Named after Nancy Astor, Edwardian socialite and the first female MP to take her seat in the House of Commons, the Astor shawl is both pretty and practical. Combining simple shaping, garter stitch and stripes with sparkling beads and just the right amount of lace, Astor will keep you warm without sacrificing glamour.

Astor is worked sideways, starting at one point; the cast off edge forms one side of the triangle. It would be great as a first beading project as the majority of the beaded sections are simple and graphic, with plenty of relaxing garter stitch stripes in between.

Pattern includes charts and written instructions; shawl can be worked using either. All beads are placed using a crochet hook.

Yarn: 776 m / 852 yds of lace weight yarn, shown in: Jamieson’s Ultra (50% lambswool/50% Shetland wool; 194 m / 213 yds per 25g ball); Colour: 532 Petunia; 4 balls

Needles/hook: 3.25mm (US 3) needles (80cm / 32” circulars recommended); 0.8mm or smaller (small enough to go through chosen beads) crochet hook for beading

Notions: Approx. 1700 size 8/o (3mm) beads (shown with silver lined crystal Toho seed beads, approx. 60g); tapestry needle; locking stitch marker (optional)

Astor has been professionally tech edited. Many thanks to my tech editor, Rachel Atkinson, and also my test knitters!