alpaca Cloud in Horizon Heather (pale blue)
Blocked size: 15 1/2 inches by 57 1/2 inches

I'm quite happy with the results which is good since I made this one for myself [wink]. It really didn't take all that long......I wasn't in that big of a hurry to finish it and took time out for reading and viewing the Harry Potters. The only issue I really had was the center section, which is my favorite part. But I had to concentrate to keep from dropping yo's for some odd reason. All in all, I love this scarf....but then again, it's VLT...what's not to love about it. And, I know you are shocked by the mere fact that it's not red, pink or fuschia....I actually can knit in another color. HA!

Another red scarf with No. 20 border

2007-07-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my scarf. It needed to sit and mature for about six months before doing the second half. Then it only took two weeks to finish. The yarn is Misti Alpaca Lace. More details are on my blog.

Thank you, Jacqueline and Stephanie, for the fun knit-along!

Finally got off from CO

2007-07-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Curved Shawl w/ Diamond Edging

I'm knitting this Curved Shawl with Diamond Edge using JaggerSpun Zephyr Silk/Wool in violet color for about 3 days now. I couldn't got off from the CO at all. The pattern called for loop CO and using size 3 (3.25mm). After ripping off so many times, I sized down to US 2 (2.75mm) and still used the same CO, it was a success. I'm now on 1st 12-row repeat plus 6 rows. Yay. I find 2.75mm needle is easier for me to manage the sts.

Watermelon

2007-07-10T10:36:00.000-07:00

WIP: Another melon shawl, this time in Malabrigo laceweight.

Knitting Through the Looking Glass: Alpine Knit Scarf

2007-07-10T01:26:00.000-07:00

Knitting Through the Looking Glass: Alpine Knit Scarf

Gorgeous Pamela!

Alpine Knit Scarf

2007-07-09T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished 'Alpine Knit Scarf' I knit for my ISE4 pal, photographed relaxing on a bench in the Sydney sunshine...

And up close, to show some of the lace pattern detail a little better...

And finally, a close up look at the diamond patterned ends...

Project Details:

'Alpine Knit Scarf' - from Jane Sowerby's 'Victorian Lace Today'
Approximately 5 and 2/3 balls of ONline Linie 164 'Java' in shade #05
KnitPicks Classic 3.0mm circular needles
Cast on 103 stitches instead of the original 121, and worked three double rose leaf patterns across the centre panel instead of the original four
Total number of repeats of double rose leaf pattern in centre panel: 58

I am beyond happy at the way this scarf turned out, as the final drape of the lacy, knitted fabric in this yarn once it was blocked was incredible and by far exceeded all of the expectations I had when I first started the project.The scarf turned out so well that Michael (my husband) still can't believe I gave this scarf away, but I knit it for someone who has had bad experiences with swaps in the past so I'm glad I was able to send her something to help restore her faith in people.

And of course I can always knit another one for myself, as for once I've had the foresight to buy enough extra yarn to do just that -- I always knew giving this scarf away when the time came would be difficult.

As you can see...

... I've already cast on and worked the first diamond pattern repeat of the second scarf, mostly as an encouragement to myself to work on it from time to time between other projects.

For anyone who is interested in more details on the 'Alpine Knit Scarf' I knit for for my ISE4, and some of the (mis-)adventures I had knitting it, they can be found here.

Alpine Lace Scarf - finished!

2007-07-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

Helen's Lace in the Purple Iris colorway, knit on size 4 Addi lace needles. I added a few extra repeats of the rose leaf center; the blocked shawl is 21" by 74".

I really enjoyed this project. It's challenging at first, but not at all difficult, and keeping track of two patterns made it interesting to the end.

It was a good exercise in blocking too. I tried threading waste yarn through the long sides of the border, which helped make the edge straight. Watching the pattern open up was a thrill.

This is a birthday gift for my sister. I can't wait to give it to her!

Scarf w/French Trellis Border

2007-07-09T05:18:00.000-07:00

I'm not one to actually have a lot of projects on the needle. Two to three is the norm for me, but with the completion of my last two projects I actually found myself without anything on the needle, as it were. I mean, come on....my duty as a knitter is to immediately find something and get it started. It didn't take long, all I had to do was open up my Victorian Lace Today. What's not to love about this book. It didn't take me long, since I have my 'must-do' items marked by a post-it note. Next up: Scarf w/French Trellis border...page 98. This is something that caught my eye from the beginning, but I wanted this one for myself so I moved it behind some other projects. So far, it's by the book, the only thing I might change would be the length, we'll see. The yarn, is Knit Picks' Alpaca Cloud - in Horizon....it's a pale blue in case you can't tell.
I will share the little helper that I've used before. See that yarn holder in the upper left corner...here it is up close....

You recognize that don't you?? Yep, it's a CD holder....it's keeps the skein from rolling all over my lap. It's perfect for lace weight yarn....for heavier yarn, you might put the top back on with a hole cut in the top for the yarn to feed out of.

Victorian Ruby, er, Blue

2007-07-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I finally managed to log in and post. I finished this one in early June. This is the Victorian Ruby that I did in a smokey blue. I followed the book exactly (I think) using Kid Silk Haze. The only change was the color. This was a gift for my son's music teacher. She is taking a year to teach music in China so this was for her to remember us and perhaps to keep her warm in the winter.

Curved Shawl Started

2007-07-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

I've started on the "Curved Shawl" from Victorian Lace Today, using the Jade Sapphire Lacey Lamb used in the book, but I'm knitting with US2 needles instead of US3 since I knit loosely and don't want to run out of yarn. Sheesh, it's like knitting with thread. In fact, I used quilting thread as lifelines. But the yarn is amazingly stretchy and elastic. I'm hoping that it will be the perfect complement for a cute little red-and-white silk dress I bought recently.

The first few rows were really hard for me - I wasn't used to working with such a super-fine yarn, and with the loop cast-on, it was pretty sloppy at first. And of course, I couldn't tell if I was making any mistakes since the pattern wasn't established yet. But once I had a few repeats done, and a couple of inches of fabric on the needles, it got much better. The lace pattern isn't too difficult once you get into it, and now I can at least read the lace enough to usually notice pretty quickly if I've made any mistakes.

