Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

This is the second in a series of two spring accessories (see also In Due Time) that I’m releasing in the late fall because I’m impatient for spring. Lilacs were always my favorite spring blooms where I grew up in the far reaches of northern New York state.

This heart or bandana-shaped shawlette features a lace stitch pattern near the top line and a different stitch pattern across the bottom edge – buds, blossoms, and branches in all. The rest of the piece is knit in plain stockinette.

I used 2 25-gram balls of DROPS Kid-Silk (75% mohair; 25% silk; 200 meters/218 yards per 25g ball) in color 09 – a light lilac.

This is so light and lovely, and I enjoyed working with this yarn, especially on US 4/3.5mm needles.

Measurements:
57×21.5 inches (145×54.5cm) after blocking

Pattern available in my Ravelry store:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waiting-for-lilacs
Shawl available in my Etsy shop (after 10 December):
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScarvesShawlsandMore?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

I’ve just completed a couple of new designs in anticipation of spring – although it’s several months away.  There must be some knitters out there that don’t like winter!

The first is called In Due Time, a rectangular lace knit wrap –

When I was young (many years ago) I was always impatient for spring to arrive – starting in November, when the leaves had finally all fallen off the trees. I was also told that spring would come in due time – and hence the name of this lace knit rectangular wrap design.

The pattern features buds waiting to open surrounded by seed stitch, all indicating the potential of that wonderful season to come – In Due Time!

The yarn I used for this accessory is a blend of baby alpaca, linen, and silk. Although it’s no longer available, any light fingering weight yarn would be suitable, but I do have a preference for blends that contain linen and/or silk.

The pattern includes written instructions and a stitch pattern chart.

Measurements after blocking:
12×61 in (30.5x155cm)

The pattern is available in my Ravelry store:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/in-due-time
The accessory is available for purchase in my Etsy shop:
https://www.etsy.com/…/…/lace-knit-rectangular-wrap-in-baby…

The second of the two patterns is a tribute to my favorite spring flower, and if you come back next week you’ll get to see what that is.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH

Patterns available on Ravelry
Accessories available on Etsy

I often see questions about whether to block a knit item or not and wanted to share some photos about why (as a lace knitter) I think it’s not only a good idea, but essential.

If your project doesn’t look like much when you’ve finished binding off, a quick soak and a stretch can work wonders.

The bandana-shaped shawl in the photos was knit in fingering-weight 100 percent merino. The pattern is one of mine on Ravelry (paid), Vineyard Rain:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vineyard-rain

Before (above)

During (above)

After (above)

Before I got involved with lace knitting I never blocked any of my finished work. The thought of it was intimidating, I didn’t want to take the extra time involved, and I was sure I wouldn’t be able to do it successfully.

Now I block just about everything, including sample swatches, and find the result a much more professional, finished appearance.

Happy Knitting!
MikeH