As much as I enjoy the challenge of working with complext stitches and fine yarn, sometimes there’s nothing a nice as a simple project and taking my time to enjoy the feel of the yarn and needles in my hands. The same goes for lace patterns: sometimes I like a design that twists and turns and has different maneuvers on every row and sometimes I prefer the quiet repetition of a geometric pattern that is easy to memorize.

That’s how I feel about lace diamonds. One reason I like geometric lace is that it’s not frilly or feminine, but the straight lines and sharp angles give the piece a more streamlined, or even masculine look, that sometimes suits my mood more.

What we knitters consider “lace” isn’t necessarily the same thing that the general public thinks of when they hear that word. Anything made with yarn overs that creates holes to make an openwork design in knitting is considered lace, whether it’s dainty and white and frilly like a lacy doily or a collar or trim for a pillowcase, or it’s chunky and quick like a warm hat, a bulky afghan, or even a man’s scarf.