Wandering Thread

These lacy socks were created using a beautiful Japanese stitch pattern that has been slightly adapted and simplified, resulting in an intricate and complex design. The process of knitting this pair of socks requires your complete attention on each round. There are no "rest rows" where you can relax and knit mindlessly. When I say "complete attention," I mean absolute concentration to the point where you become immersed and almost lose sense of reality. Knitting these socks does not allow for meaningful conversations or distractions. You can't listen to or hear anything, and multitasking by knitting while watching or reading is not feasible (even though I love doing that too!). It's important to avoid starting any other activities like cooking on the stove or in the oven while knitting these socks, as it could be dangerous. So, you might wonder, who would be willing to go through such an involved process just for a pair of socks? It may sound silly, but I...

I would love to share with you my recent find - an antique book "The Ladies' Guide to Elegant Lace Patterns, Etc." by Eva Marie Niles, published in 1884. Whilst this book is technically out of print, it can be downloaded for free online. A large number of patterns from the book are also available for free online in an updated format for modern knitters. Find it on Ravelry . Just look at this beautiful lace stitch patterns!

Precious Lace is a beaded lace shawl knitting pattern. It is worked from top to bottom in all-over lace. Silver lined glass beads incorporated into the hem create a richly jeweled edge. This design also features the debut of the “Precious Lace” stitch pattern. Both charted and written patterns are included along with detailed, simple to follow instructions. Finished size 58″ (147 cm) wingspan, 28.15″ (71.5 cm) height at center spine, relaxed after blocking. Measurements may vary according to individual knitting tension. Yarn Lace weight yarn (CYCA 0) Shown here: Malabrigo Yarn Lace (470 yards / 430 meters, 100% merino), color “63 Natural” – 2 skeins. Needles US 0 / 2.00 mm Notions Size 8, silver lined crystal clear round Japanese beads – 1458 pieces (approx. 40 g); Hook for placing beads US 13/14 (0.9 mm); Markers; Blocking accessories; Darning needle. Gauge 25.5 sts x 41 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Precious Lace stitch pattern. This pattern can be found here: Etsy ...

Pattern for this shawl is coming soon. Size: 147 x 71.5 cm. Needle: US 0 (2.00 mm). Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Lace (100 % merino wool) 2 skeins. Beads. Hook US13/14 (0.9 mm). See  this project on Ravelry .

Main accent of these fingerless garter stitch gloves is a decorative lace design with beads on the cuff edge (about 3”). It is made in Orenburg lace pattern and is worked seamlessly and simultaneously with the main part of a glove, forming a lovely scalloped edge. Glass beads, incorporated in the lace pattern, meant to emphasize a sophisticated look. These fingerless gloves are knitted on straight needles in garter stitch and lace pattern. Thumb gusset is created using one of the short row techniques. Grafting completes each glove. Tutorials for all essential techniques necessary for this project are included in this pattern for convenience of a novice knitter. Finished size One size fits most - from 6 ½” (17.7 cm) to 8 ½” (21.6 cm) hand circumference across knuckles. When relaxed and flat: 8.5” (21.6 cm) long, 2.75 ” (7 cm) wide across knuckles, 3” (7.6 cm) across widest part of the glove over thumb gusset. The size can be adjusted by repeating Chart “Right (and then Left) Hand”...

My new pattern for Celestina Square Shawl has been published! For this shawl, I wanted to divert from more commonly used floral motifs and instead introduce a celestial yet simple theme. The inspiration behind this piece came from the “3from3” stitch, which has always reminded me of a star. From that subject, I designed three stitch patterns for the center, hem and edge naming them “Constellation”, “Milky Way” and “Little Star” respectively. Hence, the name “Celestina”. The shawl is made in two steps without breaking yarn. In the first step, you will knit a square center section in the all-over lace motif "Constellation" which is surrounded by a thin garter-stitch frame. Secondly, a lace edge is worked around the square outwardly. The lace edge consists of the two stitch patterns – “Milky Way” and “Little Star”. Skill level Intermediate / advanced. Finished size About 40” (102 cm) square, relaxed after blocking. Yarn Lace weight yarn (CYCA 0) Shown here: Henry’...

I just realized that I didn't say anything about my new design yet. Please, welcome Lidiya shawl ! She got the name after my mom (it was such a lovely surprise for her). The shawl has a crescent shape and worked from top (nape) to bottom (hem). Main body is made in stockinette stitch, lace hem has a wonderful flower motif of traditional Estonian style. Skill Level: Intermediate. Skills needed: k2tog, ssk, s2kpsso, k3tog, sssk, 3into7. Measurements after blocking: 52.75" (134 cm) wide along the top edge, 13" (33 cm) from bottom center point to top edge. Size may vary according to individual knitting tension. Gauge after blocking in St st: 21 sts x 33 rows = 4" (10 cm). Materials Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (420 yards (384 meters), 100% merino), color name "Logwood", 1 skein fingering weight yarn (CYCA 1: Superfine). US 4 / 3.5 mm 29" circular needle or 14" straight needles. US 6 / 4 mm needle for bind off. Blocking accessories. ...

