Before I get into the giveaway details, I want to thank all of you who worked on (or still working on) our this year knit along. It was so fun to knit with you! Thank you!
Here’s my shawl:
By the way, there have been many questions about blocking. Try to block your shawl in a way that you can emphasize the tips. That will give you a nice edging.
I need to tell you something – this year’s pattern was not mine. I’m sorry for misleading you. I tried very hard not to take credit for it.
I do understand that this may be very disappointing to you and I get that. But I had a reason for this. I had a tough year and due to my grandmother’s passing, I had to teach myself how to knit again.
Back to basics, really. My mantra was: “I can knit anything two rows at a time!” And so can you.
Also, many of you have been saying that you don’t dare to try out other designers’ lace patterns, and it’s so sad. There are so many talented designers out there. And so many magnificent projects.
So I thought it would be fun to unite those things and help myself by helping you. Or vice versa. Speaking about other designers and the shawl we just knitted.
The designer of this year MKAL is Siiri Reimann, and the pattern is called “Hope shawl”. I chose this pattern because I really needed hope this year. And as I read your emails, you did too.
Giveaway
Now, Siiri Reimann has got the book “Triangular Knitted Shawls by Siiri Reimann”. And I want to give it away. For one of you.
The book has 21 lace shawl patterns (if I counted correctly) with charts and instructions on how to knit a true Estonian lace shawl. by the way, charts are in a separate folder accompanied by the book.
In order to win this book I’m asking you to leave a comment down below this post, and tell me, why do you like knitting lace? What is it that you love about lace? Why lace?
The winner will be revealed on Christmas morning, December 24th (2020) on PatternDuchess’s Facebook page.
Thank you again, and I wish you peaceful and healthy holidays!
By the way, here’s a video about all that I already wrote (with all the shyness and heavy accent):
PS! Funny story! I was telling my son that I’m a bit worried about my first giveaway. What if no one wants to participate? He thought a moment, and said: “I will participate. Then if I win, you can keep the book”. What a sweet young man 🙂 But I truly hope that someone else other than me finds this book worth wanting :LOL
I love knitting lace because it is usually light and airy and it is so interesting seeing the pattern develop as I knit
Me too 🙂
I love the beauty and the tradition of lace and knitting in general. When I knit lace I feel connected to the women who came before me.
Lace knitting makes me realise there is a ‘delicate’ side of me, instead of the usual unpolished, casual me. It has surprised myself. Hope Shawl is the most complicated lace knitting I have ever done. It was challenging, especially not knowing what it should look like. But, wow, what a reward in the end. I’m so happy I took part in it and didn’t give up half way. Thank you, Mari-Liis, for offering the KAL and making me realise ‘I can do it’.
I love knitting lace because I love the way it looks, plus I don’t get bored with the pattern and always finish my lace projects.
I love knitting lace because I enjoy seeing the design unfold in my hands. Also thinner yarn and needles no larger than 4mm are much easier on my hands.
Lace of all types, from simple to complex, is a piece of a smile and a delicate hug wrapped up in fibre! For me Nothing is a lovely as lace…it’s the main reason I learned to knit! 🥰🕊🥰
I love the delicacy of lace. I love spinning the fiber into yarn, and knitting the beautiful patterns, watching them grow and become heirloom pieces that last generations.
I love the delicacy of lace, from spinning the fiber into yarn, to knitting, watching the beautiful patterns become heirlooms that last for generations.
I really enjoy knitting lace shawls, because it forces me to stay focused on what I am doing. The beauty when it is finally finished is a true reward.
I love knitting lace because with all the concentration required, it makes for a complete withdrawal from everyday madness, regardless how long you are able to knit. It’s a way to stay sane, mentally.
I love knitting lace. When it is on the needle you often can not see the beauty of the pattern but when you block it …. Magic happens.(sorry for my english i am dutch hope you onderstand)
The winner of the Giveaway is…Ellen Snippert. Congratulations! I’ll reach out to you on Dec 28.
