Is this gorgeous, or what? Am I in a lace rut? (If so, I'll happily wallow there for awhile.) This is Dayflower Lace*, from the incomparable BW's 2nd Treasury. When I first spotted the photo in the book, I wondered what patterns already incorporated it, so I did a web search and found this scarf pattern, and then I found this free sweater pattern from Berroco. They're both quite nice; the sweater is a little too tunic-y for my liking, but utilizes the lace to good advantage, especially for the V neckline. And then, just today, I noticed that the latest issue of Spun Magazine includes a pattern called Licorice Bullet Skirt, which contains Dayflower Lace panels. (Note to Spun Mag: "whispy" is not a word. "Wispy," yes, meaning filmy, fragile, delicate; "whispery," perhaps, meaning low, soft, sibilant; "whisky," of course, meaning, well, you know--you'd have to get creative to use "whisky" to describe a knit skirt, but I suppose it could be done.)
Digression over. My point is that although there are a few Dayflower Lace patterns out there, the world could probably use a few more--certainly one more--so I'm on it.
And I'm on the improvements to this dear old friend, too; in the comments to my earlier post, there seemed to be some doubt that she was in fact too short, so I offer this photo as proof. I mean, she's not indecent or anything, but those ribs are not being allowed to do their lengthening, slimming work when they're truncated like that.
*There are a few booboos in the pictured piece, or to be more precise, there are two of them, repeated across two different rows. In this case, I chose not to rip, because I don't think the overall pattern is compromised (and, okay, because I'm a lazy girl at heart). Damned if I can figure out how I did the first one without ending up with too many stitches, though.
Oh, ok, I see what you mean about the length now. Yes, the slimming, clingy effect is diminished by the shortness. I do love seeing the back tho - thanks for the extra pic.
I have lace on the brain right now.
Posted by: Carol | May 26, 2006 at 06:14 PM
Dayflower lace is a favorite pattern. I first saw it in Knitter's # 50, Spring '98- a 'Dayflower Daydream' shawl by Eugen Beugler. It is also in The Best of Knitter's Shawls and Scarves. My daughter was 12 at the time but I vowed that I would make it for her wedding! I did get to practice the pattern last summer using Stitchingirl's scarf pattern that you mentioned; see my July 24 archive or the Accessories photo album. It was very fun to knit.
Posted by: Kristen | May 26, 2006 at 08:29 PM
You know the Dayflower lace looks like the Embossed Leaves pattern in Ik Winter 2005 (socks)I never noticed that until I looked at your larger repeat. Having only seen it in the small repeat in BW's book.
I am planning a sweater with the embossed leaves topping off an opaque body. Just cap sleeves. I don't want to play peek a boo with my undies, and if I have to wear a camisole under it, it defeats the purpose of a cool summer top.
Well it looks lovely and I am sure you will do it proud.
Even short I love your Chinese lace sweater. All the parts flow into a graceful and feminine whole.
Posted by: Suzann | May 30, 2006 at 09:17 AM
That Chinese Lace Sweater is BEAUTIFUL! It seems only a touch too short. How much longer would you go?
Also, this is going to seem weird, but I really like it with the two different sleeves -- makes it more funky (or maybe I'm just a freak). If I had to pick only 1 type of sleeve, I think I'd go with the ribbed one. It seems more flattering (although not as interesting).
Really like that Dayflower Lace, too.
Posted by: Persnickety Knitter | June 01, 2006 at 10:32 AM
Do you plan to eventually offer the pattern for this sweater? I can't decide whether I like the ribbed or the lacy sleeve; maybe I'll have to make two sweaters... anyway, it's beautiful either way.
Posted by: Anneliese | June 14, 2006 at 09:26 PM
Anneliese, I do plan to offer the pattern for this sweater, with the ribbed sleeve; I have an idea for a very cute sleeveless dress for girls using this stitch pattern (with a very minor change), so I'm hoping to get that up by...3rd week in July, and then the sweater pattern by sometime in August. If you're impatient I could try to write something up for you earlier (if you e-mail me your size)--it's really working out the range of sizes that takes more time.
Posted by: Angela | June 15, 2006 at 02:36 PM
Wow, Angela that sweater is BEAUTIFUL!!! I can't wait to get started on it when you offer the pattern. Is it still set for August? This is great work.
Posted by: Monique | July 26, 2006 at 10:09 PM