Monday, December 14, 2009

Sea Lace Necklace

Recently, I had the opportunity to test knit a pattern called Sea Lace. It's a necklace knit with a lace yarn that is made with wool and stainless steel. I have never knit with beads or this kind of yarn so I was looking forward to it. I met the designer, Sarah Punderson, several times while taking 2 different classes at the Lion Brand Studio. We both took the Master classes with Nicky Epstein and Lily Chin.

I bought a cone of LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel and rummaged around my bead collection to find something suitable. I ended up using these tiny seed beads and the color is rainbow clear. My only other option was black seed beads and black on black had no contrast at all.

The pattern is easy and after a while, I had the pattern repeat memorized. I used bamboo needles because it's all I had, but I definitely would use metal needles the next time around. She does state that in the pattern, but I wanted to get started right away. Bamboo has too much give, and for something like this, you want a sturdy needle. At first, it's a little fiddly because you are using size 0 needles and knitting with what feels like thread, but it's a lot easier once you get a couple of inches done.
When my sister came to visit for one day last week, I asked her to model for me. As you can see, it's a very flattering necklace. It's delicate looking, but the material is strong.

You don't need much of the yarn, so I have plenty leftover for more necklaces. On my next trip to the bead store, I plan to get more seed beads in different colors. I think these necklaces would make great gifts. It really doesn't take that long. For the clasp, I used a small sterling silver toggle clasp instead of the clasp she stated on the pattern. Again, for me, it was about using the materials I had on hand.

Pattern: Sea Lace by Sarah Punderson, you can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.
Needles: US 0 / 2.0 mm
Yarn: LB Collection Wool Stainless Steel in the color: Raven
Length: 16 inches

19 comments:

hetty said...

What a wonderfully delicate necklace. I would never have guessed that it was knit. I think I may have to purchase that pattern. These definitly would make lovely gifts!

Unknown said...

That is very pretty! Thanks for the idea.

caitlyn said...

Beautiful!

Anonymous said...

very cool looking necklace!!

LittleCanoe said...

Oh my gosh, it is so so pretty! I really like it. Nice job!

rohanknitter said...

That really is very pretty- I'll bet it was interesting to make, too.

Sue said...

It is gorgeous and very flattering too.

Amber said...

Wow - that is gorgeous! Never would have known it was knit!

Jeanne said...

I love it - very beautiful and unusual!

Sharon said...

Beautiful piece

Jennie said...

Simple & pretty!!!

Erin Joy said...

Lovely! How does it feel on?

Rima said...

Beautiful! As you said, delicate looking and very flattering...

Flapper Flickers + Silent Stanzas said...

That is unusual and lovely! I like it a lot! ^_^

Rebekah said...

this is beautiful! It is so delicate and flattering looking!

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

How pretty your necklace turned out! You did a great job, as always. It is so very feminine.

Sam said...

Oh yes, it is beautiful. Hmm very tempted to make some of these myself :)

Anonymous said...

Question (from Kim!) -- how "flowy" is it? I've started toying with knitting with beads and wire, to make decorative sleeves for candleholders. I'm wondering if I couldn't use that yarn instead (it'd be a little easier to work with than the wire).

Hannah said...

So beautiful! I rarely think of knitting jewelry these days, but this is certainly an inspiration.