It doesn't look like much "at rest", but when stretched out, you can really get a good idea of what the lace will look like when blocked.

Progress, at last

2007-07-03T06:06:00.000-07:00

I finally cast on something from this lovely book, but it wasn't the intended first project. I needed something to do on the plane to London and planned on knitting another Clapotis, but it wasn't to be. Instead, I cast on the trellis shawl (page 62, I think) using Cider Moon's Icicle in Pandora's Rose. Not sure if I like the variegated yarn with the pattern, but so far it is a very simple project and I am about a third of the way done. There's more info about in on out blog.

Next up (after finishing my Sockapalooza socks) will be the melon shawl in Habu Textible's Cashmere. If I don't start it soon, Lola might kill me.

Ava

Here she is..........

2007-06-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Here she is, Scarf with #20 Edging. I'm happy with the results all in all. It was knitted differently that what I've previously done and it wasn't bad at all. With each pattern that I do from this book I seem to learn something new and I think that's pretty cool.
In my rush to leave the house this morning, after I unpinned the scarf to make pictures, I forgot to measure the thing. Sorry! The yarn is Misti Alpaca and it took about a skein and a half.Now, I'll be honest with you.....there's a booboo with this scarf. Totally my fault or rather, my mis-interpretation of the pattern. I did not realize what I had done until about half way through the second edging. You know, I'm not even going to tell you what I did, because I figure, if you don't notice, I'm not telling...[wink]

The end is in site..........

2007-06-28T06:01:00.000-07:00

All that's left is to finish the picot edging and block, so stay tuned......

Back for another scarf.....

2007-06-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

While I've been off doing other knits, I was determined to come back for another knit from VLT. This one will be my 4th from the book and the 3rd one to be a Christmas present. I've choosen the Scarf with No. 20 Edging this time.

This one is in Misti Alpaca and as you can see, Red. Although, my camera does not do this color justice. I did several read throughs of the pattern before I started to be sure I totally understood the concept of the knitting since this one too is a bit different. However, it's an easy knit so far. I'm on the 12th repeat of the first edging and I just started this past weekend with limited times for knitting. [keeping my fingers crossed]

Agneta: A Handsome Triangle

2007-06-19T06:32:00.001-07:00

Here comes a Photo of my A Handsome Triangle. I'm really pleased with it but the picture doesn't make it justice. The yarn is Babyalpaca from Stäket.

I've also started on The shoulder Shawl in Syrian pattern with yarn from Ullcentrum, colour Karamello

Handsome Triangle is done

2007-06-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Handsome Triangle is done (finally) and blocked (took forever to dry--all day! LOL), and though I got bored knitting it, I love the results.

There are more pictures--lots more!--on my blog.

Finally blocked!

2007-06-11T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is the "Scarf with Fir Cone Lace" and it has been completed for some time but not blocked. Blocking it took a discussion with my husband as to whether the water would damage our dining room table (it didn't, especially with the heavy blanket I used under it) and worst of all, time and patience to poke all those needles in place. In the end, it worked out fine, though I did run out of both time and patience during blocking. Has anyone tried the needle and thread method mentioned in "A Gathering of Lace?" I envy not only the knitting on this blog but the ability to do expert blocking. I have a more detailed photo on my blog, merrypurl.com.

Finally getting close to finishing

2007-05-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

I ran out of yarn and I had to spin some more. But I'm finally getting close to finishing my first lace project (and would have done it if we weren't watching the "Good German" last night). Also spinning for the next project. I'm making sure that I spin plenty this time! ;-) Photo of next yarn can be found on my blog: http://merrypurl.com/page1/page1.html

2 new projects

2007-05-27T07:34:00.001-07:00

Here is my new project from this book. It is a drop stitch scarf. I wanted the edging longer so I repeated the edging pattern.
Here you can see the transition from the border to the main piece. With the verigated yarn (from Knitpicks) , the stripes run different directions.

Here are two closeups of the border pattern and how I increased it.

This is the leaf trellis scarf.
I wanted it wider so I repeated the leaf trellis main part one more time. The yarn in this one is Zepher.

Home Stretch

2007-05-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

I am finally closing in on the home stretch of my Cherry Leaf shawl. After many false starts with different edgings (I did not like the one pictured in the book), I read online that the pictured edging was not the same edging written into the pattern. So, rip, rip, rip again... and I finally decided to do the edging as written. I would like to finish the shawl over the holiday weekend, but I probably will not have enough spare moments to finish it before the end of the week.

-Heather

First finished project

2007-05-26T10:57:00.000-07:00

Here is my first finished project from this book. It is the Spider's-web shawl. I used kidsilk haze and increased the repeats till I ran out of yarn. I did the 1/2 hexagon version. I love the shape of it.

I added beads to the bottom of it because it was so light. I thought they would help keep the bottom down.

I have not yet blocked it so it is going to be large.

Here is a close up of the pattern. You can see the transition from one pattern to another.

Now onto my next project
Happy knitting.....................Colette in MB

Ready to start!

2007-05-26T05:38:00.000-07:00

I am ready to start working on a shawl from the book, maybe I will start the lace rectrangle. I have two skeins of sea silk (will have to pick up more) and I think this will work great with this pattern.

However, I don't think I understand how to work the borders. I have Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting and I still can't figured it out. Is there someplace on the web, or a book that shows clear instructions on how to knit a border?

Thanks,

Carol

The Victoria Shawl

2007-05-25T11:06:00.000-07:00

.... is finally finished. I'd planned to get this done in time for Easter but failed and put it away for a while. Dug it out again on Monday to finish half the border. A disaster struck. I ran out of yarn on the last short side. Long story short - I used a similar coloured yarn adn over dyed it and this is the final result:

More pics including pics of how it was before over dyeing on my blog. Also got lots of yarn candy photos posted today on my blog so check it out and get ready to drool. The shawl btw is for my Mum and we're off to Norway on Sunday. I hope she likes it.

Yet Another Scarf, page 80

2007-05-24T13:23:00.002-07:00

When I first looked at Victorian Lace Today, I thought I was mostly interested in it for the history and that I was unlikely to get round to knitting anything from it, but I have seen so many scarves here from the pattern on page 80 and I thought they all looked lovely - nicer than the one in the book, I have to say.

