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
That's hilarious! You obviously really need to make doilies! I don't think you need to worry that you're nuts ;)
ReplyDeleteTake 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!
ReplyDeleteI have knitted doilies and loved it your center looks fine!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! So glad to hear you've picked up the needles.
ReplyDeleteThese days I mostly use Fleegle's cast on for circular shawls:
ReplyDeletehttp://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. :)
Lovely. Good to have a "new" focus.
ReplyDeleteOH 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.....
ReplyDeletePretty! 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....
ReplyDeleteI believe that it was EZ who documented Emily Ocker's cast on...makes a center so perfectly"
ReplyDeleteBeautiful idea, the doilies. You can do them with even heavier yarn, makes them into throws, shawls.
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!
ReplyDeleteWeird..the robot detector has a photo and a word?
I like your fantasy! Sounds very cozy and peaceful. The doily looks great, it's going to be gorgeous when you're finished.
ReplyDeleteLovely doily. Made me yearn to try some but sanity returned swiftly. Will wait for yours and applaud your accomplishments.
ReplyDeleteIf 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!
ReplyDelete