This piece of lace was begun 20 years ago when I took a trip to Ireland to learn Gaelic.

I used a size 0 needle and wool yarn that was no thicker than a thread.

This past weekend, I found the lace, and instead of adding a third row of arches, took a crochet hook and crocheted off the stitches. That took 8 hours of quiet sitting and concentration on Saturday and Sunday.

Then on Monday, I blocked the lace after soaking it in warm water. My son and I pinned the lace out on a quilt, stretching it ever so gently until the diameter reached 52 inches.

I have knitted many things in my life, but this is truly an exceptional piece.