When I Grow Up

I have combined the topic for today's Knit & Crochet Week post, aspirational/inspirational patterns, with tomorrow's, inspirational people, as to me they are inextricably intertwined ... so to explain my choice of people, I have to explain my favorite type of knitting. Some people drool over socks. Others salivate over gloves. Some unusual people spend years knitting scarves.

For me, it's lace. I'm fascinated by it - so intricate, pretty and it simply looks fabulous in almost any kind of yarn. And in reality, it can also deceptive - some of the simplest patterns look like disguised rocket science when they're done: so if one is looking for the Awesome factor from beholders or recipients, Lace Knitting is where it's at.

A few of my friends are skilled lace knitters, like Heathwitch, Ania and Helene. I like to look at their work and be envious. The lace knitter/designer I like most is Linda Choo - her patterns are very clearly written (I don't like charts, although she offers these too) with plenty of instructions: I am knitting her Willow Leaf Stole at the moment. I've just noticed she's a retired engineer, which possibly explains the clarity of the instructions.

And because I love lace, what I aspire to is traditional Shetland Lace or Estonian Lace. It is the ultimate pipedream - I have neither the patience, eyesight, attention to detail, almost invisible needles or ability to handle delayed gratification that are necessary. But they have an unsurpassed beauty ...

Oddly enough, the person whose work I admire the most is actually a crocheter: for beauty, style, skill and just wow effect, Miroslava Gorokhovich's work is second to none.

I'm really looking forward to see who and/or what the other Knit & Crochet Week bloggers choose for these topics ....