Needlework Tuesday - Wraps

Needlework Tuesday is an occasional post detailing my needlework and/or crafting projects.

In the last couple of weeks, I started two projects. The first one was a Mary Maxim project that's been sitting for many moons. Here's the project:



When it first showed up I was really excited about it. However, when I started the project I quickly became disillusioned.

• The lacy pattern was really complicated, which I had a hard time following while watching TV. 
• I had trouble with tension.  It uses bamboo crochet thread.  
• The piece kept falling off the needles. 

The problems just went on and on. So, I put it away. I've now pulled it out again and restarted it for the third time. I'm still having some problems with tension, but I'm using on wooden needles this time to prevent the piece from slipping off the needles. They are a little short, but that's all I could find at the time.  The pattern is still complicated, but I'm getting the hang of it...sort of. There's one section about 3" by 3" where I totally screwed up the pattern. For the sake of my sanity, I just couldn't bring myself to start it a 4th time even though I only had about 9" done. The first few inches were the hardest part for me to get through each time.

Anyway, at the time I wasn't using lifelines and couldn't rip back properly because there are too many K2tog, yo, SSK, etc. I tried to put in a lifeline after the fact, but couldn't manage it. I decided to carry on and just pretend it didn't happen.  I'm back on track with the pattern and unless someone spreads out the whole piece and examines the pattern closely, they won't notice the mistake. Here's what I have so far:

In this photo, the problem section is hidden in the folds on the right. ;)  I'm using lifelines every 12 rows (in a pattern 24 rows long). I hope not to use them.  The finished piece is going to be 24" by 72". In the grand scheme of things if a small section isn't right, I can live with that.

The other project I started is Spectrum on ravelry.com. It uses two yarns from Shibui Knits in two different weights. The pattern is ultra simple (all stocking stitch) and after knitting the complicated lace pattern in the piece above, it's a nice break. Here's what I have so far:

I'm hoping that blocking will flatten out the curling edges.  You really have to look at the finished piece on ravelry to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of this piece.  

The next project from the Mary Maxim's Knit Club of the Month should be arriving any day. I wonder what I'll be knitting next.

Needlework Tuesday is hosted by Heather over at Books and Quilts.    If you'd done any crafting this week that you'd like to share with others, please head over to Heather's blog and use the Mr. Linky to link up your post, so others can enjoy your creations.