Monthly Archives: September 2014

When I was testing Cereus and Buteo, both done in laceweight yarn, a couple folks asked about doing them in fingering weight and working fewer repeats.  Because of the shaping and decreasing involved in crescent shawls that’s not always as straightforward as it seems like it should be!  Also, how some of the charts work with each other and transition into each other complicates the matter as well.

I did write fingering weight ‘versions’ (Tricho and Ferru), but changed enough that they became new, distinct patterns: the baby sisters of Cereus and Buteo.  Related, but unique.  I think they’re both a little less complicated. The body of both Tricho and Ferru is done in garter stitch, eliminating the need for the I-cord bind off of Cereus and Buteo.

Optional beads outline the center spine of each petal. Unfortunately the beads don’t show up as well in the pics as I’d like, but they’re there! I chose clear silver-lined beads for just a bit of in-person sparkle, but you could always choose a bolder or more contrasting color bead.

Tricho became the cover pattern of LACE 2.

I really loved working with the Anzula Dreamy yarn. It’s quite well named! It is soft and gorgeous and wonderful to knit with. It has a sumptuous, luxurious feel to it (both in the skein and when knitted).

You can get a feel for the scale of the shawl with the first pic of the post and with this next shot.  It’s big enough to snuggle into.  However, because of the gauge, it’s still a fairly quick knit.

Read all the details next…

Pattern Notes
This shawl is worked from the top edge down. Short rows shape the crescent. The shawl has a 3-stitch garter stitch border on either side.

If you use markers between repeats, note you may have to move the markers to match the charts from line to line.

Stitch counts are given for the number of stitches at the completion of each chart.

The main flower repeat is a modification of one of the flowers in Herbert Niebling’s Creamohne.

Finished Measurements
Depth (edge): 16in / 40.5cm
Depth (center): 21in / 53.5cm
Outer edge: 110in / 137cm
Inner edge: 54in / 279.5cm

Yarn
Anzula Dreamy, 75% superwash merino / 15% cashmere / 10% silk (385 yds / 352m per 4.06oz / 115g), 2 skeins, shown in Gravity. As knit, shawl used 693 yds / 634m.

Needles
US5 / 3.75mm needles or size to obtain gauge
Larger needle if required for loose bind off

Gauge
17.5 sts and 32 rows = 4in / 10 cm in garter st (blocked)
Precise gauge is not necessary, but alterations in gauge will affect yarn requirements. Note that this shawl is blocked quite vigorously.

Notions
yarn needle
(2) stitch markers
(365) 6-0 beads, shown in S/L Crystal
crochet hook, dental floss or Fleegle Beader for beading
cable needle for 1/1 crosses

Skills
lace knitting, cabling, beading (see Resources), reading charts

LACE 2 is now out! You can purchase the e-book or individual patterns on Ravelry here.

Patterns included: Cereus, a laceweight crescent; Tricho, a fingering weight crescent with beads and garter stitch details; Ferru, a fingering weight crescent with garter stitch details; Buteo, a laceweight crescent with beads; Opuntia, a laceweight triangular shawl with an ombre beaded effect; Pygmy Owl, a laceweight stole with beads;  and Steller’s Jay, a one-skein fingering weight crescent.

Use code LACE2 to get $3 off the e-book between now and Sept 26 2014.

ps: if you’re a newsletter subscriber, look for a special offer in the next newsletter!