I got a lovely skein of Alpaca (with a little bit of nylon) from Fyberspates' Sock Club, and as soon as I saw it I knew I couldn't possibly hide it inside my shoes, so I used that. The pattern is so simple that I feel as if I'm cheating. I've done about 25 inches, but I was getting a bit glum because it looked, as one might expect at this stage, really tatty. I could see people looking sorry for me when they saw it, because they thought, 'Poor thing, she's working so hard on that awful-looking rag.' So this morning I blocked what I've done so far and I'm much happier.

The photos don't show the full beauty of the yarn, which has flashes of purple and lavender.

When I block it again after finishing it, I think I'll do it a bit more severely, but I'm pleased with the points which are sharper than I expected to get in alpaca. I now don't mind working to the other end, although I am slightly apprehensive about guessing how much yarn I need to have left over to do the points at the other end. Any tips?

Alpine Lace Scarf

2007-05-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

This project had a rocky start, with much drama and cursing and frogging. But after the 3rd or 4th time I ripped everything back, I finally reached The Moment: you know that instant when everything clicks, and the pattern knowledge begins to shift from your head to your hands? Now I’m enjoying it very much. The two patterns, border and center panel, require enough concentration to keep me un-bored but not so much that I miss my subway stop, and the repeats are fairly short which makes for a lively knitting rhythm.

I’m using Helen’s Lace, one of my favorite yarns. It has a slight sheen and a delightfully soft/crisp texture. I’m also thrilled with several new toys:

Addi Lace needles: Wonderful! Good points, seamless join, enough “grab” to keep stitches from sliding off.

Tiny stitch markers from Debra’s Garden are ideal for lace. Love ‘em, and Debra is a pleasure to deal with.

Knitting tote: The small Knowknits bag is sturdy and easy to stash in a handbag.

Mini crochet hook: Loose crochet hooks fall out and get lost. I discovered this cute little guy (one of three in a set) at Halcyon Yarn (scroll down). It’s nice to have it right there when I need to fix a mistake.

To keep the pattern close at hand, I print it on photo paper (both sides, so I don’t have to twist it) and hang it from the Knowknits strap. Yes, I’m a dork.

Scarf (page 80)

2007-05-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

Scarf
page 80
yarn: KnitPicks Shadow Oregon Coast
needle: KP 24in size 3, and crochet hook G

This scarf was really fun to make. The pattern was not hard to memorize, and it's so compact to bring this project anywhere.

rahardjo-knits

Very green

2007-05-07T17:13:00.000-07:00

My very green triangular shawl (page 32) is coming along nicely. I have 88 rows done so far. The yarn is quite shiny, so with the sun on it like that it's reflecting quite a bit. Except where the cat is blocking the light. She's such a helpful girl! I have a second photo on my blog.

2007-05-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Febuary 1 - May 3, 2007
I finished the scarf/shawl finally last night. This is the first and easiest shawl in the book. Knitting lace does not come easy for me and I struggled quite a bit. I really wanted to finish this shawl so there was a bit of frogging and some fixing, but as I neared the end there were less mistakes and the knitting became really enjoyable to the point that I have already casted on my next shawl which is the large rectangle diamond pattern shawl. (also easy) More info and pictures on my blog.

Cherry Leaf Shawl

2007-05-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

I started the Cherry Leaf Shawl a couple of days ago and am very pleased so far. I do plan to change the edging, though, but I have not yet decided which one I will use. The yarn is raspberry mouse from yarnchef's etsy shop.

-Heather

Scarf (page 80)

2007-05-02T00:13:00.000-07:00

Hello.
I needed a little break after knitting big lace projects, so I'm knitting Scarf from page 80.

The yarn I'm using is KnitPicks Shadow in Oregon Coast. It's just left over yarn from Forest Path Stole project. Hopefully it will be enough to finish the scarf.
Needle: KnitPicks US 3 24in

The pattern is very easy to memorize, and it's just too addicting really. Well, lace is addicting anyway.

Cap Shawl Finished

2007-04-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

One week later, and one massive frogging later than planned, I am finally finished with the Cap Shawl. Yarn: Misti Alpaca Lace

Needles: Susan Bates DPN size 4 and KP Options size 4 with various length cables.

Time: Just a little over 7 weeks, due to a mistake in the edging and having to frog 1/3 of the way back around.

More photos and stats are available on my blog.

Cynder

A new start

2007-04-27T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to knit another shawl. Shawl knitting must be at least as addictive as sock knitting. Once you finish one, well, you're sunk. They're so wonderfully satisfying to make! I have this green mystery yarn...

I've had it for years. Found it recently when I was digging through my stash. I think it's a wool blend, but don't even know that much for sure. It's certainly soft, and it has a nice sheen to it. It's a braid or chain or something, not a twist, so has an interesting texture, too. Plus, on top of all that, it's slippery as all get out. I've already dropped a stitch, and had to back up a bit to recover it properly. I'll definitely be operating with lifelines for this one. I'm only up to row 27 of the handsome triangle on page 32, but wanted to show you. Totally jazzed. New shawl project on the needles. I'm a happy camper.

Laura

spider's-web shawl

2007-04-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Pattern: Spider’s-web shawl
Size: Half hexagon
Finished Measurements: approx. 75” across top, 24” from middle center down to bottom of shawl
Yarn: silk merino hand painted lace from Yarn Ahoy etsy store in color chocolate cinnamon, 1 skein
Needles: 4.5 mm, 5mm and 5.5 mm circular addi turbo needles
Modifications: ended shawl after working Chart C once using 5.5 mm needles (the pattern calls for this chart to be worked 4 more times in 6 mm needles, resulting in a completed half hexagon 84” x 36”), single crochet bind off

I’m not sure what drives me to knit lace. A burst of passion for the delicate yarn and interesting stitches carries me through the bulk of a lace project. What is it that calls you to gather lace weight yarn and needles and find a seat next to good light? In this case I was drawn to the shawl featured on page 42 of VLT – the idea of strolling in a lush garden draped in hand knitted lace, the simple Barège pattern highlighted by the surrounding greenery. It speaks of leisure and elegance, a feeling that I wanted to try to recreate with my needles. This is the first time I used variegated lace weight yarn and I think it worked well in this pattern, but in general it’s a risky endeavor, no? The blocking process didn’t go as smoothly as usual: the yarn bled a lot in the sink, I really could have used blocking wires to get the hexagon shape perfect. I didn’t knit the last four repeats of Chart C – I had my fill of the Barège pattern and realized that the finished size (84”) would mean coming up with a creative blocking surface plan.

