The nearly Thousandth post Contest
(just another baby legging in the image. Using my socks yarns a little differently)
I think that blogger may not have correctly counted all the posts I've written. I've been posting since 2004 so I guess it is possible. I'm not going to go back and count them all. It says this is post 987. So we'll go with it.
Im having a little contest for the milestone, but I have had writer's block since I decided on the 1000th post contest. So to take the pressure off, we are just going to do this now. :) I get crazy with pressure around events of all kinds. I just do.
To enter: Please please please only leave a comment about this post on this post. Im much too flakey to search around differnt posts, afterall there are nearly a thousand (did I mention that number already? sorry....)
Leave a comment telling me anything about Lace. If you dn't know anything about Lace, ask someone and share their knowledge. Do tell us who gave you this lace advice, to make it fun.
TRY to encourage me. I am going to knit lace next. I really am. I may have to rip it out over and over and over, but I am going to succeed.
Tell my why I shouldn't just crochet. The last time I wanted to knit lace I ended up crocheting instead.
That's it. That's all. Just something about lace.
THe prize: wonderful summer sock yarn and other little goodies.
The Deadline: let's say Friday march 13th. Historically not a good day for me. I don't like the ides of March. I'll like it if I can give a prize away this year.
I might have a cat named Lacey some day.....if you have a cat named lacy, prove it and that can be your entry!
I'll talk to you in the comments. :)
Comments
Debra in NC
Lace knitting is just like any other kind of knitting, just with more decreases and yarn overs. If you're just starting out I would suggest tons and tons of stitch markers. If you mark each one of your lace repeats, it's a lot easier to spot where you may have gone wrong if something is screw-y. I also agree with Debra in NC - lifelines are awesome! This I've learned from experience...
Also crochet uses 3x more yarn than knitting
But if you feel up to crocheting, why bother lace? LOL... I might come up with a little something to try for you soon...
About March 13: It is my husband's birthday!!! And on the 20th our Wietse is turning two. Turn something not so nice, into something festive. Your posts always are a pleasure to read although I have the impression that you're having winter blah's at the moment.
Lace - first learn how to wind laceweight yarn into a ball. I have not personally mastered that, but I do collect beautiful laceweight yarn in case the day ever dawns when I can attempt it.
Now wasn't that helpful :-)
And happy 987th!
And congratulations on getting ready to test the waters of lace knitting. It's not nearly as scary as it seems from the shore!
I heartily agree with Rachel O that you can make it seem less intimidating by not using laceweight yarn. Sock-weight or even sportweight can make beautiful lace without being as fiddly.
Also, you don't have to start with something big. How about a lace bookmark or headband, almost as a swatch? Or a lace cowl instead of a full shawl?
The first lace knitting project that I ever completed was a complicated wedding shawl on small needles. I don't recommend that strategy. But the good news is that I've kept on knitting lace, although in smaller quantities and larger gauges.
p.s. I posted about your contest on WiKnit!
As has been said, start with something that's not laceweight. You can go with worsted if you like, or use some solid or semi-solid sock yarn. Lace can be done in any weight! Pick something that has a memory (such as wool) and a fairly tight twist so you don't have problems with splitting the yarn when doing k2togs and such.
Then pick a fairly simple lace pattern from any stitch dictionary. Cast on the required number of stitches to fit the lace pattern, plus six extras for the edges. Knit about six rows, then keep three stitches at each edge in knit stitches for the selvedge and do the lace pattern in between. Go as long as you like, then do five rows of knitting and bind off. Viola! You've knit a lace scarf.
For the pattern, pick something where the wrong-side rows are all purl stitches. That way you can count stitches on the way back and quickly fix any missed YOs.
Everything else is just practice.
I crochet, too, and you can do lovely crochet lace patterns (shout out to Doris Chan here), but knitted lace can be so much more delicate and beautiful.
Oh, and if it all looks like a blob when you finish, don't worry! Give it a soak and stretch it out to block. That's when the magic of lace really happens! :)
BUT, once you've finished, and you've blocked the thing, you see what you have accomplished, the feeling is like no other in the world. You see that beautiful, whispy, wonderful creation, and you think, "I did that. I DID THAT! Boy, I can do anything, now!"
And you know you've accomplished something magical.
That's the point when you have to be careful. Knitting lace is more addictive than crack. Ask me how I know. (Not about crack. About lace knitting.)
