Pattern Description from Victorian Lace Today: “The Harebell fichu was inspired by Lace collars which were so fashionable during the Victorian period. The ‘Pellerine’ (1820s) was a wide collar which extended to the top of the shoulders, and this later extended to a cape - the preferred garment to wear with a wide skirt. What began as decoration, ended as a garment. Around 1880, Cromwell collars, named after the collars wore by Oliver Cromwell and the English Puritans who emigrated to America, became fashionable. Many were deeply pointed in front, others square front and back. In order to display this pretty Harebell lace pattern, the fichu is begun on a shaped neckband, with the lace knitted-on sideways, like a shawl border.”

Difficulty: Experienced Lace

Measurements: The inside curve (the neckline) of the collar will measure 24” (61 cm); the outside curve will measure 50” (127 cm). The collar measures 6” (15.2 cm) deep at the widest point.

Yarn Weight/Yardage: #1 Super Fine Weight / 300 yds

Yarn & Colorway: JADE SAPPHIRE Lacey Lamb 1 ball in 407 Seafoam

Needles: 3.25mm/US 3 circular needles, or size to obtain gauge, 60 cm (24”) or longer

Notions:

• Stitch markers
• Blunt needle

Pages: 118-119

Volunteer Editor’s note: Many knitters have reported running short of yarn on VLT patterns--check gauge carefully (and purchase extra yardage, just to be safe!)