It's Not So Hard

Indecision plagues me. I couldn't figure out how to measure the length of my lace shawl project bigfoot. After a couple of replies on Ravelry, I just did it. I removed three or four repeats from the needles (on a lifeline) and sprayed them with water. Then I stretched them out on a towel until they were dry. I figure it will be close enough. From the exercise, it looks like each four row pattern is about an inch in length. Right now I've knitted about 12-13 inches. So I'll do six more repeats and test again. Or maybe I'll just bind off. I've got some time to think about it.

Knit One, Tink Two

Done with dithering, I cast on for Bigfoot, using Knit Picks gloss lace and options needles size 8. I put a lifeline in at 96 stitches thankfully. Because I needed to rip back to it when I got to row 10. Made it to the first purl row of the yoke and had to tink most of the row. Now I've done a few rows without mishap and will work on developing a rhythm. Lace is humbling.

Blocked

I finally blocked the blue lace scarf. I've decided that blocking lace is not something I look forward to. My grafting row is uneven, drat. I'm not sure if I'll try to tighten it up or not. Otherwise, I like it, and I'm definitely going to make a larger stole/shawl for myself. And then I'm going to work up the courage to wear it in public. Thanks to my model, our favorite English Springer Spaniel.

Blue Lace Leaves Scarf

Pattern: by Ann Budd from an Interweave Knits Pamphlet (Split Leaf lace stitch)

Yarn: Knit Picks Ambrosia, 3 balls. I used every bit of yarn except a small swatch. I like the yarn, but perhaps I should have used larger needles to make the lace stitches more open. But this will feel very nice against the neck. The color is a little bold for me. I think I'll put it in the gift basket for a future charity event.

Needles: Knit Picks Options size 3

Finished Size: 8" x 52"

I've been busy

I've been busy. I started and finished a string bag, using slightly less than one skein of Euroflax linen on size 10 needles. I used a pattern I found on the internet. It was a fast knit, but not easy. The linen kept trying to jump off the needles. Since every other stitch was a yo it was difficult to maintain order.




My blue lace scarf is halfway done. I don't know if it will block out enough to show off the pattern. It will be nice and soft around the neck regardless.




I started a felted bag. The pattern is from Two Old Bags and I'm using Cascade 220 Eco wool in a grey tweed on size 10 needles. It's mindless knitting but I'm not looking forward to making the i-cord edge and strap. I decided to modify the closure. Instead of a loop with a toggle button through it, I'm going to cut a buttonhole and use a large shank button to close it. Or maybe velcro.





Up next is another pair of socks. Donna, and my LYS weighed what was left of my CTH Lake Effect sock yarn. I have 44g. of 100g. That's not quite enough, I think for a pair of socks. She helped me find a solid color that complemented Lake Effect, and I'm going to use that to do the toes and the top ribbing. It does mean that I'll go back to two-at-a-time sock knitting.

On the needles

I have had a bad case of startitis again. Two scarves. What is up with that? Winter is almost over. I have about one month to wear Deep Blue. But what the heck. I had ordered some cashmere blend from Knit Picks, that has been calling me. Finally I cast on the lace scarf pattern from Ann Budd. It's a leaf pattern and my yarn is bigger than the yarn called for, but so far I like the fabric. I thought it was the softest yarn I'd ever worked with but then I picked up Plymouth Yarn's baby alpaca (80% alpaca 20% acrylic)! It is yummy. I cast on another scarf, this one a lacy broken rib pattern. On size 13 needles it's very airy. I think I'll call it Hairy Airy.

It's a Wrap

I finished the lace stole for Grandma's Christmas present today. It was hard to find a cast off method that worked. I tried the Russian bind off, P1 slip back on left needle and P2tog, repeat. That was too tight, even thought it's supposed to be loose. Finally I used the sewn cast off from EZ. That might be a little too loose, but I think it will block out fine. I enjoyed this project and will definitely look for another opportunity to knit something in lace.

Lace

I'm venturing into the world of lace knitting with a project for Grandma. It's a lace stole in the fir cone pattern, using Knitpick's Alpaca Cloud, using 3 mm Addi Turbos. I'm planning on making it about 15 inches by 50 inches or so. I like it but I haven't blocked it fully. I think I might have used larger needles to get a lacier effect.