Indecision

I have several swatches of Chinese Lace sitting on my desk, and I can't decide which version I like most!  I've been wanting to try one of the yarns in my stash:  "di.Ve Cotone Egitto," mercerized cotton, a closeout from WEBS--such a good deal I bought three different colors.  For this project, I chose the one I'll call "pale rose."  First swatch (left):  I omitted "Chart B," the 7 stitch panel which alternates with the main panel in the original lace pattern, instead using p2 between the main panels.

I think I've decided which size needle to use, at least.  The label suggests using US 6 or 7 needles, so I tried 7s, but thought the fabric looked kind of loose (or not?).  I switched to US 5s for the other swatches, which makes the leafy sections much tighter.

This swatch was worked according to the original pattern directions.  Notice how the ribs seem to curb the undulating tendencies of the leafy panels?  I also experimented with a border, adapting "Chart B" for use along the top of the swatch.  I wondered how the "Chart B" repeat would look with centered decreases instead of alternating left- and right-leaning decreases, so I tried that along just the top left half of the swatch.  The centered ribs are too neat, I think; the original ribs have an organic, branchy look that goes better with the leafy panels.

The color of the yarn in this photo is more peachy than it really appears (the first two photos are fairly accurate).  Notice the yarn kinking?  An especially annoying problem for me, because the bane of my summer avocation (sailboat first mate) is kinky lines ("ropes" to you landlubbers).  Luckily, I found that keeping four or five feet of yarn between needles and ball kept the kinks from taking over.

For the last swatch, I used only the main panels; I wanted to see if the leafy motif would just get lost.  But, darn it, it's not bad.  It's quite pretty...true, it's on the solid side, but that's not necessarily a bad thing for a sweater.  I also added a little stockinette at the top, to see how the lace might look as an accent, although I'm leaning towards an allover lace pattern at this point.

Well, decisions must be made, and if they lead to ripping, then so be it.  Here again, the three candidates; I'm thinking the ribs may be too dominant in the original lace pattern... but then again, they really make the leafy panels stand out... but the other two are also lovely, in a more subtle way....

(I have made a few decisions--assuming I do go with the allover lace!-- no ribbing at hem or sleeves, minimal shaping, pullover, probably boat neck, raglan sleeves.)