The Fragrance of Frangipani

The frangipani is a flowering shrub or tree with fragrant blooms that come in an incredible array of colors. They are found in many Florida yards, including my own and those of family members. Also known as plumeria, they bloom from spring through the late fall. They originated in the Americas, but have spread throughout the world and are grown in mostly tropical climates. The name frangipani, comes from a 16th century marquis of the noble Frangipani family in Italy, who created a synthetic plumeria-like perfume.

They have carried cultural significance for over 2000 years, starting with the Maya, where they represented life and fertility. The Aztec Empire used frangipani to signify elite status and planted them in the gardens of nobles. In Hawaii, the flowers are called melia and are used in making leis. In eastern India, they are considered as a variety of the champak flower that resides in the highest realm of heaven. Other parts of Asia use them in avariety of ceremonies such as weddings and funerals. Frangipani plants are found in many of the temples in these regions.

The Fragrance of Frangipani is a crescent shaped shawl, which uses delicate floral and leaf lace motifs spreading out to a generous wingspan, with a gently undulating border created by the lace sections and leaf border. The slip stitch pattern sections are a relaxing break between the sections of different lace that make for a challenge and interesting texture. An adventurous beginner will find the lace stitches easy to memorize but will keep seasoned knitters interested.

Yarn Used:

Road Trip Sock Yarn (75% Superwash Merino / 25%

Nylon, 437 yds / 400 m, 3.5 oz / 100 g skein); fingering

weight.

The sample used the colors Spanish Moss and

Sundance Plumeria

Yardage:

C1: Spanish Moss; 385-428 yds / 352-392 m

C2: Sundance Plumeria; 297-341 yds / 272-312 m

Needles:

US 5 (3.75 mm) circular, 50” (125 cm)

Notions:

Tapestry needle

Stitch markers to mark border (2)

Stitch markers to separate pattern repeats (optional)

Lifeline thread (optional)

Gauge:

22 sts and 34 rows = 4” / 10 cm for Stockinette Stitch

(swatch worked on US 5 needles after blocking).

Size:

One size only, can be adjusted to suit personal sizing

preferences by adding or subtracting repeats.

Special Techniques:

Slip stitch pattern

Lace patterns

Increases using kfb, yo and (k1, yo, k1) in 1 stitch

Decreases using k2tog, ssk, skp, sk2p, and s2kp2

Final Measurements:

Inside wingspan of shawl: 70.5”/ 179 cm after blocking

Depth of shawl: 22” / 56 cm after blocking

This pattern has been professionally tech edited.