Anna May Wong (January 3, 1905 – February 3, 1961) was the first Chinese American movie star, and also the first Asian American actress to gain international recognition. Her long and varied career spanned silent film, sound film, television, stage and radio. After success in many films, including The Thief of Bagdad and Shanghai Express, she experienced the most severe disappointment of her career, when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer refused to consider her for the leading role of the Chinese character O-Lan in the film version of Pearl S. Buck’s The Good Earth, choosing instead the German actress Luise Rainer to play the leading role. She left Hollywood for China, connecting with her heritage and studying culture. For decades after her death, Wong was remembered principally for the stereotypical “Dragon Lady” and demure “Butterfly” roles that she was often given. Her life and career were re-evaluated in the years around the centennial of her birth, in three major literary works and film retrospectives.

Skill Level: Adventurous beginner, due to lace edging and shaping. Chart reading is necessary for this project.

Materials: Approximately 775-800 yds of fingering weight. The sample knit used 775 yds of Lotus from Abstract Yarn in the colorway “Red”
Needles: US 3 (3.25mm) needles (either straight or circular long enough to hold approximately 130 stitches.

Tools: A cable needle, if necessary. Locking stitch markers (for counting chart repeats— see note on the pattern), and a stitch marker to note the edge pattern. Scissors and a tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Sizing: One size, measuring approx. 65 inches (165cm) in length, and 18 inches (46cm) in depth at the midpoint.

Gauge: 24 stitches and 40 rows per 4 inch square in stockinette. Gauge is not crucial for this project, use needles that give you a fabric you like.