Carmen's Omen

Carmen, from Bizet’s opera of the same name, is a Gypsy girl whose infatuation with a matador results in her death at the hands of her jealous husband. This light and airy shawl is flamboyant and fiery, like Carmen, yet its edging whispers a foreboding omen of the consequences of flirtation.

This crescent-shaped shawl is worked from the bottom up in an all-over garter mesh. The lace edging is then applied along the lower edge. Skills needed: understanding of simple lace including yarn overs and k2tog decreases. Chart reading helpful but not required. Skill building for adventurous beginners; relaxing for intermediate and above.

Materials  • Approximately 420 yd/385 m fingering weight yarn for shawl body; approximately 100 yd/91 m fingering weight in contrast color for edging. Shawl is adjustable to the materials on hand. If you want to use a single skein, reserve approximately 100 yd/91 m for working the edging.