Anna's Shawlette

Anna's Shawlette by Nancy Totten

What Is Being Made

Anna's Shawlette is a knitted triangular shawlette designed by Nancy Totten, inspired by the delicate eyelet edging found on the aprons worn by housemaids in the Downton Abbey era. This intermediate-level knitting project combines classic garter stitch construction with an elegant lace edging, creating a versatile accessory suitable for both historical recreation and contemporary wear.

Design Inspiration and Construction Method

The shawlette draws its aesthetic from early twentieth-century fashion, specifically referencing the decorative edgings that adorned formal servant's uniforms. Rather than adding a border after completion, Anna's Shawlette is worked in a progressive construction method where the lace edging is knitted directly onto the sloping sides as the work advances from end to end. This integrated approach creates a seamless, professional finish while building the triangular shape organically.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns Used

The primary construction utilizes garter stitch throughout the body of the shawlette, providing a textured, reversible fabric with excellent drape and stability. The decorative element features the Narrow Elsie Edging stitch pattern, a traditional lace edging sourced from the historical reference "Home Work 1891." This eyelet-based edging adds vintage charm and creates the signature delicate border that defines the design.

Yarn and Materials

Anna's Shawlette is worked using Brown Sheep Nature Spun yarn in Fingering weight, specifically in Color 740: Snow. The pattern calls for three skeins, providing approximately 650 yards of working yarn, with the full skein yardage totaling 930 yards. This generous yardage allowance accommodates various gauges, as the pattern is worked by row count rather than strict gauge requirements. Fingering weight yarn creates a lightweight, elegant fabric ideal for a delicate shawlette.

Needles and Notions

Construction requires US 2 (2.75mm) needles, which are appropriately sized for fingering weight yarn and allow for the precise stitch definition needed in both garter stitch and lace edging work. While obtaining exact gauge is not vital to the pattern's success, gauge does impact the finished dimensions and yarn consumption due to the row-count construction method. Additional notions include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and row markers such as safety pins for tracking progress through the shawlette's construction.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, Anna's Shawlette is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace edging work and progressive construction techniques. The combination of straightforward garter stitch with traditional lace patterning provides an accessible introduction to more advanced shawlette construction without overwhelming complexity.