ADVERTISEMENT

Subscriber Exclusive

Flower Garden Shawl

This shawl with Orenburg construction features a fleur-de-lis pattern, to which the nupps add a three-dimensional effect.

Alla Postelnik May 29, 2020 - 9 min read

Flower Garden Shawl Primary Image

Hikoo Merino Lace Light is a soft, airy 2-ply yarn that is perfect for Estonian and Estonian-inspired patterns. Photos by Matt Graves

Growing up in the former USSR, I knew a lot about Orenburg lace shawls. They were considered a national treasure. For many women, owning an Orenburg shawl was a symbol of high status. There was even a song, “Orenburskyj Platok,” written about the love that went into making a shawl to warm the heart and shoulders of a beloved mother.

I originally heard about Estonian lace while living in Austin, Texas, where I attempted to knit a shawl that included nupps and fleur-de-lis motifs for the first time. I fell in love with Estonian lace, drawn in by the nupp accents and their three-dimensional effect. It was only natural that I felt that combining an Orenburg shawl structure with Estonian lace elements would make a beautiful shawl.

Editor's note: This lovely shawl can also be found in the Spring 2020 issue of PieceWork.

Materials

  • Hikoo Merino Lace Light, 100% merino yarn, laceweight, 1,531 yard (1,400 m)/3.5 ounces (100 g) cone, 1 skein of #1002 Bliss (yarn distributed by Skacel)
  • Needles, size 1½ (2.5 mm) circ 24 inches (61 cm) or size needed to obtain gauge
  • Spare needle, size 1½ (2.5 mm)
  • Markers, 2, contrasting colors
  • Lace Blocking Wires (stainless-steel blocking wires and T-pins)
  • Tapestry needle

Finished size: 18 inches (45.7 cm) wide and 64 inches (162.6 cm) long, after blocking
Gauge: 26 sts and 35 rows = 4 inches (10.2 cm) in lace patt from center section of Body chart, after blocking

flower-garden-shawl-2

Unlock the Full Article with a PieceWork Subscription

Get instant access to this article and the entire PieceWork library of projects, inspiration, and expert instruction. With your subscription, you’ll receive:

  • Unlock timeless techniques and heirloom-quality patterns

  • Learn from expert tutorials that deepen your historical craft knowledge

  • Enjoy unlimited access to exclusive content—updated regularly

  • Includes full access to PieceWork magazines + new issues.

PieceWork celebrates the rich history of needlework and makers from around the globe.

Plans start at just $4.99/month. Cancel anytime.

ARTICLES FOR YOU