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Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Leaf and Lace Set

I always like to have two baby sets on hand for gift giving, one suitable for a girl and one for a boy. Over the past several months two nieces have had babies, and with both babies being girls I have twice given away the girl set. The sweater intended for a boy sits and impatiently waits its turn while I knit yet another lacey set for a girl. (Lacey sets are more fun to knit anyway.) This set has no intended recipient in utero. I just like to be prepared.

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This is the yoke section of a pattern called "Leaf and Lace Set for 3 Months" from an ancient old Beehive booklet, "Nursery Styles for 3 to 12 Months". I've had it since I was in my early teens. I see the pattern booklet has gone up to $3.25 USD. When I purchased it it was 65 cents Canadian.

This pattern has defeated me several times. I tried knitting it when I was around 14 years old, just for something to do, then later when I was having my own children I believe I tried to knit it each time I was expecting. Every time it ended in failure. I always got as far as the leaf design, and then one way or another lost the whole darn thing when I started on the lower, lacey part. I was a less experienced knitter back then though and seem to be doing fine this time. Never-the-less, THIS time I have run a "life-line" after the leaf yoke.

Each row in the lower lace part takes a LONG time to knit. There are 315 stitches in each row! Look how closely they are packed together on that needle.

7 comments:

Rabbitch said...

It's beautiful!

I'm sitting here working the g/y shift (somehow got talked into an extra shift this week), working on my 2x2 rib scarf for Dulaan and lusting for lace. Well, for anything that isn't stiff sage acrylic ...

Michelle said...

What a beautiful pattern. I don't think you'll have any problems making it, but the lifeline is a great idea.

Samantha said...

That is gorgeous! I'm going to have to get that pattern!! I have two friend who are pregnant and I've been knitting baby things galore! :)

Happy knitting!! :)

Maggie Ann said...

Incredibly beautiful. You are blessed to be so talented ! When your page loaded, and I got a look at what you are knitting, I was in 'awe'.

Anonymous said...

Gosh that is lovely! I'll be searching yard sales for more vintage-ish baby books!

Gupping said...

Hey folks, after much searching I found the pattern and am almost done kitting this pattern. it is beautiful.

Marlene said...

Because this pattern is copyright protected I do not give out copies, but it is still available in this booklet: Bernat #530229 which can be purchased at:
www.yarnspirations.com/new-classics.html
I have also heard that if you contact Patons directly they will email you a PDF copy of the pattern.