Learning from Lace

Today, I'm excited to be part of Donna Druchunas' blog tour for her soon-to-be-released book, Successful Lace Knitting: Celebrating the Work of Dorothy Reade. My knit pullover, inspired by Indian tunics, is one of the knit designs featured in the book, each design an interpretation of one of Reade's lace patterns.

Each designer was allowed to choose a lace pattern. When I first saw the lace swatch, I envisioned a woman standing with her hands outstretched in triumph or celebration. Once I started knitting, the floral pattern seemed to reveal itself.

I prefer to make things that I'm drawn to or connect to in some way. For me, this beautiful lace patten was about celebration and renewal.

The lace in the pullover I designed mimics the detailed embroidery generally found on the yoke and hemline of traditional Indian tunics. I pulled out a simple eyelet pattern from part of the lace and used it to add a little interest throughout the body. Although the lace is more of an accent in the pullover than the main feature, I think it still makes a statement.

I wanted to create a sweater that felt light, so I chose to work with skinny yarn. I chose Jagger Spun, The Maine Line yarn in fingering weight. Unlike a lot of knitters, I don't have a huge stash and I had never worked with Jagger Spun. But based on yarn reviews and its vibrant color selection, I took a chance. Once I started knitting, I knew I had made the right choice. It is a soft, lightweight wool that knits up beautifully.

I have to admit that I never considered myself to be much of a lace knitter. I had knit a few eyelet patterns here and there, but the thought of knitting and blocking lace, recovering from any mistakes, and reading those charts...well, I just knew that was never going to happen. But you know what they say about saying "never."

I was surprised that I found a flow to knitting lace and even reading the charts. I have learned to love it and have learned so much about lace-knitting from Dorothy Reade's style. Not only did I reach a point where the knitting began to make sense, I felt this wonderful anticipation of what the lace would reveal next.

If you'd like more information about Donna Druchunas' book tour and other exciting announcements, visit her blog, Sheep to Shawl.

Comments

[del]

Wow, what a beautiful sweater! I have Donna's book on Arctic Lace where she talked about visiting Alaska and I love it; I'll have to pick this one up, too. So glad you've discovered the joy of lace!

[L'Tanya]

Thanks, Del. I have Arctic Lace too, but it was just resting on the bookshelf. I read the stories, but hadn't done any of the projects. I think now I'll make something from it.

[Tia]

One day I hope to be able to create something as beautiful as this

[Sonja Chevere]

I love this pattern. Absolutely beautiful!

[Marney]

This is just stunning. What a beautiful design. I'm sooo inspired!

[TurquoizBlue]

Congrats on your very stylish sweater