Coit Tower stands on the top of Telegraph Hill in San Francisco. There are two ways to get to Coit Tower: you can drive there—Lombard Street ends at the top of Telegraph Hill—or you can walk. By far the best route is via the stairs on the east side of the hill. There are two staircases that climb from the Embarcadero to the top of the hill (a rise of about 270 feet); one of them is Greenwich Steps. Both staircases wind their way through a tiny neighborhood of cottages with meticulously tended gardens that overflow with glorious flowers.

This rectangular shawl starts with a very long toe-up sock cast on (use your favorite one). It works out from this center line, increasing in width and length with every odd row. Diamonds and flowers are accented with pretty little nupps. If you wish, replace the nupps with beads for a touch of bling.

Finished size: 20.5 x 66 inches (52 x 167.5 cm).

Yarn: Lace weight; 700 yards.

Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles.

Crochet hook: US 13 (0.85 mm), only used for placing beads.

Skills: k2tog, ssk, yo, s2-k1tog-p2sso, centered triple decrease, 3-into-7 increase, tab cast on.

Beads: 350 (optional), may be used in lieu of nupps.

Notions: 3 stitch markers required, more are optional; yarn needle.

Stitch patterns: Charted.