Kisseis

Kisseis Lace Shawl by Tori Gurbisz

What is Being Made

Kisseis is a crescent-shaped lace shawl designed by independent designer Tori Gurbisz and presented by Lachesis and Co. Named after Kisseis, the Lady of the Ivy from Greek mythology—one of the Nysiades nymphs of Mount Nysa and caretaker of the young god Dionysus—this shawl combines classical inspiration with contemporary knitting design. The finished shawl measures 65 inches (165 cm) in wingspan and 21 inches (53.3 cm) in depth, making it versatile enough to wear as a traditional shawl or as a generous scarf.

Design Features and Aesthetic

The shawl incorporates iridescent glass beads that shimmer like dew in sunlight, embellishing large ivy leaf motifs throughout the lace pattern. The crescent shape is both functional and elegant, helping the shawl stay secure on the shoulders while the expansive wingspan provides excellent coverage and drape. This design makes Kisseis suitable for multiple wearing styles and occasions.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs lace knitting techniques, which involve strategic yarn overs and decreases to create openwork patterns. The design incorporates beading techniques, requiring knitters to add iridescent glass beads as part of the construction process. The crescent shaping is achieved through strategic increases and decreases that gradually expand the wingspan while controlling depth.

Stitches and Stitch Work

The pattern is worked primarily in Stockinette stitch as the base fabric, combined with lace stitches created through yarn overs and decreases. The ivy leaf motifs are formed using these lace techniques, with beads integrated into the pattern to enhance the botanical theme and create visual sparkle throughout the finished piece.

Yarn and Materials

Kisseis is designed to be worked in Malabrigo Lace, a 100% Baby Merino wool yarn. The pattern requires approximately 2 skeins of this lace-weight yarn, with each skein containing 470 yards per 50 grams. The sample shown was worked in the colorway Verde Esperanza. In addition to yarn, the project requires iridescent glass beads for embellishment and appropriate needles sized according to individual gauge preferences.

Gauge and Sizing

The recommended gauge is 20 stitches and 30 rows over 4 inches (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch. However, the pattern notes that gauge is not crucial to this project. Knitters who work tightly or prefer a more open fabric are encouraged to size up one to two needle sizes from the standard recommendation. The pattern includes notes for altering the finished size. As with all lace projects, swatching and blocking the gauge swatch is essential to ensure satisfaction with the final fabric characteristics and drape.

Skill Level

Kisseis is rated as an intermediate difficulty project, making it suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle lace knitting and beading techniques. The combination of lace stitchwork, shaping, and bead integration requires attention to detail and familiarity with reading lace charts and managing yarn overs and decreases.