new lace

This is Cat's Cradle Long-Ways Scarf from Jackie E-S at HeartStrings Fiber Arts. I've long admired her patterns and finally added some to the store.

I've made a couple of these as gifts, and am finally getting around to making one for myself. I've had a bunch of people ask me about good patterns for beginning lace knitters, and this one always comes to mind. The pattern gives stunning results with minimal effort, is especially good for variegated yarns, and looks great in any weight yarn.

I prefer charts when I'm knitting lace now, but I remember how intimidating they were when I first learned to use them. This pattern is a good introduction to lace because there are no charts--the lace patterns (only two) are simple and repeat over only 3 or 4 stitches across the row, and at least every other row is knit.

All that, plus the pattern includes a basic tutorial on lace blocking.


Here's another one from HeartStrings that's also good for beginners. Only two simple lace pattern rows repeat, and there are instructions for a scarf, headband, fingerless mitts or 'muffatees', lower arm warmers. And the stitch pattern looks equally good from either side--can't beat that. The headband only required about 75 yards, and I've got plans to use up a bunch of my left-over yarn from other projects. My 'waste not, want not' grandma would be proud.

Sock yarns here and lace yarns here. Feel free to enhance your stash.