"...my eyes...taken up knitted lace...simple pattern (garter stitch)...lace weight wool on large-ish needles...suggestions...knitting lace?...swift and a ball winder...not the color I (want)..." Sr. Claire
You have probably received responses already but as you know, you typically start with needles at least two sizes larger than what you normally would (and often larger). Laceweight covers so much thickness in yarn is it hard to be specific, but typically is worked on 3.25 mm to 4 mm and larger (US 3-6+) (Some finer things like cotton doilies are worked on smaller needles, but atypical for your application). If you don't have a pattern but are working in garter, than groupings of eyelets (YO's) with decreases (K2tog or SSK/SKP) to keep row count is important, can be worked in a row, can be worked in a series, or staggered, which I am certain you know. You can put them near an edge a few stitches in, also. When dressed/blocked, lace knitting typically grows about 30% (varies) so can be helpful to dampen a test piece and see what you will get. Typically it is dressed hard/taut. You could get subtle shrinkage after it is dyed, so better it is worked looser than you think. Also considering if you want an ethereal piece of something for warmth, factor in. You can use the shade on a lamp for a swift. Some use the back of a straight chair, and I have used my feet. A bit challenging with laceweight. You can wind it on a paper core from things like toilet paper or paper toweling, or a nostepinne (tapered wooden dowel) if you have one. I would suggest for best price you check eBay and make purchases from Japan, as they have quality products for cheap. I have wooden and metal/plastic swifts, but the latter takes a beating (from child playing with it, to shoved in the pocked of a suitcase, falling off the bookcase, etc. and keeps on working), though I understand many prefer wood. I just tend not to use mine as much and the weight of wood can be taxing on laceweight. They sell winders, also, and most vendors ship from Japan, fast, and often free. Otherwise some from the US or UK may be happy to purchase for you and ship. Laceweight can do well in a ziploc type bag or bowl so it doesn't tangle, moves freely and is more protected, fwiw. In the UK, they sell bakelite wool holders, which are a fun thing to have. There are many online edgings available, which would look lovely attached added later, but will add to the width (and length). YarnOver.net has a range of things, and http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns-lace.htm has lots of edgings you can click on and see. Of course there is knittingpatterncentral.com Shetland knitters use 16" dpns and put them in a knitting belt or their waistband turned under, which results in one hand flicking, quickly. Many now prefer circulars, but the long lace needles work well, even tucked under the arm. You can see some of this by googling Shetland Museum or similar. Liz Lovick is knowledgeable as she lives in the Orkney Islands and teaches, sells patterns, and had lots of info...is very kind and helpful too. You should be able to google her and find her site. Dyeing can be done with anything from food coloring and vinegar added, to things like Rit dye sold in the states. Wool takes dye easily, but remember that color looks darker when wet, and there can be fading. I often suggest people use salt in the dyeing process, and vinegar in the rinse (at onset and with repeated rinses). Heat helps so of course with wool, it is important that wash and rinse cycles are the same temperature or they will shock the wool and cause shrinkage. The simplest way is to google things like Kool-Aid dyeing and people have loads of tutorials. The process is the same, as you can do it in a washing machine (NO AGITATION!) cooking pot (these food dyes are food safe, but not Rit) or microwave (works better with smaller batches, and you have to WATCH for burning, etc. Hopefully there is something here that is of help, as it is only briefly touches on the subject. :) Best, Susan Reishus www.SusanReishusDesigns.com it, as people can get uneven dyeing and burn wool. - To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://community.webshots.com/user/arachne2003
