Daphne ann

Daphne Ann Mystery Shawl by Corrina Ferguson

What Is Being Made

The Daphne Ann is a mystery shawl design created by independent designer Corrina Ferguson for PicnicKnits. This downloadable knitting pattern produces an elegant lace shawl worked from a charted or written pattern format. Mystery shawls are progressively revealed patterns where knitters work through sections without seeing the complete final design in advance, adding an element of discovery to the knitting process.

Craft and Primary Technique

This project is executed entirely through knitting, the primary craft method. The Daphne Ann employs intermediate-level knitting techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle more complex stitch patterns and shaping. The pattern uses both charted instructions and written directions, allowing knitters to choose their preferred method of following the pattern.

Stitches and Stitch Techniques Used

The Daphne Ann incorporates a variety of lace stitches and techniques characteristic of delicate shawl construction:

• Yarn overs (yo) – Creates the openwork and lacy appearance central to the design
• Knit two together (k2tog) – A right-leaning decrease used to shape the lace motifs
• Slip, slip, knit (ssk) – A left-leaning decrease that pairs with k2tog for balanced decreases
• Slip one, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over (sl1 k2tog psso) – A double decrease creating more pronounced shaping within the lace pattern
• Garter stitch – Knit stitches on both right-side and wrong-side rows, used for the 3-stitch selvage borders on each side
• Stockinette stitch – Purl stitches on wrong-side rows between the garter stitch edges

The pattern is worked in repeating sections marked by green outlines on the chart, with the green-outlined repeat section worked twice during the swatch phase. Stitch markers are essential for tracking pattern repeats and maintaining accuracy throughout the project.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Daphne Ann requires one skein of Dream In Color Baby yarn, totaling 700 yards. This yarnweight is classified as lace weight, an ultra-fine yarn that creates the delicate, gossamer quality characteristic of lace shawls. Lace weight yarn produces intricate stitch definition and allows for beautiful drape and flow in finished shawls.

Knitting needles should be size 6 (4.0 mm) for this project. Additional materials include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and assembly, and a gauge swatch for blocking and measurement verification.

Gauge and Finished Dimensions

Achieving proper gauge is critical for this lace shawl. The pattern specifies 15 stitches and 25 rows to 4 inches in pattern after blocking. The finished swatch should measure 8½ inches wide by 4½ inches tall after blocking. Blocking is essential for lace projects, as it opens up the yarn overs and sets the final stitch definition and drape of the shawl.

Pattern Construction

The Daphne Ann begins with a cast-on of 32 stitches and two rows of garter stitch to establish a stable foundation. The main pattern then proceeds through charted rows that alternate between right-side pattern rows and wrong-side rows. Wrong-side rows maintain the 3-stitch garter stitch selvage on each edge while purling the interior stitches, creating clean finished edges. The pattern rows feature the lace motifs created through the strategic placement of yarn overs and decreases, building complexity as the shawl develops through successive pattern rows.