Layers of lace & tissue, ready to be mailed to its recipient.

Cross posted at The Daily Purl.

Blocking Lace

2007-04-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

I got my new KnitPicks catalog today and there was an interesting article in it about blocking lace. A more detailed article can be found in pdf format on their website, along with a pdf intruction sheet on building a blocking frame. I'm not affiliated with KnitPicks -- I just thought this was good info and worth a look.

Double the pleasure.......

2007-04-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

Double Border Scarf (pg 104)

Yarn: Rowan's Kidsilk Haze

Colorway: Candy Girl

Needle Size: 6

Blocked size: 19x57

Here she is, the second of my Double Border Scarves. After having done a previous one, this one seemed to move right along. It took a little over a week to do, most of the progress came on the weekends. I finished this one up Saturday afternoon and she went immediately to blocking. As usual, I failed to capture the true color of this yarn....it's fuchsia, quite lovely. I only had two skeins of the Kidsilk so I went down a size in the needle and had enough to do 19 repeats of the pattern instead of the 20 called for. It's about 10 inches shorter than my first version (see here to compare) but I think it's still a nice size scarf. It goes into the Christmas cache for now, I think the recipent will be thrill when she gets it.

Melon is Blocked

2007-04-19T20:13:00.000-07:00

I used JaegerSpun Zephyr Wool-Silk lace weight in violet on size 7 needles.

From Cherry Leaf to Handsome Triangle

2007-04-17T18:55:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at knitting a shawl from this book has been abandoned. This is the Shoulder Shawl in the Cherry Leaf Pattern from page 134, but after noticing the "stripe" going through it, I tossed it into a bag and put it in a "time out".

The yarn is variegated Graceful laceweight yarn I purchased at Stitches West from the Yarn Place. When I saw the skein, I fell in love with it and I still do love the yarn, but all the color changes were gradual until the "stripe" section. The yarn was a dream to work with, but since I don't like the look of the shawl, I've given it up for something else.

This is the beginnings of A Handsome Triangle on page 32. The yarn is dark navy Grignasco Regina that I purchased when I was with Laura at our LYS. I've completed 80 of the 212 rows and although it says it's an intermediate pattern, I'm really not finding it all that difficult. Maybe the practice from the other shawl helped though. If all goes well, this should be a nice present for my mother-in-law (mum) for her June birthday.

On a side note, if you click the photo to make larger, you'll notice the perfect laceweight stitchmarkers from Team Entrelac. There's not a single open gap or rough edge (burr), so they are ideal!

Handsome Triangle Progress

2007-04-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

Here is a picture of my handsome triangle shawl in Kidsilk Haze. Progress was slow since I stopped to work on something else, but it is back in action now. This is a picture of it after row 80. Sorry the detail is bad - I didn't have anything dark to photograph it against. But you can start to see some patterning happening.

Question though. What method are you all using for joining a new ball of yarn? The project is so lacy that you could see weaved in ends- or they could fall out? This is my first kidsilk project so I just wasn't sure the best way to go about it - any suggestions would be appreciated!

Handsome Triangle Progress

2007-04-16T15:53:00.000-07:00

Another Double Border Scarf

2007-04-16T04:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently....well.....I'm addicted to this scarf.....can't get enough of it. I had bought 2 skeins of Rowan - Kidsilk haze for a scarf...any scarf, just to do another one from this book.But no, what do I do...I co another Double Border....it's like I can't help myself. The yarn is such a beautiful color, more of a fuscia than I can get my camera to show you.

I'm about half way through and should just-about-have-enough to do 19 repeats (instead of 20) but I've also downsized the needle to a size 6 to help make the scarf long enough. I don't want to chance getting on the 20th repeat and to about row 18 then run out of yarn....[just my luck]...so I'll stop with the 19th repeat. This one is likely to go into the 'Christmas stash' too...we'll see.

Melon is Finished!

2007-04-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

I finished knitting my Melon Shawl. Off the needles it looked like this:

Then I pinned it out:

Although I enjoyed knitting this shawl, I did start to get a bored by the end of the center panel. There just wasn't enough going on with the pattern to keep me interested. I love the border though, and think that it provides the perfect counter-balance to the center panel's curvy, circular shapes. I would really recommend using a provisional cast on for the center panel and the border if you knit this shawl. I didn't read far enough ahead in the pattern to figure out that I should be doing that. It would have made it easier to attach the border and graft together the ends of the border as well.

I used Jaeger Spun Zephyr (the laceweight version) to make this shawl and I love it. It's seems to me to be a perfect lace knitting yarn. It's wool so it's flexible and soft and slippery on the needles, but it also has some silk blended in so that it has a fantastic sheen to it. I love it. The color is really sort of lavendar/violet rather than light blue. Anyway, I loved knitting this shawl and I will post pictures as soon as it is done blocking.

Knitting at the Edge

2007-04-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

I've made it to the edge of the Cap Shawl, and I think we might have a FO in the next week or so. Before I started on the edging, I had almost 740 stitches in each round, which has made for some slow progress.

Since I downsized the yarn and needles for this shawl, I know she is going to be smaller than the 6ft, but I won't know how much smaller until I am blocking.

Cynder

Melon Border

2007-04-10T18:08:00.000-07:00

I am now more than halfway done with the border on my Melon Shawl. The color is kind of a violet-periwinkle color. A very light, blue-purple. I've had a really hard time capturing it so far.

Started something new

2007-04-10T06:21:00.000-07:00

Lace knitting really is addictive.
Just when I finished the first shawl I had to start the next one immediately. Now that I binded off the third one, I really wanted to start another one.

I chose "A Handsome Triangle" on page 30. And this one is for nobody else but me! The three scarves I knit during the last weeks were presents and so I wanted to knit another one for myself.

