The Mere

The Mere: An Organic Stole in Beaded Lace

What Is Being Made

The Mere is an elegant organic stole designed by Susan Pandorf as part of the Two Towers Series. This advanced knitting project creates a luxurious accessory measuring 18-24 inches wide by 64-72 inches long (or smaller if left unblocked). The stole is characterized by its incorporation of beaded lace, making it a sophisticated garment suitable for special occasions or as a statement piece in any wardrobe.

Knitting Techniques and Approach

This project employs advanced knitting techniques centered around lace construction. The design features beaded lace work, which requires careful integration of seed beads throughout the knitted fabric. The stole is worked from the needles in a way that creates an organic, flowing aesthetic. Notably, gauge is not critical to this piece, allowing knitters some flexibility in their tension while maintaining the overall integrity of the design. The finished piece may be blocked to achieve the full intended dimensions, though it will be smaller if left unblocked.

Stitches and Beading Methods

While specific stitch names are not detailed in the pattern materials, the construction involves lace-weight knitting combined with beadwork. The beading process utilizes 5000 size 8 seed beads that are incorporated into the knitted fabric. A crochet hook is specified for the beading technique, suggesting that beads are added using a crochet-assisted method rather than being pre-strung onto yarn. This approach allows for precise bead placement throughout the lace pattern. Finishing is completed with a tapestry needle for grafting, ensuring seamless joins where necessary.

Materials and Yarn Weight

The Mere requires 1320 yards of lace weight yarn, with Sanguine Gryphon Gaia lace specifically recommended, though other lace weight yarns are suitable alternatives. Lace weight yarn is among the finest yarn weights available, typically ranging from 400-600 yards per 50 grams. This delicate yarn weight is essential for creating the intricate, airy qualities characteristic of beaded lace stoles. The project calls for US size 3 needles, which are appropriately sized for working with lace weight yarn and creating the fine gauge necessary for detailed lacework.

Skill Level and Complexity

This pattern is rated as advanced difficulty, making it suitable for experienced knitters who are comfortable with lace knitting, bead integration, and finishing techniques. The combination of lace construction, bead placement, and grafting requires patience, attention to detail, and familiarity with reading complex stitch patterns. The organic nature of the design and the beading process demand technical proficiency and problem-solving skills typical of advanced-level projects.