Soiree

Soirée is built from undulating waves of shells and post stitches. The shells open the fabric into a soft lace, and the post stitches pull the rows into gentle waves that ripple across the shawl, so a repeat that is simple to work ends up looking anything but plain. It is built on a two-row repeat, and once it settles in, the waves grow on their own while your hands find the rhythm.

The clever part is the top edge. It is shaped as you go so the shawl curves to sit on your shoulders instead of sliding off, which is the difference between a wrap you fuss with all night and one you forget you are wearing. That same shaping lets you wear it several ways, wrapped, draped, or settled around the shoulders.

It is elegant without being heavy. Blocked, the shawl is 54 inches wide and 19 inches long at the longest point, light enough for spring and summer and dressy enough for a party. It is the kind of wrap that works as easily over a coat as over an evening outfit.

Yarn: 950 yards / 869m of heavy lace weight yarn.

The sample uses Blue Moon Fiber Arts La Luna Lace (85% merino, 15% mulberry silk, 480 yards / 438m = 3.5 oz / 99g) in the color Party on a Skein.

Hook: US size F (3.75 mm), or the size needed for gauge. Make sure you take the time to check it before you start.

Notions: Yarn needle.

Gauge: 3 pattern repeats and 8½ pattern rows = 4 inches / 10 cm. Check your gauge before you begin. It sets the finished size and how far your yarn will take you.

Finished Size: Blocked, the shawl is 54 inches wide and 19 inches long at the longest point. Blocking opens the shells and sets the waves, so plan for it.