A tale of loves lost and found again, mistaken identities, royalty hidden away in the forest… and one of the greatest heroines put to paper. This is Shakespeare’s comedy, As You Like It. In this garment, I tried to capture Rosalind’s trials and tribulations as she strives to rescue her kingly father and gain the love of her life, all the while disguised as a boy. The yarn is humble enough, a fingering weight shetland, but the design is complex and rich, featuring cables, lace, beads, and a labyrinthine center panel. I hope you will agree that although the “plot” may go far afield, all comes right in the end, and with a regal beaded flourish too!

This shawl is worked top down from the center back. Beads are placed throughout with the add-as-you-go crochet hook method.

Bead requirements: 780 size 6/0 seed beads or equivalent. Sample used 4mm silver lined crystal megatama beads.

Blocked measurements: 77” across, 32.5” down center back

First published as part of the Shakespeare in Lace club in December, 2009.