HeartStrings FiberArts
Inspiration & Patterns for Wearable Art in Timeless Styles
What's New Gallery Catalog Resources Meet Jackie E-S

PRODUCTS

The Pattern Collections
Easy Knitting
Scarves/Stoles
Faroese Shawls
Other Shawl Shapes
Sweaters & Vests
Socks & Fun Footwear
For the Hands
Neck & Up Coverings
For the Man
For Baby
Home Decor
Jewelry
Minis and Miscellany
Bookmarks
Toys
Holidays & Seasons
Comfort Collection
I Hate to Purl
All Beaded Patterns
PDF Pattern Catalog
Patterns by Yarn Weight
Tutorials

SHOPPING

Downloadable Patterns
Ravelry
KnitHeartStrings
Kits and Supplies

STAY IN TOUCH

Newsletter Archive
Jackie's Blog
A GIFT FOR YOU
"Your patterns are just fabulous ... unique and yet based on tradition."
- Jennifer C.
"I just love the simplicity of your patterns and the complexity of their appearance."
- Maureen M.
"
"I enjoy your website. It is easy to use and full of information ..."
- Debby L.
"... I love Heartstrings patterns. They are clear and well presented and Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, the designer, is just a lovely, inspiring woman - well worth supporting by the purchase of the pattern."
- Kimberly L.

Lace Shawl Repair

Repairing my lace knitting disaster

Nearing the big FO (Finishing Object) stage for a shawl, I instead detoured to the "disaster" stage. I washed and went to block the 2-ply shawl from the Shepherd Shawls booklet, and a big area in one of the corners was nearly disintegrated.

(Note: The reason I have documented the process by which I repaired this shawl is to help inspire and build confidence in your knitting. It was not my purpose to sell you this shawl pattern, and the shop from which I had purcahsed no longer carries it. But if you want to find Shepherd Shawls booklets, Linda, one of the HeartStrings website visitors, has kindly let me know that they are still available in New Zealand and Australia at http://www.theyarnqueen.co.nz/shepherd-pattern-books.html and http://www.needlenook.com.au/wools/shepherd_patterns/ respectively.)

Shepherd Shawl disaster corner

And this is what it is supposed to look like (a pic of an undamaged corner).

Shepherd Shawl good corner

Apparently I missed catching a loop in one of my decreases (probably a k3tog, which was the case I later confirmed). Sometimes I miss those compound stitch manipulations, but I usually catch it before it causes big damage. Also, this was superwash wool I was working with, and it is more slippery than regular wool (which grabs, and even if there is a run, it doesn't go too far). I set it aside to repair when I was mentally fresh and not still p*** off at myself! I got plenty of sympathy from my lace knitting buddies, and good advice like —

  • sit down with a hot cup of tea
  • eat some chocolate
  • get out a good lighted magnifier
  • wet the area to untangle the ladder threads
  • be careful to pick up ladder threads in the correct order
  • etc. etc.

Here is how I tackled fixing this mess.


Jessica L. writes ...

Thank you so much for posting the pictures of your progress in repairing the corner of your lace shawl. You inspired the bravery and confidence to patiently correct my own disaster repair in a knitted lace shawl, rather than frogging it all and beginning something all garter stitch! And chocolate does *indeed* help, too. With appreciation, Jessica

It is so nice when people like Jessica and you write to share both your successes and trials and tribulations. I am pleased to be a part in helping to inspire and build confidence in your knitting. When I requested permission of Jessica to share her comments with you, she went on to write ...

Of *course* you may post it! ... Since the time I wrote to you, I've made great progress knitting my shawl - it's up to 1000 stitches per round - yikes! I would never have made it this far if it hadn't been for the new confidence I feel as a result of fixing a section rather than frogging.
I don't feel the need to be so very careful because now I know I can fix an error, so I knit faster. Knitting at a faster speed has a better rhythm to the knitting, so I'm making very few mistakes anyhow - and those are mostly tinkable back a few stitches. I've even done away with all but the end-of round marker.
Seems you've made me a lace knitter.

Thank you for interest. I am here to serve you and help keep your knitting a pleasurable experience. If you have questions or need assistance with purchasing or knitting my HeartStrings patterns, let me know. Sincerely, Jackie E-S

Email address: jackie@heartstringsfiberarts.com
Phone: 678-262-6338 or 877-764-2747 (toll-free in US)
Postal address: HeartStrings, Jackie Erickson-Schweitzer, 53 Parlange Drive, Destrehan LA 70047-2133 USA

Company
Meet Jackie E-S
What's New
As Seen In
e-Newsletter
Privacy Statement
Design Gallery
Easy Knitting
Lace Scarves/Stoles
Beaded Scarves
Faroese Shawls
Other Shawls
Sweaters & Vests
Socks & Fun Footwear
Wrist Warmers
Neck & Up Coverings
Other Goodies
Holidays & Seasons
Comfort Collection
Sock Journal
I Hate to Purl
All Beaded Patterns

Where to Buy Patterns
Ravelry
KnitHeartStrings
Classes
Tutorials
Online Classes

Popular Mini-Tutorials
Playing with Color
Using a Swift
Wraps per Inch
What is Blooming?
To Seam or Not?
Dealing with Ends?
The Lifeline
Blocking in Progress
Blocking Tips
Repairing a Disaster
Lever-Action Knitting
3R's of Knitting
Resources
Catalogs and Flyers
Newsletter Archive
Jackie E-S Blog
Articles & Tips
Link Banners
Pattern Index
Errata
Site Map
Search Site

Last revised Tuesday, 05-Mar-2013 21:45:03 CST