I had already four balls of the wool but I think that isn't enough so I wanted to make sure that I can get some more balls from the same dye lot before starting this new project.
On Saturday I met with my friend Melli and we visited the yarn store at Siegen. Lucky me, they had some balls from the same dye lot. So I bought three more balls - just to be sure that I won't run out of yarn.
I will add a ruffle to the scarf and so I will need a lot of yarn - many yards more than indicated in the pattern.

On Sunday I started knitting and the picture shows my progress after 28 rows. There's not much to see of the pattern, but you can imagine the beautiful colour. I use Rowan's Kidsilk Spray, colour no. 574.

Aren't the needles of my Boye needlemaster just perfect for this project?
By chance the 4mm needles are lilac too. But I think of changing to my bamboo needles again as I knit always very firm. But when using the lilac needles it is much firmer than usual and the stitches don't slide on the needle. So knitting would be a hard job.

By the way: this scarf needs my full concentration. There are yarnovers and "knit-togethers" in every row. So it's not a project for in-between but you always have to be aware that you follow the instructions correctly.

Karin

2007-04-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

The VLT scarf patterns started me thinking -- hey, if you made them wider, you'd have a mini-shawl. It only took one skein of KP Gossamer to make this little shawl. It's 15" X 48". I used the spider-net pattern from VLT for the edging, which was about 11" deep. For the center panel, I wanted something a little more elaborate than the garter stitch/drop stitch design used in so many of the VLT scarves, so I chose the flower lace pattern from the cover sweater of the new issue of VK.

You can wear it like this, or overlap the edges and wear it off to the side, etc.

Blocking

2007-04-08T04:32:00.000-07:00

is essential to lace knitting.

The first shawl I did from "our" book was "Stripes & Torchon Lace" from page 158.

Before blocking the shawl looked like a picture of misery in some way.

Didn't it?

While blocking you can imagine the beautiful design

and I really like how it is turning out so far.
Hope soon to have a picture of the finished piece which my best friend got for her birthday.

Karin

Melon Pictures

2007-04-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

I finished the center panel of my Melon Shawl last night and started on the border. I'm loving the border, much more than I thought I would. Unfortunately, all of these pictures showcase the one big honking mistake that I made: forgetting to work the Melon stitch on the last repeat of about the tenth pattern repeat. Once I'm done I will wrap a strand of yarn around that repeat and it will not look so jackass.

Bit Of A Start

2007-04-07T06:28:00.000-07:00

I bought this yarn to be a Melon Shawl, but the yarn wanted to be a Shoulder Shawl in Syrian Pattern.

Do I know why? No. But I do know I don't like Crystal Palace Kid Merino quite as well as Kidsilk Haze, though it does appear to be a good, less costly, substitute, and it comes in some interesting colors. It just doesn't have quite the sheen and softness of Kidsilk Haze.

I have no clue what I'm going to do with this shawl when I'm done. I have two triangle shawls already that I don't get to wear often enough.

Finished Melon

2007-04-06T11:35:00.000-07:00

At last I have finished Melon and I love it . After blocking it, it now measures 23" wide by 86" long. I did the pattern as stated but the yarn I used was more fingering weight so I guess that accounts for it being bigger than the size stated in the book. I love the fact that I can wrap myself in it and the yarn which was 50% silk & 50% cashmere has soften so much after washing it

My next one from the book I think will be 'Dolphin Lace' which I have some Posh Yarn cashmere/silk in a deep pink to use . Not sure if this will be for me as I am not a 'pink person' but we will see :)

Black melon is done!

2007-04-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

I finished my Melon shawl over the weekend. Seems to have been a popular thing to do! LOL Mine's in black Kidsilk Haze. I used all but 8g of the 4th ball. Glad I got it.

There's a close up of the lace on my blog, if you're interested.

Bad Pictures of My Melon Shawl

2007-04-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

I've worked 40-some repeats of the center panel, so I'm more than halfway there.

FO: Melon Shawl

2007-04-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

The melon shawl was the easiest shawl I have ever knitted. The pattern repeat is easily memorized and executed. I did not like the border shown in the book, however, so I used the narrow point border (page 183) instead. More details can be found on my blog.

-Heather

Shoulder Shawl...finished!

2007-04-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

I finished the first of my three shawls-in-progress from this wonderful book and have already given it away as a belated birthday gift. I ended up enlarging it substantially - going to 281 sts before binding off, but I still couldn't figure out how to add the knitted on border! (I feel like a dunce...I am a pretty accomplished knitter but I sit down to do this and I get all thumbs and needles, can't find the stitches I'm picking up, can't remember which side I'm on etc, etc.) So once again (as the last one of these I did), I added the peaked edging border from the Swallowtail pattern. Maybe when I have more time, I can master this border nonsense, but this wasn't it.

The yarn was from Handpainted Yarns and at $5.95 for 850 yards, you can't beat it. It's soft as can be and worked up beautifully. I used size 3 needles and, even with making it larger than called for, I have probably a good 1/4 of the yarn left over! There are more photos on my blog if you're interested.

Finished size - 60" wide, 24" from top edge to center point

This pattern is a joy and I'll be making many more of them, I'm sure!

Double Border Scarf FO

2007-04-01T05:31:00.000-07:00

We've returned from vacation and as promised here's the FO of the of the Double Border Scarf.

Double Bordered Scarf (pg. 104)
Yarn: Misti Alpaca
Color: Pink
Needle: size 7
Finished size blocked: 19” (point to point) by 67”

I had to get a little help (thanks Jennifer) to get this started because I had not knitted a pattern like this before. The pattern itself is actually pretty easy in regards to the stitches, however it does require a good bit of concentration to keep up with where you are at and what you should be doing at the time. I do love the results and think I would do this pattern again at some point. I'm doing another scarf at the moment, but it's not from this book. However, I do have several other patterns in the book earmarked for future projects. DBS goes in the stash for Christmas presents. I think the intended recipient will be thrilled.

The Cap Shawl, or, Cotton Candy Fluff

2007-03-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

I finally started the second chart of the Cap Shaw this week. Since the pattern is no longer an endless stream of YoK2tog's, it is starting to get interesting again. I on row 101 out of 171, plus I have a huge amount of edge stitches to knit on, so I think I am about 1/4 of the way through.

