If Mr. Woodhouse insists that Harriet wear a shawl in her portrait, Emma ought to wear something to keep her warm when visiting Donwell Abbey. This shrug offers the perfect compromise: lacy and light enough for Emma to wear picking strawberries in the summer sun, yet cozy and proper enough for her father’s satisfaction.

This is a perfect project for the more advanced beginner who wishes to dip a needle into the exciting waters of knitted lace, as strawberry lace is worked on both sides of the fabric. The garter-stitch hems ensure no rolling and a clean edge. Worked from bottom to top, the only finishing necessary is sewing two tiny seams.

What you’ll love about knitting Strawberry-Picking Shrug:

• You will master knitted lace (working lace stitches on right and wrong sides)--it’s not nearly as difficult as you think it is :)
• A small project with big impact--perfect for taking along with you
• Learn seven (7!) different decreases

What you’ll love about wearing Strawberry-Picking Shrug:

• A lacy little thing that doesn’t require the adjustments of a shawl or stole
• Perfect when you need a little extra pop of color
• Just the right size to keep the chill off, whether you’re picking strawberries or in extreme air-conditioning

Size/Finished Measurements
12 ¼ (13 ½, 14 ½, 15 ¾, 16 ¾, 18, 19 ¼) inches at center back (as well as around the upper arm) and 19 (20 ¾, 22 ¾, 24 ¾, 26 ¾, 28 ½, 30 ½) inches long from cuff to cuff. Shrug shown measures 22 ¾ inches from cuff to cuff.

Materials

• Malabrigo, Lace (100% Baby Merino wool; 470 yd (430 m)/1 ¾ oz, (50 g)), color: Tuareg, 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) skein(s)
• Size 5 (3.75 mm) 24-inch circular needle
• Markers
• Tapestry needle

Gauge
25 sts and 35 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in Strawberry Lace

Thanks!
Previously published in Jane Austen Knits 2014
Photography: Nicholas Dames