It’s probably because Gemma’s Wrap, a free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn, is shown in a pretty, soft lavender colored yarn that it makes me think of weddings. But it’s also true that this would be a great project to knit to wear to a wedding or another special occasion where you might need a little extra warmth.
It’s a relatively easy pattern, worked in two halves from a short side so you can make it any length you like. There’s a bit of ribbing at the edge and then two sections of lace, with the main part of the body worked in stockinette stitch.
The lace sections are written out in the pattern, but there’s also a chart if you prefer. When each section of the shawl is finished, you leave the stitches live and finish the project by grafting the pieces together.
While it’s meant to be worn as a shawl, those ribbed edges make me think you could also make it into a shrug by holding the long edges together and sewing a seam on each end to turn the lace section (or however much of it you need) into a sleeve. This would make it a little easier to wear and highlight the lace sections more because they wouldn’t be wrapped up behind you when you wear it.
The project uses worsted weight yarn (shown here in Lion Brand Heartland) and measures about 17 by 60 inches as shown. It would be lovely for spring and summer in a pastel tint as shown, or use a darker color for other times of the year.
In addition to yarn and knitting needles, you’ll need a stitch holder or two (or some spare yarn to hold the stitches) and a yarn needle for sewing the pieces together.
You can get the free pattern or buy a kit with the yarn from Lion Brand.
[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn.]