I did have a bit of a scare with her tonight as I was switching over to a longer circular needle. while I had 1/2 the stitches on one needle and 1/2 on the other, I stretched her out to show my husband her size and lost 10 stitches off the needle. I had visions of when I was working on another shawl and my son pulled the needles out at a crucial point, resulting in a huge frog session, but when I examined the dropped stitches, I was in luck. It was a YoK2tog section, and I had only had one stitch ladder down on row, and it was easy to pick everything else up.

One last thing... While I was googling Victorian Lace Along tonight, I found the German knit along, and have been looking over their photos and FO's. I know a little German, but not enough to read all of their posts.

Cynder

New Project

2007-03-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have started the Melon Shawl. I am using JaegerSpun Zephyr in Violet and I have finished about 15-20 rows of the center panel so far. I am really enjoying the pattern. It was really easy to memorize and it's flowing for me in the best way. I love the yarn. Love the yarn. As soon as I am able I will post a picture. In the meantime, if you would like to read more please visit my blog: brewerburns.blogspot.com.

Melon finished

2007-03-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

Yes! But 3 skeins of Kid silk haze wasn't enough. Had to buy one more skein. I made a seaweed-like scarf from the leftovers and another skein (brown) that surprisingly was found in my stash. Love the shawl can't wait to wear it. It's the daughter who is wearing the shawl. The seaweed-thing is a gift for my hairdresser, she's cut and dyed may hair for more than 18 years, she is my daughters hairdresser too.

Victorian Ruby finished

2007-03-31T02:58:00.001-07:00

Or should I say Victorian Amethyst?

I made this using leftover yarn from my Swallowtail shawl.

I decided that I was definitely on the wrong side of the pattern when I was about to start on the second border, so I knitted one more row.

The yarn is 4ply cashmere yarn from Colourmart. It's lovely and light, weighing 34 grams and measuring 150x25cm; somewhat smaller than the original, but the size that I wanted.

Hege

Help Please

2007-03-31T02:26:00.000-07:00

Oh Wise Ones!

I'm hoping someone can help me understand a pattern, please. Page 88 of Victorian Lace Today.

It tells you to cast on 36 stitches but at the end of the first row you'll have 37 stitches as there is one more YO than K2tog.

Row 2 doesn't change the stitch count. There are as many YOs as K2togs, but there are only instructions for 35 stitches. I've tried it 3 times but each time I find I have 2 stitches over at the end of row 2.

What am I doing wrong?

Any help from you master lace knitters would be much appreciated.

Large Rectangle Shawl

2007-03-30T19:31:00.000-07:00

My large rectangle shawl is finished and blocked just in time for the lovely spring weather we are having.

I did deviate from the pattern a bit. I used size 6 needles instead of 7 and I did rewrite the edging pattern to make it a bit wider. It is knitted in Cashmere-Silk by Jade Sapphire in the Oceana colorway. I liked the yarn, but did have a bit of color discrepancy between the two skeins that I used. You can visit my blog for more details and pics.

-Heather

Finished!

2007-03-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

I completed the Large Rectange with Leaf & Trellis Pattern on page 54.

The project entailed a number of firsts for me: knitted-on border, grafting, and serious blocking. I know several of you are also new to these techniques, so here are a few observations/reassurances.

• Although I did a gauge swatch, I was ¾ through the center panel when I realized I would run out of yarn. Fortunately, I found more. The finished shawl is 3’ X 7.5’, much larger than the pattern indicates. Clearly, I need to polish my swatching skills.

• The directions for knitted-on borders may sound tricky, especially the corners, but once you get into it everything makes sense. I enjoyed the border. It went fast, the pattern was easy to memorize, and I didn’t need stitch markers.

• When I started on the border, I used a 16” circular. It was a good safety net at first, but the cable became cumbersome as I gained speed and confidence, so I went back to DPNs. Yes, I cried the first time a needle slipped out, but I was able to pick up all the stitches. Whew!

• The Handmaiden Sea Silk I used is non-fuzzy, making it easy to see where to place the needle when you join the border to the center panel. Even so, I miscalculated and had to fudge the double/triple joins at the first two corners. Once the shawl was blocked, I couldn’t spot the mistakes. Hand-painted yarn has its virtues.

• Grafting the border edges together was a nail-biter, beginning with my fumbling attempt to unzip the crochet chain cast-on. Note to self: use single-ply waste yarn next time. I ended up with a stitch too few on one needle, so I just picked up an extra yarnover.

• Blocking with two curious cats around is a challenge. I usually spread a few thick towels across the dining room table, and I’ve never actually pinned anything; I just stretch and pat the damp fabric into place. I wanted to do it right this time, so I borrowed an idea from Stephanie McPhee’s blog: interlocking foam floor tiles! I bought 2 packages of 4 tiles to make a 4’ x 8’ surface. (Is there anything you can't find on Amazon these days?)

They worked great, and are much easier to stash in a Manhattan apartment than a big blocking board. Oh, and I only had to shoo the cats off the table once.

• I didn’t think to look closely at the border’s points before washing the shawl. Once wet the points were hard to spot, and I had to look at the pattern again to figure out where to put the pins.

Despite all my clueless bumbling, the shawl is gorgeous, and I am very proud of it. Please don’t be nervous about tackling a knitted-on border!

Next up: The Alpine scarf in Helen's Lace, a birthday gift for my sister.

Victorian Ruby

2007-03-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

I've finished the first border and the middle, and now I'm supposed to cast on for the second border.

But I seem to be on the wrong side of the scarf? I have almost decided to knit another row before casting on, but I thought I'd just ask here first.

My Edgy Curve

2007-03-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Remember this post where I stalled since I didn't like the edging for the curved shawl? Well, after some thought, I decided to try the same edging, but drop the needle size from US9 down to US6. I had to fudge the attachment of the edging to the shawl, but not too much. Every once in awhile, I'd attach 3 stitches to one body stitch and it seems to have worked out well. I really liked the airy circles and the denser edging, but that's just me.

Like another knitter, I also had issues with attaching the edging on the cast-on region of the shawl. Again, I sort of faked it. I wonder if another cast-on method would have made it easier?

