purlJam

# Moonpetal Stole

**Difficulty Level**: Advanced

**Finished Measurements**:
Approximately 50 cm (19.75 inches) wide by 180 cm (71 inches) long, after blocking.

**Yarn**:
Fingering weight yarn, approximately 1000-1200 metres (1095-1312 yards) of a natural fibre blend (e.g., merino/silk, alpaca/merino) for softness and drape.
*Sample shown in a light, semi-solid pastel colour.*

**Needles**:
3.75 mm (UK 9 / US 5) circular needle, 80 cm (32 inches) or longer, or size needed to obtain tension.

**Notions**:
*   Stitch markers (optional, for marking lace repeats)
*   Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
*   Blocking mats and pins (essential for lace projects)

**Tension (Gauge)**:
20 stitches and 28 rows = 10 cm (4 inches) in Lace Chart A pattern, *after blocking*.
It is highly recommended to swatch in the main lace pattern and block your swatch to ensure your tension matches the pattern. Achieving the correct tension is crucial for the finished dimensions and drape of your stole.

**Abbreviations**:
*   **k**: knit
*   **p**: purl
*   **yo**: yarn over
*   **k2tog**: knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
*   **ssk**: slip, slip, knit – slip 2 stitches knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit them together (left-leaning decrease)
*   **cdd**: Central Double Decrease (slip 2 together knitwise, knit 1, pass 2 slipped stitches over)
*   **k1tbl**: knit 1 stitch through the back loop
*   **RS**: Right Side
*   **WS**: Wrong Side
*   **st(s)**: stitch(es)
*   **rep**: repeat
*   **pm**: place marker
*   **sm**: slip marker

**Special Techniques**:
*   **Blocking Lace**: Detailed instructions for blocking lace are provided in the Finishing section. This step is critical for opening up the lace pattern and achieving the correct dimensions.
*   **Reading Charts**: This pattern is primarily worked from charts. Familiarity with reading knitting charts is essential.

**Pattern Notes**:
*   The stole is worked flat from one short end to the other.
*   Read through the entire pattern, including charts, before beginning.
*   Always knit the edge stitches (first and last 4 stitches of every row) in garter stitch (knit every row) to create a neat, non-curling border.
*   **Lace Charts**: The lace patterns are provided in chart form (conceptually described here, actual charts would be printed in a full pattern). Each row of the chart corresponds to one row of knitting. Read RS rows from right to left and WS rows from left to right.
*   Ensure your yarn overs are loose enough to block out effectively.
*   Stitch counts are provided at the end of each significant section to help track your progress.

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### Instructions

**Cast On**:
Using the long-tail cast-on method, cast on 104 stitches.

**Garter Edging**:
Work 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).
*Stitch Count: 104 sts*

**Border Lace Section (Lace Chart B)**:
This section establishes the intricate floral border.
Work rows 1-24 of **Lace Chart B** once.
*Row 1 (RS):* K4 (garter edge), work **Lace Chart B** across the next 96 stitches (rep 18-st motif 5 times, then work first 6 sts of motif), K4 (garter edge). *(Note: Lace Chart B will be adjusted to fit 96 sts or the pattern will need a pre-border increase/decrease. Let's assume a 16-st repeat for Border Lace B to fit 96 / 16 = 6 repeats perfectly. Or 12-st repeat for 8 repeats. Let's adjust to 12-st repeat for consistency.)*

*Self-correction*: To maintain technical accuracy and ease of following, the border lace should also be a multiple of 12 stitches, or carefully designed to fit 96 stitches. Let's make it an **12-stitch repeat, 24-row high** chart for the Border Lace as well, to seamlessly integrate with the main body repeat.

**Revised Border Lace Section (Lace Chart B)**:
Work rows 1-24 of **Lace Chart B** once.
*Row 1 (RS):* K4 (garter edge), work **Lace Chart B** across the next 96 stitches (rep 12-st motif 8 times), K4 (garter edge). *(96 stitches / 12-stitch repeat = 8 repeats. This is accurate.)*
*All WS rows (even-numbered rows):* K4, purl across the next 96 stitches, K4, unless otherwise specified by chart (e.g., if chart includes purl stitches on RS, or knit stitches on WS for texture). For this advanced pattern, **Lace Chart B** will specify both RS and WS rows.
*Stitch Count: 104 sts throughout this section.*

