Friday, January 18, 2013

Not my norm...

I think everyone who has read my blog for any length of time knows that I strongly encourage people to step out of their comfort zone - try something new. I personally like to try something at least daily (even little things count) - but when crafting, I think you should take this plunge every few months.

I admit - I'm inspired and awe-struck by much of the work that the ladies and gent of my knitting group produce. I have some some SERIOUSLY amazing pieces created from tiny little baby clothes to fantastic afghans - the lace work is no exception.



After yarn group this last week, I took a quick trip to Joann's with one of the women from my group. She went straight back to yarn with me (as if there was ever a doubt that would happen) and began rummaging through her favorites. So many of her choices were nothing like my personal preferences - she went for bold colors - even crazier: she went for bold colors that were self-striping - like... bright red that turns to bright yellow and back to a neon green. And even crazier - I know that when she sits down to knit it up, its going to be stunning.

And then I'm left in the "oh, that's pretty - I never would have thunk it - but wow, I'd love something like that" seat.

So while she was pawing through some seriously crazy colors, I saw Patons Lace sitting there... I have admired this yarn before and its not that I'm ever worried about working with such thin yarn - I can do it, I just tend to migrate away from it.

But all the lovely shawls my friends make... they were shoving inspiring me to buy this yarn.

I stood and started at it when I saw something even a little more insane for me - there was Patons Lace Sequin yarn! Yup, the same yarn only with a tiny sequin dotted throughout.

So - I thought Its time to try something new - and this time, its yarn choice. Granted, I didn't go wild in the color department - but I think the sequin are wild enough right now.

Baby steps, right?

I grabbed 2 balls of it and have been looking for a pattern ever since. I want to show off the halo of the yarn and the tiny sequins so it must be delicate. I also want it to be something nice I can wear to work but not so over-the-top fancy that people begin to question my sanity of selecting work appropriate accessories.

I originally thought it should be knit but I did find one crochet pattern that I think would look stunning. I just need to revisit the few patterns I have found and figure out which is the most feasible for me with my current skill set. Obviously, if I go with the crochet pattern I'm fine - if I go with a knit pattern, I increase my risk of getting stuck - but I'm willing to take that chance.

I need to figure out a pattern quick since I'm getting close to finishing the wrap for my daughter.

Any suggestions?

9 comments:

Spinster Beth said...

Have you tried the Ravelry pattern search tool? You can put in what kind of yarn you have and how much ... and then a keyword like "Shawl" or "cowl."

florencefrazier2002 said...

It's good to get out of the box! I have some Noro sock yarn that is begging to be a beautiful lace shawl, but, I am making myself wait until I get my sweater really going. I have a few in my Ravelry Library that I think would work well for that. Let me go take a look and I will come back and post the links.

florencefrazier2002 said...

Ok here are some that I like, for what that's worth, see what you think:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lace-capelet

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/136-9-amelia---shoulder-warmer-with-wavy-pattern-in-2-strands-kid-silk

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beauty-in-ashes-lace-wrap

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ice-queen

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/frosty-night-cowl



I think most of these are knit except the bottom one.

florencefrazier2002 said...

Ok, the second post didn't post for some reason so I will give you the names and you can look them up on Ravelry:
Frosty Night Cowl-this one is crocheted, Ice Queen-knitted, Lace Capelet-knitted, and Amelia. You can also search free patterns in Ravelry using lace weight yarn. Hope this helps!

Cris said...

Rav is always the first stop for me :) (LOVE that site)

Cris said...

Thanks, Florence!

Crafts fromthe Cwtch said...

I don't tend to knit lace so I can't make any recommendations, but I think this is great. I'm also keen to encourage stepping out of comfort zones (that's why it's the theme of the upcoming knitalong).


Hope you have a great weekend
xxx

autumngeisha said...

Love the sparkly yarn! I think it would be a great yarn for a pretty cowl pattern, like the April Showers cowl (knitted).

Faith said...

Wow. If you wanted to knit I would suggest Ice Queen, but I don't know many crochet patterns. Cannot wait to see what you come up with!

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