I did it. I started a lace shawl. I’m so scared and going so slowly…but I’m doing it. I’m working on the
Adamas Shawl from Knitpicks – my secret pal sent me all the stuff to make it so why not. I actually started to cast on for Birch but then got distracted, read a few blogs on lace knitting, and decided that I really need to learn how to knit from a chart. And, well, with the Adamas shawl there is no choice – the directions are ONLY in chart form. So I can’t even look back at the directions for "reference". And you know what? It kind-of is starting to make sense. I understand what the chart means so far. Ok yeah I’ve had a few screw-ups… and I’m only through the first chart (20 rows)… but nothing is perfect the first time you try it….and well… I’m doing it!
Ok… I want to use lifelines – I’ve read they are the way to go with lace… so what I did was I ran a doubled up string of sewing thread through the stitches after the first chart and then just kept knitting from there. You can see it in the picture – it’s the black thread… That’s what a lifeline is right? Just an extra place to find your stitches? I hope the thread I used isn’t too skinny… but I didn’t want to use anything big or I was afraid it would make my stitches wonky… is that really a problem? I don’t really know what I’m doing here at all…. but it's fun!
***Edit: Duh. I meant to say the ADAMAS shawl not the Adams shawl. Oops... Also it was designed by Miriam Felton and you can visit her blog
here.
Your shawl looks gorgeous! You've got a great start. Isn't it exciting? I know it's slow at first, but you'll get the hang of it, and it'll start to go faster. I promise. And your lifeline looks fine -- all you need is something to hold on to your stitches in case you need to rip back.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty color.
ReplyDeleteomg - now i'm even more nervous about this lifeline/lace business ;)
ReplyDeletehowever, by the time i'm ready to start branching out, you'll be a pro and can hold my hand thru the whole process :)
keep up the good work, girlie - it looks great!
Hi Jeanne, You got me motivated to try a crocheted shawl. It took me 9 tries to figure out that the pattern started in the top middle of the long side of the shawl. I kept assuming I was on one of the corners and couldn't figure out why it wasn't going right. I never did so much ripping out in my life. I'm making "Country Cotton Shawl" www.lionbrand.com.patterns/ccc-shawl.html (except I changed it a little bit.)
ReplyDeleteDo you mean the Adamas Shawl? I have the yarn and pattern ordered and they are due in any day now.
ReplyDeleteI just started the Seraphim Shawl also by Mim. Every so often I get the urge to knit lace, but lately I've wanted stockinette so I'm hoping this one will be perfect.
ReplyDelete