One of the suggestions in one of the books was don't do lace knitting when you are tired. I would have to strongly agree with this. It's no fun "un-knitting"! Luckily, I haven't had to do too much of it.
Day Eleven knitting time...6.5 hours
Total knitting time...30.6 hours
Oh yeah, I finished the third edge and started the fourth.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Day Ten
THE YARN IS HERE! THE YARN IS HERE! THE YARN IS HERE!
If anyone needs me, I'll be knitting...
Day Ten knitting time...5 hours
Total knitting time...24.1 hours
If anyone needs me, I'll be knitting...
Day Ten knitting time...5 hours
Total knitting time...24.1 hours
Monday, February 27, 2012
Day Eight
Well, yesterday was day eight and was also a Sunday. Therefore, there was no mail and no yarn. I am still waiting for today's mail. Unfortunately, the extent of tracking on the package is a shipping date of February 20. Sure hope it comes today.
One interesting thing I've learned about the history of Shetland lace knitting is that it is so fine and delicate that many of the women who did the lace knitting were excused from regular household chores. This was because calluses and hangnails could get snagged on the fine yarn. We all know how easy it is to snag a pair of hose or a sweater. I've actually done this myself while knitting some of the samples. I have a callus on my thumb that's actually from knitting (not from housework) and I've caught it on the yarn and pulled a hole. Very frustrating! And I don't think I am using the finest yarn available. I think for that I would actually have to order from the Shetland Islands.
One interesting thing I've learned about the history of Shetland lace knitting is that it is so fine and delicate that many of the women who did the lace knitting were excused from regular household chores. This was because calluses and hangnails could get snagged on the fine yarn. We all know how easy it is to snag a pair of hose or a sweater. I've actually done this myself while knitting some of the samples. I have a callus on my thumb that's actually from knitting (not from housework) and I've caught it on the yarn and pulled a hole. Very frustrating! And I don't think I am using the finest yarn available. I think for that I would actually have to order from the Shetland Islands.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Days Six and Seven
Days Six and Seven
Still no yarn, so no knitting, at least not on the shawl. I always have something going on.
Still no yarn, so no knitting, at least not on the shawl. I always have something going on.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Day Five
So, today I finished the second edge of the shawl and started on the third before I ran out of the first ball of yarn that I have. I am waiting for an order from Patternworks with more yarn. I hope it comes tomorrow. The yarn I am using is Filatura Di Crosa Golden Line Nirvana. It is extrafine, 100% merino wool. I am using US size 1 needles.
Just for the record, I know I am early in the process, but I am loving this. I wish I could make a living knitting Shetland lace.
Day Five knitting time...3.5 hours
Total knitting time...19.1 hours
Just for the record, I know I am early in the process, but I am loving this. I wish I could make a living knitting Shetland lace.
Day Five knitting time...3.5 hours
Total knitting time...19.1 hours
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Day Two
I have finished the edging for the first side. Three more to go. I spent three and half more hours on this today bringing the total time for the almost two yards of edging to thirteen. Time to start the next side.Day Two knitting time...8 hours
Total knitting time...17.5 hours
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Day One
My precious middle daughter, Natalie, is getting married in October. I have decided to make her a Shetland lace wedding shawl for the occasion. This is quite an undertaking. It's not unusual for me to set tasks for myself that seem insurmountable at the time. Only time will tell. I will try to use this blog to track my progress. Maybe that will help me stay on track.
I spent much time researching online. I have a book on Shetland lace by Sarah Don that I bought in Scotland when we were there (unfortunately, we never actually made it to the Shetland Islands). Then I splurged on a book by Sharon Miller called Heirloom Knitting. Besides the patterns and instructions, both books contain some very interesting history. I will try to share some of the history as I go along.
There are several ways to approach the construction of a Shetland lace shawl. The traditional method is to knit the edges first and then knit from the outside in. The most common modern method is to knit the center first, then add the borders and the edging. I am using the traditional approach. So far today, I have spent almost seven hours knitting. I have about a yard of edging. I have chosen the pattern Ocean Waves Edging on page 78 of Heirloom Knitting. I chose this because both Natalie and her fiancee, Steven, both work for and have a passion for the preservation of the Gulf coast. I haven't chosen the border or center patterns yet.
I will share pictures as I go along.
Back to knitting...
Day One knitting time...9.5 hours
Total knitting time...9.5 hours
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