this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2023
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Knitting

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My little sister is newly engaged, so it only makes sense to learn lace knitting and make her veil. (Don't worry, I won't come back in a year with a resentment post if she hates it). Currently my lace experience is one very simple triangle shawl.

So far, my plan is to do a bit of mix/match from the motifs in the following pi Shawls, as they're designed to play nicely together:

https://ravel.me/ez-100th-anniversary-pi-shawl-camping

https://ravel.me/ez-100th-anniversary-pi-shawl-gull-wings

https://ravel.me/ez-100th-anniversary-pi-shawl-hearts

I've got knit picks bare luminance, an undyed ivory silk to work with.

Am I setting myself up for frustration? Am I absolutely bonkers for this? I have about a year before the wedding deadline and I'm pretty sure she'll still be my sister even if I fail. Ive also signed myself up for a Shetland lace course in case that turns out to be a better (worse?) decision. Feel free to roast me, pls, I'm sure my fam already is.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

You can definitely do this. Before you choose a final pattern and yarn, I'd definitely coordinate with your sister to make sure she likes the choices, and they match her dress/theme. Matching it to her dress choice is actually an opportunity to make the item even more unique and special for her...like adding some bead edging accents that match a sparkle or pearl accent on her dress.

For the knitting itself, a few pieces of advice:

-Do a small test piece with the yarn/needles you're planning to use. This will teach you how to start a pi shawl (fiddly if your first time), if you want more slippery/sticky/blunt/pointy needles, and let you see how it blocks out. This can be your memory doily for your sister's big day, or perhaps give it to your mother (if you're close) or to the bride as an additional memory.

-Lifelines, lifelines, lifelines. I'm pretty cherry about dropping down and fixing complex patterns, but lace is extra challenging because of the fine yarn and the fact that the stitches are often harder to read before blocking.

-I love Elizabeth Zimmerman's Pi shawls. But be aware that the outer rounds take FOREVER. So when you've got half the radius done, you are not halfway through. You still have lots and lots (and lots) to go. Just be aware of that from a time management perspective.

Good luck, and I hope your sister and you both love the pattern and yarn that you choose!