Domus Aurea

I designed this shawl not long after having discovered the lovely Estonian nupps. I was, though, currently making my way through a book of Shetland lace stitches. There was a section of what they called lozenge motifs that were complicated affairs with lace stitches performed on every row. The lozenges were outlined by yarn overs, and there were complicated bits in the center of each one. After removing all the wrong-side lace work, I replaced those center bits with nupps, which resulted in the shawl you see here, a truly international lace design.

I’ve always loved the simple elegance of Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. This design was inspired mostly by his decorative glass pieces. The name, however, comes from ancient Rome. Emperor Nero built a grand villa, Domus Aurea (Dough-muss Ow-ree-ahh), Latin for “Golden House,” and had the ceilings and walls covered with golden mosaics.

Designed to be knit as either a scarf or shawl, Domus Aurea is knit with clean, simple lines. Knit from one end straight through to the other, then cast off, it’s a relatively simple piece to make up. Nupps are included for simple added texture. One or more beads, or a simple knit stitch, can be worked in place of the nupps, if desired.

• Yarn: Lace weight yarn. Scarf 375; stole: 950 yards.
• Model: Claudia Hand Painted Yarns Silk Lace (now called Serenity) in Honey; 100% silk; 1100 yards in 100 grams.
• Gauge: 19 sts to 4 inches in pattern, blocked.
• Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm).
• Finished size: 9.5 x 60 [20 x 75] inches.
• Stitch instructions: Charted and written.