The Lace Challenge

 
Why a lace challenge?
Fudwick likes holes.
It's all about negative space.
It's about time we had another challenge.
Jan said we could.

Some Rules which we reserve the right to change, but for now these look pretty inclusive.

0. We're including crochet in this one for all those hookers out there. Not sure how we're going to count up the holes/yarnovers, but I'll figure something out and post it here later.
1. You need to have purchased your yarn for your projects at Linden Hills Yarn.
2. February 4, 2011 was the start date, so your project cannot have been started before then. Swatching is ok and if you have a project you really, really, really want to get in the challenge, you are welcome to frog it and start over ; ).
3.  The final day for submissions will be the last day of Spring June 20, 2011. You will need to bring in your project to be photographed and fill out your entry sheet for each entry on or before that date.  If you are nice, Chris might help you count up your holes.
4. We'll be holding the prize drawings on the First Day of Summer June 21, 2011.


Behold the Holey Prize Matrix of Gift Certificates to be awarded and Redeemed at Linden Hills Yarn.

Categories:

Adult Garment or shawl > 50% lace. One entry for each project of this type you complete. $30 by random drawing of all the entries.

Adult Garment or shawl < 50% lace. One entry for each project of this type you complete. $20 by random drawing of all the entries.

Accessory, Non Wearable & Children's wearable (i.e. hats, socks, chair cushion, dolly dress, lamp shade, etc.). One entry for each project of this type you complete. $10 by random drawing of all the entries.

Mileage. From cobweb weight to super chunky, for each 1/4 mile (440 yards)  of yarn knit in your lace projects entered, you'll receive one chance in the random drawing. So if your total yards knitted in all your entered projects is ten miles you'll have 40 chances at winning. Hence, the more you knit for the challenge, the better your chances will be at winning this prize. $30

Most holes. This prize will be awarded to the individual with the largest cumulative total of Holes/YarnOvers in their work. You'll also get to count each nupp as a YarnOver even though it's not a hole. Why? Because Kathy W. wanted extra credit. If you want to make nupps in your lace then by all means make nupps!
$40 and the title "Holey Dominator of Lace"

We have nothing 'round here if not a sense of humor!

2011Jan113
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

Last year I made a hat for the DH using this nature graphic we affectionately know as the "fornicating reindeer chart." At that time K. said he just had to do a sweater. And bygosh bygolly this year he did! Hilarious and a big hit this holiday season.

For more fun with this chart, check out this link.

amimono2010bookcover

amimono2010bookcover
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

This beautiful new publication from Helga Isager, daughter of Marianne Isager. I admire and adore the designs, although I don't particularly care for the uberthin models she chooses for her photo shoots.

This booklet includes some wonderful garments for children and we've added the luscious multicolor kid mohair used in the cover photo to our stock.

I've already started the great Chamomile shawl pattern using the Alpaca1 and Highland wool stranded together. Shawls will be the theme for the MKG's display at the Textile Center this spring. If I finish by February, I'll be putting this one on display.

Sparkle! Just a wee bit of bling.

12202010_3
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

And the sequins took off like a rocket! This was a product placement lesson if I ever saw one. I made the sequined hat (photo below) four or more years ago. It was displayed in the front window on a mannequin head for a couple of winters. We occasionally dug out sequins to sell over the years. A couple of weeks ago I did a little rearranging of the shop samples and put my version of the hat back on display in a different location than before and WHAMO. The desire for sequins decimated our supply and we ordered more! P. said of her version of the hat (photo right) that whenever she wears it she gets a positive comment, without fail. And it is sooooooooo easy to make.

Cocoon Hat from Cherished

dec162010_6
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

This lovely hat in Cocoon is from the Cherised collection by Kim Hargreaves. I knit it within 24 hours time and blocked it over a dinner plate. I'd like to make this in a lighter color next time to really show off the lace. There is enough of the second skein remaining to make some fingerless mitts to match. The only mod here was that the pattern was written for back and forth knitting and I did mine in the round. Cool, Quick, and Slouchy!

Elf Cap from Simple Chic

Elf Cap from Simple Chic
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

What do you do when you have two hours and a baby gift to be made? I made this hat.

Used one ball of Big Wool and some size US13 needles and the Elf Cap pattern by Jill Eaton from Simple Chic.

cherishedcover

cherishedcover
Originally uploaded by chrisrknits

This is full of great designs. If you like Kim's other work, you will not want to pass this up. If you need inspiring and quickly knit caps for gifts this has two wonderful hats. Several Big Wool sweaters for surviving the below zero temps appear. And if big and quick isn't your style, there are plenty of other designs.
I'm already starting one of the hats (Moon done in Cocoon) as a gift.