Go on, give her a go. Get yourself hooked!
I am sure you are above all of that right? Best of luck with it.
And remember, if it's not fun, faggetaboutit. Lace knitting can be wonderful, and it always feels great to have accomplished something new, but if it stresses you out, it's not worth it.
I was at my LYS today and they had several lovely lace shawls done in sport and worsted weight yarns. And, they're more practical in cold Chicago winters anyway. :-)
YOU CAN DO THIS!
Lace. I'm not that good with lace, but whenever I've succeeded, it was a combination of stitch markers and reading the pattern through a few times before swatching that made the difference.
Good luck!
teabird 17 at yahoo dot com
I use one for each pattern repeat. That way you can count between the markers and make sure you have the right number of stitches in small intervals and if you don't you know right away where the problem is. In the beginning, I would count each section on every row. Now that I'm more confident it's not that necessary, but I still do it every couple of rows.
Have fun. Be brave!
Most of all, relax, sit in a room with litte disractions when you start and enjoy. g
1. Use a lifeline. I used dental floss.
2. stitch markers between every repeat are very helpful.
My scarf isn't perfect but I artfully drape it to cover the one major booboo and feel happy that the rest looks pretty darn good. It's definitely worth trying!
I'm sure all this has been said already, but yes-lifeline. Even if you don't use it, you will feel better having it there.
If you have never done ANY lace before, start small and use a thicker yarn. Maybe make a washcloth or something with a lace design or put a lace insert into a garment.
Maybe start with a pattern like branching out from knitty instead of something like lyra by herbert niebling.
Have a pen or highlighter handy to help you keep track (at least at first.)
Lace is no biggie and you can totally handle it.
Good luck!
1. Magnetic chart holder.
2. Simple plastic stitch markers for the beginning and end of every repeat. Decorative stitch markers snag the lace.
3. Paper and pen to write down each row as completed. It's too easy to lose your place otherwise.
4. A lifeline as described above.
5. A good attitude. Knitting lace is easier than you think.
Chrissy at knittodayAThotmailDOTcom
Make sure you understand the pattern, and you're not intimidated by it. Everything will be fine, I'm sure! Have fun!
Addi lace needles are just a wee bit sticky and have amazing points; both features make knitting lace more pleasurable.
My first big lace project was my wedding stole, and I promised myself I would only think good thoughts while I knit it so the wearing would be embued with those thoughts, too. I put it down if I got frustrated, but that didn't happen too often.
Finally, remember that blocking is truly magic. You will be astounded.
The bikini, just in case, is here http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/2008/07/lacis-bikini.html
Just unlurking to say happy blogiversary, almost, and many many more.
If you are really going to try it, though, my best advice is to use lifelines: they won't save all your knitting but they may very well save your sanity - and the lives and sanity of those who live with you!
Here's a tip, though: regarding my current probably to be ripped project, lace does not look good in handpainted thick-n-thin yarn. You can do it in a nice worsted weight if you want, but not both chunky and handpainted. The other good thing about lace is that thinner yarn is cheaper - you can do a gigantic fabulous project with only one skein of $20 yarn.
http://turvid.blogspot.com/2009/03/free-pattern-one-row-lace-scarf.html
Most people are happy with the result ;)
Good luck!
Start with a small shawl or if shawls aren't your thing how about a scarf or hat. Yes, there are lacey hats.
Get familiar with your symbols if you are using a chart and above all read the pattern first.
A lifeline is your friend. It makes ripping easier.
Enjoy. This is a chance to explore and increase your knitting repetoire.
I knitted my first lace projects in the same summer, a shawl and a cardigan. I love learning and challenges and my goal at that time was to knit lace.
http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/03/majoring_in_lace_introduction_1.html
I'm pretty sure she will more than answer any questions you have about making the lace knitting process easier.
Other tips, use your pointiest needles, and as as someone else said, maybe try starting with heavier yarn for your first attempt and larger needles.
I have a cousin named Lacey, does that count? ^.^
When you get into it all with lace weigth yarn and all, running a lifeline through your piece will be what saves those first projects. Believe me, I learned it the hard way. In the beginning it's a good idea to run the life line through after every repeat of the pattern - later running it through after every 4-5 inches will be ok and in the end a few lifelines or none will work out.
And then stitch markers saves me every single time - it's just easier to count between them than all the way through your needle.
The only thing left to say, is "get started" - the minute you get your lace blocked, you know it will be worth it...
