Xanthopsia

Xanthopsia is worked from the top down, growing outward from a center shell that you mark and move up with every row. That marker is the whole trick to keeping your place, and once you have it, the shawl builds steadily on its own. The shells and V-stitches line up row over row into an open, lacy fabric that feels light on the hook from the very first rows.

It is worked in treble crochet, which gives it both its height and its speed. The taller stitches open the fabric up so the lace reads airy rather than dense, and they cover ground quickly, so the shawl grows faster than you expect for how intricate it looks. A row of picots finishes the edge, a small scalloped detail that gives the whole piece a tidy, pretty ending.

It settles into an easy everyday size. Blocked, it runs 48 inches across the wingspan and 20 inches deep at the longest point, enough to drape around the shoulders or loop at the neck without a lot of bulk. The open treble lace keeps it light, so it layers over almost anything and carries from one season into the next.

Yarn: 

475 yards / 435m of fingering or sock weight yarn.

The model uses Cascade Yarns Heritage (75% superwash merino wool, 25% nylon, 437 yards / 399.6m per 100g / 3.5 oz) in 5644 Lemon, 2 skeins.

Hook: 

US size F/5 (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: 

In pattern, unblocked, 6 treble rows = 4 inches and 1 shell = 1.5 inches. Check your gauge before you begin. It sets both the finished span and how far your yardage will take you.

Finished Size: 

Blocked, the shawl is 48 inches wide across the wingspan and 20 inches deep at the longest point. Blocking opens the treble lace and the picot edge and sets the shape, so plan for it.