Fans of Downton Abbey’s amazing fashions, rejoice!

Just in time for holiday gift-knitting, A Head For Trouble: What To Knit While Catching Crooks, Chasing Clues, and Solving Murders (20 Hats & Adornments Inspired by Lady Detectives of the Roaring Twenties) was released in October, 2014. It is available in both electronic and paperback format both here and on my website: www.julieturjoman.com

Knit something special for your inner flapper!

Posh but penniless Lady Georgiana Rannoch stars in Rhys Bowen’s “Royal Spyness” mystery series. As minor royalty, Georgie takes on the wild tasks assigned to her by no less than the Queen of England. With such an impeccable reference, she has no difficulty gaining access to grand estates where murders just happen to take place. Georgie’s romps through these light-hearted British “cozy” mysteries are pure pleasure, but also reveal her as an enterprising young woman struggling to keep herself afloat during the Great Depression.

During the Roaring Twenties, accessories matched a woman’s ensemble to an almost alarming degree. No self-respecting flapper left home without a hat, shoes, and purse that matched her outfit, and decorative scarves were the icing on the cake. This example fits the bill with its ruffled ends, lace motif, and flower wrap to secure the scarf ends around the wearer’s neck.

SIZES: One size fits all, fitting loosely around the neck at 18” (45.5 cm) with an additional 4” (10 cm) ruffle at each end.

MATERIALS:
Main Color (MC): Dream In Color Classy 250 yds (228 m)/4oz (113g), 100% superfine Australian merino superwash: Lipstick Lava VM270, 1 skein
Contrast Color (CC): The Great Adirondack Yarn Co. Ribbon approx 100 yds(91 m)/hank, 95% rayon, 5% poly: Toucan Funky approx 20 yds (18 m) needed for project
One pair US Size 6 (4 mm) needles, or size needed to obtain correct gauge
One pair US Size 8 (5 mm) needles (for flower)
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle
One 1” (2.5 cm) diameter button
Hair elastic band (ponytail holder)

GAUGE: 19-st lace panel = 3½“ (9 cm) wide and 29 rows = 4” (10 cm) in Lace Patt, blocked.