Note! Chris asked me to make her a fun shawl for MDSW 2015. Stop by her booth to see Belle in person and pick up a hard copy of the pattern. :) Available in the Knitter Bunny store May 4.

Named for the “Notorious Belle of Baltimore,” Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte, this shawl is torn between two worlds. It is both delicate and sturdy, beautiful and practical, lacy and cabled, stylish and yet timeless in its appearance.

This shawl evokes Elizabeth’s delight in the finer things in life. The soft merino wool coupled with “exotic” Estonian patterns and lush colors is worthy of any would be Empress. I like to think that Elizabeth would have also appreciated the weight and warmth of this shawl during cold Baltimore winters.

This pattern is meant for adventurous novice knitters to experienced knitters and all those in-between. Please read the entire pattern before beginning.

Yarn: 1 Skein Briar Rose Fibers Fourth of July, 100% Merino, 550 yards, MDSW 2015 Colorway 2 Skeins Studio Donegal Soft Donegal, 100% Merino, 414 yards, color Garnet, for the short version

Needle: US 8 (5 mm) US 7 (4.5 mm) Hiya Hiya Circular needles or needles to obtain gauge

Gauge: 4 stitches per inch (spi) and 5 rows per inch (rpi) OR 16 stitches & 20 rows to 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette (unblocked)

Size: Short- 32 inches by 16.5 inches wide (unblocked)
Short-44 inches 22 by inches (blocked)
Long- 47 inches by 26 inches (unblocked)
Long- 64 inches by 34 inches (blocked)

To alter the size: Adjust your gauge to increase or decrease the size of the shawl as needed.