Delusions of Lace - Sigh...

After seeing the ease with which Carole, TeresaC and Kim wore small triangular shawls, that lace bug has bitten me rather hard. I'm finding it difficult to resist new projects, new ideas, and new yarn.  Knitting on Jóhö has been slow and I'm still slogging away, albeit a little unwillingly. I'd love to start something new.  Focus must be maintained or I'll be off on another lace adventure with nary a look back. While this long slog continues, I'll just dream. 

It's very, very difficult to hold off knitting with this beautiful lace yarn of Kim's.  It has invaded my every thought since she put it in my hands and I began the search for the perfect project as soon as I could.  While there are dozens and dozens of gorgeous shawls and stoles, nothing really spoke to me. Cara suggested designing my own with Evelyn Clark's book "Knitting Lace Triangles".  I'm playing with options now and, when done, ALL bets are off.

Susan spun this gorgeous yarn as a single a long time ago and, because she wasn't crazy about the color (too pink) she gave it to me!  Lately I've been feeling a bit sad that I haven't knit with it.  However, it started to call to me from deep within the lace bin and it has now been released into the light of day.  The project I've decided on would be the perfect melding of pattern (designer) and yarn...to wit, Susan's Spring Things Shawl.

Another lace project that has totally turned my head is Miriam's new Aspen Grove Shawl, in collaboration with Anne and Wooly Wonka (Look under On-line Store and then 'Kits'.) The shawl construction is a unique half octagon, which gives the fabric an elegant drape.  Anne dyed the yarn in two inspired colors, Quaking Aspen and Vermont Maples.  The Aspen colorway is exactly the color of the aspen forests in the mountains at this moment, there is just a touch of yellow as fall starts to show off its colors.   I'm rather partial to the Vermont Maples colorway, however.  If you order the kit before October 1st (you have just a few more days) shipping is free.

But wait! There's more lace filling my head.  The most likely project I'll knit from the new Knitty is Romi's Muir.  It had been on my mind with no real idea of yarn or start date, that is until I saw this Rowan Kidsilk Spray at the LYS.  The shades of gray really caught my eye and there is nothing like it in my stash.  Muir and the yarn are banding together to sing a beautiful siren song, one I hope to resist for just a bit longer!

While drooling my way through Véronik's new book I fell for the Portrait Scarf , another uniquely constructed lace project, and have had my eye out for the right yarn, ¦the right color.  There were possibilities in my stash, but when I saw Anne's beautiful PINK Kid Mohair/Silk at the Festival, I knew it was 'just perfect'. 

Véronik also has a pattern called the Warm Wrap and that will be on my future list, at least for now it will stay in the future queue, it MUST stay in the future queue.

Speaking of a warm wrap, Ewe-tah grrl's, Cheryl and Lark, have teamed up to create two beautiful projects.  Lark is working towards 'living the dream' on her Skylark Meadows Ranch.  Her newly created yarns are so luxurious and Cheryl's designs show off the qualities of the yarn beautifully. The alpaca content is perfect for this warm wrap...I'm a little crazy for the vest, however.  There are so many talented artisans in our knitting group!

Meanwhile, I think I'll keep slogging along on  Jóhö.  She'll be done someday, don't you think? 

Sigh.

Comments

[Kim]

I LOVE, loved loved Lark's yarns and Cheryl's alpaca stole! The colors in Lark's yarns are to die for and the stole is just so pretty!

[Beth]

Hang in there Margene - if you don't manage to finish Joho during this go-round, she'll be a horrible nag later. Personally, I'd completely understand if you couldn't resist Kim's yarn - those colors!

[Chris]

Oh my. How to decide?! That yarn of Kim's is fabulous.

[ruth]

Holy moley! I just reskeined yarn I dyed a couple of days ago, and it looks exactly like Kim's yarn. Weird space music in background!

