Down to Earth Elegance

Here is a pattern for a simple, yet lovely introduction to lace knitting. My darling friend made one on size 8mm needles, using her homespun chocolate double ply wool. It was an amazing combination of down-to-earth elegance and country charm. I can't recall where I originally found this pattern, but I have made some modifications since. [This is in case the copyright police are reading this blog]

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Note: To keep it simple, all of the increases are made in the first and last stitch of every right side row. To help keep track of increase rows (or the "right side") attach an original beaded stichmarker (for the sake of beauty) or plain safety pin to the right side of the piece after you have worked a few rows.

K1f&b: Knit through the front loop, and then through the back loop of a stitch (increases one stitch).
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The Rules of the Game:

Cast on 4 sts. Knit one row.

Rows 1 and 3: (RS) K1 f&b, knit to last st, k1 f&b – 2 sts inc’d.

Rows 2 and 4: Knit

Rows 5, 7 and 9: K1 f&b, k1, *yo, k2tog: rep from * to last 2 sts, k1, k1 f&b – 2 sts inc’d.

Rows 6, 8 and 10: K3, *yo, p2tog: rep from * to last 3 sts, k3.

Rep Rows 1 –10 to desired length, ending with Row 4. Bind off all sts loosely to maintain elasticity.

You can finish the piece with a narrow knitted on border that you can find in Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge.

Make it in a rich homespun yarn and you will feel hugged everytime you wear it.