A Little Lace

Okay, so I know that over 1200 people have knitted the Shetland Triangle by Evelyn Clark, so what's the big deal if I made one too? Well, I don't knit lace. I find it difficult and I have to concentrate so hard that it takes most of the enjoyment out of knitting. However, I fell in love with the Swallowtail Shawl and wanted one very badly. I knew I would screw it up, so I didn't even attempt it, but I always had the pattern at the top of my list of things to make someday. Then my friend, Kathy kept posting all these wonderful lace projects on her blog. (She's an amazing knitter.) Finally, I decided to give it a whirl. I decided on the Shetland Triangle but discovered that it was only available in Wrap Style , and this was the only pattern in the whole book that I liked. I didn't want to spend that much money on a book for one pattern and our local library is useless when it comes to knitting books. At last, Interweave Press had a huge book sale on their damaged books and wouldn't you know it, Wrap Style was on sale for only $5.00! That's less than the cost of one pattern! Feeling pretty pleased with myself, I decided to go forward. I saw this gorgeous green bamboo yarn that was hand dyed by Melanie of The Knitting Siren. (Yes, that's the same Melanie of Turtle Butt fame!) The yarn is called "The Grass is Always Greener" and you have to see it in person to appreciate how pretty it is.

This last picture gives you some idea of the sheen. I had never knit with bamboo before. I found it to be a little splitty and I had to pay close attention, but then again, I have to pay close attention when I'm knitting lace anyway!! I have to confess that I think I may be a convert to lace now. The pattern was pretty easy to memorize and I only had to go back to a lifeline once! I'm not sure that I'm ready to tackle the Swallowtail yet, but its prospects of getting made are definitely looking better!!