It is almost impossible to describe the inner workings of ones own mind. In the beginning of my lace knitting career I was capable of memorizing intensely difficult lace patterns having only worked the repeat once or twice. The language of lace knitting speaks to some part of my mind that is beyond the tongue but within the hands - except for Old Shale. There was something about the immediate expansion and contraction in one row with idle rows in between made it hard for me to read. Having focused on the logic of the pattern (it's been years since it's caused me significant trouble) I was still bothered by a constant question - what happens to this stitch pattern as it expands?
It wasn't an entirely untested theory as many designers have stacked ascending or descending variations of Old Shale. But I wanted to see the variations across the length. I had to have a go.
It created such a fantastic texture that I couldn't bear to block it out but had to let the folds and ridges remain. Don't be mistaken, I am immensely curious about what it looks like blocked, but for now, now I prefer the ripples and left it that way for the book.
I really enjoyed knitting these fantastic puckers and watching the blue lines that start out straight and make larger and larger waves. I used the shades of gray and brown to emphasize the gentle organic undulation of the row but it needn't be shades of neutrals. At the moment I am particularly enamored of the pale gray amongst the gold, slate and blue.
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