Shale Lace Top

This delicate lace top in Shale Pattern is fairly loose fitting  - choose size according to your preferences - and drapes beautifully. Dress it up or down for daytime to evening wear. It was originally worked in Manos del Uruguay Lace in shades Breena 2458 and Natural 2590 now discontinued but possibly Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace might be a good substitute. See www.yarnsub.com for other suggestions.

Old Shale is a classic but fairly simple lace pattern which might be a good introduction to the relative novice to lace knitting. Although the top is knitted almost entirely in the round, a separate chart is given for flat knitting to work a tension swatch and for the few rows which are worked flat. The main section is worked to the armholes and set aside until both sleeves have been completed also to the armholes. The sleeves and body are joined together and the top completed to the neckline.