A couple of years ago, I purchased this book at a local used book store. It's written by Nancie Wiseman and published by Interweave Press. The book might be out of print now. You'll have to check that on-line somewhere. However, I'm sure there's a copy to be found in a used bookstore somewhere. I purchased this copy at Smith Family Bookstore in Eugene, Oregon. It was about $9 and worth EVERY penny.
At the time I didn't crochet...so this was just perfect and it reminded me so much of Victorian/Edwardian things and Anne of Green Gables...so I just had to HAVE the book :) :) :) In short, this book is a really nice collection of genuine Victorian era knitted lace edgings by Blanche Beau...the woman you see pictured on the front cover. She kept everything in a really neat notebook, that was eventually inherited by the author of this book!!! So I thought I'd make up some samples in various patterns and colors to decide what I like best!!!
The first two samples I knitted in dark red...because I LOVE red. The third sample is knit in pink..which now upon reflection, is much brighter than I originally thought it was ;) :) :) I do have white crochet cotton...but I decided to start with some color!!! There will definitely be some white samples to choose from as well!!!
I've completed two different styles of lace edging and am working on the third (in pink)..Here is the first one, it's called "Mrs. R's Diamond Lace" on page 41. This one was the most difficult since it was my first. I literally started and ripped it out about three times, before I finally got the rhythm right. I haven't "blocked" this yet. I'm not sure if I will. I'll definitely press it with an iron to make it lay flat...The scalloped edging should be a little pointier...at least according to the photo in the book...so I'm not sure what isn't being done correctly. No matter...I LOVE it..and it's definitely homey/vintage looking :) :) :)
Next is the "Rose Point Lace" on page 46-47. This definitely will need to be blocked or pressed or both...Still, I'm very happy with the result and although I LOVE the red, this might look better in white. The plan is to knit up some samples, display them on my bookcase and then let you decide which style of lace looks best. Then I'll knit a bunch of that!!!
Last but not least....because I'm still knitting is this really nice "Maple Seed Lace" on pages 70-71. So far this has been the best one in terms of the look as it's knitting. There are quite a few YO's (yarn overs)...that is part of what helps create those lacy parts...but the overall affect is really beautiful!!!! Somehow I think I was born in the wrong generation..but then again, no, God's timing is perfect...and how that and my love of vintage stuff fits together...I'm not sure yet, other than to help make my home a haven!!!
Pictured below are all my samples together...with the fabric in the backdrop that I'll use as the shelf liner fabric. This was formerly my fitted sheet on my bed. I did wash it first...but I don't believe in ironing...well, only if I absolutely have to :) :) This is part of a Shabby Chic bed set...called "Cherry Blossom" You won't even see this fabric once I attach the lace edging. I don't want to use tacks on my bookcase, so I thought this would be a good alternative. It's part of an idea that I dreamed up of how the overall project should look when it's finished. So we'll see if this turns out or not. Oh, I also included that wire/rose ribbon I purchased at a yard sale last weekend. I'm not sure what I'll use this for...Any ideas?
That's my Victorian knitted lace edging project thus far...I hope you like it. Do you already see a lace edging that you like best? My bookcase has 5 shelves plus the top...so I'll be knitting or crocheting three more styles of lace.
Tales from the Pear Tree
I have some sort of sad news to report. Today was my day off and a coworker called me during her break to tell me "They completely shut down our department today"..WHAT????? That's so bizarre since management told our supervisors only YESTERDAY that we'd have more work and we were doing a great job. I did receive a call from one of my supervisors today about this...it is very discouraging.
Well, I can't really comment more on it at this point and I WON'T name the company I work for...but I will say that I feel like something smells really rotten here in terms of integrity. Many of my coworkers feel the same way, too. We're going to be split up and some will go into the business division setting up phone appointments. Others will stay in inbound/customer service calls. I am choosing to stay in the latter...doing only inbound calls/customer service.
Arrgghh..I won't complain anymore...Just pray for me to not lose heart in the face of what seems like a lack of integrity. I still have to do a good job as unto the LORD regardless of what goes on around me!!! So pray for a good attitude. I am grateful to still be working, because it's keeping a roof over my head :) :) :) Okay, enough "pears" today!!!
So I've been busy working on my knitted lace edgings. I do need to get my quilt out and start working on that too. It's been awhile...so I'll be working on some time management skills...to help me towards that end!!! Life has once again thrown me a curve ball...but that's okay...God is good...and somehow He'll use this for His glory...I'm sure of it!!!...the how, I'm not sure about...but I know that HE is faithful!!! That's the news from Oregon today. Love and hugs, Heather :)
