I love the simple, modern, almost stark lace I have been seeing in fashion lately. Simple and bold openwork patterns not only suit my sensibilities, they are much easier to knit than more ornate lace knitting stitches.
Inspired by this trend, I used several different types of knitted lace patterns in Norah Gaughan volume 12. Here are some of my favorites, along with instructions on how to achieve the look in your knitting. If you’ve been cautious about lace and openwork because you fear it might be difficult, these are particularly good patterns to cut your teeth on.
Modern mesh: Repeat a simple pattern to create the look of allover mesh or graphic shapes.
Enter
Elongated stitches: To create this look, place yarnovers in one row and drop them on the following row to make long extended sts.
Double yarnovers: Work a yarnover twice and then work 2 sts into it in the next row to create a large round hole.
Small insertions: Place a column of open stitches in a basic stockinette stitch background.
Do you gravitate towards lace knitting in your work or do you like to keep it more simple? What project have you been working on lately?
These are exactly the types of sweaters I gravitate to, lace accented as opposed to all over lace. Not only is it easier concentration wise with three kids, I find that all over lace stresses me out in general and I do, afterall, knit to relax so that makes it counterproductive, in my opinion. Absolutely LOVE all the new spring patterns you guys have come out with this year, you have outdone yourselves!!
The design team thanks you!
I recently finished a cardigan with a simple chevron lace yoke (similar to the mesh-like pattern in “Enter”). I normally would not have said that lace was my thing but I really enjoyed the pattern and I’m now itching to make more. I’m particularly smitten with “Trifle” and “Tracery” from #12. I think these sweaters maintain the light, airy feel of lace without the fussiness of more traditional patterns. Really nice collection!
Thanks, that’s great to hear!
I have learned to appreciate lace panels. I just finished a sweater with a twin leaf pattern on each side of the cardigan. The pattern started at the side and shifted one stitch every other row (decrease 1 before the panel, make 1 after the panel) to the front of the cardigan. It was so much fun, that I am no longer afraid of lace patterns. I love the lace details you put in your patterns.
I like learning new things too.
I just can´t seem to find where to find the patterns..?
These patterns are available in your LYS or on line yarn dealer. Look for booklet – Norah Gaughan vol 12.
I had trouble finding them at my LYS too, but I found them all at Jimmy Beans Wool online. I’m going to be just ordering them all at once next week, their shipping is really reasonable too.
Aha thank you but then it will probably be diffucult since I live in Sweden.
Ahhhh, perhaps but probably still worth checking, their shipping in the US is only $4 so it would probably be among the most reasonable international as well.
Hooray! I really am not a fan at all of flowery lace knitting (most of the knit lace shawl and shawlette patterns I see are a turn off for me), but really love lace knitting when it’s done in geometric patterns. I’d love to see much more geometric lace knitting. It looks bold and original. I don’t knit heirlooms. I knit stuff to use now.
BTW – almost forgot – love, love, love Pivot. This is one I gotta make!
Thanks!! Your enthusiasm is greatly appreciated.