MG: Lelah!

here is my Lelah. thank you Christine! thanks for a gorgeous pattern and for enticing me into lace knitting. i used 4 balls (50g) of Jaeger Cadiz (50% silk/50% viscose). other than stitch/row adjustments for a customized fit, i followed the pattern scrupulously.

Lelah was quick and satisfying to knit, but the finishing process involved lots of procrastination on my part. i was intimidated by the elastic casing across the top, so it took me a while to procure the proper thread--clear nylon (to hide inexperienced hand-sewing). then it was another long while before i gathered myself to sew. though my effort is a bit wonky in places, it really was less scary than i thought.

i wanted spaghetti straps for my version of Lelah, since strapless makes me feel self-conscious. my straps are crocheted chains (same for the empire waist tie), but attaching them became another time-extending event. the first time around, i was in a rush. i put on the top, hurrily pinned the straps in place, and got sewing. the results were less than stellar--too close in front and too short.

i learned the importance of proper straps. knitted fabrics stretch to any pulling force, greatly altering the lines of the garment (in this case: unflattering). so i took another long hiatus to ponder placement and to summon the will for ripping out the first try. i finally made the second effort this week. i took my time, measured for length rather then pinning them. i'm finally happy and done; no more fussing! closeup of the straps (two strands at each shoulder):


my favorite part of Lelah is the lace. i loved knitting it. more lace stitches with medium weight yarn in my future i think!