Wings of the Dove

Wings of the Dove Knitted Lace Shawl by Joan Forgione

Project Overview

Wings of the Dove is an intermediate-level knitted shawl design that combines elegant lacework with sophisticated cable techniques. Inspired by watercolor painting aesthetics, this shawl showcases how thoughtful yarn selection and stitch construction can create a versatile accessory suitable for both casual summer wear and special occasion styling.

What Is Being Made

This is a lace-weight knitted shawl designed to drape beautifully and transform everyday outfits into polished looks. The shawl's design emphasizes soft color gradations and flowing lacework that pairs well with simple clothing styles, making it an excellent choice for adding visual interest without overwhelming a wardrobe.

Techniques Used

The Wings of the Dove shawl employs several advanced knitting techniques to achieve its distinctive appearance:

• Cable work: The pattern incorporates cable stitches that add textural dimension and visual interest to the lace construction
• Lacework: Strategic yarn-over and decrease sequences create the openwork characteristic of lace-weight projects, allowing light to pass through the fabric
• Elongated stitches: The pattern uses elongated knit stitches created by wrapping yarn multiple times around the needle, which adds drape and visual texture to the finished piece
• Stitch manipulation: Careful attention to stitch placement and tension ensures the lace pattern develops evenly throughout the shawl

Stitches Used

The stitch guide for Wings of the Dove includes:

• C6B (Cable 6 back): A cable cross stitch executed by placing the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and holding at the back of work, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle while dropping additional wraps off the needle
• C6F (Cable 6 front): A cable cross stitch executed by placing the next 3 stitches onto a cable needle and holding at the front of work, knitting 3 stitches, then knitting the 3 stitches from the cable needle while dropping additional wraps off the needle
• Elongated knit stitches: Created by inserting the right needle as if to knit and wrapping yarn around the needle 3 times instead of the standard single wrap, producing longer stitches that enhance the shawl's drape and visual texture
• Yarn-overs and decreases: Standard lace construction elements that create the openwork pattern characteristic of lace-weight shawls

Materials

Yarn: The pattern calls for lace-weight yarn, specifically Freia Fine Handpaints Freia Ombré Merino Lace, which is composed of 100% Merino wool. The yarn provides approximately 712 yards per 75 grams. The sample shown in the pattern uses the colorway Whisper and requires 1 skein, with a total yardage of approximately 700 yards (640 meters).

Needles: The pattern requires needles appropriate for lace-weight knitting, though specific needle size is referenced in the full pattern documentation. Cable needles are essential for executing the C6B and C6F cable stitches throughout the design.

Difficulty Level

This project is rated as intermediate difficulty, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle cable work and lace construction. The combination of cable stitches and lacework requires attention to stitch counts and pattern repeats, but the techniques themselves are well-established in knitting practice.