Lace knitting right off the needles looks like crap. It's wrinkly, bunched up, way smaller than you anticipate, and basically looks ugly. Add a little water (or steam), some pins and time...
and you get something beautiful.
Project Specs:
Teva Durham's Lace Cravat, from Interweave Knits Winter 02/03
Knitpicks Gloss in Concord Grape - 75% merino, 25% silk - I used less than 1 skein, and a skein is about 200m, so a very economical project!
I also made it longer than the pattern called for - dumbass me didn't trust the measurements on the pattern - it says to knit for 33 inches from the base of the leaf. I wrapped it around my neck while still on the needles, and thought "that's not long enough!" so kept going. Of course, there is a fair amount of stretch during blocking. D'uh! The picture shows it wrapped twice before coming back around to knot it. No biggie, and it can still be done in a day or two even with the extra length!
4.00mm needles
And, I have to say you get something this beautiful in record time. I started this on Thursday, while waiting for my Mom at the hospital. I knit on it, but not exclusively since then, and finished it last night. During that time, I also worked on some socks, and my Son's sweater, as well as dealing with everything else in my life (family, job, asshole boss... yes, he's at it again - I foresee HUGE changes around here in the next little while...)
If this was an exclusive project - easily done in a day or two. It's that great. I've already cast on another one, using 5mm needles, and some hand painted worsted weight merino/mohair blend from Wellington Fibres. It's is a wonderful autumny colourway that will really work with the leaf pattern.
Countdown to the Knitter's Frolic, and stash enhancement extravaganza... 3 days!
3 comments:
Oooh - very cool! And you gave me the inspiration for how I'm going to block the prayer shawl that I knitted for my friend Linda. Grant has these huge foam puzzle pieces that would work great. Thanks for the tip!
Jen
It's beautiful Sandra - see you @the Frolic!!
That's pretty!
I've been meaning to stop by Toys R Us to pick up those foam puzzle pieces for blocking. My only fear is little Miss M taking ownership of them (like she does with most things in the house).
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