So Girlfriend, how do you fill your time?

[martelvonc]

My son has been in the hospital this week for back surgery. Not the first time we've done time at the hospital and it probably won't be the last. I have learned that one should always take something to do while sitting...and waiting, because there is ALWAYS a lot of waiting. Always.

After reading some random knitting site, I saw a free pattern for knitted lace. I'm always a fan of free patterns and after some digging found I had everything on hand to give this a go. Why not? I have no impending need for knitted lace but heck I love a challenge and what better excuse to start a new project than being with the son in the hospital?

free pattern - check
knitting needles, size 00 - check
rubber caps for the double pointed needles - check
old ball of cotton crochet thread - check
Posty notes to mark the rows - check

Due to the fact that I got interrupted in the middle of rows and lost my place about 15 times, I have finally started to show some progress. It's actually quite fun! Knitting lace is a little like magic. The pattern gives no real hint of how it will work until you've done at lease two repeats of the group of rows. Then all of a sudden you look down and you have lace! Pretty cool!

Here are some photos of where I am so far -

Comments

[ladypyrate.livejournal.com]

You're doing the scallop pattern from the Spring Knitty?? I've been doing that one too. Isn't it just awesome. :)

[martelvonc.livejournal.com]

This one is from the Interweave Press site and is a sample pattern from the book "Lace from the Attic: A Victorian Notebook of Knitted Lace Patterns" (1998) by Nancy M. Wiseman.

The pattern is "Knit Hilton Lace Edging for Pillowcases"

[martelvonc.livejournal.com]

I love the Knitty site! They have awesome patterns and projects. :-)

[martelvonc.livejournal.com]

Ooooo, I like that pattern. I must give it a go! Thanks!

[ladypyrate.livejournal.com]

You are more than welcome! I'll have to check the Interweave patterns. :)

[northernotter.livejournal.com]

Greetings!
Your work looks great! Welcome to an addictive form of knitting... :)

Thought I'd pass along a hint I wish I'd been given a long time ago when I started to knit lace...

Consider putting in a "lifeline" every few repeats or so. A lifeline is made by threading a separate piece of yarn/thread through the loops on the knitting needles. This gives you a known row you can rip back to without loosing all of the yarn-overs and whatnot. Especially good when working on big pieces.


Best wishes for a quick recovery for your son!

[martelvonc.livejournal.com]

Hi! I forgot all about knitting in life lines. This would have saved me some aggravation! lol!

Oh yea, knitting lace is in fact string crack! The rows are so short, the patterns are so challenging. I can stop any time I want to. No really, any time.

[ladypyrate.livejournal.com]

Oh thank you. That is a *wonderful* suggestion!!!

[caemfind.livejournal.com]

Go Martelle!! And I heartily second the life lines idea. It's saved me lots of times. Hope your son is well soon!

[martelvonc.livejournal.com]

Doh! I forgot about this trick.

Gold thread for life lines - check!