Wavy Feather Wimple

My first lace.

Pattern particulars:
Wavy Feathers Wimple by Caryll McConnell

http://www.carylldesigns.com/wavy_feathers_wimple.htm

Ms. McConnell's website describes the stitch pattern as:
"...uses a variation of traditional Shetland Isles Feather and Fan or Old Shale patterning that Barbara Walker calls "Japanese Feathers". The banded rows of predominantly knit stitches separating the lace patterned rows keep the edges from “fanning” as is the usual custom, while the lace sections lean first in one direction then the other creating beautiful waves."

I worked this on #5 needles, and used approx 300 yds of Daphne by Tahki Imports Ltd. (vintage estate sale stuff) 60% wool 40% silk. Next time, if there is a next time, I think I should #4 needles.

I had LOTS of fun doing this. Now the search is on for more. I so admire Mim's lace,

http://mimknits.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=67

but I'm no where near that caliber.....yet...:-)

This how I blocked it. I was stymied how to block a circular piece of lace on a flat surface. To my delight the towel/bolster pillow thing seemed to be just right, didn't even use any pins!! A three minute block-job! LOL

I employed my usual way of keeping track when working a stitch pattern that is more than a few rows long. Yes, I know that some people can memorize rows and rows and of pattern, and maybe I will be able to at some point when I'm better at reading lace stitches, but I'm not there yet. And given my weird eyesight anomalies charts are a real problem.

I use 3x5 note cards and make a little "stacked booklet". I usually have general info on the first few cards and then I write out the pattern using one card for each row. I even include the plain rows. I add a couple of blank cards to the bottom of the stack and then either clip or rubber band them together tightly so they can't shift. Next I grab the drill or the dremel, which ever is handy and drill a single small hole in one of the top corners. Doesn't really matter which one, and if I happen to make a boo boo while I'm drilling the hole there is always the top corner! :-)

I suppose you could make the hole in the center too. I never have cuz I usually only screw up once. lol I find it's best to put the stack of cards on a sturdy box and just drill straight through. I use one of the those small rings they put on key rings to hold the cards together. When working the pattern, the appropriate row is top card of the stack.

The thing I like about this stacked booklet is that it's small, but with only one row per card I can do my knitting with my glasses off and still be able to read the pattern. I don't have to search for lost pens or pencils to make notes or cross out rows, move post-its/magnetic strips around and it's portable as can be. I use to use those little pocket notebooks and do the same thing, but the cards are more durable and the "pages" don't rip out as easily. I can use the stack over and over again, and the number of "pages" is customized on an as needed basis.