Knitting lace keeps my attention with the varied stitches used and the finished product Is so very rewarding. It’s that,”I did that!” Feeling.
I love lace because it is one of the few things that requires my full attention and so its a great escape (and some me-time!) And its absolutely beautiful!!
Hi everyone! I love knitting lace because it is just magical how using simple stitch techniques can turn one’s knitting into something so lovely. 😊
I love knitting lace because it connects me with the past, knitting patterns that have been passed down through the generations.
I love the texture of lace and how it makes me feel clever and creative when I get it right.
I love knitting lace because although my life isn’t easy the beauty of the place reminds me that life is what you make! If you work hard you can have something wonderful, if you give up you will never know how beautiful it can be. 💜
I love knitting lace because knitting lace not boring. There are so many beautiful patterns with beatiful motifs and the results always make me happy and amazed.
I love knitting lace because the concentration required takes me out of my everyday concerns and focuses me on the knitting.
I wanted to try knitting an Estonian in memory of my grandmother and honouring my mum who taught me how to knit when I was 4 years old. I have been knitting on and off for a while but this year was the year I decided to tackle my biggest fear and one morning I opened my computer to find out you had posted the first 2 rows and I read it as a sign. So here I am, still doing it and enjoying it, feeling I am conquering some new spaces inside of me and honouring the women in my family. I am sorry about your Gradnma’s passing. Thanks for your KAL!
Lace is the ultimate luxury feel. Lace shawls are feminine AND (usually) warm. I love lace and its history as the ultimate luxury good from the past. We are so fortunate to have access to lace today that in the past would be beyond our reach.
I love knitting lace because you can knit so many shapes with a few stitches and the result is amazing!
I like knitting lace because it challenges me to do harder projects and makes me stay focused on each row. It’s a piece you can wear all year around. It’s lightweight but keeps you warm.
Lace is elegance. Add a little or a lot to make something basic something special. It does take concentration and attention to detail but it isn’t difficult and really impresses people who don’t knit lace.
I would love this book , you are such a fantastic teacher and knitting soothes my soul thank you
I like knitting lace because it calms my mind and keeps me challenged. The beauty of hand knit lace is stunning it makes you feel like a princess.
I love knitting lace – it’s my favourite type of knitting. Why? Because it keeps you interested and you never get bored. I’m always wondering what next and how is it going to look. And then suddenly it’s finished and on blocking it’s truely magnificent and a wonder at what you have made! Then it starts again, the decision what to knit and which yarn. 😆
I love lace knitting because of the magical feel as it grows, of something special in each stitch, which only reveals its true beauty when it is finished and blocked out to give up its secret. It has been a great escape for me this year, I have never needed the magic knitting lace gives me as much as I have this year.
As I grew as a knitter I began to find plain stockinette boring and so I ventured into lace knitting. I love lace knitting, especially shawls. I love the way the pattern unfolds with each row and how in the end, after blocking, a beautiful work of art is revealed.
I love lace knitting because it is challenging. And, once finished, is absolutely beautiful
Lace is elegant. Add lace and people are impressed. It isn’t difficult to do but it does take a little concentration / patience and the appreciation of those who do not knit lace is gratifying.
I love lace by the fact it gives joy as the the pattern unfolds, and we’re all needing some of that!
I love the challenge of lace knitting. While I’m knitting lace, I don’t have to think about anything else but following the chart one stitch after another. Watching the pattern take shape row after row is so satisfying. I enjoy knowing with sticks and strings I can make the most beautiful things.
I love knitting lace because it connects me to my Oma. I miss her something awful. It’s especially hard at the holidays. My family got together every Sunday for coffee and cake, and then dinner, my entire life. All holidays were held at her house. She was the glue that held my family together. I have all her hand knitted blankets, doilies and some of her sweaters. She even made table cloths and bedspreads. Her work was beautiful. Seeing lace always makes me think of her tiny hands working away on something beautiful.
