Lost in February

Lost in February Lace Shawl by Sue Fischer

What Is Being Made

Lost in February is an advanced lace shawl designed by Sue Fischer, knit as a single cohesive piece from the top down. This elegant wrap features a finished blocked size of 27 inches down the middle back and 62 inches across the shoulders, making it a generous garment suitable for layering or wrapping. The shawl showcases a sophisticated construction with mirrored left and right body sections that create balanced, symmetrical patterning throughout the design.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

The shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques that contribute to its complexity and visual appeal. The piece is constructed top-down, beginning with a provisional cast-on of just 5 stitches that is later picked up and expanded. The initial foundation involves knitting 16 rows with slip-stitch edging on alternating rows, creating 8 purl bumps that serve as pickup points for expanding the shawl. The work is turned 90 degrees clockwise to pick up and knit stitches from these bumps, establishing the base structure for the expanding triangular or crescent-shaped form.

A critical design element involves a center 3-stitch pattern that runs vertically through the shawl, with left and right sections mirrored on either side of this center panel. Stitch markers are strategically placed on each side of the center pattern and at garter stitch edges to aid in pattern recognition and accurate stitch counting throughout the knitting process. The shawl length can be customized by repeating the final 2 rows of Chart 4 as many times as desired, allowing knitters to adjust the finished dimensions to their preferences.

Blocking is emphasized as essential for achieving optimal stitch definition and revealing the full beauty of the lace pattern. This finishing step is particularly important for lace-weight projects, as it opens up the delicate stitchwork and allows the yarn to settle into its intended shape and drape.

Stitches Used

The pattern incorporates charted lace stitches organized into multiple charts (Charts 1 through 4), which guide the progression of the design from the top of the shawl to its finished edges. Garter stitch is used at the edges to frame the lace sections and provide structural definition. Slip stitches are employed in the foundation rows to create neat, finished edges. The pattern also includes bead placement throughout the shawl, with 150 size 6 beads distributed across the design to add sparkle and embellishment to the delicate lace fabric.

Materials Required

• Yarn: 1 skein of Manos Del Uruguay Marina in lace weight, providing 874 yards of yarn for the entire project
• Needles: One #4 (3.5 mm) circular knitting needle, 32 inches in length, suitable for working the shawl in the round or flat as the pattern requires
• Notions: 4 stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and construction points, and a bead tool for adding the 150 size 6 beads that embellish the finished shawl

This downloadable PDF pattern from independent designer Sue Fischer provides a complete roadmap for creating an intricate, beaded lace shawl that rewards advanced knitters with a stunning, wearable work of fiber art.