Just as the Lace Bark of Jamaica incorporates traditions and styles from many different sources, so does my shawl. The pattern itself is inspired by the Lace Bark garments and accessories made by African women in Jamaica in the 17th and 18th centuries. The pattern stitches are from the Victorian era, and represent the changes in fashion in Jamaica, and the Lace Bark doilies and souvenirs created for the tourist industry after the slaves gained their freedom. The shape of the shawl was invented by Alison Hyde in her book Wrapped in Comfort: Knitted Lace Shawls.

This pattern is dedicated to the women of Jamaica, past, present, and future, who pass down their traditions through words, actions, and stitches.