After knitting the cheerful floral texture of Lazy Daisy Socks by Lorraine Thompson last week, let’s continue celebrating flowers and nature, this time with one of my favorite shawl patterns ever featured in ANPTmag. I can’t decide on a color, although I love the baby pink color on this sample when my hair was darker. The right color now, would have to strike me when I come across it! I’m even thinking about including seed beads, too, knitting them in that is.
There are some projects that stay with you long after the needles have been put away, and Orchard Blossoms Shawl by Nancy Lekx is one of them. In fact, I love this shawl so much that when it came time to photograph it, I couldn’t resist modelling it myself!
The combination of delicate lace, graceful shaping, and inspiration drawn from blossoming orchard trees creates a piece that feels both elegant and timeless. It’s the kind of shawl that makes you slow down and enjoy every stitch.
skill level Intermediate to advanced
time A rewarding lace project that grows beautifully with every repeat
ideal for Lace knitters, special occasion wear, thoughtful gifts, and anyone who loves elegant shawls
you will practice Lace knitting, chart reading, yarn overs, decreases, pattern repeats, blocking lace for beautiful stitch definition
finished size Generous shawl size designed for elegant drape and versatile styling
Orchard Blossoms Shawl by Nancy Lekx for ANPTmag Issue 55; photo by
Alessia De Fusco for ANPTmag
This pattern was featured in ANPTmag Issue 55, an issue that celebrates the beauty and quiet power of trees through needlework. I’ve always loved trees, the way sunlight filters through their leaves, the sound of wind moving through branches, and the sense of calm they bring. This issue was inspired in part by the fascinating idea that forests are deeply connected systems, with trees communicating and supporting one another beneath the surface. Our contributors explored this theme in thoughtful and creative ways, inviting you to stitch, quilt, knit, and create in good company. Orchard Blossoms Shawl captures that spirit beautifully, drawing inspiration from flowering trees and translating their delicate beauty into lace.
According to the website description, Orchard Blossoms Shawl combines lace motifs evoking blossoming branches and spring growth. The lace patterns create movement and visual interest while remaining balanced and wearable. The result is a shawl that’s equally at home draped over your shoulders for a special occasion or wrapped around you on a cool evening.
Get the Orchard Blossoms Shawl pattern here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/orchard-blossoms-shawl/
Get ANPTmag Issue 55 print version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-55/
Get ANPTmag Issue 55 digital version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-55-digital-version/
If you were knitting this shawl, would you choose a soft blossom-inspired colorway, or would you let the lace shine in a classic neutral shade? And would you add seed beads? Let me know in the comments!
What makes this project so exciting is the way it falls right at the wrist and looks like a sleeve, but it isn’t! It’s every bit as beautiful to wear as it is to knit.
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!
