I started this with a bit of hubris: I have done lace before, I can handle this! You know what they say; pride goes before a fall. I got through the border just fine (which is where I was last week), and I really liked it, and I didn't want to have to redo it. It turns out the pattern starts in one of the most difficult spots. After the first time I had to pull it out I added a rescue line, and I had to use it 4 (four!) times pulling out what I had done until I finally figured out the pattern. I finally did, and this is almost 2 vertical repeats of the pattern. I ended up having to put stitch markers between each of the horizontal pattern repeats to be able to keep my place so I could catch my mistakes within 20 stitches instead of after 1 1/2 rows.
Part of the problem as well is that there were no written directions for the lace pattern, only a chart:
(It is my first time to knit lace from a chart.)
On the first repeat I used a low tack cellophane tape and moved it up each time I finished a row. The main problem with that is that the tackiness got used up, plus it didn't highlight the whole row, so I changed over to using a dry erase marker. (The pattern is in a sheet protector.) It works great! You can see how the earlier rows are getting erased, but the current row I am working on is nice and bright.
This is for one of DD2's friends who just adopted a baby; another one of her friends is going to have a baby girl any day now, so we have a pattern picked out and yarn bought for a baby blanket for her too. These are small blankets, just big enough to cover the baby in a stroller or a car seat without too much drooping over the side.
I feel like I know a little bit how my grandma felt. She would make anything for you that you asked for (in crochet, not knitting, but the principle is the same) as long as you provided the idea and the materials. I can remember hearing someone ask her to make a crocheted curtain, and I kind of gulped a little bit, because it was such a big job, but she loved doing it: it gave her a purpose, and supported her handwork habit without a lot of cost or build-up of stash. I am afraid the stash issue is a lost cause for me, but I am loving making useful things.
I took advantage of her enjoyment in making things too; she made me an afghan and a quilt, at my request. My mom has two crocheted coverlets that cover twin beds all the way to the floor, plus assorted linens (pillowcases), an edging that mom used on curtains, and assorted doilies and hankies. I sure do miss my grandma!
Talk to you soon!
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