First Lace

Pattern : Branching Out
Yarn: KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud in Mist, about 2/3 skein (250-300 yds?) for 38 pattern repeats.
Needles: size 7

I have to admit, I was hating this at first. Couldn't get used to knitting with thread, basically, couldn't read my knitting, lost and gained stitches every fourth row or so . . . really frustrating, not so relaxing at all. But about two thirds of the way in, I started to get it, where the stitches were going, why a ssk here and a k2tog there, and then, it was over. On to blocking, loving the lace, and wanting more. Way more.

So nice, I did it twice.

Pattern: Fetching from www.knitty.com
Yarns: KnitPicks Andean Treasure in Lilac, KnitPicks Ambrosia in Fog
Needles: Size 5

Having been given a quickie demonstration of knitting in the round on two circular needles from Daria at the New York Knitting Meetup, I was impatient to try it. I also had a test skein of Andean Treasure waiting, so I went for it! The Andean Treasure is a dream to work with, so much so that I ordered five skeins in Embers to make a scarf/shawl with. Along with the ribs it also hides the ladders I got from not tightening my stitches enough. But it does stretch out a bit and is very warm, so I don't know if I'm going to go for a sweater in it.

I decided to knit it again with the Ambrosia (quickie present for a friend.) Much more definition, and the yarn holds the stitches better. Thought of adding fingers -another challenge- but kept thinking of dingy fingertips on the light yarn. Uh-uh. Better to let her show her (nail polish) colors.