Saturday, October 18, 2008

Tiny FO

A gift for a friend's birthday (I don't think she reads this), made from a free pattern and in my own handspun Finn. It didn't take long, even accounting for the mess-ups that seem inevitable when I knit lace, even the most brain-dead lace. Also it didn't help that the pattern had an error.


It was so nice and fast, though, that it's got me thinking about Christmas presents. Since this is the year that I swore I would make everything by hand that I gave out, I've got to either pare my list, send everyone jam, or find some other approach. One thing I've thought of is making these beautiful Polish paper stars known as porcupine balls, and I still may. But now there are bookmarks as possibilities. And I love me some possibilities.

This little project also showed me that my singles must be plied, or else made into lace that's blocked really hard (tempting but really, let's come back to reality. I have three new classes starting in a week). The tassel's twist is the overspun part of the single, so plying it would be necessary to counter that tendency.

At any rate, it's symbolic of a lot of love and I'm not out money, just time, and for my friends, I'll spend that with pleasure.

6 comments:

Pancake Goddess said...

are the ornaments like this?

http://tinyurl.com/5cass2

the family fun image was tiny.

Stefaneener said...

Yep, although the ones I first saw had only 12 layers, I think. They're really lovely made out of old magazines.

z's momma said...

I love your bookmark. It's much nicer with your delicate yarn. Beautiful.

The porcupine balls. I've seen them before, but have never made them. Looks like another craft to do!

allisonmariecat said...

Oh, how sweet! I've decided to do some washcloths in organic cotton from the stash along with nice-smelling soap. And apple butter, assuming it turns out well. Other than that...Christmas is just around the corner, and I need to make my spreadsheet of gifts!

Can I be 12 for a minute and say...Hehe, you said "porcupine balls!"

cpurl17 said...

It's adorable!


(I'm washcloth knitting too.)

patricia said...

Hey--you said you gave up on knitting lace! It's lovely.

And so is the freckles romaine from the last post. It's my favorite lettuce to grow. So darn pretty.