Little Flowers Stole & Scarf

Little Flowers Stole & Scarf by Rebecca Blair

What is Being Made

The Little Flowers Stole & Scarf pattern set features two elegant garments constructed from traditional Shetland lace patterns. The stole measures 24 inches by 68 inches, while the scarf is a narrower 10.5 inches by 56 inches. Both pieces showcase intricate lace motifs that create a sophisticated, heirloom-quality aesthetic suitable for intermediate knitters seeking to develop their lace-working skills.

Design and Stitch Patterns

These pieces are built around classic Shetland lace construction, featuring multiple distinct stitch pattern sections that work together to create visual interest and depth. The centerpiece of the design incorporates Mrs. Montague's pattern, a traditional motif identified in Sharon Miller's Heirloom Knitting, which creates a field of bead motifs across the diamond-shaped central area. This central section is flanked by border sections that combine beads interspersed with Madeira ferns—a delicate lace stitch pattern that creates fern-like shapes.

A distinctive design feature occurs when the stole is worn: the Madeira fern motifs appear upside-down, creating the charming visual effect of a child's drawing of flowers. This playful reinterpretation of traditional lace stitches gives the piece its name and adds whimsy to a classic construction method.

Knitting Techniques

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several important lace-working techniques:

• Provisional cast-on using scrap yarn, allowing for seamless integration of the final edging
• Circular needle knitting for the main body sections, worked flat on a 24-inch circular needle
• Bead placement throughout the lace motifs, requiring coordination of yarn overs and decreases to create the open-work pattern
• Edging attachment worked last using a double-pointed needle, where the edging is knit directly onto the stole or scarf as it is completed
• Blocking to even out the lace and set the final dimensions, using T-pins for precise shaping

Materials and Yarn

The pattern calls for Knit Picks Shadow Tonal, a 100% merino wool yarn that provides excellent stitch definition for lace work. The yarn is available in 50-gram skeins with 400 meters (440 yards) per skein. For the larger stole, three skeins in the Summer Blooms colorway are required, while the scarf uses one skein in the Golden Glow colorway. The lace weight yarn is ideal for creating the delicate, open-work texture characteristic of traditional Shetland lace.

Tools and Notions

Construction requires minimal equipment: one US #4/3.5mm circular needle measuring 24 inches for the main body sections, and one US #4/3.5mm double-pointed needle for working the attached edging. Additional supplies include scrap yarn for the provisional cast-on and to place stitches on hold, a darning needle for weaving in ends, and T-pins for blocking and shaping the finished pieces.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is suitable for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle traditional lace construction. The combination of bead placement, yarn overs, decreases, and attached edging techniques provides meaningful skill development while remaining achievable for experienced crafters.