It has a fern motif and a simple edging suitable for beginning lace knitters. The pattern was easy to memorize, it was started at the neck edge and gradually got bigger (so less intimidating than casting on a huge number of stitches) and no fancy lace edging to knit on at the end. I got close to ending it several months ago, but made an error right at the point that required ripping back to the previous pattern repeat. I finally got brave (or maybe bored) enough to stop tinking back and instead pulled the whole thing off the needles and ripped. Ripping kid silk haze is a nightmare, but I managed not to get a pile of knots. Then I realized that I was at the point where I should have been doing the edging anyway, so I commenced with the edging yesterday and it's done. I'm very pleased with it.
This:
is the shawl I talked about below. It's the Icarus Shawl from Interweave Knits (Summer 06 I think). This is also a fairly easy pattern. The yarn is Helen's Lace (silk, merino wool blend) and it is very nice to knit with. I am using size 5 Clover needles and have moved right along. I am nearly at the point of starting the bottom lace section. This shawl also started at the neck edge and has gradually gotten wider.
My great Aunt Dede is turning 100 years old next month and my intention is to give her one of the shawls. So at least one is done and blocking which may make the final decision as to which one she will get, but I am hoping to have the Icarus done by then too. That one will really look good with her blue eyes.
I have already ordered some more lace yarn from Knitpicks....