This red jacket is a very fast knit due to the great gauge of Cascade Sitka yarn (too bad it is discontinued). I started it very spontaneously and knitted with passion. It has raglan sleeves and a close-fitting silhouette. The jacket was worked seamlessly in all-over lace pattern.

Evanston - my newly published design. For this shawl I used Madelinetosh - Tosh Lace in gorgeous color Afternoon. Almost the entire skein was vanished by the end. There are no nupps. Hurray! I know that many knitters dislike them, and all my other shawl designs include nupps. The most complicated stitch of this pattern is in the last chart, and it exists only in one single row (1st row of the Hem chart). I'm talking about k3tog into9 - *knit 3 stitches together leaving them on the left needle, yarn over*, repeat 3 more times from the same 3 stitches, knit same 3 stitches together. On the next row, purl all stitches separately. And the most difficult row was 5th in the Hem chart because there are a lot of such stitches as ssk, sssk and s2kpsso. I started making a step-by-step description for each row, but then realised, that main chart and center chart are not compatible. So I had to let go this noble idea. I want to express my gratitude to my dear husband for his editorial a...

One more variation for my scarf design "Florence". Yarn: Silk Cloud from Shibui Knits - about 1.5 skeins = 495 yards. Size made: 78.7" x 11" (200 x 28 cm). Needles US 6 - 4.0 mm. I have to say - the yarn is just gorgeous! It's definitely my favourite mohair yarn. It's extremely soft, not too messy in process of knitting, not too fluffy. Just I wish Shibui would add some gentle tones. And I really miss their "blush" color.

Ooh! This is soo pretty! The pattern is a slightly modified version of two cross pollinated shawls: 1. Laminaria 2. Echo Flower . I used yarn from Henry's Attic - Rapunzel 1Ply - 100% Tussah Silk with a lovely golden color, it's natural crispy texture and mild shine. This yarn is surprisingly fuzzy almost like mohair. I didn't know how this wild silk will behave after blocking. It is my first tussah silk shawl. So actually the shawl became like starched after blocking but this effect didn't last long, after first photo session the fabric has become soft again. This shawl is available for sale in my LaceKnit etsy shop.

To make this shrug I used about 2 skeins of Staccato from Shibui Knits, 5 double pointed sock needles US6/4.00mm, circular needles of the same size (can use straight needles). The Staccato yarn has superwash merino wool and silk fibers, which gives to your garments an interesting shine and I like it. The yarn is perfect for knitting a jacket or sweater. But I think that Staccato can be used for socks and it will be a luxurious long lasting warm and elegant socks. I'm tempted to try. The process of knitting this shrug I would describe in these few steps: 1. Starting with double pointed sock needles I knitted in circles the first sleeve from down to top. 2. I switched sock needles to the circular ones and start knitting straight the back part. 3. Once I finished with the back I switched to sock needles again and start knitting in circles making the second sleeve from top down. 4. Then I blocked it. It's extremely important, because the fabric from Staccato yarn is st...

The pattern is published! This lace scarf Florence designed within estonian lace tradition. The scarf consists only one rectangle section. The pattern has a chart and written general instructions. Requirements Option 1. Yarn: Cima from Shibui Knits, Lace / 2 ply, 70% Alpaca, 30% Merino . Yardage: 490-510 yards. Needles: US 4 - 3.5 mm. Approximate measurements: 65" x 9.6" (165 x 24.3 cm). Option 2. Yarn: Silk Cloud from Shibui Knits, Lace / 2 ply, 60% Mohair, 40% Silk. Yardage: 400 -420 yards. Needles: US 6 - 4.0 mm Approximate measurements: 67" x 11.6" (170 x 29.5 cm). The pattern includes nupps and stitch “k5sts tog into 5sts”. Here is the explanation how to do it: Nupp - knit into one stitch, leaving it on the left-hand needle, * yarn over, knit into original stitch again*, repeat from * to * two more times - five stitches from one. Purl all 5 stitches together on the following row. k5sts tog into 5sts - knit into 5 stitches together knitwise, l...

This is another version of my newly designed scarf "Florence". Here I used 30 grams, 396.0 yards (362.1m) of lace weight yarn Silk Cloud from Shibui, color Ash. The yarn has mohair and silk fibers and it's the best mohair I have ever worked with so far, it's extremely soft and mildly fuzzy, It just can not be better.

This is my newest design. I used lace weight yarn Cima from Shibui, color Suit. The yarn has alpaca and merino fibers and it's one of my favourite yarns, it's soft and silky. The trim is actually knitted straight, but stretched this way in blocking process. I will write the pattern when I will have more time.