Tuesday, July 29, 2008

New Project: Red Lace Scarf

My first attempt at knitting lace! Since I took this pic I have knit about 4 times the length, and I'm really pleased with the result. Eventually it will be a scarf for my sister, but on 3mm needles with super fine yarn that day is someway off! Christmas maybe.

New Project: Lace Scarf

I bought the yarn a little while back at a craft fair, and even though I hadn't knit lace before, and didn't feel the strongest of motivations to try it at this stage, once I saw the yarn I HAD TO HAVE IT. You know of what I speak. It's a very fine 2ply 100% merino wool by Aussie brand Kaalund Yarns. The colourway, Poinsettia.

Kaalund Lace Weight

I took the lace stitch pattern, the romantically named Openwork On Angle 2 (evocative, non?) from a useful little book called "400 Stitch Patterns". I'm just going to knit it until the yarn runs out, and then it will be deemed Long Enough.

Kaalund Lace Weight

Once the scarf is blocked (soaked, stretched slightly and pinned out to dry in shape) the lace pattern will really come alive. The end result is a series of slightly curved zig zags that have a sort of Art Deco look. My sister isn't really a girly, girly lacey kind of gal, so hopefully something a bit geometric will appeal to her.

Part of the fun for me is trying new things, new techniques, and I'm enjoying knitting lace so far. Ok, so in a few thousand rows more time it won't be 'new' but I'm sure the lure of a finished object will keep me focussed for the long hard yards ahead.

9 comments:

Michael said...

What a gorgeous color, perfect for a scarf because you just want to wrap yourself in it.

Part of the fun for me is trying new things, new techniques, and I'm enjoying knitting lace so far. Ok, so in a few thousand rows more time it won't be 'new' but I'm sure the lure of a finished object will keep me focussed for the long hard yards ahead.

True of knitting (?), true of so many things.

The Other Andrew said...

True, it's the best kind of reds. Deep, rich, Papal even.

And on your second point, abos-friggin'-lutely.

Cecilia said...

ooh! so pretty!
be careful--lace can be really addictive!

Tom said...

Wow, that looks spectacularly difficult! "Hard Yards" probably very literally too seeing as you've started on a scarf!

Are you doing that knitting thing they keep on advertising on ABC Radio? I'm sure James will be able to fill you in... :)

jason said...

beautiful color! Makes me want a raspberry sorbet.

freakgirl said...

It's gorgeous. I love/hate knitting lace.

Cozalcoatl said...

Great colour...
Can you send me you address...i know the street but not the number

Ur-spo said...

dear me that looks complex
i didn't know lace was knit.

Megz said...

Wait till you block it - bestest feeling EVA to watch the pattern come out. Be careful or you'll be addicted to lace........