The Blooming Stitch Shawl

Inspired by the peonies and lilies blooming in and around our southern township of Troy, South Carolina, the main stitch pattern is a version of the Blossom Stitch found in many Estonian lace patterns and is expanded and modified for presentation in this pattern. The shawl can be started with either Five or Seven leaves with instructions provided for both styles. Beginning with a provisional cast on, five or seven leaves are produced in this neck down pattern which lead into blooms that cascade and surround the shoulders and back. Increases at each side of this shawl produce a shallow yet elongated style in a semi-circular shape with a slight flare at the wingtips, scallop edging, somewhat crescent shaping and finished with a chain crochet bind off. Once blocked, the lace is pronounced and drapes well to produce a light and delicate shawl. Approximately 575 yards of lace weight yarn is needed for the Five Leaves style as written and is not intended for enlargement. 675 yards are needed for the Seven Leaves style as written and may be enlarged. Enlarging the Seven Leaves style will require additional yardage. This pattern requires no specific gauge but is intended to be knit loosely in either style. Instructions are given in both written and chart form with details on abbreviations and working the pattern to completion. Designer/Sample, Blocking notes and sample photos are included for greater detail. Every effort to produce a pattern free of errors has been made. The featured shawl is of “Honey”, 100% Claudia Hand-painted Silk, and was made by following the instructions for the Five Leaves/ Six Blooms Style. Available through Ravelry.com and Patternfish.com

Covington Shawl

Feminine and lacey… a classic, full shawl suitable for formal evenings, weddings or chilly nights at the seashore. Covington is a triangular shawl, which begins at the back neck with just enough increases to form gentle shoulder shaping. The pattern is knit flat with straight or circular needles. Minimum knowledge of lace increases and decreases is required. Fully charted, Covington also has written instructions and is size adjustable. A variety of yarn fibers, weights and needle sizes are suitable. The project begins with the formation of a single petal and is finished with a total of 15 petals lining the hem edge. Strategically placed increases and decreases provide perfect radiation, flowing drape and ease in blocking. The featured shawl measures 72” across the wingspan and 45” from back neck to tip.

Barksdale Ferry Road- a circularly knit square

Barksdale Ferry Road is most recent lace project. Weekly walks on our road are pleasant and refreshing. Once part of a pathway for merchants and their horse-drawn wagons, down the hill and past the bubbling creek, this meandering, dirt road was cut within a deep forest setting with one hundred foot tall Oak and Pine trees. Hidden among these massive giants… colorful mosses, ferns, lichens, and the Dogwoods growing freely…with leaves as prominent as their springtime blooms. Through the foliage, glimmering light from the sun peeks through, spreading warmth and life that only nature can provide. Although the road has been virtually chopped up, paved in some areas and eliminated in others, this two mile stretch remains. It has historic value but for me, the joy of a peaceful stroll and discovery of life. Barksdale Ferry Road© is a circular lace pattern, knit from the center, radiating outward and develops into a square. Suitable as a shawl or table covering, the pattern is size adjustable and is finished with a combination centered picot and stretch bind off. Some knowledge of lace knitting and the use of DPNs is helpful. Stitch counts are provided for up to 167 rounds of the stitch pattern. Due to the transition from circular to square, this pattern has written instructions throughout and includes a chart for the repeating stitch pattern section only. As with most circularly knit projects, gauge is determined by the type and weight of yarn and size of needles to be used. This pattern radiates well and can be blocked easily with the use of wires. A combination of knit and various increase/ decrease stitches together for a pleasantly flowing union. As the project progresses, increases at each corner producing additional stitch pattern repeats. The featured project was produced using 750 yards of Handmaiden Seasilk on size 5(US) needles. It finishes at 40” square, 54” diagonal.