weet Pea Stole
By Linda Choo, Garden Canadensis Designs
Difficulty: intermediate/easy - design is knit in one piece without any special construction. However only charts are provided. This stole can be made in a number of yarn weights. The size can easily be increased by adding additional pattern repeats. The stitch count remains constant through the pattern. Only charted directions are included. The body pattern is a stockinette stitch lace with a 4-stitch garter border. The stitch is based on Paarislehekiri from Haapsalu Sall and is a slight variation of a traditional Estonian stitch. The handspun used in the sample is named "Watermelon Ice". The pattern and colour remind me of the sweet peas that my grandmother used to grow. (Thanks, Denise for the suggestion). This design is dedicated to my maternal grandmother who was a knitter, crocheter, gardener, and the kindest soul you could ever hope to meet. The sample will be given to my mother on her $75^{\mathrm{th}}$ birthday. (Shhh, it's a surprise). Construction: The stole is knit in one piece without the need for grafting or knitted-on borders. Gauge: Gauge is not important since thisis not a fitted garment. The lace willopen up after blocking Needles: Needle size will vary with the yarn choice. It is recommended that a sample or swatch is knitted to determine a suitable needle size. The sample was knitted with 3.5mm circular needle with laceweight handspun yarn, although straight needles can also be used. Yarn: A variety of yarn weights can be used. The choice of yarn as well as the size will dictate the amount of yarn used. The sample used approximately $600\mathsf{m}$ of laceweight yarn. Alternatively, fingering weight, double knitting, sport weight, or baby yarn can be used. The needle size and amount of yarn needed will vary with the choice of weight as well as the number of repeats worked. Size: This willdepend on the yarn and size knitted. The sample was $21^{\prime\prime}$ by $63^{\prime\prime}$ after blocking. Sample: The sample was knit with $60\mathrm{g}$ of laceweight handspun. Stitches Used: Cast on - the cast on must be done loosely to allow for stretching during blocking. Larger needles can be used to keep the cast on loose, if desired. Use any standard cast on method, as long as it is loose. The sample was done with a knitted cast on K2tog -this is a right leaning decrease, by knitting the 2 stitches together Slip-knit-psso (passlipped stitch over) (or ssk can be used)- this is the corresponding Ieft leaning decrease. Consistency in the direction of the decreases is important in lace knitting for the overall appearance. Slip-k2tog-psso (pass sliped stitch over) or $S k2p-$ is a double decrease with the first stitch positioned on top of the decrease. Again consistency in the type of decrease is important to the appearance of the leaf. Yo - yarn over the needle,to make an eyelet Garter stitch - knit on both sides (i.e. the knit and purl rows) Bind off- It is important that this be very stretchy and loose, to allow for easy blocking. Larger needles can be used for the bind off.
Instructions:
Beginning Border: Loosely cast on 93 stitches. Knit 1 row. Work Chart1. The blue area is worked a total of 6 times. The even numbered rows are purled. The stitch count remains constant at 93 stitches throughout the stole. Work 4 rows of garter stitch (Knit every row). Begin Chart 2. Again, the blue area is worked a total of 6 times. Do as many repeats of this chart as desired to the required length. Work 4 rows of garter stitch. Final Border: Work chart 1, knitting row 10 instead of purling, with all other even numbered rows purled. Cast off loosely, using your favourite stretchy bindoff. Fasten off. Block your lace and enjoy!
Chart 1: Border
