Introducing: The Pathways Collection by Laura Nelkin

Every time I sit down to write a blog post sharing the release of something new, it usually begins with “we’re delighted to announce…”…and I realize I’ve probably said it a thousand times before and try to think of new, creative ways to but this time, when sharing the release of The Pathways Collection, I really, really mean it!

When discussing the release of Road to China Lace, and how we wanted to approach the promotion of such a fine, airy, and delicate yarn, we immediately knew who to call: our friend Laura Nelkin. Known for her feminine accessories and fine lace details, Laura approaches each design with the knitter in mind, and loves to use each project as a teaching opportunity. It was a perfect match!

The Pathways Collection features four individual designs: Covert, a panel lace cowl, Prospect, a lacey shrug, Stillwell, a lace and garter boomerang shawl, and Vesa, an intricate half-circle shawl with a unique construction.

Covert is the only design of the four not specifically written for two sizes, but there are notes in the pattern for converting both he width and length, and yardage amounts, so the size options are endless!

YARN: The Fibre Company Road to China Lace (65% baby alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere; 656 yds/100 gm skein): tanzanite, 1 skein.
GAUGE: 24 sts + 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in lace patt, after blocking.
NEEDLES: US 5 (3.75 mm) needles, straight or circular.
NOTIONS: Lace-weight scrap yarn, 3.75 mm crochet hook, cable needle, tapestry needle.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: 36” (91.5 cm) circumference, 11.5” (29.25 cm) width.
SPECIAL SKILLS: Double sided lace, cables, chart reading, provisional cast on, Kitchener stitch (tutorials included).

For more images, or to purchase the Covert Cowl, click here.

YARN: The Fibre Company Road to China Lace (65% baby alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere; 656 yds/100 gm skein): peridot, 1 (1) skein.
GAUGE: 24 sts + 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in St st on larger needle, after blocking.
NEEDLES: 1 – US 5 (3.75 mm) 16” (40 cm) circular and set dpns 1 – US 4 (3.5 mm) 16” (40 cm) and 32” (80 cm) circular.
NOTIONS: tapestry needle, removable stitch marker, scrap yarn.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: 17 (22.75)” [43.25 (57.75) cm] high at center back, 40 (49)” [101.5 (124.5) cm] across.
SPECIAL SKILLS: Simple single sided lace worked flat and in the round from charts, picking up stitches.

For more images, or to purchase the Prospect Shrug, click here.

YARN: The Fibre Company Road to China Lace (65% baby alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere; 656 yds/100 gm skein): sapphire (smaller), 1 skein, rhodolite (larger), 2 skeins.
GAUGE: 22 sts + 34 rows = 4” (10 cm) in garter st, after blocking.
NEEDLES: 1 – US 5 (3.75 mm) 40” (100 cm) circular, 2 – US 5 (3.75 mm) straights or dpns.
NOTIONS: Tapestry needle.
SIZE: 45.75 (70.5)” [116.25 (179) cm] width at top, 36.25 (56.25)” [92 (143) cm] garter edge, 29.5 (44.75)” [75 (113.75) cm] bind off edge.
SPECIAL SKILLS: Simple double sided lace from charts, picking up stitches.

For more images, or to purchase the Stillwell Shawl, click here.

YARN: The Fibre Company Road to China Lace (65% baby alpaca, 15% silk, 10% camel, 10% cashmere; 656 yards/ 100gm skein): pewter (smaller), 1 skein, blue tourmaline (larger), 2 skeins.
GAUGE: 24 sts + 32 rows = 4” (10 cm) in St st, after blocking.
NEEDLES: 2 – US 5 (3.75 mm) straights or dpns, 1 – US 5 (3.75 mm) 40” (100 cm) circular.
NOTIONS: tapestry needle, scrap yarns A, B, and C, 1 crochet hook (3.75 mm).
SIZE: 52 (70)” [132 (177.75) cm] wide at top, 19 (30)” [48.25 (76.25) cm] at center back.
NECESSARY SKILLS: Simple single and double sided lace, chart reading, picking up stitches.

For more images, or to purchase the Vesa Shawl, click here.

For some insight into Laura’s design inspiration, visit her blog here. Additionally, stay tuned next week, when we’ll feature each design individually, complete with links to wonderful video tutorials, alternate styling options, and a peek into Laura’s design process! – KGO

{All pattern images by Amanda Stevenson Lupke.}