I’m finally allowed to play with the new colors in our lace-weight yarns!

There are some rules that even the owner of Knit Picks can’t break. In preparation for yarn launches, we always receive boxes in advance for knitting up photo samples for the catalog. These yarns are absolutely sacrosanct since everything has been allocated to sample knitters or the photography department.

Yeah, right! Imagine walking into a room filled with all sort of new yarns and/or new colors and not being able to immediately be able to sweep up an armful and head for the nearest comfortable chair – that is my torture. I like to believe that everyone else has a crutch to lean on because their jobs depend on the “proper” dispensation of the limited yarn supplies. But, I’m supposed to be knitting! That’s my job!

When I was finally able to get my hands on the lace yarns, I have to admit I was a bit overwhelmed. Where to start? Time to take a step back and find a pattern. I wanted something that would show off the color of my choice and be relatively quick to knit.

Thank you, Sue Giesige! Your Spring Fling is exactly what I needed.

And, I was able to make it allow me to play with two colors!! I decided to knit half of the scarf/stole with one color and the other half with another. I chose Blue Yonder and Deep Waters in Shadow Tonal, but Queen Anne and Golden Glow came in a close second. Of course, you don’t have to use Shadow Tonal.

Along my theme of Half & Half, a couple of Alpaca Cloud pairings could be Waltz and Tidepool or Foxtrot and Iris. Gloss Lace Sterling and Ultramarine or Carrot and Fiesta are other possibilities.

Spring Fling is a joy to knit – only four rows in the repeat with two of them being purls. It’s very easy to memorize which actually makes it a nice project to carry around. This is the first time I have used Zephyr needles with lace knitting and I love them!!! The back half of each stitch becomes blurred by the clear acrylic while the front half is clearly visible. I can’t believe how easy it is to see the thin lace yarn! The Zephyr’s have become my new favorite Options tips for lace knitting – a bit sticky, nice sharp points and the stitches are so easy to work when you can see them clearly.

I know the knitting doesn’t look anything like Sue’s finished project.

Remember that it always happens when you are knitting lace. The fine yarn just can’t hold it’s own form until you block the finished item. Then the magic happens. If you have never knit lace before I suggest you try Spring Fling and don’t worry about the ugle, scraggly thing growing from your needles. It will be fine!

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Comment by Bridget Ruffing on January 24, 2011 at 3:53pm: Oh.... my.... goodness, those zepher needles look beautiful on top of that yarn! Nice photo.

Comment by Peggy Stuart on May 1, 2010 at 7:40am: My lace weight yarn came yesterday--merino wool in "bare." at least I can be working on a lace project!

Comment by Beverly Roberts on May 1, 2010 at 7:29am: You sure know how to tempt a knitter! Can't wait to see the finished project!

Comment by Tara Addesa on April 30, 2010 at 11:41am: Sooo Many GorgeouS Colors & Combo Colors it was Impossible to Choose Just "1" so I'm going with "3" FavS .. Sterling & Black for a bit Dressier Look .. Blue yonder/Deep Waters .. Blossom

Comment by Tara Addesa on April 30, 2010 at 9:56am: KelleY .. WhaT SizE NeedlE Did You Use with it ???

Comment by Kelley Petkun on April 29, 2010 at 5:25am: Hi Vintagenut,

It is Crazy easy!! But, looks fantastic when finished. I love that I can wear it as a shawl or scarf! I'm convinced that I get spring colds because I run around in lightweight clothes believing that it is warm outside. If I wore this "scarf" in the morning I would not feel like I was wearing a heavy winter scarf but I would be toasty warm.

P.S. Summer Blooms is lovely!!

Comment by Julienne Abrahamson on April 28, 2010 at 6:24am: omg, those new shades are awesome! I mean, they are truly remarkable! I love lace knitting to begin with, but with these new colors, my hands are already itching to try some! I'm busy busy busy with unpacking, but I just had to get on and put in my two cents! At this rate I'll be having lace dreams all summer long! (not to mention socks, I am always itching to do more socks!)

Comment by cherylbwaters on April 27, 2010 at 11:40am: Kelley, I cannot imagine having to keep secrets for so long and I don't know how you manage to keep your hands off the yarn.

Lena, since my DH and I work together, I'm always threatening him with sexual harassment charges. LOL

Comment by Evelyn M. Dugger on April 27, 2010 at 6:39am: Ah, Kelly, you should be in "sales". Oh, wait a minute, you are!! Here I am just learning to make socks, and now you have me itching to make some lace. I even think I could handle Spring Fling. The new yarn is definitely to drool over. Lucky you........☺E.