I have 2 shawls in progress, and all I want to knit are socks. And a lovely sweater I'd like to wear to Rhinebeck, and a BSJ for a baby. And all I'm doing is dyeing yarn and knitting socks. AND I'm retired, and I still don't have enough time.

[Kim]

I fell in love with those singles that Susan spun for you awhile back---a lace project, eh? Fabulous choice!! You're making me itch to get back to the Forest Canopy....

[Alison]

It's hard sticking with the same project, isn't it? Especially when there's pretty lace involved :-)

I've been having a tough time slogging through on Hex Coat. Moss stitch. Ugh. Still have half the back, plus the sleeves before I get to the interesting hexagons. And then there's the Cap Shawl. Lovely lace, but at over 600 stitches a round now, it's a wee bit tedious as well.

[Margaret]

That is quite an impressive queue! If only I could knit lace half as fast as I can add projects to my list, I'd be covered in wraps in no time. I'm almost as tall as you, and rather than them looking too teeny, I find the small shawls are a perfect size for just a bit of warmth on my neck and shoulders without the ends fluttering around and getting in the way.

[Carole]

Just think how great it will feel to have Joho done - you can do it, I'm cheering you on!

[Birdsong]

I am feeling the same temptations! I fell in love with Romi's Muir last weekend and it is partly because of the deep sense of place I have for my home state, much as the aspens call to you and Anne. However, the most wearable items are the small shawls, and doesn't Carole look cute in hers?! You will love working Spring Things, and it is easy enough that you could substitute it for a sock as a carry-along, with Joho still getting that special at-home attention... just sayin'.

[Roxie]

Why is it that starting is the best part of the knit? Finishing, even though it means getting to wear the product, just doesn't obsess me the way starting does.

[Wool Winder]

I think the trouble with the triangle shawls I've made in the past is that they are too big for me. I'm ready to try a smaller size. They seem easier to wear--more like a scarf.

[Danielle]

Wow, I think I might be catching the lace bug from you!

[Heather Joins The Round]

So many knits, so little time!

[colleen]

Oooh, decisions, decisions. I vote VEST!

[elizabeth]

Yes, yes, she will be done - one stitch at a time! I've been vest crazy lately too and just got some tweedy yarn...but I have to finish up a couple of current projects first.

[Cayenne]

I can't stop thinking about Mim's Aspen Grove shawl either and I love the Vermont Maples too! Ahh! I don't really like knitting lace shawls, so this is really driving me crazy. Trying to finish up a project you aren't loving while other more tempting ones are calling to you is really hard! Good luck!

[Marcia Cooke]

When do you sleep?

[Kim]

There are so many of Mim's shawls I'd like to knit. It's odd, though--I really like knitting lace, and I love how it looks just sitting by itself, but I rarely wear the little bit of lace that I've finished. (It just doesn't really "go" on me, or something.) I think I'm more of a cable girl when it comes down to it.

Except for socks. I do love holes in my socks.

[marie in florida]

Joho-a-go-go. you'll make it. i love the Muir, and it makes me think of a long wide stole crochet actually , with the old standby; pineapple pattern. so, yeah, i'm with you on startitis.

[Blog Free Val]

No. Not this time, Margene. Your long list of new yarns, new patterns and new projects will NOT dissuade me from my vow to finish all projects currently on needles before I cast on or buy one more thing. And I have set a December deadline. IF I keep my promise, I will be able to start the EPS sweater with the rest of you. If not, the grey poncho will lie unfinished with me in my coffin. Oh the ignominy.

[Lark]

Okay, Margene. It's time. You must let the others in on your secret. The first being that lace takes 1/2 the time because it's really 1/2 holes! At least, that's my take on your productivity. It's got to be that grrls, what else could it be? Knitting under the pillow at night?

Thanks for the great tip to readers about Cheryl's lovely new designs and my new yarns. But you've got me thinking, hmmm, pinks are definitely missing from the colorways...

Blue skies!

[claudia]

Keep slogging. You won't regret it.

