Playing with lace

During a recent trip to the fabric store for fresh supplies I became extremely indecisive when trying to choose some lace. This resulted in me returning home with several sample lengths of lace so that I could decide in the comfort of my own home, whilst enjoying a nice cup of tea.

With my cup of tea and pile of lace I started having fun layering the different types of lace trim and became inspired to create a Victorian/Edwardian type neck ruffle.

After trying several ways of layering the lace I decided it needed a splash of colour and delved into my stash of crochet threads to find a colour I liked. Once that was achieved I reached for a chunky pair of knitting needles and knitted away.

I then gathered and pinned the lace to a piece of trim that I had cut to the length I required and headed for the sewing machine. After sewing the layers of lace and trim together i added a length of ribbon to either end so that the ruffle can be tied around the neck.

The ruffle was now looking good but it still needed a little something extra……

A quick rummage through the box of broken jewellery and random shiny things later and I and found part of a pretty drop earing to adorn the front. A quick bit of hand sewing later and finished.

I am so pleased with the outcome I think I shall wear it out this weekend.

Simple mesh gauntlets

Whilst trying out some mesh patterns for a project i’m working on I became inspired and whipped up these very simple gauntlets. They are made using a very simple crochet mesh pattern with only one increase line and finshed with a slight ruffle. Below is the pattern I came up with so you can try it out yourself.

Free simple mesh gauntlet pattern

(English terms)

Using 4ply wool and a 2mm hook chain 57.

Row 1. In 12th chain from hook make 1 dtr. Chain 4, skip next 4 chain and make 1 dtr in 5th chain. Repeat until you reach the end of the chain. Chain 8 and turn.

Row 2. Skip first dtr and make 1 dtr in next dtr of the previous row. Chain 4 and make 1dtr in next dtr. Repeat to end finishing with 1dtr in 4th chain of turning chain. Cain 8 and turn.

Repeat last row 6 more times…or more for longer gauntlets.

Row 8 (inc. row). Make  dtr in first dtr of previous row. Chain 4 and make 1dtr in next dtr. Repeat to end finishing with 1dtr in 4th chain of turning chain, chain 4, 1 dtr in same place. Chain 8 and turn.

Repeat 2nd row 3 times.

Make up gauntlets before finishing by folding in half lengthways and sewing edges together, being careful to keep the mesh in line.

Ruffle edging.

Re-attatch yarn at seam of wider end and chain 1.

Row 1. Make 4dc in each mesh space around, joining with a sl st into ch1.

Row 2. Ch1, make 1dc in each dc of previous row, joining with a sl st into ch1.

Row 3. Ch2, make 2tr in each dc of previous row, joining with a sl st into top of ch2.

Ruffle edge comlete.

Finish top edge of gaunlets with first 2 rows of ruffle edge.

Weave in yarn ends and you are finished!