I’ve been obsessing again - nothing new there :)
Saturday evening at Chatters, there was some discussion about how lace really, really needs to be blocked in order for the pattern to show properly. I am, at best, a haphazard blocker - partly due to space restrictions and so have been less than bowled over by some of the patterns I’ve been trying. However, the conversation lingered in my pea-brain long enough for me to actually apply the information…
As you can see, this is being blocked - though it was still damp this morning which is why it’s still nailed to the towel :) And they were right - all those good people who told me what a difference it would make. When this came off the needles, it looked (in shape only!) like the cheeseburger wrapper one throws away at a fast food restaurant after having crumpled it up in one’s hot little fist. But afterwards…
There’s been other lace play too, as I try to figure out where I’m going next. Staggered Fern is an all-time favorite, but there are other patterns too, such as…
Dewdrop Lace
Traveling Leaf
English Mesh
All the patterns and possibilities are jumping up and down in my head clamoring for attention and I’m only beginning to get them sorted out. I know for sure that I’ll be using fingering weight yarn (nope - not brave enough for lace weight just yet) and size 6 US, 4.25 mm (the small swatches) or 7 US, 4.5 mm (the entrelac swatch) needles. I don’t even have any idea about color(s) yet, though gentle golds keep floating through my mind and I keep thinking about the Citrine Curry that I dyed last year. I love that yarn and while I’m a bit apprehensive about trying to re-create it, I think I can get into the ballpark :)
No trackbacks yet.
A coupla thoughts:
1. You really need to get Evelyn Clark’s new book, “Knitting Lace Triangles.” It would totally suit your adventurous and creative way of approaching lace projects!
2. Have you ever knit the Drooping Elm Leaf pattern from the first Barbara Walker? If you like the fern pattern, I think you would like the elm-leaf pattern.
Goldie is so beautiful!!!! I love her..
Maybe it’s time to try another sweater. A pullover with a panel of the lace up the front would be lovely. If you don’t want to make an adult size, a baby sweater would be nice.
Oh the magic of blocking. It works its wonder every time. :-)
Ryan - The book certainly does sound interesting and I look forward to seeing it :)
The Drooping Elm Leaf is lovely and goes into the notebook for future consideration. Definitely something to try!
Laura - As Goldie is not modest (modesty not being a notable cat trait), when I told him what you said, he simply arched an eyebrow (or what passes for one) and said:
“Jealous - they are all jealous!”
I think he may be French :)
Charlotte - Funny you should mention that - I was thinking about that a bit this morning. Another pullover, that is, but maybe not lace :) Something simple with a V-neck and a bit of textural interest…
Opal - Oh boy, do you have that right! I have read many times about the miracle of lace transformation via blocking, but it doesn’t quite hit home until you see it yourself, does it?
Yup… makes a big difference! Love the English mesh pattern; it’s really pretty!
Ev - I like the English mesh too - a lot! Now I’m trying to work out how to use it. It’s small scale so I’m not sure large swaths of it would quite work.
I’ll figure it out :)