I highly recommend this project, in fact, I may have to make another one!

z & a's momma

victorian ruby: finished

2007-03-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

i'm so happy to finally have something to post! i finished my first project from VLT, which i have been working on for about 2 1/2 months, after getting the book for xmas. i'm not really a mono-project kind of gal, so it has taken awhile, but it is totally worth it! i haven't blocked it yet, but i have been wearing it around because it has been chilly and windy here in the bay area. it is the ultimate spring scarf.

yarn: feza kid mohair, color 204
amount: about 1.5 balls
needles: US7 silverlume circs

next up is the victoria shawl, which i am making for my grandma. i'm using misti alpaca lace in the lightest blue. i've only just begun , so i'll save a picture of that for later.

It's finished

2007-03-27T17:31:00.000-07:00

I've finished my Three Cornered Shawl in Clover Pattern! I chose not to add the willow border along the hypoteneuse as it would have added unnecessary inches to this amazingly huge shawl. I didn't swatch because any size shawl fits, really. I used Artyarns Tsuki, approximately 110 grams, with size 5 needles.

Finished size for me is about 4.5 feet long, and 8.5 feet wide. If you make this shawl, please note that the picture in the book is extremely misleading as to how much of the clover eyelet pattern you have to do! I felt like it was never going to end.

Anyway, on to the finished product!

More pictures and ramblings are available on my blog.

Carrie.

Very proud

2007-03-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Just want to show off a quick pic of my border. My first ever border and on the 2nd attempt I managed to roudn the first corner successfully. The border is taking much longer than expected. I've just written a long post about this on my blog and I'm jsut too tired to blog about it again. But I just wanted to show off my progress.

Wanted this finished to be posted to NOrway so it would get there by Friday. That's not going to happen now so taking a break from this for a few days. The work on this over the weekend has been very intense and I need a break.

So many Melons...

2007-03-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

After finishing my variation of the Melon-Stitch-Shawl I had to wait some rainy days just to take this picture finally in the bright sunlight which makes the colours come out so summer and fruity.

Material:

7 balls of Venezia Color from Lang Yarns, shade 162, 50% mohair, 50% acrylic, 130m/50gr

Needles:
5mm circular (1m)

Finished dimensions:
approximately 2,30m long and 55cm wide

Variation:

I worked garter stitch edges (7 stitches on both sides and 12 rows at the beginning and the end of the shawl).

In wrong side rows I worked the melon stitch completely by purling - instead of k2tog I worked p2tog.

It was a quick and easy knit at least because I made an easy border. But I am very happy with this simple outcome. The colours are so dominating that - to my taste - another border would not fit better. Nevertheless the shawl is really an eyecatcher, isn't it?

If you like to see more pictures then you may have a look at this post or on my knitting-blog.

I look forward to your comments.

Happy knitting
Susanne from Germany

Its so hard to capture

2007-03-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

the texture and details of a circular shawl, but this was the best that I was able to get. The shawl is the Cap Shawl. The pattern calls for KSH, but I am using Misti Alpaca Lace on size 4 needles, and I think it is perfect so far. Once you get past the cast on, the pattern is fairly simple, with half of the rows being nothing more then YoK2tog. I'm about 20 rows from the pattern changing. The rows on this shawl are long. I'm already at more than 300 stitches per row, and add 9 stitches every other row.

Cynder

ETA: Yes, the yarn is as soft as cotton candy.

need help with A handsome Triangle

2007-03-24T12:40:00.001-07:00

For those who has finished the Handsome Triangle I have a question. On row 106 there are two knit together beside each other in the beginning of the row, but those two knit together doesn't appear just before the center of the shawl. Is that row correct?

Enough yarn?

2007-03-24T08:48:00.000-07:00

I know I've read several posters here say that the yarn requirements specified in the book were not enough. Is that generally true or only for certain patterns. I have 750 yards of yarn for a pattern that calls for 700, and I'm wondering if it will be enough.

Finally Starting

2007-03-23T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here I have finally cast on for the Alpine Lace Scarf. I was so inspired by so many beautiful examples here on this blog.

Yarn: Jagger-Spun Zephyr in Cinnabar
Needles: #3 Brittanys

It doesn't look like much yet, but soon...

So much closer

2007-03-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm making great progress on the three cornered shawl in a clover leaf pattern. I've just finished the first repeat of chart F (the last body chart). I have 7 more repeats of that, then the border left. This thing is going to be huge, I can tell!

I'm very nearly out of my second ball of yarn. Has anyone finished this shawl? I'm curious about yarn usage. At this point I've used roughly 2/3 of my yarn. I *think* that means I should have plenty for the remaining sections, but would like reassurance. Sometimes borders surprise me with regards to yarn usage.

Anyway, a picture of the bar cabinet modeling:

Carrie

Black melon

2007-03-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

This will probably be my last photo until I round at least one more corner. Pictures of the sides are boring... no change. But I did round the second corner day before yesterday, and made my way a little farther up the side. You know, the corners are kind of fun!

As usual, there are a couple more photos on my blog, if you feel the urge to look at them--including another close-up of that edge. It's amazing to me how beautiful the edge is for as simple it is to knit.

By the way, I started the fourth ball of Kidsilk Haze just after I rounded that second corner.

Border Story

2007-03-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

I'm working on the Victoria Shawl at themoment. This is my first shawl with a knitted on border. Doing the border has been worrying me quite a bit. finished the main rectangle last night and when I got up at 4.30am I got started on the border (no, didn't intend getting up that early, but excruciating headache meant I had to). Only problem was that reading the chart and looking down at my knitting agreevated my neck pain and made the already bad head ache worse. (I suffer from chronic neck/back pain and have had awful headaches on and off since Monday).

I've now done 5 repeats of the pattern and it's going brilliantly. It's actually quite easy. I was worried about the joins but it's easy when you actually sit there with your knititng in front of you and have to do it. Culd't work it out when i read through the instructions beforehand.

I was hoping ot have this ready to post to Norway on Saturday but don't think that's going to happen. Think the border will take more time than I thought.It's patterning on every row. So I'm aiming for Monday.

The shawl is for my Mum. She's going to Spain on holiday on 30th March and would love the shawl before she goes but she lives in Norway (I live int heUK) so it depends on how quickly I can get it finished and how long the post takes. Can take anything from about 3 days to 3 weeks.

Double Border Scarf

2007-03-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard on the Double Border Scarf on pg 104. I'm on the last rows of the last repeat so I'm very close to the end.

