Wednesday, May 20, 2009

It's Curtains For Me!


Yesterday I finished the Mist Lace Scarf. I feel sad and excited at the same time - sad that it's over because I really got into the pattern; excited because now I get to use the new KnitPicks blocking mat and lace wires that I got for my birthday.

Ofcourse I cast on for something else immediately. The thought of being without a lace project was just too much for me right now, so I sorted through the stash and came across this enormous ball of crocheters cotton which I bought last summer. I had planned to make a net curtain for my downstairs bathroom - you know, one of those floaty, lacy things that hangs there looking prettier than a frosted glass window pane. In the absense of frosted glass windows in rooms that contain toilets here in our corner of the US (maybe it's just a British thing?), a net curtain is something of a necessity when your bathroom is on the ground floor and your neighbourhood is full of little boys! (Need I say more.)


So, I have cast on for KnitPicks Lace Curtain. The cotton is very fine and a bit slippery on my Addi Turbo needles, but as long as I can manage to make some version of light lace fabric without stressing out my arms and hands in the process, then all will be well. After three rows though, I am already missing using a chart. I've discovered that although having the written pattern to follow is just fine, I really rather like the simplicity of a chart. Now, I know that not all lace charts are simple. Some of those huge projects, like the shawl that Rudee is making at the moment, require planning of military proportions to execute, but compared with the written version, they are a whole lot easier to follow once you get going.


My window is a lot smaller than the one in the pattern, but I'm hoping that the finer cotton will produce a narrower result and it'll fit beautifully. Now all I have to do is maintain the patience to see this project through to the end and that, as they say over here, "is a whole different ball game!"

8 comments:

Rudee said...

Oh my gosh! You are so industrious. Let me know how you like your wires. I think I may need some soon. My gargantuan project is coming along and I'm starting the main part of the pattern tonight. Only 90 rows to go before I can start the border. I'm thrilled. Check out Alpaca With a Twist Fino. It's to die for and not too terribly expensive.

Jane said...

It looks amazing Rudee. I'm so impressed with your skill and patience.

suse-the-slow-knitta said...

no frosted glass in the loo?? I'm amazed you've waitied so long to make a net curtain, I would've fainted with embarasssment! ;-)

Rositta said...

I have a ton of that crochet cotton in my stash. I used to do tablecloths in filet crochet. I've also done a lot of curtains but never knitted. Maybe I shall try that. Rudee and her lace are going to be a tough act to follow, for me anyway...ciao

Jane said...

Suse - I know, it must be the exhibitionist in me. Trouble is I've forced everyone else in the house into the same kind of behaviour. I guess I just couldn't decide what to put up there so didn't bother.Instead we all skulk into the downstairs 'loo' keeping the lights out if it's dark outside. Only The Little Guy is safe. He's still so short he can't be seen through the window!

Jane said...

Hey Rositta - I agree, can't top Rudee's shawl. I'll be happy if I manage to make anything with this stuff. I have it all planned in my mind's eye, just got to turn it into reality.

Alyson said...

I've always wondered about that window (the bathroom windows in our old and current homes are all frosted). At least the toilet is well below the level of the window and people can only see head/shoulders of someone standing up! Even so, I think I'll use your trick and keep the lights off until you get that lovely curtain done. :o)

Jane said...

Hi Alyson,
The upstairs one is even worse. It's a huge square window right next to the bath with no frosted glass either. If I wanted to I could lay in the bath with a perfect view of the neighbours back yards and the distant hills. However it's the view they'd get than I'm more concerned about!
I've put up a blind.

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