Knitty SP8

Shannon, you are awesome. You have been a wonderful Secret Pal and the last package was way over the top.

You are so right, the shortbread cookies are the best. The chocolate is very good and I am alloting myself a little bit, of each, at a time. I am going to savor the coffee over a couple of weekends!!

But the yarn, the yarn is fantastic. You did a great job of dyeing the blue green and purple yarns and I love the handspun and will let you know if it self-stripes and the lace. I love the shadow yarns from KnitPicks. It is a pleasure to work with.

Thanks so much!!! You are a great pal and I always looked forward to hearing from you!

Victorian Lace Today

Wow, oh, wow!!

Look at what I got from my SP8 . . .

I have been lusting over this book ever since I read a preview by Grumperina http://www.grumperina.com/knitblog/archives/2006/11/replacement_in.htm

This book is to drool over. The photos are fabulous and the colors of the lace are just incredible. Most of the lace has been made up in different weights and yarns and the author gives a grand background of the origins of the lace.

Now while all the yarn and scarves and shawls and photos are fabulous, if you ever have the opportunity to lay your hands on this book, there is the obligatory techniques, cast-ons and basics, BUT this book continues where others just dream of going. Go to page 180 which starts with Understanding Lace Design, How to Make Your Own Wide Border, Other Borders and, finally, on pages 184 and 185, an honest to Pete discussion on how to design your own lace, including plotting repeats, etc. FABULOUS.

Wow!