I wanted to share this cloud of pink alpaca fluff with you but you'll have to wait for the blocked picture because I'm getting ready to leave on vacation. Finished details when I return!

Finally ready to begin!

2007-03-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

First, I want to complement everyone on the beautiful shawls I've seen on some of the blogs. They're beautiful! I got my book and yarn awhile ago, but wasn't able to get started. 2007 has been full of surprises and not all good...Anyway, I'm excited and ready to start! I'm going to knit the Maltese lace shawl using zephyr laceweight in Jade. I can't wait to see some progress!

Carolyn's Alpine Lace - Finished!

2007-03-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

Yarn: 60 grams of Blueberry Graceful from the Yarn Place.
Needles: Size 2 US/2.75 mm
Blocked size: 19"x72"
Alterations: Scarf worked with 7 multiples of diamonds, and 5 multiples of the center leaf pattern. Seventy-two repeats.

Now, the pattern calls for 37 repeats, so I figured I'd need an odd number. Unless they're not counting the first time chart B is worked in that 37, though, I can't figure it out. 8 rows of garter before chart B - 1/2 a diamond. 8 rows of garter after all the leaves - another 1/2 diamond. And there needs to be an even number of repeats in the middle to have complete diamonds.

My next shawl is going to be a worsted weight cardigan. After that ... who knows!

Cherry Leaf Shoulder Shawl

2007-03-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

For my very first lace project ever, I chose the Shoulder Shawl in cherry leaf pattern from page 134. That may be a "bit" ambitions, but when I met the author at Stitches West, she said I shouldn't have a problem with it even if it were my first project. I realize the photo of her signing my book isn't very good, but there was only a camera phone available, and obviously it's not one of the "better" camera phones. I got to spend about 10 minutes talking with her and for more info about our conversation, please refer to this post on my blog.

The yarn I've chosen for this shawl is the variegated Graceful laceweight yarn I purchased at Stitches West from Yarn Place. I'm not sure I *love* the variegated colors for this particular pattern, but since I've just started, I'm not going to be too critical of it yet. I'm also a bit nervous because the pattern calls for 900 yards and my skein is 900 yards. I went down a needle size and I suppose I could leave off a pattern repeat if I need to. This may be a nail biter!! Have any of you knit this yet and if yes, how many yards did you end up using.

Thankfully Laura (who is making THIS incredible melon shawl) has agreed to teach me how to crochet since this shawl has a crochet edge. Well of course it does. I never go the simple route.

~Kristie (Guilty Pleasures)

Help for Sonja

2007-03-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

Sonja, I answered your question about the Alpine Lace over on my blog. I hope this helps!

Melon progress

2007-03-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

I got tons done on my melon shawl over the weekend. I'm amazed at how quickly the edging is gone. And very pleased. I do have to warn you, though, if you knit this will Kidsilk Haze, as the pattern suggests, you will definitely need 4 balls of yarn, not the 3 the pattern calls for.

As usual, more photos are in my blog. Also, my cat had an intersting reaction to seeing the shawl on the couch in the bright morning fog light.

I am still knitting VLT Honest !!

2007-03-19T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sorry been awol for some time but I have been knitting 'Melon' all be it at a slower than anticipated speed. I rashly joined a sock knitting competition , something which I have never done before , nor likely to again as its not for me ; I'll stick to KAL's:) I like to knit what I want and when I want ; saying that its been fun and being a novice sock knitter I have learnt things, so its been good. I don't see me getting much further as I don't want to rush my next pair for the sake of finishing and losing out on quality ,especially as I have a rather nice yarn planned for the next pair.
So here is 'Melon' I am over half way through the centre panel and am really enjoying this pattern

Syrian Shoulder Shawl

2007-03-18T13:16:00.000-07:00

I did this in my own handspun yarn from a fine NZ romney. It went very quickly and I loved knitting it. I do love lots of endless garter stitch. :) I have more photos and details on my own blog.

Shawl Mania

2007-03-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

These aren't great photos and nothing is blocked (or even finished!), but I wanted to share some of what this book is doing to me!

First I started the Maltese Shawl....

...then, since I needed a break from the pattern-every-row when I was dog tired, I started the Three Cornered Shawl.

Then, since it was my second one, I thought I could pop off a quick Shoulder Shawl.......

I feel more than a little obssessed!!

My curve is missing an edge

2007-03-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Thanks for letting me join you in this KAL. I got this book a while back and had been thumbing through it trying to find the perfect project. At Stitches West, I even got the venerable author to sign a bookplate for me. I was NOT going to walk around all day with that book in tow.

Well, I love Alpine Lace, and started that a couple of times, but just wasn't to be (yet). The yarn's perfect (colourmart silk), the color's perfect (bonbon), but the needle size is something I've still got to come to terms with ( I've swatches with US4, then US3, then US2, and US1). I think I can get away with using US2s...But it's for another time.

Anyway, I really liked the curve shawl and thought I'd give this a go. Here it is -- sadly without an edging. I used a much larger needle than normal for this pattern (US9) and indeed, the fabric is very, very lacy --which I like. However, 4 rows into the edging, and I knew that we have a problem. The edging ends up being very floopy (that would be loopy and floppy) and too large (~3 inches). I will have to do a different edging than VLT. But otherwise, it's a super fun knit. I will knit this with thinner yarn using smaller needles (and do the proper edging). As for this, when I have time, I'll play with edgings and hopefully find one that will do.

(for more pictures of my incomplete curve, see my blog)

A trip to the Frog Pond

2007-03-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

My Alpine Knit Scarf took a trip to the frog pond this afternoon. I wasn't 100% happy with the needles/yarn combination I was using (KP Alpaca cloud on size 4 Options) the solid sections were a little to open for me. I had a mistake a few rows back and PMS from haties. So, Rip-it Rip-it it went. I have a two week old photo, but nothing showing the progress on the rose leaf section. I will re-knit it on smaller needles, but the Cap Shawl has been calling my name. I am going to down size the yarn to Misti Alpaca Lace in a pale pink.

Cynder

A start to the border

2007-03-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

I finally finished up the 62 pattern repeats for the center of my Melon shawl, and started on the border. I've memorized the border repeat already, and it's zipping right along.

There's a closeup of the border on my blog, if you want to see it. ;-)