The Crinoline Period (1850-1869) is named after the major fashion innovation of the era, the cage crinoline. In the past, women had to wear many petticoats to add fullness to their skirts. They were heavy and unclean as they dragged in the dirt when walking. The cage crinoline, which was a series of concentric whalebone or steel hoops sewn onto tapes that supported the fabric of the dress, was very popular with women because it was lightweight, unlike clothing in the Romantic era. The silhouette for women during this era was a narrow waist, very full skirt, and fitted bodice with dropped sleeves.

The main pattern of this shawl reminds me of ladies in hoop skirts and crinolines.

• Yarn: Any laceweight yarn (440 yd / 50g)
• Needles: US #5 / 3.75 mm circular needles
• Notions: Stitch markers, darning needle
• Size: wingspan 56” depth 28” (wet blocked and relaxed)

The shawl can be worked from written instructions or charts. You can do as many repeats of the main pattern as you want, I use this tool to estimate usage. It helps me to use a whole skein of yarn. Keep in mind nupps and bind off.

If you need help with 5 into 5, check those tips

I hope you’ll enjoy knitting this shawl as I did.

Pattern available in two formats: compact (3 pages, 11 pt) and large print (9 pages, 20 pt) - instructions in larger print format ( this version is better for those who uses portable devices like tablets and e-readers; also for those knitters who have difficulties reading small font on paper)