Lake Malawi is known as the “Lake of Stars” because of the hundreds of golden lights on fishermen’s boats that scatter across the lake at night. They’re mostly fishing for kapenta, the tiny fish hugely popular with the people of central southern Africa – they’re dried and eaten whole, like whitebait. This stole features yarn with a silvery, watery thread and golden beads to imitate the magical “stars” of the lake by night.

You will need approx. 521 Size 8 seed beads. I used Toho beads in Silver Lined Gold. If you use these beads you will need 1 x 11g packs.

This pattern is part of “Waters of Africa”, an e-book of accessories inspired by the lakes & rivers of Malawi & Zambia.

Thank you to all my wonderful test knitters. Any mistakes remaining are mine alone & I would be grateful for a pm if you find any!

Please note: some parts of this pattern are in chart form only.