How-To Lace for a Winter Bride

I love the stark beauty of winter—it’s enchanting and romantic—so when I was developing the stories for Interweave Knits Winter 2017, “winter bride” was one of the first concepts that popped into mind. And did our designers ever rise to the occasion! Everything romantic and beautiful about winter was poured into the knitwear for this special collection, including the stunning Waxwing Shawl by Susanna IC. Made in Manos del Uruguay Marina, the Waxwing Shawl is adorned with nearly nine hundred Swarovski crystal beads, which sparkled in the mountain sunshine. The lace work looks complicated but it’s actually an accessible lace shawl, even for beginning lace knitters.

I know the idea of knitting a shawl, sweater, or an accessory for a bride-to-be (or for yourself) can be intimidating, but I’m here to tell you all that the straightforward Waxwing Shawl pattern and our Yarn Hack, “How to Knit with Beads” will guide you through the whole project. Knitscene editor Hannah Baker gives a step-by-step tutorial on how to bead with a “beadle” needle from Lacis and also shows an alternative, low-cost option for beading with dental floss.

Either way, no pre-stringing is required, so you won’t have to worry about loading all nine hundred beads onto your delicate laceweight yarn before knitting! The Waxwing Shawl is now available as a kit, that includes a copy of Interweave Knits Winter 2017 and two skeins of Manos Del Uruguay’s Marina in Hueso (white). You can purchase crystal beads at most craft stores, and you can find Swarovski crystal beads online and in select craft stores.

If you are looking for a greater challenge, or desire something unexpected for the big day, there are five other magnificent designs in the Winter Bride collection—my personal favorite is Maria’s Veil by Lisa Jacobs. It’s made in laceweight Jamieson’s Ultra and captures the romance of the day and the season.

I hope you find something in this issue worth making for yourself or a loved one, even if it’s not for a bride, every piece in this collection is perfect for a special day or a simple day.

—Meghan

A gorgeous winter bride.