Maybe I'm inspired by all of these comments to try with a heavier weight yarn.
And happy almost-1000
But I'm old so I'm allowed to be opinionated. :-)
My first lace project was the Branching Out scarf from Knitty, and I did it in kid-mohair, never having done lace before and not knowingy really much about it. I figured if I could follow a pattern, knew the stitches, I could figure it out, and i did!
There was some ripping/tinking - quite a bit, don't get me wrong, but it was more because I didn't know about life-lines and how to keep track of my pattern and the like. With all you've knit - you'll be great!
I would recommend Not starting with mohair, but a smoother yarn that is easier to rip out when you make a mistake.
I think the main thing to think about is WHY you're so fixed on knitting lace. Is it a particular pattern? (then go for it) a technique you really want to try/master (go for it) you think lace is pretty (then it doesn't matter crochet/knit - do whatever you want!!) people are telling you you need to try it (forget them - pick up the crochet hook and go with your gut!)
There are beautiful patterns in both crochet and knit lace. Find one that calls to you, find a friend, and go for it!
Good luck!!!
The best advice I got was from Wendy Johnson who told me to not over-think it, always work from a chart, and use a lifeline. Guess what! I still can't knit lace except for the simple stuff like Sky Dive Shawl/Scarf. I feinted the first time someone said "nups" to me!
I also love lace because nothing gets compliments like a shawl. What a way to show off!
1. Do not drink alcoholic beverages!
2. Use a lifeline
3. Count often and count repeatedly!
You can do it! Think of it as a learning experience.
Congratulations on nearing your 1,000 post! Wow! I'm almost to 100....that sounds so small compared to 1,000!
Just think of the wonderful sense of satisfaction you will have when you are done.
I saw the link to your contest on Georgi's blog. I'll be adding you to my contest side bar as well.
I just reached 600+ posts, wow 1000 that's a HUGE milestone.
I suggest not starting out with a superfine laceweight, and certainly not anything expensive or fluffy - which would be murder to rip out...and would also recommend starting your laceknitting journey in a quiet, non-distracting environment - ie. NOT at knit night, a movie theatre, or riding transit! And certainly 'knitting under the influence' would be a recipe for disaster...
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/KnottyKnitter40/easy-flame-lace-scarf
-cthulhulovesme on Rav
Some tips... well, I don't now if someone said it alraedy, but try knitting lace with circular needles (but not in round, just knitting the right side and the wrong side as with straight needles). With circulars, you have more space for the stitches and they don't fall as easily.
And why not just crocheT? I think that you need less yarn when you knit. And the result is different. For me, knitted lace looks more airy than crocheted.
I was going to recommend the addis too.
I love my red clicky counter that I picked up from Micheal's - love the 40% off coupons! You can't count carefully enough with lace.
I totally agree with the no multitasking suggestion - Unfortunately, that's one of my favorite things about knitting.
I would definitely NOT take lace to any knit group. I was feeling really confident with one of my projects and thought that I had it down....until I took it to knit nite that is. Too many funny women with great stories/drama. I got totally distracted and ended up frogging out the whole thing.
What does your pt say about doing a little crocheting? Can you find a pattern with thicker yarn and still use your square needles? Maybe being in your comfort zone will improve your chances of success!
Anyway, thanks for the inspiration every week when I check in. Hope you're not drowning in all this rain. See you Friday for # 1,000!
msuteachergirl
Lot's of folks have mentioned lifelines, sometimes that is a phone line to a very sympathetic friend.
Don't every let the lace sense your fear, lace can smell fear. Approach the lace as the master approaches the beast.
Practice practice practice, and someday you may be knitting lace on the stage at Carnegie Hall.
Keep blogging. That one is for us, we love your blog! Congrats!
Do not start out with a lace weight shawl with over 200 stitches cast on!
Try fingering or sock yarn and a simple lace pattern like the Old Shale or Feather & Fan.
Use lots of stitch markers to mark the pattern repeats.
Use a magnetic board to help keep tract of the row you are on.
And, maybe you shouldn't start out with a German pattern!
diane
fraid2fly1@yahoo.com
Note: Blogger counts saved but unpublished posts as posts. if you delete saved but unpublished posts you should get the correct number.
Ravelry Name: MamaMay
I read that knitting uses up less yarn so not wasting yarn is a good reason to not crochet lace.
Now stop reading and go knit some lace! =D