Nanciann is an elegant rectangular lace stole that is worked in one piece from end to end and may be easily customized to any size you like, be it a smaller scarf size or larger stole. There are only five different stitches in the whole design, so it’s a great first lace pattern that is easy to memorize and relaxing to knit without being boring. Both beginner and experienced lace knitters alike will appreciate the nice rhythm of the twig pattern as it is worked between the two borders.

Nanciann is offered as both a written and charted pattern with a large, easy-to-read chart that is big enough to read while watching TV and knitting!

I conceived of this design as means of teaching newer lace knitters various skills needed to work a perfectly knitted and blocked lace shawl. The instructions include detailed explanations and photo-tutorials for skills such as:

• How to match the tension of your bind off and cast on
• The math involved with customizing the shawl/scarf size
• How to weigh your yarn to maximize your yardage
• How to work with hand dyed yarn (if you choose one) by showing exactly how to alternate when changing skeins by carrying the yarn up the back
• How to block the stole

Nanciann was designed as the perfect showcase for your favorite hand-dyed yarn. The main stitch pattern—a stylized version of a traditional twig pattern—has a lovely texture that really allows the beauty of the yarn to shine. This center pattern is flanked by a traditional Shetland edging but knitted all in one piece, giving the appearance of a knitted-on border.

Fingering or sock weight yarn is recommended, but heavier weight yarn may be used as well.

This shawl is dedicated to my wonderful friend Nanciann “Nan” Hall, whom I met online while looking for test knitters when I first started designing shawls. Our love of lace knitting formed an instant bond between us. We have chatted back and forth about knitting and life ever since. I count her among my closest friends although we’ve never met. So here’s to my Nan, and to all the online friends we knitters make as we share our passion for fiber.

Construction Notes: Nanciann is worked in one piece from end to end. There are three sections: a right border edge, a center twig pattern section and a left border edge. The borders are garter based and as such are patterned on the right side only and knitted on the wrong side. The main twig pattern is patterned on the right side only and purled on the wrong side rows.

SAVING INK ALERT! If you do not use hand-dyed yarn or are already familiar with how to blend the skeins if you do use it, there is no need to to print pages 9-11.