Thursday, October 02, 2008
Pink Lady Redux
One of my earliest designs seems to be making a comeback. The Pink Lady is both elegant and a pleasure to knit. It was also the most popular pattern at the Kitchener-Waterloo Knitters' Fair.
It is worked in two yarns, one a solid colour, the other a variegated handpainted, Celestial Merino. Its main feature is the Indian Cross Stitch, which is worked in the handpainted, with the solid colour serving as the background.
The Indian Cross Stitch pattern is fun to knit. Because it uses wrapped stitches which are then crossed, the work grows quickly. After each section of Indian Cross Stitch, it is so satisfying to just sit back and admire the row just worked. Each one different, yet blending with the whole piece.
There have been many variations on the theme of the Pink Lady. For one thing, she doesn't need to be pink. Here Lynn from Ravelry has worked it in her own, more mysterious colour combination:
And who says it even has to be multi-coloured. Here it is worked in a single colour, in Celestial Merino in "Bitter Chocolate":
The pattern is adaptable to your own desires. Because of its rectangular shape, it can be widened, made narrower, longer or shorter. Knit it to your length and width. Then finish it by picking up along each long side and working some rows of Reverse Stockinette Stitch to form a self-curling edging. Add tassels or a fringe, if you want to add length and drama.
And if you prefer to have some guidance along the way--and are in the Toronto area--take in a class at Mary's Yarns in Unionville in October. Mary has been featuring this pattern as way for knitters to learn a new stitch pattern and experiment with openwork.
Enjoy!
