Let the past sleep, but let it sleep in the sweet embrace of Christ, and let us go on into the invincible future with Him. (Oswalt Chambers)

Sunday, June 03, 2012

I'm Knitting A Doily Named Anna Marie

A few weeks ago I had a fantasy that I moved to a sweet, small condo and knit lace doilies for all the flat surfaces and the backs and arms of chairs.

The fantasy was so detailed I even imaging my children and grandchildren talking amongst themselves that they had no idea what they were going to do with all the doilies when I died. I visualized writing a note in my will that they could be donated to Goodwill with no hard feelings.

Maybe that’s a sign that my knitting obsession is coming back. Or maybe it's a sign that I'm nuts. I’ve always wanted to knit doilies and last week I ordered some good quality fingering weight yarn to give it a try. Crochet cotton from Mary Maxim.


I've had this book for years and enjoyed looking at it many times. OLD WORLD TREASURES


For my first experiment I selected the doily named Anna Marie. This picture is from the book, not my needles.


Yesterday I cast on and got a good start - except for the sloppy center. I need to do some research and find a few tricks for making the cast on neater.


Having no idea what size needles to use with this yarn, I guessed at 3s, 3.25mm. So far it looks like an acceptable guess. I'll know more when it's finished and blocked.

Pattern: Anna Marie from OLD WORLD TREASURES

Yarn: Crochet Cotton from Mary Maxim.

Needles: #3, 3.25mm

13 comments:

Susan said...

That's hilarious! You obviously really need to make doilies! I don't think you need to worry that you're nuts ;)

Anonymous said...

Take it from a dedicated lace knitter - you are NOT nuts! I think your center looks pretty good. There are several methods for getting a neat center - just Google it and you'll find them. They're pretty much all variations on the same method so pick the one that's comfortable for you. Neatness will come with practice. And, if I'm still around, you can will all your lace doilies to me!

Typstatting said...

I have knitted doilies and loved it your center looks fine!

Judy said...

Beautiful! So glad to hear you've picked up the needles.

Janice in GA said...

These days I mostly use Fleegle's cast on for circular shawls:
http://fleeglesblog.blogspot.com/2007/08/simple-ring-beginning-for-circular.html

It's easy and effective, and actually easier for me than Emily Ocker's circular cast on (http://www.spellingtuesday.com/circular_co.html) because you don't need to find a crochet hook to do it. :)

JoLynn said...

Lovely. Good to have a "new" focus.

kathy b said...

OH M, I am so happy your itch to create has come back. I LOVE your doily. I love your new project book ; it will be very fun to see your creations.....

janna said...

Pretty! And it's obvious that your dream indicated that you were MEANT to knit doilies! As much lace as I knit, I have never knit a doily. Both of my grandmas crocheted them, and I keep thinking I need to do that....

pattie in Geneseo said...

I believe that it was EZ who documented Emily Ocker's cast on...makes a center so perfectly"

Beautiful idea, the doilies. You can do them with even heavier yarn, makes them into throws, shawls.

Judy S. said...

Looks like your book has lots of "recipes" for doilies, enough to keep you out of mischief for quite a while and also yield enough results to make your dream come true. Fun post, and happy knitting! Glad to see you back at it!

Weird..the robot detector has a photo and a word?

MarieR said...

I like your fantasy! Sounds very cozy and peaceful. The doily looks great, it's going to be gorgeous when you're finished.

steelwool said...

Lovely doily. Made me yearn to try some but sanity returned swiftly. Will wait for yours and applaud your accomplishments.

Jennifer said...

If you figure out that center thing, let me know where to find the info. I have wanted to knit a circular shawl, but all attempts have been disastrous!