Ideas needed

Last evening, I showed my soon to be D-Dil the pattern for the shawl in Creative knitting, thinking she might like something like that to accompany her wedding dress. She liked it fine, but she would like it in the shape of a mantilla. I am getting no where with a google search. I do not know what shape - triangle or rectangle, what length? I know from my search that they are worn like an untied scarf, but can either be like a shawl in length or like a short scarf. I need ideas, folks. I need to know a good bunch of ideas for the choice of yarn - white or off white for sure - and lace weight. Best places to buy. I know I will probably end up getting it at my LYS, but if there are good suggestions of things Barbara does not carry, I want to know where to find them. I know I am asking a lot, but I trust all of you.

This is the same girl who three years ago asked me what I was doing as I sat there knitting a baby afghan. After I told her that, she said, "Why don't you just go out and buy one?" She has changed her tune since then getting several nice things from me and even been seen wearing them. I would love to do this for her. I would appreciate ANY and all ideas. I will let her pick the exact pattern, but want to be able to approach this with my end started.

Hugs to all in advance for shaking your brain cells to help.

Susan

Reply to
Susan Carey
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Meg Swansen designed and published a pattern for a mantilla quite a few years back. It has been reprinted in "A Gathering of Lace" edited by Meg, and possibly in "Knitting with Meg Swansen".

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Reply to
Wooly

Hi, Susan! DO check Meg Swansen's "A Gathering of Lace", for a Mantilla Lace Shawl. Laceweight yarn sources: Knitwits, Elann, Knitology. HTH, Noreen

Reply to
Noreen's Knit*che

At a wild guess, I'd say rectangular. Why not ask her for the dimensions she wants?

I think you probably don't want to use anything that will shed, so no alpaca, no angora, no mohair. Laceweight merino or maybe some silk (silk-merino blend?) would be my best guess; linen if you and she like linen. Probably not cotton or fine hemp, though either would probably be more durable and both can be lovely.

=Tamar

Reply to
Richard Eney

Is she planning on wearing it on her head, or as a shawl?

Traditionally Spanish mantillas are more-or-less triangular and you can wear the triangle either coming down over the high comb towards the front, with the other points over the shoulders so the whole thing frames your face, or coming down the back, like an untied scarf. I would suggest that unless you can get really fine yarn, a slightly shorter length might be better.

But your DDIL-to-be might have a completely different picture in her head, so I'd agree with asking her opinion, and perhaps involving her in the choice of yarn and style.

Eimear

Reply to
emerald

Tamar, while I agree about the shedding you mentioned, I have to say, I've NEVER EVER had alpaca shed on me.... JM2C, Noreen

Reply to
Noreen's Knit*che

I am so glad that she now appreciates your art. I think that mantillas are triangular. They are quite large, though. I would think that a lace shawl pattern would work.

Kather> Last evening, I showed my soon to be D-Dil the pattern for the shawl

Reply to
Katherine

I appreciate all the ideas so much. And as you said, will be asking her what she wants exactly. However, I am making the pattern from the magazine now. In Opera cotton, as the pattern was made. If she is not happy with it, I will give it to my DD. She loves it already. The pattern is not terribly hard, but it is time consuming. I can't wait to see it further along.

Again...thanks for all the ideas. And I did order Meg Swansen's book, just to have it here. I knew I could count on everyone for help. I will post pictures when I get more done. It is very pretty. Now I am worrying about blocking it as I have never worked with such small stuff besides when I made doilies.

Susan

Reply to
Susan Carey

Susan, I'm sure I speak for ALL when I say You're entirely WELCOME! I can't wait to see it! Blocking ... there are many many sources right on the 'net giving really good instructions for blocking laceweight shawls, so that being said, I won't post how *I* do it, LOL! Hugs, Noreen

Reply to
Noreen's Knit*che

This URL has pictures of beautiful mantillas, but no free patterns unfortunately.

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the pictures can give you ideas for how to make one of your own!?! Gemini

A nice lacey doily or shawl (smaller) pattern, perhaps?

Reply to
MRH

The one brought back from Italy for my Mom years ago was triangular, and just to the shoulders. It was so beautiful... it *may* still be around somewhere, hidden away... she said hopefully. ;o)

Gemini

Reply to
MRH

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