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March 26, 2007
Inspiration day
Up to row 90 now, so not such a bad Spring Break outcome. I find that two rows is pretty much my limit for one sitting--when I try for a third, my mind starts to wander. A wandering mind is potentially dangerous with this project--picking back stitches (especially in rows with zillions of double decreases) is somewhat nervewracking with this yarn/thread.
In fact, I was very struck by Jean Miles' recent analogy desribing knitting the Princess Shawl being like reading a Henry James novel. I'm thinking more along the lines of War and Peace--(mostly) every bit is enjoyable, but it takes a lot of brain work and perseverence.
Speaking of Princess knitting, you must see the progress of Jean and Kathy on this incredible project. So inspiring.
And if you're in the mood for more lace inspiration, check out lacefreak's lovely Boundary Waters and Wedding Ring Shawl progress, as well as Fleegle's magnificent Dragone shawl and Black Widow Spider King center.
After the disappointment of the Sampler Shawl (thank you for all of your kind words, but, yes, it had to be ripped), I still felt the need to cast on for a project that I could work on with maybe just 99% of the brain turned on. I worked a bit on Cookie A's German Stocking, but I'm worried that it is turning out kind of big. Maybe I should, you know, check my gauge or something.
And then, around 8:30 last night, I dug out my copy of Galina Khmeleva's The Gossamer Webs Design Collection and cast on for the Pine Tree Palatine Scarf edging . ooooh. I like, I like! Photos soon!
Posted by missalicefaye at 12:05 PM | Comments (11)
March 19, 2007
Second thoughts
Here we are at border row 78. This week is also spring break and I have no pressing assignments to complete, so I'm expecting to make some real progress--maybe as many as two rows an evening instead of one!
(I realize that the phrase "spring break" does not usually conjure images of intensive lace knitting, but, really--what were you expecting from me?)
And here is the Sampler Stole from Victorian Lace Today.
You know what? I don't like it. The transitions (i.e., four rows of stockinette stitch) between the leaf patterns are bugging the hell out of me. They seem sloppy. In the book's photos, these areas appear more solid-looking, so maybe it's just my wispy thin yarn that isn't working out.
Time to rip, I think.
Posted by missalicefaye at 01:48 AM | Comments (15)
March 13, 2007
A milestone
A milestone, largely psychological, was reached this weekend: I have now completed Border Chart 1 and have just finished row 66. Only 66 more rows to go! Of course, at this point each row is taking at least an hour, so there are many many many hours left to go.
In an effort to feel that I am making something more than excruciating slow progress on a project, I cast on for the Sampler Shawl from Jane Sowerby's Victorian Lace Today. This pattern consists of strips of lace patterns in chunks of 10-20 rows apiece--meaning that I can finish a motif in a matter of hours rather than weeks. How novel!
I also really wanted an excuse to test drive my brand-new Addi lace needles. I'm using the 2.5mm size--the smallest size currently available, as far as I know. They're definitely grippier than the Knit Picks needles, and the joins are fabulously smooth. However, I've never had a problem with the slickness or the joins of the Knit Picks needles, so they will probably remain my first choice for now, especially since they are significantly less expensive (these Addis cost $13.50). I suspect, though, that the Addis will hold up better over time, and I'll definitely be all over the 2mm size as soon as I can find one....
Note, as well, the use of happy Ukrainian cobweb wool from eBay. Sadly, it doesn't seem to be available there at the moment.
Posted by missalicefaye at 09:29 AM | Comments (8)
March 05, 2007
WRS Fun Facts
Sunday was all about School and a Very Confusing Assignment, but I still managed to take a photo for the weekly Wedding Ring shawl update. I have priorities!
Some nifty WRS facts for you:
--I've just completed row 56 of the border. There are 132 border rows.
--By the time I reach the last border row, there will be approximately 1,516 stitches on the needles.
-- I started this shawl 16 weeks ago.
--It lives in a sexy Ziploc bag when I'm not working on it.
--It is soooo soft. Squishable, even.
--I'd much rather be working on it right now.
Posted by missalicefaye at 01:57 PM | Comments (7)