I love knitting lace because it is fun to do! It is also challenging and makes me feel proud when it is completed! When someone sees my completed project, they are very impressed!
I love knitting lace because it is magical! With yarn & 2 needle tips, I see lovely motifs forming before my eyes. I marvel at the ability of designers to conceive of such beauty & then be able to communicate to us knitters how to achieve it. I am always amazed when I finish – that I created something so lovely.
i love lace for the oh so light feeling of the finished product …it’s airy and gentle and beautiful…
i also like the myriad design opportunities …
mari-liis, thank you for the latest KAL and thank you for sharing your talent and thank you for you!
i’m looking forward to hearing from you in 2021.
please stay safe.
best regards always.
I love knitting lace for many reason. It can be simple and used for every day or it can be much more complex and meant for special occasions. It can be mindless knitting used to keep your hands busy or it can be much more complex meant to keep your mind on something other than your current troubles. Overall, I love the sense of accomplishment when I am wearing a finished piece and someone says, “Your shawl is beautiful.” I simply smile and say, “Thank you.” Knowing that I had the ability to persevere for many months for some projects gives me a great sense of accomplishment.
I love knitting lace because with each stitch it surprises you and the result is very special, also wonders are created
I love knitting lace as it’s so beautifiul. It also keeps me grounded and is like meditation to me. I can let all my troubles stay away when I’m knitting lace. The intricate stitches and repetitive design can be soothing and rewarding. It also makes me think of bygone times and romantic feminine clothing designs.
Ik hou ontzettend van lace breien ,maar liefst met een telpatroon ,maar de echte hapsuu sjaals zijn moeilijk te vinden
Lace just looks ethereal when worn, and so fun as the pattern emerges as you are knitting
I love lace because the way it grows when it is blocked it is just magical.
I just love lace in all its forms
Bobbin, tatted,crochet but most of all fine knitted lace
This year we sold our house in France and moved back to the UK
Having your Estonian shawl and new stitch patterns arriving via email have allowed me to stay calm in these covid times
I love learning a new skill and really appreciate that you have taught me so much about Estonian knitting I would love to learn more if I get chance to with your gift of the Estonian knitting book
Keep stitching and designing
I enjoy knitting lace partly for the challenge and partly for the final result, that I get to enjoy for years. I have even convinced my sisters to give it a try.
I love knitting lace for several reasons. Not only is the finished product beautiful, but knitting it provides the opportunity to learn new stitches, develop new skills, discover new sources of yarn, and learn some of the fascinating history about the various types of lace patterns.
Knitting lace seemed like an unattainable dream–too difficult, I feared. I spent 40 years knitting other things. Then, one day I was ready to try it. I bought a pattern and yarn, and read as much as I could about tricks and tips. My first project had just a touch of lace, but soon I was doing lace surgery, nupps, and lace with pattern on every row. Lace offers so much–an opportunity to learn new skills, connect with the past, concentrate and problem-solve, and practice patience until blocking reveals its full beauty. I bought an Estonian spinning wheel so I could spin the yarn for an Estonian shawl and commissioned an artisan to make me tiny knitting needles from lilac and apple wood so I could knit an shawl in the Estonian way. It feels wonderful to be part of the lace-making community.
Now that I have wiped away the tears I will tell you I love to knit lace because of the challenge. Although the challenge relaxes me and I love to knit beautiful things.
Knitting lace makes me feel “one with the universe” because my hands are repeating a pattern created by someone who precedes me in several ways. Caressing the yarn, controlling the needles, creating stitches inspired by our ancestors who loved the craft as much as I do is comforting, communal, and consoling.
I love knitting lace because of all the different patterns that can be done, and even a small lace pattern on a garment can make it pop.
