Elexe

Elexe Lace Shawl by Corrine Walcher

What Is Being Made

Elexe is a knitted lace shawl designed as a wedding gift, measuring 18 inches by 63 inches when wet blocked. The shawl features traditional lace patterns with cultural significance, incorporating Frost Flowers and Cat's Paw motifs. The name Elexe is derived from the Dogrib language, meaning "together," reflecting the designer's connection to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and the local indigenous heritage.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level knitting project employs classic lace construction techniques that create openwork patterns through strategic yarn manipulation. The shawl utilizes several fundamental lace stitches and decreasing methods to achieve its delicate appearance.

• Yarn Overs (YO): Creates the characteristic eyelets and open spaces that define lace patterns
• Knit Two Together (K2tog): A right-leaning decrease used to balance yarn overs and shape the lace
• Slip, Slip, Knit (SSK): A left-leaning decrease that pairs with yarn overs for symmetrical lace design
• Slip, Slip, Purl (SSP): A left-leaning decrease worked on purl rows
• Stockinette Stitch: Knit and purl rows worked in alternation to create the base fabric structure
• Knit and Purl Stitches: Foundation stitches that form the overall fabric texture

The lace patterns—Frost Flowers and Cat's Paw—are traditional motifs that combine these techniques to create intricate, repeating designs. Wet blocking is essential for this project, as it opens up the lace and allows the shawl to reach its finished dimensions.

Materials and Gauge

The sample shawl was knit using Neighborhood Fiber Company Maisonette Lace yarn in the Roland Park colorway. This yarn combines 50% Superwash Merino wool with 50% silk, providing both elasticity and a luxurious drape suitable for lace shawlwork. Approximately 650 yards of yarn are required for the completed project.

Needles required include a 24-inch or longer circular needle in US size 4 (3.5mm). The recommended gauge is 18 stitches and 22 rows in wet-blocked stockinette stitch over 4 inches. While gauge is noted as not critical for this item, achieving proper gauge will affect the final yardage requirements and the shawl's drape characteristics.

Yarn Weight Considerations

This pattern accommodates multiple yarn weights within the lace category, including 3-ply, 4-ply, and lace-weight yarns. The flexibility in yarn weight allows knitters to customize the shawl's final appearance and drape while maintaining the integrity of the lace pattern design.