Pavone

Pavone Stole by Paola Albergamo

What is Being Made

Pavone is an advanced knitted stole featuring an intricate design inspired by peacock feathers and buds. The finished piece measures 200 x 60 cm (78.75 x 23.5 inches), creating an elegant and versatile accessory suitable for draping and layering. The name Pavone references the Italian word for peacock, reflecting the feather-inspired motifs that form the visual centerpiece of this design.

Design and Pattern Structure

The stole showcases a sophisticated combination of techniques layered over a garter stitch background. The primary design element features two-color brioche stitch worked flat, creating the distinctive peacock feather and bud patterns. The pattern is strategically placed and worked on the wrong side of the fabric to achieve maximum visual impact and elegance. The design allows for customization—knitters can create a shorter version by working only one repeat of the Body Pattern instead of two, making the project adaptable to individual preferences.

Techniques Used

• Brioche Stitch: An advanced brioche technique using two colors worked flat across the stole, creating dimensional texture and intricate patterning
• Brioche Increase (br4inc): A specialized increase technique that creates five stitches from a single stitch, adding complexity and visual interest to the design
• Garter Stitch Background: Provides a stable, textured foundation that contrasts with the brioche elements
• Beading: Integrated into the pattern using bead and knit abbreviations (bk), adding embellishment and sparkle to the finished piece
• Flat Knitting: The entire stole is worked flat rather than in the round, allowing for precise pattern placement and control

Stitches and Abbreviations

The pattern employs specialized brioche terminology and abbreviations including: beg (begin/beginning), BO (bind off), bk (bead and knit), and br4inc (brioche increase creating 5 stitches from 1). These stitches work together to build the complex, multi-dimensional peacock feather motifs that define Pavone's aesthetic.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Pavone is designed using 4-ply lace weight yarn, specifically combining a strand of lace yarn with a strand of lace mohair yarn. This pairing creates an incredibly soft and light fabric with exceptional drape and elegance. The lace weight classification ensures a delicate, refined appearance appropriate for a luxury stole. The pattern notes indicate that finished size can be adjusted by using different needle sizes and/or alternative yarn weights, providing flexibility for knitters working with different materials or seeking different dimensions.

Skill Level

This is an advanced brioche knitting project, recommended for experienced knitters with solid understanding of brioche techniques, two-color brioche work, and pattern reading. The combination of brioche stitches, beading integration, and two-color work requires technical proficiency and attention to detail.

Format

Pavone is available as a downloadable PDF pattern, designed by independent designer Paola Albergamo and published in 2019. The pattern includes comprehensive abbreviations and notes to guide knitters through this sophisticated project.