Wednesday, April 21, 2004

Added a couple more rows to the edging of the Kat shawl. And I have a couple of tips for those who are interested in beginning to knit lace:

1. Counting is your friend, if you are using charts. Count twice, knit once.

2. Markers are your friend. I placed a marker between each repeat of the pattern and it helps immensely. It also makes counting much easier because instead of having to keep track of all the stitches on a side, I can count the ones in each repeat.

3. I don't use rescue lines, but many lace knitters do. I tend to take a punkier attitude, and to do increases or decreases as needed to even up the stitch count or re-register the pattern. So far, I've never had a project come out badly. But you may be more concerned with accuracy. (I hope I have not jinxed myself now).

4. I photocopy the complex charts (it's ok if you own the pattern to make a personal copy) and use a highlighter marker to mark off each row as I finish it. Or, I use a sticky-note to move up the rows as I work them.

I learned that once I established the pattern for the edging, with the markers, I don't have to knit a whole row - I can do a couple repeats, or part of a repeat, and don't have to worry as much about losing my place.

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