Loving lace

I've been a knitter for awhile, but I've always had a (somewhat) fear of knitting lace.  Lace - it's complicated and fragile, and I can almost feel all those little symbols on a chart egging me on...daring me to just try it.  And then me goofing it all up! Time has come to face my fears. I recently purchased Visual Encyclopedia: Knitting Stitches by Sharon Turner.  I'm sure there are many good stitch books out there but I like this one because stitches are grouped into categories (i.e., rib patterns, cable patterns, drop stitch, yarn overs, and lace), and gives both written instructions and charts.  Using this book as my guide, I've been working up samples in various patterns, and I'm finding that lately I'm loving lace. I'm hoping to incorporate some of my newly found knowledge and courage into a few designs.  I have both a cropped cardigan in mind and a pull-over that would strategically incorporate lace patterns in sleeves and necklines. 

I found an interesting website that might help demystify lace for you.  Stitch Maps is a new way of looking at lace with traditional symbols but without the grids.  This allows you to see the fluidity of a pattern and how the stitches relate to each other.  Take a look and let me know what you think.  http://stitch-maps.com/