Scribbling

I've started on my Scribble Lace! These instructions are from Unexpected Knitting by Debbie New (book brought along to our Stitch n' Bitch by Jordan - thank you!).

Basically, you need a thick yarn (I've used "Curly" by Filatura di Crosa in my sample, but I think it might be too bumpy), some very thin yarn or sewing cotton (I've used Gütermann upholstery cotton), and large DPNs or circular needles (this is important - straight needles won't work).

Do a long-tail cast on in the thick yarn. Work 3 rows of garter stitch with thread, then 1 row in thick yarn. Repeat til you run out of wool! The trick comes with the single rows of yarn - the working end of yarn will be at the other end of the row after your third row of thread - so slip the stitches down to the other end of the DPNs or circular needle, and knit back from there. Catch the yarn in at the side of the second thread row, too, to carry it up along the side of your work. Hmmm, that all sounds as clear as mud... ;)

I'm not sure what I'll do with this, but am happy just experimenting with this technique at the moment! I'm using 7.5mm circular needles, and the instructions in the book do recommend a much bigger needles (12mm or so). I think it will be worth finding some 12mm DPNs to try. The boucle may not be the best choice - the scribbles are not very clear - so this might work better with a smoother yarn.



There are some free Scribble Lace patterns on the web :
Scribble Lace Scarf
Loopy and Luscious Scarf

Today I also ensured my teenage daughter's continued knitting habit by taking her to our LYS for the first time - hook, line, and sinker, baby! "Oooh, Mum, look at this!" was the refrain of the day :) I'm so proud - she's even starting her own knitting blog (link to be added once it's ready to fly).