Earlier today, I received the book… Wendy Knits Lace by Wendy D. Johnson, flipping through the book. I saw plenty of knitted lace projects (simple and advanced) that will eventually end up as works in progress.
I’m already a big fan of Wendy’s knitted designs, having thoroughly enjoyed her books; Socks from the Toe Up and Toe-Up Socks for Everybody. Wendy didn’t disappoint with this book, and I enjoyed flipping through the pages, and being inspired by the gorgeous knitted lace designs.
Regardless of your skill with lace knitting you’ll find an appropriate project. Wendy has an entire chapter focused on learning lace knitting techniques, and she even tells you how to fix common lace knitting mistakes; perfect for a new lace knitter, or someone who wants to brush up on lace knitting.
Of course, I’ve already casted on a knitted project from this book. How could I resist? The designs are lovely! I chose the Elizabeth cowl as my first project. For those new to lace knitting (and chart reading) I’d highly recommend this pattern. I’m already working on an elaborate project, and I don’t feel like adding another one — just yet.
The actual lace pattern consists of seven stitches, and there’s two lace pattern rows repeated throughout the entire row. The chart is simple (just four rows total) that’s repeated throughout the pattern. The only stitches used in the pattern are k, p, yo, k2tog, and ssk. These stitches creates a simple, but pretty lacy design. For a new knitter ssk can be a bit deceptive, since if you took it literally, you would slip, slip, knit. But that’s not true. SSK is actually a left slanting decrease. k2tog is a right slanting decrease.
How do I make ssk stitches?
Ssk (usually) means that you slip each stitch knitwise, once stitch at a time. Occasionally, I’ve seen it done differently, but it was explained in the pattern. Moving the stitches from the left to right needle.
- Slip each stitch, one at a time, from your left to right needle.
- Insert the left knitting needle into the fronts of the slipped stitches which are now on your right needle.
- Knit the slipped stitches together
Youtube has a video tutorial of the differences between ssk and k2tog. If you’re unsure how to do these stitches the video tutorial will show you how to make ssk and k2tog.
Over the past week, I’ve taken numerous photos of work in progresses (most of which are now complete) and finished objects. My daughter even caught a few pictures of me knitting, so I’ll be sure to post some of those too. I most likely will start posting the pictures here at Celebrate Life, tomorrow.
Knitting abbreviations
k=knit
p=purl
yo=yarn over
ssk=slip, slip, knit
k2tog=knit two together
This is so very nice.l I think my wife had something like this – dunno if she still has it…but hers was pink. I prefer your colour…and I think she used bigger/thicker wool threads. This looks much better.
suituapui recently posted..Beautiful in my eyes…
@suituapui, Wendy did an excellent job of featuring lace in a variety of yarn weights. From lace weight to worsted weight. I definitely can see why your wife would choose the thicker yarns, depending on the project, using a thinner yarn can take a long time to create. The scarf I’m making from the book, is made with worsted weight. I will be making a lace weight style, but I’ll be adding beads to that one, and I’ll be deviating from the pattern — a lot!
I consider anything made with those yarns; heirloom quality and my daughter already knows the significance of those since she sees how long it takes me to complete one of those items.
Great minds! My blog today talked about knitting stitches and lace knitting vs. knitted lace. 😎 Good post.
Curls and Q recently posted..Translation Needed?
Hi @Curls and Q, Last evening, I saw that post, and I finally got a chance to comment this morning.
Aynaria recently posted..Knit Picks Options interchangeable needles has arrived; replacement
[…] almost finished my first project from the book, Wendy Knits Lace. I’m knitting the Elizabeth cowl. I decided to make the cowl in a worsted weight yarn, a bit […]