Sea of Tulips Stole

Sea of Tulips Stole by Anna Dalvi

Project Overview

Sea of Tulips is a rectangular knitted stole designed by Anna Dalvi and inspired by the vibrant Ottawa Tulip Festival. This advanced-level knitting project creates an elegant accessory measuring 71 cm wide by 188 cm long when blocked, making it a versatile piece suitable for draping across shoulders or wearing as a generous wrap.

Construction Method

The stole is worked using a corner-to-corner construction technique, beginning with a small cast-on and expanding outward through strategic increases and chart-based pattern work. This approach allows knitters to customize both the width and length of the finished piece by working additional or fewer repeats of specific sections within Chart B, providing flexibility for individual preferences or yarn availability.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This advanced project employs several intermediate to advanced knitting techniques:

• Increases: The pattern begins with kfb (knit front and back) increases to establish the initial stitch count
• Chart-based colorwork or stitch patterns: The design relies on detailed charts (Chart A and Chart B) that guide stitch placement and pattern repeats throughout the piece
• Edge stitches: Garter stitch edging (knit stitches) is maintained at the edges to create clean, finished borders
• Blocking: The finished dimensions are achieved after blocking, which is essential for revealing the full beauty of the stitch definition and achieving the stated gauge

Materials and Gauge

The Sea of Tulips stole is designed to be worked in Lisa Souza Cashmere Silk Fingering, a luxurious blend containing 55% silk and 45% cashmere. This yarn provides 400 yards (366 meters) per 57-gram skein. The pattern calls for 3 skeins in the Garnet colorway, offering a rich, deep tone that complements the intricate stitch patterns.

The project requires a single 32-inch US #6/4mm circular needle, which accommodates the expanding stitch count as the corner-to-corner construction progresses.

The working gauge is 13 stitches and 26 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in pattern when blocked. Achieving this gauge is critical for obtaining the correct finished dimensions and ensuring the stitch patterns display as intended.

Skill Level

This design is classified as advanced, making it suitable for experienced knitters comfortable with chart reading, managing increasing stitch counts, and understanding the importance of blocking for final garment dimensions. The corner-to-corner construction and reliance on detailed charted patterns require sustained focus and pattern recognition skills.