I’m new to lace and charts and even though this is a fairly simple lace pattern (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/triangel) I have ripped it like 10 times. This last time, I was several inches in and ripping rows just didn’t work on my tiny yarn and tiny needles.
I’m not looking for help just whining and complaining that lace and charts are hard. Even if I WAS doing it correctly then somehow lost a stitch and messed up a row and blah. </whine>
Understood. One thing that might help, a lifeline. It seems like a bit of a pain to put in but when you need to rip back, you appreciate the name. Also, once you get the first 20 rows or so done, you can probably follow the pattern on the needles and be fairly free of the chart.
We’ve all been through the same frustrations, believe me.
I’m fond of using a lifeline for lace patterns and also [B]stitch markers.[/B] This pattern would benefit from stitch markers inside each edge’s pattern (2 markers total) and one at the center of each row, for a total of 3 stitch markers needed.
It’s not so white-knuckled, knitting when the stitch marker is there to let you know when the center YO or K2TOG or SSK has been reached, but you may come to welcome the more relaxed feeling that markers provide. 
Oh, I feel for you. I’ve had it happen that I sit down to knit, and I’m really too tired for it, and I end up ripping out more than I knit.
What are the size needles you are using, and what is the yarn? I’m sure it will be beautiful once you get through this rough patch and are able to make some progress on it.
I feel your pain and commiserate!
I got 3 inches into a placemat knit in crochet thread, when everything went kerblooey! My mind couldn’t follow the chart and then I knit into my lifeline, and it went downhill from there trying to fix the damage. I made such a mess of it that I ripped the whole thing out. At least I can still start it over, or so I think. I could be mistaken on that count.
It’s a lovely pattern you’re working on, and I’m sure you’ll get the knack ASAP! 