This long rectangular stole features a diamond/lattice lace pattern border at both ends, with the same motif flanking a central rectangle of an easy mesh lace pattern. The stole is knit from one end to the other, and required approximately 1100 yards of a light fingering-weight yarn. (The original handspun was a 2-ply, approximately 1800 yards per pound, a 60/50 blend of BFL wool and silk).

The pattern was originally featured as the cover project in the Summer 2013 issue of Spin-Off magazine, but is now available as an individual download. The stole has also been knit in various commercial yarns, and works perfectly with Wooly Wonka Fibers Nimue Sock, a 50/50 blend of merino wool and silk, in a fingering weight.

The stole may be easily shortened or lengthened by adding motif repeats as desired. While gauge is not crucial for this project, different yarns may require more or less yardage than the original sample used.

The pattern was inspired by Hyde Park in London, a popular outdoor venue during the Regency Era for long strolls, as well as carriage rides. Long rectangular stoles were very fashionable during the Regency period. Since dresses tended to be very lightweight muslins or silks, having an extra layer to wear over the wide, square necklines around one’s shoulders was a very smart idea, even in the summertime, when the late afternoon could still be chilly or damp. Many of the most expensive shawls were produced in the Paisley region and imported into England. They often were a high-quality blend of silk and cashmere, or silk and wool. The Paisley-style stoles often featured a central panel with a small repeated motif, surrounded by wider borders of diamonds or lattice patterning, designs which are reflected in the lace motifs selected for this wrap.