While I enjoy other techniques, I had to put aside my one true passion during the holiday season. Though, I do love making things for other people, I really missed the lace.
When I felt that I had gotten the gift knitting under control, I cast about for a suitable pattern and was inspired to pick up a book that I had on my radar for quite some time.
Marianne Kinzel’s First Book of Modern Lace Knitting has beautiful designs in it, but most of them are for tea cloths or tablecloths. Neither of which I have a use for, but to the resourceful lace knitter they can be used for shawls.
I picked the Springtime design, because it looks so elegant. I’m using an adaptation of that design using some tricks Glenda Hunt put together along with a couple of my own to create a triangle shawl.
Once I started, I found it very hard to put down. The charts are excellent and the square design is easily translated into a triangle.
My tried and true friend, Jaggerspun Zephyr (in Steel) hasn’t let me down yet. It’s soft to the touch and the stitch definition is crisp and clear, reminding me why I turn to it again and again.
The needles (size 2US Addi Lace Needles) are the perfect lace knitting tool. The tips are just wonderful for the increases and decreases.
This is the kind of project that makes you want to skip meals and decide that 3 hours of sleep is sufficient. Housecleaning gets put on hold, cats go hungry, and friends are neglected.
Some might call this passion, others might call this obsession. Either way I’m happy as a clam and I don’t really give a damn what they say. ;-)
Shelly on 13 Feb 2008 at 12:39 pm #
ohh I love projects like that - I just need more time for them. But silly family wants fed - dang them.
I love the color and can’t wait to see more of the shawl soon!
Sue J. on 13 Feb 2008 at 2:07 pm #
Amen!
Karen B. on 13 Feb 2008 at 3:23 pm #
Knit on, Lace Master! That’s oh, so gorgeous that I can’t wait to see where you go with your design.
Carrie K on 13 Feb 2008 at 3:25 pm #
Others call it a beautiful lace shawl. So fabulous! I have that book! But not the ideas. That’s why I have you. :) Can’t wait to see it as you knit along!
Jeanne on 13 Feb 2008 at 3:43 pm #
Very pretty! I love the stitch….can’t wait to see more…
Agnes on 13 Feb 2008 at 3:48 pm #
Very pretty! But I love the Rose of England (?) most … the red one made by Cookie is just stunning.
nova on 13 Feb 2008 at 3:53 pm #
That is brilliant! Making the square into a triangle. Oh, and don’t forget about the candle flame bedspread. What is THAT all about?!
Knitnana on 13 Feb 2008 at 3:55 pm #
*GASP*
Stunning!
I’ve promised myself my first Zephyr - when my new LYS gets in the color I want…
but I’m not sure I have the nerve to take a doily pattern and create my OWN triangle shawl
YOU are brave!!!
(((hugs)))
Dee on 13 Feb 2008 at 4:19 pm #
Nothing wrong with a little obsession in your life!
Very pretty lace knitting.
Roseann on 13 Feb 2008 at 4:32 pm #
I am amazed at how you turned the doily pattern into a shawl. I have that book and now I will be looking at it in a different way. I appreciate the link to the conversion to a shawl hints, very helpful. I keep looking at your photos, it is sooo pretty!
becky on 13 Feb 2008 at 4:40 pm #
Oooh, I am liking it very much! You’ve inspired me. I think I will be casting on something in lace very soon.
Off to peruse patterns…
Hattie on 13 Feb 2008 at 4:42 pm #
Ooooh how cool! I love zephyr…I just picked up my (third) spring things shawl today, it’s been languishing, and remembered how much I love this stuff. I need to buy some in larger quantities now so I can make a decent sized shawl…
Lisa on 13 Feb 2008 at 6:00 pm #
Your friends understand, we’ve been there lol. Knit on and enjoy every minute! It’s gorgeous so far!
Corrie on 13 Feb 2008 at 6:56 pm #
*THAT?* Is. Gorgeous.
Totally amazing!
Nurhanne on 13 Feb 2008 at 7:05 pm #
Well said!
tiennie on 13 Feb 2008 at 8:10 pm #
Your lacework is so amazing! I have yet to finish a lace project - soon though!
