River Along! (We're ignoring for the moment that I haven't voluntarily worn lace in over two decades - that's right, I said decades - and can't even begin to explain why I'm drawn to this pattern.)
Got yarn?: Check (Autumn)
Jody's chart?: Check
Pattern?: Check
Ok then, what's the first step? "Using 7mm(US 10 1/2) needles and the lace method, cast on 62 sts."
WTF?
I've looked in all my books and all over the web for "the lace method" of casting on. NADA. There's a lot of stuff out there about using a provisional cast on for lace, but why would one do that in this case? There's no picking up and kniting from the cast on edge here? And if it's the provisional cast on, wouldn't they just say so? HELP!?! Please?
And yes, here is where we stop to think about just how good an idea it is to use a Rowan pattern as a first time lace knit.
Maybe they mean to start directly with the lace pattern?
Posted by: melanie | August 24, 2005 at 08:24 AM
Actually, it's the same as the knitted on cast on. There's an illustration here: http://www.wonderful-things.com/newknit1.htm. I should probably post this on the blog tonight as well.
Posted by: jody | August 24, 2005 at 09:23 AM
It's the same cast on that is used for the Birch Shawl. The Rowan Book 34 had/has instructions for the lace cast on.
Posted by: Bethany | August 25, 2005 at 01:01 AM
i'm sure glad that other people already knew what the lace cast-on method was because when i read your post, i just kind of scratched my head and went 'huh?'.
Posted by: elisa | August 25, 2005 at 08:22 AM
Bethany is right. however, if you do not have that rowan book, and you are still wondering, let me know. they specify that cast on method because it is very elastic.
nice project, BTW
Posted by: benedetta | August 25, 2005 at 06:51 PM
Hi! I just saw your blog post because guess what I'm doing? My very *first* Rowan pattern, and my very *first* lace project. You guessed it, River. And I don't know WTF the lace method for cast on is either. :-D I'm going to try using Melanie's reference url... if that is not the right solution, could you email me? Save me from myself. I have to have this shawl! You're not the only one who's obsessed with it...
Posted by: Melinda | March 12, 2006 at 02:21 PM