I’d forgotten what the first blush of spring looks like in New England. For the first time since I moved away from the Northeast in 1982, I’m being reminded by the greens and pinks and mauves and purples and yellows of spring. The pale colors mimic fall but on a much more muted scale. The music of spring is quiet and light, a flute and guitar duet in comparison to fall’s marching band.

This shawl captures my vision of the colors on the mountainsides surrounding my home in the North- east Kingdom of Vermont. The light green frame represents that pale baby leaves that break forth and give us our primary vision of spring, the freshness of green, new sprouts, lighter and more delicate than the colors and textures of summer. The center of the shawl is the reality of spring, a pale rainbow of soft hues reminding me that life and joy are still to be found.

Summary Lace stole with applied edging.

Notions

• Size US 3 (3.25 mm) straight and 32-inch (81 cm) circular needles
• A few yards of scrap yarn
• 4 stitch markers, 1 in a contrasting color
• Size E / US 4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook for provisional CO

Gauge 1 repeat of Chart A stitch pattern, blocked = approximately 2.5” / 6.35 cm wide by 4” / 10 cm tall

• Main Color (KPPM): 6 skeins
• Contrast Color (KPM): 3 skeins

Charts Main and border lace patterns.

This design was first published as Lillie of the Valley in Black Purl magazine, Spring 2007.