Lace Skies

I’m so proud of this bit of knitting, I can’t stand it. No, really. A little over two years ago, I got it in my head to relearn how to knit. I had the internet, one book, and determination to knit fuzzy socks like what I wear in the winter with my clogs. (I live in the South, where we can get away with that sort of thing.) Another blogger told me about this site called Ravelry, and after I looked at it, my brain blew up at all the pretty, pretty things that could be made. I worked my way up through the first couple of scarves, tackled hats, and slowly got around to making my first pair of socks.

And then I saw it: Hanami. A gorgeous lace stole, part basketweave pattern and part random holes like cherry blossom petals. My brain blew up yet again, and I determined that at some point I was going to make it. And, well, I finally have.

I made this. Me. All on my own. I learned how to do all the bits and pieces to do it, then buckled down and did it. And it’s soft, light, and perfect for the Spring weather I wish we were having.

And best of all, it’s done! I had fun knitting it, and learned a lot along the way. I’d love to do this pattern again, but right now, the basketweave section would make me curl up and whimper for it to go away. The cherry blossom petal section got almost as bad towards the end. So maybe in a year I might go back and revisit it, this time altering it to have more beads on it.

Until then, I’ll be happy with what I’ve made. I’m taking a break from something so intricate and working on another pair of fingerless gloves. But already I’m plotting the next Big Project like this. I have my eye on a large circular shawl, the edging of which is all done in beads. If I can make it through that one, then I can probably make it through the large circular shawl past that, that’s beaded, huge, and begging to be made in silk.  But for now, it’s back to fingerless mitts and socks for me. Maybe I might finally get around to knitting that cardigan I’ve been eyeing. Who knows? But for now, I’m pleased.