Sunday 29 April 2012

Giving it a go

I'm not one for stepping too far out of my comfort zone, I've said before that I've been me for a lot of years so I know what I like.  I'd probably be happy to knit socks and baby items for the rest of my life but I've always had the inkling that I should try more lace knitting.  So this last week I've been tackling Afternoon Tea from Knitty.com
I used some 100% cotton I had in stock, brilliant more stash busting,  found a suitable sized circular needle, though I really don't enjoy knitting with them, and began.  The pattern is pretty simple if a bit confusing because it actually starts with 5 stitches which as if by magic become the centre of the top straight edge .  The lace border wasn't too challenging, a simple 8 row pattern that was easy to follow and correct as required and I did require to a few times.  I also discovered that it's not possible to knit lace, follow the subtitles and complex plot of the new BBC4 crime drama The Bridge and remain calm so don't try that at home.  

Afternoon Tea is a shawlette so it sits prettily on my shoulders, much as the pattern, but is also rather nice wrapped round my neck and will be a pleasing infill for a coat or jacket.  This lacework for beginners hasn't quite satisfied my desire to knit a stunning spidery family heirloom shawl for which I already have some gorgeous 100% cashmere in stock,  but it has scratched the itch for now.



6 comments:

  1. I have to knit lace with absolutely NO distractions around me, or there's no chance of me completing a row successfully! It definitely does get easier the more you do, but I'm a long way off being able to knit lace and keep up any degree of conversation. As for watching TV, no chance!!

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  2. That is pretty. I hate using circular needles too, I think it is because of the joint with the plastic 'wire'.

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  3. That pink cashmere is just so pretty!

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  4. It's looking lovely Jenny! I have to say, I always need to have something completely plain to knit if TV watching...... or talking!! Love the Knitting Goddess skein too. Happy knitting. Ros

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  5. I had just added Afternoon Tea to my favorites list. It looks even lovelier in your pictures - I just adore than cotton you're using!

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  6. Hello,
    I recently found the beautiful Kaffe Fassett cardigan in your blog dated 20 January 2011. I have a similar one, and was hoping that you could help me to find out a little about its history. Please could you tell me the Pattern Design and the Yarn it recommended to use?? Thank you very much.

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