[Lucia]

I think everybody has a touch of startitis just now. (Not that you're contagious or anything.) I myself have been thinking about cables for weeks, and now you have me entangled in thoughts of lace again. Or maybe Fair Isle? Arghh...

[Tina-Ladydove]

Did you ever get around to the 'somewhat' lacy Memories of Ukraine pullover? I was able to test knit it for Knitpicks last may. I look at the project now and can't believe I knitted it, but it wasn't a bad project while I was knitting. But it is mostly just the same few lines over and over. I was bored with it pretty quick.

[Kathy]

You know what, I'm making my Spring Things in hot(hotish) pink too!

[Vicki]

Oh my, this is NOT the post to read if one is trying to STAY THE COURSE, any course!! But, yeah, thanks for all the new and wonderful things to consider!!
; )

[Katy]

enabler...sharing all those wonderful patterns!

[Kelly]

Wow! You have lots of beautiful patterns picked out and some gorgeous yarn to knit them with.

[Wanda]

I cast on for a lace pattern and now with the feel of fall in the air, I'm less interested in knitting lace. Or I do want to do lace, I want to do it with a heavier yarn. I'm really wanting the curl up and warmth feeling, vs. light and airy. I know mohair or alpaca would be good for that, but can't use it due to allergies.

But with something fingering weight, I might not have a problem doing it. Hmm, I do still want to make Susan's canopy shawl. Might be the trick. But oh the queue is so long. I forgot about Muir, thanks for reminding me.

[Anne]

Once a lace ho, always a lace ho. I'm sure it won't be long before you've got a lace project going. Joho or no joho (say THAT 3 times fast!). :)

[Beth S.]

Lace lace lace! I'm with you--too many wonderful patterns, not nearly enough time. ;-)

I'm going to do Muir too, probably in pink, for a friend of mine who needs a bit of cheering up. But I probably won't have time to start it until after Rhinebeck... sigh.

[Pat]

I had put lace of all kinds on the back burner in favor of hats and mittens - but now...

[KarenJoSeattle]

I find smaller shawls, more like a larger, wider scarf, much more usefull on a day to day basis. I've been knitting quite a few rectangular ones lately.

I always want to start way too many things as the weather turns. Luckily for me my big project right now is a nice basic cardigan in a handpaint that I want to wear. That keeps me going on it.

[Cookie]

Too pink?!

Never!

[Suzanne]

Ah, the temptation of lace. I will admit to ordering the Vermont Maple kit the minute I saw it was available. I also purchased the Spring things pattern a few weeks ago and have yarn stashed to make it.

I can't wait to see what you come up with from Evelyn Clark's new book. I bought it but gave it to my mother to give to me for Christmas because I don't even want to be tempted by it.

All your links just make me want to make more and I just don't have time.

[Rachel]

You confuse me! I have a problem choosing the temptation I can't resist in this long list of yours, so maybe it is a good thing? :)

[Tonia]

So much lovely lace and yarn how will you ever choose what to do first?

[Teyani]

so much amazing lace, so little time :-)
Muir is divine, as is Mim's new pattern too.
I say knit them both. hah.

[Sharon]

Process, sweetheart...do you really need to be reminded? :) And your talk of Vermont Maples...this time last year I was getting ready to head out to Vermont. I bet the colors are just about ready to peak. That's both a beautiful and a sad thought.

[Madame Purl]

I'm with you there. Totally bitten by the lace bug. I'm loving those smaller shawls. I would have a hard time deciding on those myself. Can't wait to see what you choose.

[Laurie]

Kim's yarn is always fabulous, but you must get Joho off your back. She is nagnagnagging you.

[Cheryl S.]

You obviously need to stop working, so that you have more time to knit.

[Jennifer]

I'm having the same lace problem, and your post has not helped but has now expanded my lace dreams! Ack!

[Romi]

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Love lace. :) That ksh is going to look so amazing as Muir! I can't wait to see!