Knitted lace has always drawn upon the world of flora, depicting tulips, begonias, daisies and dahlias in openwork and edging, inserts and panels. There is a never-ending supply of inspiration in the natural world and particularly in flowers, and it is fascinating to see their manifestation in garments.
ALLOVER LACE
Floral inspirations are very effective when repeated regularly across the face of knitted fabric, whether they repeat over a large or small number of stitches. I am so fond of this feminine piece, Floral Tunic by Brooke Nico which features a simple daisy motif in an allover lace fabric. The modern shape of this top keeps the lace from feeling dated and allows it fresh, lovely movement. The daisy pattern works into the raglan shaping lines in a very organic way…nothing looks forced or labored here.
Brooke has written a very pretty book, “Lovely Knitted Lace” that uses geometry to fashion 16 gorgeous pieces. I’ve just ordered it and can’t wait to sift through it, page by page 🙂
I know I mentioned this one a couple of weeks ago, but for my money, the Blooming Stitch Shawl is one of the most elegant allover lace shawls on Ravelry. It is deeply and reverently Southern, which I love, and unapologetically feminine without being “cute”. Designer Mary R. White has articulated this complex pattern carefully and accurately and with love. She describes her inspiration thus:
The Blooming Stitch Shawl was inspired by the peonies and lilies blooming in and around our sweet, southern township of Troy, South Carolina. The main stitch pattern is a version of the Blossom Stitch found in many Estonian lace patterns and is expanded and modified for presentation in this pattern.
I love it when a plan comes together, as when the perfect marriage of two lace motifs happens, one for body and another for border. It’s a sweet spot not every designer can hit but when it happens…magic! Emily Ross hits that spot with Haruni, one of the most popular lace shawls available. I knit one back in 2012. Never have I worn it to a fiber festival when it wasn’t recognized and compared to at least one other of its sisters! In fact, Emily’s pattern became so popular that she began a series of redux Haruni’s, thus Haruni Spiral, Plus, Crescent and Rectangle came into begin. There’s even a stockinette version and a cowl! I love the way the body of this shawl seems to actually bloom into its border.
BORDERS
Botanical and floral motifs are probably found most often in borders where they augment simple stitches and add sumptuous edges to otherwise unremarkable things. Often, garments begin with lace, then devolve into areas of clean and quiet as with the Floral Opulence by Rosalyn Jung. To preserve the shaped lower edge created by the lace, this pretty summer tank works upward, separating at the underarms and finishing with narrow straps and another lace panel.
In the lovely Begonia Swirl by Carfield Ma, a straightforward spiral increase strategy is rimmed with lacy water lilies. They add sophistication and artistry to an otherwise plain shawl. I love the way the shaping lines, far from simple yarn overs, take on a stem-like character. Brilliant!
PANELS & INSERTS
I find lace inserts enigmatic and clever because I can’t always figure out how they’re achieved. I like to be flummoxed now and again! There have been a few standouts in the world of lace inserts lately, like the lovely Bonny by tincanknits where a maze of tiny diamonds is inserted into the neck of a camisole. I’m crazy about this cardigan by Heather Zoppetti, the Dahlia Cardigan. I just love that eight lobed flower that comprises almost the entire back of the sweater and the petals echoed near the shoulder.
I thoroughly enjoy a good raglan and in the world of the lace panel, I’m fond of them tracing their way impossibly up the length of the shaping line. It’s so much prettier than a plain ol’ raised increase. Look how Meghan Fernandez in her Lobelia has handled the increases with delicate lobelia flowers. They marry beautifully with the cabled rib and sweet and humble ribbed neckline. So pretty.
Inspiring, isn’t it? If you’re finding yourself inspired to try out some of these lovely floral knits, have a look at this first. Tips for Better Lace Knitting over at Interweave.com will have you knitting lace like a pro in no time flat!
See y’all soon and happy knitting!
