DK / 8 ply (11 wpi)
Needle size US 6 (4.0 mm) / US 7 (4.5 mm)
The Countess of Landsfeld is a lace shawl for those who are either new to lace, dislike knitting lace, or do not have the time for lace, and for those who struggle with the wearability of shawls.
This shawl is named in honour of Eliza Gilbert, who fled her 19th century destiny of either a suitable marriage or genteel poverty. Despite not speaking Spanish or being able to dance, she changed her name to Lola Montez and became the most famous Spanish dancer in the world. King Ludwig of Bavaria was so besotted with her he gave her the title of “Countess of Landsfeld”. Sure, this may have led to his abdication and the revolution of 1848, but my point is this: shortcuts can be a really efficient means of getting what you want.