**Main Body Lace Section (Lace Chart A)**:
This section forms the main body of the stole with a repeating floral motif.
Work rows 1-16 of **Lace Chart A** repeatedly until the piece measures approximately 160 cm (63 inches) from the cast-on edge, or to desired length, ending after a complete 16-row repeat.
*Row 1 (RS):* K4 (garter edge), work **Lace Chart A** across the next 96 stitches (rep 12-st motif 8 times), K4 (garter edge). *(96 stitches / 12-stitch repeat = 8 repeats. This is accurate.)*
*All WS rows (even-numbered rows):* K4, purl across the next 96 stitches, K4, unless otherwise specified by chart. **Lace Chart A** will specify both RS and WS rows.
*Stitch Count: 104 sts throughout this section.*

**Second Border Lace Section (Lace Chart B)**:
Work rows 1-24 of **Lace Chart B** once again to mirror the initial border.
*Row 1 (RS):* K4 (garter edge), work **Lace Chart B** across the next 96 stitches (rep 12-st motif 8 times), K4 (garter edge).
*Stitch Count: 104 sts throughout this section.*

**Garter Edging**:
Work 6 rows in garter stitch (knit every row).
*Stitch Count: 104 sts*

**Bind Off**:
Bind off all stitches loosely knitwise. A stretchy bind-off (e.g., Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy Bind-Off) is recommended to prevent the edge from pulling in.

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### Lace Chart A Description (Main Body Lace)

**Characteristics**: A repeating 12-stitch, 16-row pattern that creates a scattering of small, delicate floral or leaf-like eyelet clusters.
**Stitches Used**:
*   **k**: knit
*   **p**: purl (on WS rows, or as part of texture on RS)
*   **yo**: yarn over
*   **k2tog**: knit 2 together (right-leaning decrease)
*   **ssk**: slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
*   **k1tbl**: knit 1 through the back loop (used for definition or a subtle twist)
*   **cdd**: Central Double Decrease (used sparingly for subtle shaping within the flower motif)
**Pattern Flow**: Rows will include alternating increases (yo) and decreases (k2tog, ssk, cdd) to maintain the 12-stitch count within each repeat. The pattern will build small eyelet shapes that resemble petals or leaves, arranged in a staggered fashion over the 16 rows to create a soft, organic texture.

### Lace Chart B Description (Border Lace)

**Characteristics**: A more intricate, denser 12-stitch, 24-row pattern that creates a deeper, more defined floral motif, possibly with a scalloped or pointed edge effect. This border will provide a stronger visual anchor to the stole.
**Stitches Used**:
*   **k**: knit
*   **p**: purl (on WS rows, or as a textured element on RS)
*   **yo**: yarn over (often multiple in a row, e.g., yo2)
*   **k2tog**: knit 2 together
*   **ssk**: slip, slip, knit
*   **cdd**: Central Double Decrease (used more frequently for pronounced shaping)
*   **k3tog**: knit 3 together (a strong decrease for points)
*   **sl1, k2tog, psso**: slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over (another strong central decrease)
**Pattern Flow**: This chart will feature more complex combinations of increases and decreases to create larger, more elaborate floral elements. There may be sections of faggoting (alternating yo, k2tog/ssk) or columns of twisted stitches, framing the central floral motifs. The 24-row height allows for a more developed design before the repeat. The overall effect will be of larger, perhaps interlocking, blossoms or a deep lace scallop that defines the edges of the stole.

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### Finishing

1.  **Weaving in Ends**: Using a tapestry needle, carefully weave in all yarn ends securely into the fabric, following the path of the stitches to make them invisible.
2.  **Blocking**: This is the most crucial step for any lace project.
    *   Gently hand wash your stole in cool water with a mild wool wash. Ensure it is fully saturated.
    *   Carefully squeeze out excess water; do not twist or wring.
    *   Roll the stole in a clean towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
    *   Lay the damp stole on blocking mats. Gently stretch the stole to its finished measurements (50 cm x 180 cm) using blocking wires and pins. Pin along the garter edges and carefully open up the lace motifs, pinning individual points if desired to enhance the floral effect.
    *   Allow the stole to dry completely, which may take 24-48 hours depending on humidity.
    *   Once dry, carefully remove the pins. The lace pattern will now be fully open, defined, and the fabric will have a beautiful drape.