Lovely Lace and a Little Contest

A few weeks ago Purlaway held our 2nd workshop, Spring Into Lace with Portland knitwear designer Chrissy Gardiner. The workshop was fantastic (for pictures, comments, and swag details click here). We had such a good time, lots of fabulous attendees, and of course, a great goody bag.

The pattern worked for the class was Chrissy's Toe The Line Shawl. After helping people all day back up, fix mistakes, etc, I figured that I knew that shawl pattern as well as I ever would, so I may as well cast on. I already had some Alpaca Lace that I hand-dyed at a KAH Dye Workshop last year, so viola! I knit me a little shawl!

• Pattern: Toe The Line, by Gardiner Yarnworks
• Yarn: Henry's Attic Alpaca Lace, hand-dyed by moi, 1.7oz or about 590 yards
• Size: 9 repeats of lace pattern, then edging

• Needles: 24" addi Lace needle size US5 (3,75mm) 

This was a furious little knit for me - in speed, I mean (not in aggravation). It's been a long time since I've done any kind of lace, so I was very captivated and engaged. I just wanted to keep going and going. I debated going to 10 repeats (it's so hard to tell when it's still on the needles!), but I'm glad I went with just 9 (thanks Nichole, for talking me out of 10 and the extra couple of hours of knitting that would have required!).

It's been hard to catch a sunny day to do a photoshoot. Scratch that - a sunny day when I'm not in lounge/pajama pants. Sunday was beautiful, but I was focused on gardening and forgot about photos altogether.  

On to the contest part of this post! I was very surprised to only use less than half of my skein of alpaca lace for this shawl! I have approximately 2.3 oz, or about 720 yards, left of this yarn. It's dyed a cool silver/purple colorway, and it could be yours! Just leave a comment on this post with your own feelings about knitting (or NOT knitting) lace, and you'll be entered in the drawing for the remaining Alpaca Lace and 1 Gardiner Yarnworks lace pattern of your choice!

The drawing will be done a week from now on May 27th, and the winner announced on the 28th. So c'mon - how do you really feel about lace?!

Comments

[Mokihana]

I've been afraid to knit lace, actually; I'm so scared that I'll lose track of where I am. I have several lace patterns that I've just looked at.

However, after seening your fabulous shawl, I think I am tempted to take the risk.. using plenty of lifelines!

[Machelle Dotson]

Your Toe the line is Lovely! Your inspiring me to set some WIP's aside and work on mine!

[Marsha Roberts]

I am a fairly new knitter still learning the ropes. I was not aware of knitting lace, but your project is absolutely beautiful. I would love to try it sometime.

[Chrystal]

If only I had the mental capacity right now..... I would love to give lace a try. One of these days...,
Nice job Sarah, it's amazing!

[Patricia, OM]

Beautiful Sarah! I have this pattern, but have been scared to try it. Buuut...once I finish Botanica (on rnd.45) I'll be over to get some of the Addi Lace needles.
I'm curious to learn if knitting lace goes faster than tatting lace.

[Jessica Davenport]

A beautiful knit. I haven't yet worked up the courage to knit lace, but have been quite intrigued by it. Might have to give it a shot.

[Bonney]

I think I'm ready to dive into something lace but I will definitely be going to the hairdresser to have some streaks of purple put in!!

[Lisa]

I love lace! I find it soothing to have a level of concentration on my knitting that makes me mindful of every stitch, and who doesn't love the final product? Add that to the magic that is blocking lace, and you have a sure winner in my book!

[BeckyS]

I would love to try lace. Unfortunately the economy and my two young children (who won't leave my knitting on the needles) have conspired to keep me from lace for now.... :(

[sprite]

Lace is on my to-do list. I have no problem putting it into my socks, but a shawl just seems like such a big project...

[Jody]

> I LOVE lace - but I never seem to finish it. I've got 3 fabulous lace shawls on needles - and it's been that way forever

[maureen]

love lace but have trouble with keeping the stitch count correct.

[diana]

I've started my first lace project and it was such a pain! I had to start over 10 times, literally. I would love another lace project in the queue!

[Missy W]

Lace terrifies me!! But I am almost ready to start a new project, and it sounds like a great one to tackle.

[sydblinks]

I love lace, but haven't knit much of it yet. I bought my first lace weight to make a scarf, and have about 1 inch done so far. However, I have some relatives in warm climates and am looking forward to doing some for them for next 'winter' (when it's 50 deg...)

Your shawl is beautiful, by the way!

[Whistlepea]

I think I'm coming around to lace. I used to find it a huge slog but if the pattern is straightforward enough to memorize it can be meditative.

Your shawl is gorgeous!

[Sarah W.]

Recently got captivated by knitting lace. Couldn't be more addicted, especially with using nice charts. That is a gorgeous color!

[Jeanie]

Your shawl looks so beautiful and dainty! :-)

Lately, since the weather has been getting warmer here in San Diego, I've had an overwhelming desire to knit myself a nice, lacy cardigan or shawl. I recently completed a Textured Shawl for my mom, and would greatly love to knit a more advanced and lacy shawl in the near future. I figure if I read the pattern through carefully before I start, lace shouldn't be too fearful, right? (Well, at least I hope.)

[Seanna Lea]

I love knitting lace. I have a lace top in the works (from French Girl Knits).

Knitting lace makes me feel like an artist or a maestro. It's amazing what a few holes can do. Your Toe the Line is amazing. I haven't made that pattern, but I have been eyeing that one and Kiwassa. So beautiful!!

[Stacey S.]

I have never knitted lace and am intrigued. I am a challenge knitter. I love to conquer a pattern, so lace knitting is on my radar. You yarn colorway is awesome and I adore your shawl.

[April]

I love knitting lace! Recently I've gotten addicted to adding beads to my lace, whether the pattern calls for it or not. Your shawl is beautiful!

[Cindy]

Slightly intimidated by lace. Will try one day though.

[sarah s.]

I love love love knitting lace. Your shawl is gorgeous and I love the color you dyed the yarn! I've been wanting to make a triangular shawl!

[Rachel]

I love lace. I just finished a flutter scarf. A couple of my current projects are lace-ish as they have lots of eyelets. What color is your hair. I did my this week in UltraViolet and my husband keeps telling me if it looks blue or purple.

[Karina]

I like knitting lace, but I've stuck with worsted weight yarns so far, I like the look of chunkier lace. I'd love to try this yarn it's beautiful!