Vive la Différence! by Helen Jacobs-Grant

Vive la Différence!

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Vive la Différence!
(loom knitted airy lace with individuality)

Pretty, lightweight, airy reversible, open lace stitching, coupled with an easy to remember adaptable pattern makes this the perfect personalised lacy loom knitted project. Vive la Différence! is perfect for the cool breeze during the spring and autumn or to wear under your coat for some warmth during colder months. Double the pattern for a beautiful shawl to wrap around your shoulders for a special occasion or night out. Loom knit with glitter sparkle handspun yarn for added glamour, self striping for a new dimension or sumptuous light mohair for a touch of sheer luxury.

The possibilities for individual variations are endless for this one, no two will ever be exactly the same (unless you knit them that way of course) which for me, makes this a very exciting project to create. I hope you love making your lacy garment as much as I have enjoyed creating the design for you.
All my love,
Helen xx

Tools :
1/2 inch regular gauge loom with a minimum of 50 pegs for a scarf or 100 pegs for a shawl
(51 peg 1/2 inch gauge round hat loom from CinDwood Crafts was used in the example shown)
loom hook
sewing needle to weave in any ends

Yarn :
Scarf Version
approx 300 - 320 metres
Shawl Version / Baby Blanket size
approx 700 - 800 metres

light fingering, sock or light DK weight handspun wool or very light lacy mohair type yarn

(320m 100g of my own glittering handspun light weight yarn was used in the example shown)

Gauge :
An exact gauge is unimportant for this project, however, blocking the completed item is essential to open up the lace work. DO NOT IRON to block the fabric, simply soak for approximately half an hour, press out the excess water in a dry towel, shape whilst damp using pins if necessary to hold the shape, leave to dry thoroughly. During knitting the stitches become scrunched up but once blocked the whole thing takes on a whole new lease of life becoming light and airy as the stitches have opened up and relaxed.

Individual Variations :
The three panels can be knit in any order you like, rearrange and repeat in different ways to create an individual look and feel for your project. When using one skein of precious handspun yarn, I would suggest rolling the yarn into two roughly equal balls, starting at one end of your project you can do as many combinations and repeats as you like until the first ball runs out, this point will then be the center of your garment so joining on the second ball you can continue to knit a matching second half until your yarn is all used up.