Jeanne on 13 Feb 2008 at 8:38 pm #
Beautiful! But in my house, cats never go hungry, no matter what I’m knitting. The rest applies though.
Veronica on 13 Feb 2008 at 8:58 pm #
Wow… that is really beautiful!!!
Carin on 13 Feb 2008 at 9:26 pm #
Absolutely gorgeous!
I have skipped housework and I have told my kids (teens) they can fend for themselves but I couldn’t do lace with only three hours of sleep.
dorkyquilts on 13 Feb 2008 at 11:07 pm #
So beautiful. Breathtaking. The color is amazing.
chris on 14 Feb 2008 at 1:24 am #
Just beautiful! I can’t wait to see it complete - and it looks like that might be soon!
textillian on 14 Feb 2008 at 3:38 am #
It looks wonderful!
I have only used Zephyr for weaving, and found that there were too many knots (for the price of it, at least.) Did I just have bad luck, or do you find the same thing?
fleegle on 14 Feb 2008 at 4:11 am #
It is beyond lovely! Who needs sleep?
Rosa on 14 Feb 2008 at 4:26 am #
Lovely! I am not capable of adapting patterns. I cannot wait to see the outcome of this shawl. The color is spectacular too. Happy Knitting!
Nannette on 14 Feb 2008 at 5:45 am #
Gorgeous! And just the inspiration I needed before I head to the market at Madrona. I’ve been wanting “a project” as an inspiration for what yarn to buy. Now I think I have it. =D
margene on 14 Feb 2008 at 6:02 am #
It is fabulous!! Love the color and can’t wait to see it unfold.
Cookie on 14 Feb 2008 at 6:42 am #
Your real friends understand. ;^)
That is gorgeous and I love that color. I have her second book and now I’m thinking of copying you and doing a version of a tea cloth I love from it.
Stand by for dumbass questions. *L*
Robbyn on 14 Feb 2008 at 7:15 am #
::breathless hush::
My god that’s beautiful! And just look at how you incorporated adaptations and a little jiggering here and there to make it do what *you* wanted!
I have been wondering about ordering a couple of Knitpicks new longer, small size circulars - mostly for socks, but lace is certainly a possibility too.
Sensei, you do most beautiful work.
Meredith on 14 Feb 2008 at 7:42 am #
It’s wonderful, Opal. I love it, love it, love it! hmmmmmmmm…I have quite a bit of Zephyr in my stash toooooooo.
mer
dorothy in wyoming on 14 Feb 2008 at 8:11 am #
Oh whimper I want to make that shawl so badly. However I am having fun with the Queen Anne’s Lace now that I have it on a proper sized needle.
limedragon :-: Harriet on 14 Feb 2008 at 3:27 pm #
Ooh! That’s marvelous!! Love the color and the pattern. It’s going to be amazing!! : )
Jane on 14 Feb 2008 at 5:08 pm #
Yippee! She’s back to knitting lace! That is fantastically beautiful to behold! I think a triangle shawl will be great and the yarn is perfect for the project !
hetty on 15 Feb 2008 at 3:09 am #
You say “obsession” like it’s a bad thing! That lace is beyond beautiful!
Sleep! What’s that? Housework? Never heard of it! But I don’t believe you when you say your cats go hungry! Mine would never let me forget about them! They would chew my yarn, tangle my work, or leave little presents in my shoes or something! Knit on, girl! I can’t wait to see it finished! Your work is gorgeous!
Carol on 15 Feb 2008 at 5:36 am #
Stunning!
hakucho on 15 Feb 2008 at 10:59 am #
Very beautiful love the color, so delicate…looks like knitting lace is a good addiction for you :)
happy knitting :)
Aim on 17 Feb 2008 at 11:08 am #
How great to have another project you can be so into! That is beautiful!!!!!!
peggy on 18 Feb 2008 at 10:07 am #
Your photos are a tease! I can’t wait to see it in all it’s blocked glory. I have missed seeing your lace!