Thursday 30 August 2007

Obsessive? Me?

A couple of weeks ago I hadn't heard of Herbert Niebling, and had never considered knitting a tablecloth. A few trips to eBay and Amazon later and my Herbert Niebling/Lace Tablecloth cup runneth over.....



I did manage to avoid bidding on any more Niebling patterns last weekend and I take that as a positive sign that when I die they won't find me buried in German Anna magazines (although I'll probably still waiting for that dang Lyra yarn!!!)

I realised as I flipped through these magazines that it is quite possible that I'd bought the english editions in the 80s! Anna was one of the few magazines to feature bobbin lace patterns and so I often bought it around that time. Although I was a knitter then the knitted tablecloths wouldn't have interested me or caught my attention. I was a Kaffe/Sasha Kagan big jumper with all over colour or cables type girl.

Some of the patterns I particularly like in these editions..... (If you click on the pictures you can see more detail.)













While waiting for the Lyra yarn I've decided to steal a great idea from BrooklynTweed and begin work on a small blanket based on this doily design using this very squishy Posh Yarn yarn. (Why orangey colours? I have no idea. It doesn't go with anything in my house. But I like it.)

The pattern is from Modern Lace Knitting.






And finally, I've finished (almost) the first Kaffe Fassett sock. I decided to try afterthought heels on this one - and I like them better than the short rows - despite the need to graft TWICE. (Gadzooks!) This one will need a little after grafting surgery as the stitch pick up wasn't quite as tidy as it should have been. More details when I finish the second one. (Do I know how to keep you coming back or what?)

9 comments:

blog-blethers said...

lol ooooh the 80's! Don't ask me what I was then!! 'Come on Aileen' dungarees, polka dots, fishtails skirts, orange t-shirts with matching tights... I did manage to avoid rara skirts but that was more my legs than a positive fashion choice! The lacework patterns are stunning - favourite one is the middle one with the leaves all over. Love the socks too and am off to google those heels - another new technique for me:) You are so right about blogging and the net providing a steep (or steek???) learning curve!

Desiree said...

I, too, love the afterthought heels. I made a pair of cozy armchair socks from Weekend Knitting using those heels and they are especially nice for doing thicker weight socks! The orangy yarn would make a lovely little table cover. I would never think to do that! :)

mimiasovitch said...

That KF yarn is amazing. Really wonderful. And as for the Lyra yarn, good things come etc etc.
I don't actually believe that whilst I'm waiting for yarn mind you ;)

LittleBerry said...

I wouldn't say obsessive, just indulgent ;o) I do like the yarn you've chosen for the 'doiley' and I think it'll look stunning... I do like the Kaffee Fassett socks though, may have to get some of that colour.....

Linda said...

I do like those tablecloths, beautiful patterns. I don't have a round table though so am not sure I would need to knit one! I do know your type of obsession though, i am lke it with all knitting stuff!!!

z's momma said...

I first came over to look at your beautiful MS3 stoles and had to laugh at this post. I shall be posting a picture (soon) of my new-to-me Annas that I received today. I have the top 3, but could you tell me what the bottom issues are? I don't have those yet...yet...Obsessive? Do you have an excel spreadsheet tracking Nieblings? That's obsessive.

Oh, and I've got the english version of Lyra, so if you've got questions, I could look them up for you.

Anonymous said...

Some of those tablecloth patterns are devine!

lv2knit said...

Your knitting is absolutely spectacular -- breathtaking! It is a joy to see the level to which you have taken this art. Thank you for sharing it with us and thank you for the nice comments on my blog :).

fleegle said...

Ah, Soo, it's not a pattern stash, it's a collection.

and I adore your knitting!