New Leaves Shawl by alaskagirlknits! This design was initially inspired by spring in Alaska as viewed down Eagle River Valley. The leaves glow after a winter of snow and cold. The vibrant green of new leaves, silver limned in the early summer sunshine. This “wing” shaped wrap celebrates the whispering of new leaves all year long. The shape hugs the shoulders. A highly textured seed stitch collar and shoulders are created, transitioning to New Leaves lace pattern for the body of the shawl. Optional beads added to the Ladder lace border bring to mind water drops or sunlight cascading off of New Leaves.

Shawl is shown in light dk weight yarn, alternate weights can be used, adjust needles & yardage accordingly.

Skill Level: Moderate Difficulty, beading, lace, lace charts

Materials: Recommend a solid or semi-solid hued silk with alpaca or merino wool blend, dk weight; approx. 650-700 m. (Appropriate yarns may include Blue Sky Alpacas Silk DK; Blue Sky Alpacas Metalico; Cascade Venezia Sport; KnitPicks Gloss DK; Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK; Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool; Lorna’s Laces Honor). Shawl shown in Mirasol Nuna, 40% Merino Wool, 40% Silk, & 20% Bamboo dk weight (50 g/175m/191y; color: Emerald Green, shade 1017); required < 4 skeins); 32 inch or longer US #5/3.75mm circular needle and straight needles (it is easier to do the neck band with straight needles); tapestry needle for weaving in ends; Stitch markers x4 with contrasting color to mark right side row; row counter is helpful.

Beaded edge: 2/0 Czech Glass E-Beads Green Mix 22 Gr tube or beads of choice (required about 6 tubes); 1.5mm crochet hook (or size that will fit through the bead). For this pattern, there is no pre-stringing and beads are placed individually.

Gauge: 16 st and 36 rows/4 inches in Seed Stitch on US #5 before blocking. Lace gauge is somewhat different. Adjust gauge/needles to obtain fabric you desire. Exact gauge is unnecessary.

Finished Dimensions: Wingtip to wingtip = about 50”, Back length = 21”

Video link provided for additional instruction on how to place beads individually and to do the beaded picot edge.