The Grand Shell stitch is the base for this pattern. It creates a wonderful curved edge and is a pattern with a lot of shape and texture. I have only used it once before, quite a few years ago. It seemed just perfect for this new fancy. You can read about the creation of this pattern in my blog – August Fancy – a Year in Colour.

The Fancy line of projects grew out of the Threads of Colour – A Year in Squares and these little projects have become quite my favourite part. Creating these small, interesting little things has made this year long exploration of pattern and technique project so much more than my original idea.

This is a pattern for an experienced knitter, or a very adventurous one. The beads add an extra layer. But as always, beads are optional. Check this post - Crafting Exquisite Beaded Knits – Tips and Inspiration, for more information on working with beads.

The lace knitting is for the most part, standard but rows 8 and 9 offer a couple of challenges which are outlined in the special instructions.
Please note - the yarn I used is local to the West Coast. I used a yarn as close to mine as possible in the supply list..

August Fancy - Grand Shell Collar is a crescent-shaped knitted lace collar built on the sculptural Grand Shell stitch, finished with a crisp i-cord edging and a button closure. Generous shell repeats curve the lower edge naturally as you work, creating a collar with real shape, drape, and presence. This is a pattern for experienced lace knitters.

Construction and technique

• Grand Shell stitch lace: fan-shaped shells build a deeply curved, scalloped lower edge with inherent three-dimensional structure
• Worked flat in one seamless piece, bottom up, no seaming required
• I-cord edging along the neck and front opening edges for a clean, self-finishing border
• Buttonhole worked into the band for a single button closure
• Optional beads: the pattern is designed to carry beads for added sparkle; omitting them does not change the stitch structure
• Rows 8 and 9 present specific lace technique challenges; detailed special instructions are included in the pattern for both

Materials

• Yarn: fingering weight (4ply), 90-100 yards; suggested: British Breeds Cotswold 4ply or equivalent
• Needle: US 4 / 3.5 mm

19 sts per 3.5 inches over 1 pattern repeat

• Notions: 1 button; beads in your chosen colour (optional)

Sizing

• One size, crescent shape, adult
• The Grand Shell stitch forms the curved lower edge organically as you work; no separate shaping sections needed

What’s included

• Instant PDF download
• Written lace pattern with special technique notes for rows 8 and 9
• Notes on incorporating optional beads; further bead guidance in the beaded knits tips post

One of the Fancy series: small, technically rich projects created alongside a year-long exploration of pattern and colour. The story behind this collar is in the August Fancy blog post.