In Training

My second attempt at the Flower Basket Shawl didn't fare any better this time.  This is about as far as I got before making a mistake about a year ago when I first attempted this shawl.  I'll have to read up on it before starting again on Friday.

Since the pattern calls for doubling the Misti Alpaca Lace Weight, I tried knitting two different shades  together this time, a dark heathered green and a light heathered green.  Just as I suspected, it seems like that might muddle the lace pattern, making it less visible.  I'd prefer to use just the light green shade, since I'll be knitting this ONLY after dark when the boys are in bed so I can follow the pattern without interruption, but I only have one ball of it, so unless I can get to the yarn store over an hour away from here before Friday, then the dark green it will be.

I almost backed out of this Olympic Knitting thing a few nights ago when life was feeling a bit overwhelming again, and it was beginning to sound like a recipe for carpel tunnel syndome, but this week I'm back in race with new enthusiasm, despite trepidations about the pattern. 

Comments

[Chris]

Can you train on difficult bits of the pattern before Friday? Someone else is knitting the Flower Basket shawl for the Knitting Olympics, but I can't remember who...

[Judy]

I knit the FBS shawl[ my first lace] a while ago and have knit 2 Leaf Lace shawls which are pretty similar. My advice is to NOT use double strands. I used a sport weight for the FBS, about 500 yds, and got a small shawl.One thing to note - it takes a lot of yarn for the edging for either of these shawls. I'd say about a quarter of the total amount. Use markers at the edges and at the center- I'm not sure they are useful at the end of each motif cause you will have to move them all the time. The best thing is to really look at your knitting. You will see a pattern of repeats forming when you have done several rows. To get a sense of what's going to happen , I photocopy the charts making several copies of the middle chart. Then I cut out the middle chart motifs and tape them right on the top of the beginning chart so I can see how the motifs line up. For example, it really helps to know that the start of the basket handle is at the side of the basket in the previous row of baskets.
If you really feel you need to use the alpaca , I would opt to do it single strand making a small scarf or 2-toned light in the center and dark at the edge. I really feel it's too difficult to manage first time lace and 2 strands at the same time. You are absolutely right about using the 2 colors at the same time. It totally obscures the pattern. Hope this helps and good luck, Judy

[gail]

Yes, I agree, don't use double strands. That said, I am preparing to teach a class at my LYS on the FBS. I will post some photos and helpful hints later this week on my blog to help--at least, this will be what I found helpful!!

[Christine]

I cast on and ripped out the beginning of my flower basket shawl at least 8 (!) times before something in the pattern just "clicked" and I got it. From there on it was smooth sailing. Hang in there! And definitely use LOTS of lifelines.

[Heidi]

I'm catching up on blogs today, so responding to several posts: That Firth fair isle below is gorgeous--those colors together are amazing! And the bathtub corner is so rustic and inviting. And I love the tweedy colors for the shawl pattern, though I'm no help in resolving your dilemna.

[Nadia]

You can do the Olympics! I've never done the FBS myself, but lots of other blogreaders have. We're all in this together.

[Viv]

I'm making this for the Olympics too! I just worked on gauge last night. I am such a loose knitter that I tried on 5s (2 sizes lower) but I definitely need to go up a size or two. I have never done a cast-on like this before, with the crocheted edging - did it make sense when you tried it? I found a good tutorial that someone posted ~ I'll look for it and get back to you.

[Viv]

I didn't mean crocheted edging, but that method to start the stitches, duh.

[claudia]

I definitely second (or third or fourth) the recommendation not to use a double strand. Doing so will make you wanna shoot yourself in the head to dull the pain. I used handspun, probably sport weight and I liked the final shawl quite alot. Good luck!

[Julia]

I hope it works out for you...that light green shade is beautiful.

[Katherine]

I just finished a Flower Basket Shawl; I would definitely advise only using one strand. I copied the chart and used sticky notes to outline each individual row as I was doing it, so I wouldn't get lost. Good luck!

[KarenK]

I echo Katherine's remarks - use only one strand (Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool was the perfect weight) and use sticky notes! I enlarged a copy of the chart and used a clipboard, but a magnet board would work well too.

[rose]

That's a pretty pattern, I'm doing a first-time lace project for the Olympics, too. I appreciate all the comments here!

[Cassie]

I've got that dark green too, and have wondered about seeing it to knit fine lace. Good luck whichever you end up using.

[julia fc]

You'll be fine. We're all here for you! I think going with the light green is a wise decicion. I wish my monitor showed the colour better. I'm a sucker for green.

[Mary Ellen]

I'm knitting FBS for the Olympics too. Two strands of Zephyr was the plan--but your comments are making me nervous. It's probably too late to find new yarn though. Wish me luck. Can't wait to see yours. Love your blog and your photos!