The Blooming Stitch Shawl was inspired by the peonies and lilies blooming in and around our sweet, southern township of Troy, South Carolina.

The main stitch pattern is a version of the Blossom Stitch found in many Estonian lace patterns and is expanded and modified for presentation in this pattern. The shawl can be started with either Five or Seven leaves with instructions provided for both styles.

Beginning with a provisional cast on, five or seven leaves are produced in this neck down pattern which lead into blooms that cascade and surround the shoulders and back. Increases at each side of this shawl produce a shallow yet elongated style in a semi-circular shape with slight flare at the wingtips, scallop edging, somewhat crescent shaping and finished with a chain crochet bind off. Once blocked, the lace is pronounced and drapes well to produce a light and delicate shawl. Easily adjusted in size, this pattern requires no specific gauge but is intended to be knit loosely. Approximately 675-875 yards of lace weight yarn is recommended based on chosen style.

Instructions are given in both written and chart form with details on abbreviations and working the pattern to completion. Designer/Sample, Blocking notes and sample photos are included for greater detail. Every effort to produce a pattern free of errors has been made.

The featured shawl is of “Honey”, 100% Claudia Hand-painted Silk, and was made by following the instructions for the Five Leaf/ Six Bloom Style.

The yardage listed is based on the pattern as written of the Seven Leaves/ Eight Blooms style using size 5 (3.75mm) needles. Less yardage is required if working the Five Leaves/ Six Blooms style and more yardage is required if enlarged.

I must give resounding applause and a very grateful,
“THANK YOU” to testknitters, Jessicarose, Rxalla, Enugu, Katiebunny and tech-editor, Axta on this pattern. You are all wonderful and I am completely appreciative!

Errata notice: For the written directions only, Seven leaves, Eight blooms style, Row 53 should read:
Row 53B: Yo, k11, yo, s2kp, yo, k8, yo, sk2p, k1, k3tog, Asterisk, yo, k8, yo, s2kp, yo, k8, yo, sk2p, k1, k3tog; rep from Asterisk to last 22 sts, yo, k8, yo, s2kp, yo, k11, yo.
The corrected PDF has been uploaded as of 2/3/12….many thanks to Jami for her eagle eyes!