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One of the things I love to do when travelling is to take lots and lots of photographs of everything around me, focusing on small details or picking out patterns in architecture or landscapes in the hope that they could inspire a future knitting pattern. On a trip to Rome a few years ago and surrounded by so much history and art, I was spoilt for inspiration. When I got home and developed the photos, I kept coming back to one of a blue and gold door panel taken at St. Peter’s Basilica. I really liked the simple shape and the filigree patterns on each side. And so a design was born!

When in Rome is a top-down crescent shawl that embraces the beauty of lace right from the start. Working in set repeat sections the stitch pattern works to create solid sections of stockinette indented by circular filigrees. These shapes continue all the way down the body where at the border they open out into lacy fans along the edge of the shawl. This pattern is a reminder to stop for a moment and take notice of the small intricacies that fill our world with beauty, be it in Rome, down your local street, or wherever your future travels may take you!

The shawl uses 1 skein of 100g 4ply, sock or fingering-weight yarn. The sample shawl was worked in Under the Olive Tree Knits Steni Vala 4ply yarn, a lustrous and velvety blend of merino and silk.

Links to video tutorials for the lace stitches are provided in the pattern and the pattern has been tech edited and test knitted prior to publication.

Skills / Techniques Used – Knit, purl, increases, decreases, lace stitches

Sizes – One size

Measurements – The finished blocked item measures 64” (162.5 cm) wingspan and 20” (51cm) in depth

Materials

• 437yd / 400m, 3.5 oz / 100g, 4ply or fingering-weight yarn. The yarn used in the pattern pictures is Under the Olive Tree – Steni Vala 50% merino / 50% silk, in the Shades of Caramel colour (1 skein)
• US size 5 (3.75mm) 32” (80cm) circular needle
• A tapestry needle for weaving in the ends
• Pins for blocking

Gauge

23 stitches and 32 rows to 4” / 10cm in stockinette stitch after blocking

Pattern Testimonials

The “When In Rome” shawl is utterly gorgeous! It knits up so quickly, with well written instructions so you always know where you are. I’ve had so many compliments on mine already! - Sabina

I’m really happy with my shawl, instructions & charts very clear to follow -Nahed

Lovely shawl, good instructions that are easy to follow. Perfect for that special skein in your stash! - Jaynie

Your design is beautiful, and the pattern is well written - Lila

I loved it so much I made a 2nd right away! - Karen*