Lucy's Lovely

Lucy's Lovely Shawlette by MaryG Knits

What is Being Made

Lucy's Lovely is an advanced knitted shawlette designed by Mary C. Gildersleeve. This downloadable PDF pattern creates a spectacular lace shawl featuring intricate stitch work inspired by techniques popularized in Lucy Neatby's "Fiesta Feet" design. The finished shawlette showcases three main stitch designs that combine multiple knitting techniques for visual interest and elegant drape.

Construction Method and Techniques

The shawlette employs a garter-tab cast-on method, beginning with garter striping before transitioning into the main shawl construction. Stitches are picked up from the initial tab to begin the body of the garment in earnest. This construction approach creates a seamless integration between the foundation and the decorative stitch patterns that follow.

The pattern incorporates slipped stitches, pseudo-cables, and garter striping throughout the three primary stitch designs. These techniques work together to create dimensional texture and visual complexity while maintaining the delicate, lacy aesthetic characteristic of shawlette design. The combination of these stitches produces a unique and spectacular finished piece suitable for advanced knitters.

Stitches Used

• Slipped stitches for texture and stitch manipulation
• Pseudo-cables for dimensional effects without traditional cable needles
• Garter striping for contrast and structural definition
• Stockinette stitch as the gauge measurement base

Materials and Specifications

Yarn Requirements: The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn in two colors totaling approximately 620 yards. The main color (MC) requires approximately 420 yards in a solid shade, while the contrasting color (CC) requires approximately 200 yards in a variegated option. The sample uses Knit Picks' Stroll sock yarn with "Sapphire Heather" as the main color and Knit Picks' Stroll Handpainted in "Koi Pond" as the variegated contrast.

Needles and Tools: US #5 circular needles in both 16-inch and 32-inch lengths accommodate the expanding stitch count as the shawlette grows. Additional tools include stitch markers for pattern tracking, a cable needle or double-pointed needle for pseudo-cable techniques, a tapestry needle for finishing, and lace blocking pins or wires with a blocking board for proper shaping and finishing.

Gauge: The pattern is measured over stockinette stitch at 21 stitches and 28 rows per 4 inches when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for accurate finished dimensions and appropriate drape of the completed shawlette.

Difficulty Level: This pattern is rated as advanced, reflecting the complexity of the stitch techniques, color work integration, and shaping required. Knitters should be comfortable with slipped stitches, cable techniques, and reading detailed stitch charts before beginning this project.