Moroccan Days/Arabian Nights

Moroccan Days / Arabian Nights Lace Knit Stole by Susan Pandorf

What is Being Made

The Moroccan Days / Arabian Nights is an original stole design created by Susan Pandorf, a luxurious lace-weight knitted wrap measuring 30 inches wide by 90 inches long after blocking. This intermediate-level knitting project combines intricate lace patterns with decorative beadwork, making it an elegant accessory suitable for special occasions or as a sophisticated everyday wrap. The stole showcases multiple distinct pattern sections inspired by Middle Eastern and North African design aesthetics.

Techniques Used

This stole incorporates several advanced knitting techniques that elevate it beyond basic lace knitting. The design features beaded knitting, where seed beads are integrated directly into the fabric using a large eye beading needle. The pattern includes lace knitting with yarn overs and decreases to create openwork sections, requiring careful attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats. Blocking is essential to this project, as the finished measurements and proper drape are achieved only after wet blocking, which opens up the lace and sets the stole's final dimensions. The designer recommends blocking a gauge swatch before beginning to ensure the finished piece meets the intended size specifications.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Moroccan Days / Arabian Nights stole features multiple named stitch patterns organized into distinct chart sections:

• Dainty Chevron – A foundational pattern used throughout the design, worked at a gauge of 6 stitches to 1 inch when blocked
• Persian Windows – A decorative lace pattern section detailed in Chart A
• Leaf Shadows – A motif pattern shown in Chart E
• Portcullis – A textured stitch pattern featured in Chart F
• Beaded Edging – Separate left and right beaded edge patterns (Charts B and C) that frame the stole
• Center Panel – A large focal point divided into four sections (Charts G1, G2, G3, and G4) covering the lower right, lower left, upper right, and upper left portions

The pattern uses standard knitting abbreviations including knit through the back loop (k1tbl), purl (p1), and yarn overs to create the openwork lace effects characteristic of lace-weight knitting.

Materials and Tools Required

This project requires 2000 yards of lace weight yarn. The prototype was knitted using Woolen Rabbit lace yarn in the colorway Tupelo Honey, providing a reference for yarn characteristics and color inspiration. Knitters will also need 5000 size 8/0 seed beads for the beaded elements integrated throughout the stole. The project calls for US size 3 needles to achieve the proper gauge of 6 stitches per inch in the Dainty Chevron pattern when blocked. Additional tools include a large eye beading needle for threading beads onto yarn, stitch markers to track pattern repeats and sections, a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, and an optional crochet hook for any finishing techniques. Proper blocking equipment, such as blocking wires or pins and a blocking surface, is essential for achieving the final 30 by 90 inch dimensions.

Difficulty Level

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this stole is designed for knitters with foundational lace knitting experience. The combination of multiple stitch patterns, beadwork integration, and the importance of accurate gauge and blocking make this project suitable for those comfortable reading complex charts and managing multiple pattern sections simultaneously.