La Paiva

La Païva is the sixth of eight patterns in the Courtesans shawl collection.

Ruthlessly ambitious, Thérèse Lachmann, a.k.a. Madame Villoing, later Madame la Marquise de Païva, finally Countess Henkel von Donnersmark, is perhaps the most notorious of all the Parisian demi-monde. In one memoir, she is described as entering a freezing cold room, bare-armed and dripping with jewels – some kind of mythological monster from the freezing north.

La Païva is a triangular shawl with increasing lace pattern and optional beads, worked sideways.

Materials 400 yds / 366 m fingering weight / 4 ply yarn 4 mm / US 6 needles Stitch markers (2) Tapestry needle Blocking wires / pins

Optional Approx. 1000 size 6 beads 14 drop 11mm drop crystals Crochet hook suitable for beading

Dimensions 58 x 26 “ / 147 x 66 cm

Beaded sample shown in Old Maiden Aunt Merino / Silk 4 Ply in the ‘Cold Sheep’ colour way, with silver-lined transparent Miyuki beads and transparent Swarovski crystal pendants.