For the Love of Knitting: A Celebration of the Knitter's Art
Editor: Kari Cornell
One surviving cotton sock tells us that the Egyptians were knitting as long ago as the first millennium AD. Tenderly preserved shawls and sweaters bespeak our great-grandmothers handiwork. And colorful strands of yarn escaping from a basket in the corner show that the tradition lives on with us. That tradition, celebrated in the stories and essays in this book, knits together a world of warmth and memory, wisdom and camaraderie.
These writings--sometimes amusing, sometimes moving, always entertaining--comprise a charming scrapbook reflecting the myriad cultural and historical aspects of knitting. Ranging from the days of World War II to our own time, they include offerings by Jamaica Kincaid, Melanie Falick, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, Susan Gordon Lydon, Pam Allen, Lela Nargi, Perri Klass, Teva Durham, and many others.
Artwork by Solveig Hisdal, fiber artists Debbie New and Karen Searle, and photographer Chris Hartlove, along with historical photographs, vintage advertising, and pattern booklets, brings the color and textures of these stories to vibrant life. Whether you ply knitting needles yourself or simply appreciate the art, this collection will enfold you in all the softness, warmth, and beauty of knitting today and yesterday.
When I flipped to this page I was intrigued to say the least!
Click on image to enlarge and read about Debbie New's technique of Scribble Lace technique.
I did a Google search and it lead me to the wonderful yarn company Crystal Palace Yarns and there was a great pattern there using Debbie's scribble lace technique. Their pattern called for a lush yarn called Labrador and I was pretty sure I had a ball of it in my stash so off I went on the hunt. I did indeed have a ball of it in a beautiful pink. I then found a skein of very, very fine angora. It didn't have a tag so I don't know the brand.
Here is what I came up with.
I am calling it:
Bubble Gum spider web scarf
Yarn A- A tiny tiny weight white yarn It is thin like about 2-3 strands of embroidery floss.
Yarn B- Crystal Palace Yarns -Labrador 9584
Size 50 needles
Cast on 8 stitches with A and B held together
Repeat until you have a scarf the desired length:
*Knit 3 rows with A
Knit 1 row with B*
Slide stitches back to the first needle and knit 3 rows with A and then knit 1 row with B
This will have the thick Labrador yarn have the carry on opposite sides.
I didn't have a set of double pointed needles in size 50 so that is why I needed to slide the stitches back to the first needle. If you do, then all you need to do is slide the stitches to the other end so that the working yarn is at the beginning at the row.
I made my scarf just over 2 yards long. I am pretty tall and I like my fashion scarves (as opposed to my functioning warm ones) to be pretty long.
I am simply tickled with my new scarf!
Try it,you'll like it.
What's got you tickled these days? Is it a supply? A technique? A tool?
Leave an answer and you'll be entered to win a free book!
What an awesome idea! Love the way you worked out carrying the thick yarn on opposite sides -- almost a sculptural quality. Very nice!
Posted by: Pam T. | March 18, 2009 at 09:52 AM
I love this lace technique and plan to try it soon.
Right now I'm having loads of fun with Clover's teeny-tiny mini pom pom makers. The final pom poms are 3/4" and 1" and are too cute. I plan to post a photo on my blog tonight. http://moonsilk-stitches.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Marjorie | March 18, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I don't knit, but that technique looks pretty neat! And love the scarf you made too!
At this moment is is my supplies... tons of junk jewelry that I have been wanting to play with and create...should say re-create...like your post yesterday....that has me going and thinking and itching to get my hands busy.
Posted by: BrendaLea | March 18, 2009 at 06:46 PM
The Scribble Lace is so cool. Wish I knew how to knit. What has me tickled now is the robins hopping around in the front yard.
Posted by: julie m | March 18, 2009 at 08:15 PM
I've seen this technique of using large needles with wire to make bracelets and chokers. Very effective in copper wire that incorporated beads.
The current technique that I've experimenting with is trasfers using laser copies/prints onto release paper. This technique requires no water and is almost immediate.
Posted by: Janet | March 19, 2009 at 08:33 AM
I really like the scribble lace technique. It looks great and your scarf is wonderful.
I haven't tried it yet but now , I simply must.
I am tickled at the moment with knitting with wire and beads. I use 4 mm metal needles and 28 gauge wire. I pre thread beads and knit away.
Posted by: Lynda Taylor | March 20, 2009 at 01:42 AM