Peacock Stole

Peacock Stole by Stephannie Tallent

What Is Being Made

The Peacock Stole is a rectangular knitted shawl designed by Stephannie Tallent that incorporates traditional lace patterns inspired by peacock feathers. This elegant wrap measures approximately 18 inches by 67.5 inches when blocked, making it a versatile accessory suitable as a gift or personal keepsake. The design balances aesthetic appeal with practical wearability, offering a sophisticated drape for shoulders and neck.

Design and Construction Approach

Tallent created the Peacock Stole with a straightforward rectangular structure that showcases lace patterning throughout. The shawl is specifically designed to be easily customizable in both dimensions. Since all repeats across the different stitch patterns share the same width, knitters can adjust the overall size by working additional or fewer vertical panels to change width, or by completing more or fewer repeats of each stitch pattern to modify length. This modular approach makes the design accessible for resizing without requiring pattern adjustments.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This project employs traditional lace knitting techniques as the primary construction method. The shawl features multiple distinct stitch patterns organized into sections, with Section A identified as a lace pattern that establishes the gauge for the project. Lace knitting involves creating openwork designs through strategic yarn overs and decreases that form decorative holes and motifs reminiscent of peacock feathers. The pattern is positioned as an excellent introduction to lace knitting for confident knitters while maintaining sufficient complexity to engage experienced makers.

Skill Level and Suitability

Rated as an advanced project, the Peacock Stole is recommended for knitters with solid foundational skills who are ready to tackle their first lace piece. The design provides enough visual interest and technical challenge to sustain engagement for experienced knitters, while the straightforward rectangular construction and repeating stitch patterns prevent the project from becoming overwhelming for those new to lace work.

Materials and Specifications

• Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk, a luxurious blend of 50% alpaca and 50% silk, with 146 yards per 50-gram skein; 6 skeins in the Blueberry colorway are required for the finished shawl
• Yarn Weight: Sport weight
• Needles: US 5 (3.75mm) needles, or the size needed to achieve proper gauge
• Gauge: Approximately 15 stitches and 24 rows equal 4 inches (10 centimeters) in the Section A lace pattern when blocked

Yarn Characteristics

The Peacock Stole is worked in Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk, a premium yarn that combines the softness and warmth of alpaca fiber with the lustrous sheen and drape of silk. This blend creates a fabric with luxurious hand-feel and elegant appearance, making the finished shawl an heirloom-quality piece worthy of being treasured as a gift or cherished personal accessory.