Ailsa Craig Lace Scarf

I live in the upper reaches of the Clyde estuary on the west coast of Scotland, and this provides me with much of the inspiration for my designs. The Ailsa Craig scarf is no exception. The Clyde has a number of well-known islands, and Ailsa Craig, the massive rock which guards its entrance and can be seen from many miles away, is arguably the most majestic. It is stunning at any time of year, but I particularly wanted a design which reflected its hazy, ethereal quality, especially when viewed from a distance, and its beautiful summer and early autumn colours. The lovely hand-dyed Araucania botany merino lace yarn comes in a huge range of colours, and I chose two to create the samples: a range of blues and greys which resemble the sea around the island, and soft heather and lichen tones which echo the rock in its late summer mantle. The lace pattern chosen has a wave-like quality, yet the finished item is robust enough to withstand those cool summer breezes - essential in Scotland!