Laceweight Leaf Lace photos

The surprising news is that mom's shawl weighs only 2 ounces which means I have 1.5 ounces left over, that's enough for a smaller shawl or a couple of lace scarves. In comparison, grandma's shawl in DK weight yarn weighs 8 ounces -- and they're about the same size. Measurements post-blocking are 42" deep x ~85" wingspan. I didn't fuss with making the top edge straight or all the edge points perfect because it will be blocked properly next weekend, after I open the Zonta dressing wires my parents ordered for Christmas. (Blocking kills my back, the less time spent on a temporary blocking the better!)

None of the blocking photos turned out that great thanks to the lighting but here's an ok photo:





Another photo after it was dry and the pins removed:



Pattern: Leaf Lace shawl (Fiber Trends)


I don't want to stop flipping it around and playing with it, it's so light and airy. I wish I knew more people who wore lace, sadly I am not one of those people. Of all the things I've knit this is my most favorite, even though I wouldn't wear it myself. Isn't it ironic, don't ya think? Hmmm. I might make myself a wear-around-the-house shawl in DK or worsted yarn to keep warm but I can't imagine wearing something this delicate.

Lace musings

When I inherited my grandmother's beautiful furniture I also received a box of fine lace tablecloths for the dining room table and lace runners for the buffet. I wish grandma could tell me who made them because I now have a better idea of how much time and skill went into their creation.

Lace musings
Just a few things I've learned...

1) Denise circular needles work really well with laceweight yarn because they are so light. I switched to a Susan Bates circular in the middle of this shawl (thinking it'd be more secure) but I went right back to the Denise circular on the next row. The weight of the metal needle was too much for the yarn and it messed up my rhythm. Denise offers 40" and 52" cables but they have to be purchased separately, they're not included in the kit. The extra cords are worth the cost imo, I don't trust two shorter cables connected together (bad experience, already blogged about it). Bamboo and wood circs might work as well as the Denise needles but I don't own any circs made from those materials to compare.

2) I've read suggestions to put a white pillow case under the lace while its being worked but the idea of delicate yarn repeatedly rubbing against fabric didn't sound too appealing. Instead of a pillow case I place a white plastic garbage bag on my lap, the shawl slips and slides over the bag without any friction.


Use a plastic bag to protect the lace from dirt and wear


3) Scan and print the charts (or photocopy) and work from the copy so the original pattern or book stays clean. It also helps to enlarge the charts, this can be done in a paint program if you're working with a scan or a copy machine can do enlargements easily.

4) Magnet boards are located in the needlepoint aisle at craft stores and they aren't very expensive, around US$5.50 for an 8 x 10 size. (Save some bucks and buy it at Joann's/Michael's with one of their ubiquitous 40% off coupons.) Slip the board into a page protector with the pattern copy. I prefer to keep track of rows completed on scrap paper stuck to the board, a magnet glued to the pen cap keeps the pen handy. The red and white magnetic ruler comes with the board and its used to designate the row that's being worked. A magnetic line magnifier is an optional accessory. (Post-it notes can be used instead of a magnet board if you don't mind replacing the notes when they lose tack and fall off the pattern.)

chart sheet copy & magnet board in page protector

note the magnet on pen cap


5) I use a long piece of cotton string with a loop tied in the middle instead of a ring marker because rings can slip to the wrong side of a YO.




Tomorrow: finished shawl photos, it's blocking right now

Unblocked lace is ugly

Lace sure is ugly until it's blocked. In this photo you can clearly see where the beginning of the shawl was already blocked (see Nov 4th post). Meg Swansen compares unblocked lace to a dishrag, so very true.



Funny!

I'm just now finishing the 14th repeat of chart #2. It looks small in its shriveled up state but I don't want it to be too big so I'll pin it out after 16 repeats to see if it's time to start the edging. There are other things that need to be done in time for Christmas mailings but I'm obsessed with finishing this shawl first.

Li commented: I buy my beads in Fairhaven at the Bead Bazaar

Aha! That's a great little shop, it has been in that same location for ages -- well, a long time for a small craft based business. I remember buying beads there in 1991/92 -- I wonder how long it had been open at that point? I'm thinking about adding delicate silver beads to this shawl, on all the edging points (it's an option in the pattern). If you like peanut butter try the peanut butter pie at the Colophon (one slice is enough for two or three people). I still need to check out the new Village Books.

Jessica asked: Are you making up that cobweb lace pattern?

I'm using the Leaf Lace pattern from Fiber Trends again. It's written so you can use any weight yarn. You always start with 2 sts (at the neck) regardless of the yarn so you stop when it seems the right size and then add the edging. I always get a little thrill when someone else says they like Lone Star, what a movie!