Helen is a 1930s design would have been worn as a bed jacket but is also a great shrug to wear over dresses or t shirts. Perfect for keeping shoulders warm in air conditioned offices. This very simple two row lace pattern is worked in one piece from cuff to cuff with the main pattern being knitted on large needles creating a soft, open fabric and a very quick knit.

Helen is knitted using Susan Crawford Excelana North fingering weight a soft, fingering weight 100% British wool, spun for us in nearby Yorkshire and dyed in-house by Susan and her team. Shown here in shade Alabaster.

Our model Theodora is shown wearing the first size 76-112cm (30-44in).

The pattern includes instructions for two sizes to fit measurements between 76cm (30in) and 152cm (60in) and contains clear written instructions plus a comprehensive schematic diagram and sizing chart.

Yarn kits are available at Susan Crawford Vintage.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Excelana North fingering weight, 100% British wool, 75% Cheviot, 25% Bluefaced Leicester (159m / 174yds per 50g skein approx)
4 (5) skeins, shade Alabaster

Gauge
1 pattern repeat (14 sts) = 9cm (3.75in) over stitch pattern. We obtained this gauge using 8mm needles.

Suggested needles
1 pair 2.75mm (US 2) needles
1 pair 8mm (US 11) needles

Techniques
Lace knitting
Blocking to size
Sewing up