In the grand Victorian tradition, here’s a capelet to set off your favorite cameo. Block the petal motifs as broad scallops or as deep points; either way, you have a distinctive accessory with an old-fashioned, feminine flair. Knit sidewise, this design is an adaptation of a favorite Victorian edging called Cockleshells. I have added short rows, eyelet rows between motifs, and a mandarin collar, transforming this popular old edging into a capelet.

This pattern has options. Version One, with 8 petals, relies heavily on garter stitch. If you enjoy garter, you’ll like this version: it uses only one purl stitch at the end of each row. Version Two, with 7 petals, uses garter for the collar, stockinette for the body.

Alpaca, bamboo, or silk blends are particularly nice for this design. Choose something with a good drape and maybe some luster. Fyberspates Scrumptious would be ideal for Version One, or AlpacaSilk by Blue Sky Alpacas, or something similar. You want a nice drapey sport weight for #4 needles. Version Two, worked on #6 needles, can use DK (the turquoise example used Mirasol Tupa) or you can ply one strand of fingering with one strand lace weight (the silver grey example used one strand Madelinetosh Merino Light plus one strand DyeForYarns lace weight). There’s lots of room for creative combinations with this pattern.