Vintage Knitted Lace For Doily

As mother's day is quickly approaching it is time to forage through my vintage patterns. Spring is here...almost... and soon it will be too hot to work with wool.

So...it is time to Experiment!! I am going to knit this lace on a larger yarn in a bright color and see what happens....

Click on the pattern to enlarge and copy...happy knitting!!

The New Knitting Books Are In

I have just purchased Nicky Epstein's latest book " Knitting On Top Of The World" Wow!! I have always liked Nicky and remember her first prize sweater from McCalls Needlework & Crafts design contest in the 1970's.

This book has everything I love. Mind you all of these designs are not wearable...(unless you are a model and a super thin one at that), but some are. Designs do not always have to be practicle. I think some of them are just fun to look at.

In addition to some very creative pieces she gives you history, and the design inspiration for each piece.
Nicky Epstein's Knitting on Top of the World: The Global Guide to Traditions, Techniques and Design

Quick Knitting Lace Project

If you have never tried to knit lace before, now is the time. There has never been so many great patterns available to knitters of all knitters of all stripes. The best way to try a new technique is to start small, and cheap. Then if you really like it, you can start shelling out the big bucks.

My favorite online knitting magazine it Knitty.com. Yes, they are trendy, but they usually have one or two items for the conservative knitter. Below is a link for a Knitted Beaded Lace bracelet. It does involve minimal crochet for finishing so may have to pick up a new skill. But provided you have the needles this project can be made for under $5.00. The bracelets work up fast. I have made one in an evening. (my new name should be the distracted knitter) I can get distracted easily.

http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer06/PATTperdita.html

Knitting Patterns Cheap

Okay I finally ordered that book I have been wanting since it was published in 1998. The title is "Lace From The Attic" which is right up my alley. ( no pun intended).

The writer, found a relative's sample notebook of lace patterns..in the attic I am talking from memory as I do not have the book yet. Before we had these wonderful books, knitters and crocheters too, would learn patterns from one another and keep the swatches in a notebook.

Which brings me to my topic...Knitting Patterns on the Cheap. I rarely pay full price for any book as there are so many deals out there now. And when I had more time...you know when I was three...I would check the book out at my local library, take it home for a few days. then if I really liked it ...look for a deal to buy it.



Here is a web site that has recently come to my attention. Lots of free vintage Patterns and Pictures. http://www.agoodyarn.net/PT_Main.htmT_Main.htm
By the way this is a really good web site. I don't want to get too graphic but the word "drooling" comes to mind...

Basket of Handspun I need Some Ideas for

Vogue Knitting Magazine Summer Issue

I just received the current issue Summer 07 of Vogue Knitting Magazine. And let me tell you I am quite pleased. Being a new subscriber I was a little nervous. I buy Vogue Knitting Magazine all of the time but the Summer Issues I have been known to skip.

Vogue's articles are always good, but I have to say Vogue can be .... Trendy. And being someone who's favorite look is vintage...trendy is not what I am looking for. Maybe if I could complete my knitting projects at lightening speed I might lean that way.

Be that as it may there are some nice Knit and Crochet Lace Pieces in this issue. And yes, those trendy items are there also. Take a look the next time you are in the bookstore.

3 Knitting Needles...which is pretty high for a summer issue.

Lace Knitting

I am going to start with my favorite subject, Lace. Lace is everywhere this season, and now there are several really good new lace knitting books that deserve special notice.
5 knitting needles to Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby.


Jane Sowerby unearthed Victorian Knitting Patterns that were thrown aside as useless items in antique shops over a period of several years. This book is the culmination of years of research, and of deciphering of those old patterns, and the result is stunning. She gives a history of the Victorian knitters and then reworks those patterns for our consumption. Write in with your favorites.