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Noblesse oblige: the obligation of honorable, generous, and responsible behavior associated with high rank or birth. (Merriam-Webster.)

In the The Scarlet Pimpernel by Emmuska Orczy, noblesse oblige is a guiding principle for the hero, Sir Perceval Blakeney. Sir Percy is regarded by many as the first modern superhero and a forerunner of characters such as Batman/Bruce Wayne and Iron Man/Tony Stark, as he uses his vast wealth and assorted private transportation (such as his yacht) to rescue hapless victims under an alter ego, while pretending to be vain and clueless at public functions. He’s heroic and witty and an unapologetic fashionista; this design is inspired by the extravagant costumes of the 1982 movie starring Anthony Andrews.

The shawl is shaped with pi shaping, with only a few increase rows in the entire shawl, making it a perfect beginner lace shawl that looks much more complicated to make than it is. The frothy variety of lace patterns reflects the flamboyant 18th-century European setting of the book and movie, but on a closer look, motifs are echoed repeatedly across the entire shawl in different forms, much like Sir Percy’s many identities. It’s a surprisingly quick knit, reflecting his penchant for one-liners and quips, and the final section features lots of sparkly beads—if you’ve seen the movie, you know Percy isn’t one to shy away from bling! The shawl is finished with a delicate crochet edging that makes binding off a large number of stitches a snap.

Pattern has been tech edited and tested. Lace is charted only.

Finished Measurements: 58” 145 cm wingspan by 22” 55 cm depth

Yarn: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% Superwash Merino wool; fingering weight; 420 yards/384 m; 100g)
MC: Rye Bourbon, 1 skein
CC: No Farewell, 1 skein

Sample shown used approximately 295 yd/269 m of MC and 220 yd/200 m of CC.

Needles: One 40” circular needle, US 5 (3.75 mm) Or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Sixty-four 4mm crystal bicone beads or 6/0 seed beads (optional)
F/3.75 mm crochet hook
Blocking mats
Blocking wires
Rustproof pins