The gauge swatch for this project is important for two reasons. First, the yarn shown has a smooth, silky surface with a lot of drape, so it’s important to make a large enough swatch to determine how the fabric will behave. Second, the lace pattern has a “spring” to it and may contract after blocking when it is released from the pins. I have three suggestions for success: Make a gauge swatch at least 6” (15 cm) square or larger, wet block your swatch and allow it to dry completely, and, finally, let the swatch relax for a day or two after you remove the pins before you measure its gauge. Trust me: this extra effort will be well worth your time and energy.

To make seaming easier, work the first and last stitches of each row in stockinette.

When working the charted lace patterns, if your size does not have enough stitches outside the marked pattern repeat to work an entire 3-stitch twist or decrease with its companion yarnover, work the stitches in stockinette instead.

To keep track of the lace patterns during shaping, place removable stitch markers at the beginning of the first full repeat and at the end of the last full repeat. When decreasing, work the stitches of any partial repeats outside the markers in stockinette, then move the markers inward as necessary. When increasing, work the new stitches of any partial repeats outside the markers in stockinette until there are enough stitches to work them into the established lace pattern, then move the markers outward as necessary.