My mother taught me to knit when I was a child and I have been knitting on and off since. A few years ago I saw a book on Estonian Lace and fell in love with it, but was always to intimidated to try any of the patterns. I really enjoy the KALs and the support we can give each other. I love the challenge of lace knitting and learning new stiches and patterns. Since I am in my 70’s I hope it will help keep my brain young. Thank you so much for this opportunity especially during these trying times.
I love to see the lace form on my needles as I knit it and then watch it open up and come to life when it is blocked. Lace is so feminine and beautiful.
I love knitting lace because it takes my mind off the problems gong on around us right now and lets me focus on what really matters.
I’ve been drawn to lace from the first time I picked up needles 45 years ago. It took me many years to work up the courage to try. I’m so glad I did. Lace is challenging and beautiful. The finer the yarn the happier I am. My challenge now is to make 5 wedding shawls using cobweb lace for each of my granddaughters. This book would help me tremendously.
Just discovering that I can actually make some lace is so rewarding, and makes me feel positive! Yes I CAN do it if I try. There are so many lovely stitches and patterns so no danger of getting bored, and the more I practice the better the results.
I like knitting lace as I like knitting something that looks complicated, but once you break down each stitch it is easy and you end up with a beautiful garment that looks way more complicated than it is. I also like knitting lace as it focuses me and forces me to slow down and then I get calm.
Lace is my absolute favorite knitting technique/design. There is something so elegant about lace, and the end result always looks like it took more work than it did. Lace transcends the ages and of style, because it is always in style. It’s incredibly fun to knit, watching it grow, and the feeling of pride is immense. Everybody who needs a little ego boost needs to knit lace.
I love the beauty of lace and the complexity. It is far more interesting than plain garter stitch or stockinette and that makes it seem to go much faster than plain knitting. If I win, I do not need the book because I have a copy of it already that I purchased three years ago when I spent a couple of days in Haapsalu with friends — learning a bit about Estonian lace knitting and enjoying the Lace Museum. I’m adding my name here only to check in and let you know that I appreciate your patterns and that I am particularly enjoying your Knitlets. I love doing the little lace samples.
I just love the look of lace. It may be challenging ,but so worth it.
I love knitting lace firstly I live in a warm climate so thick chunky woolly patterns are just not the thing to knit and secondly I have my own alpaca’s and I spin their firbre nice and fine and they make the loveliest knitted shawls, scarves and beanies. I currently do not own any lace books so this would be a treasure for me.
This year I started bobbin lace again after 30 years. It is my way up after tough years. I am knitting already my whole life, but always struggle with knitting sweaters. But this year I found out that I really enjoy knitting lace shawls and scarves. It gives me peace, it is structured, it helps me calm down. And it is so beautiful.
I’m drawn to pretty things like a magpie. Lace is one of the prettiest things, and so satisfying to create. Lace is an elegant luxury we are so lucky to be able to make for ourselves. I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know Estonian lace.
I love knitting lace because it connects me with the past, knitting patterns that have been passed down through the generations. It’s so beautiful to watch the patterns develop. And blocking makes the magic happen even more!
I love lace knitting…the process, the yarns, the patterns, the history and the finished products. So beautiful.
I live knitting lace because it’s so magical to see the pattern open up after blocking. And its beautiful.
I love to knit lace. I try to understand the logic of the pattern, its symmetry – and the asymmetry as well, the way how the pattern develops row-by-row.
I love the feeling of luxury when I wear a lace knitted piece. Somehow near the feeling of applying an exclusive perfume or putting on a jewel.
I love knitting lace because it’s a lesson in faith. You knit and knit and it looks like nothing more than messy spaghetti. Then you cast off and bravely cut the yarn. Then you block it and the magic happens! And you have something beautiful out of that messy spaghetti! And your faith and hope were justified, after all!
this knit along was my first try at an estonian lace shawl – the nupps were definitely a challenge, but i loved watching the pattern emerge and trying to guess what would come in the next row