Prototype for publication ‘Jane Austen Knits 2013’

Inspired by the lovely square shawl worn by actress Toni Collete in the role of Harriet Smith (Miramax 1996 film EMMA- see bottom photo) my version features a lacy, lattice-work garter pattern for the central square & a stockinette stitch diamond inner border with classic garter point edging. The central square is knit flat, then the borders picked up & knit around with mitered corners, finally the edging is knit as applied for a beautiful seamless finish.
Research of the Regency era gives evidence that a heavy shawl for everyday use such as this could
very likely have been within the skill set of someone like the Harriet Smith character & the working
of such would have stood as testament to her practical education & virtuous, useful nature. In my
version of the back story, “that nice farmer” gave her a fleece & this is what she did with it…
Yarn: Five 50 gram/1.75 oz balls Lopi Einband Icelandic Lace Weight wool in Bain (Light tan) 273 yards (250m) per ball= 1365 yards (1,250m)
Needles: US #3(3.5mm) circular ndl, at least 40”(102mm) long & 1 US #3(3.5mm) dpn or straight ndl Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Notions: 1 tapestry needle; 12 st markers, including 1 Alpha marker that is different from the rest and 3 unique corner markers ; One end cap to fit circular ndl; 1 tapestry ndl
Gauge: 17.5sts and 21 rnds per 4”(10cm) measured over Diamond inner border pattern, blocked
Approximate Finished measurements: 44”(122cm) square from point to point, 63”(160cm) wingspan