The following patterns are from designer Ilga Leja of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Beautiful and elegant.

Because these patterns come from Canada, and restocking takes time, I have included the quantities remaining in stock to help you with your knitting plans.

Released in Spring of 2007, this collection is called Seascape.

Matching the rhythm and motion of the sea, these four designs are worked in variations of wrapped, dropped, and crossed stitches.

Queen of the Waves

The Queen of the Waves, her shawl a sail to the wind, pays homage to the universal current of life. In the tradition of Faroese shawls, it is worked from the bottom edge. Its central gusset is then shaped at the neck to give the shawl a structure that allows it to sit easily on the shoulders. The pattern contains two versions of this shawl : a shoulder shawl or a full-size shawl (as pictured).

Finished Size:
Shoulder Shawl: 172 cm./68 in. wing span; 67 cm./26.5 in. centre back length.
Full-Size Shawl : 214 cm./84 in. wing span; 84 cm./33 in. centre back length

Level : Intermediate

Suggested Yarn : 700 m./766 yds. (840 m./920 yds.) of fine yarn in fingering weight. Shepherd Sock makes the most beautiful shawls, or try Helen's Lace

Needles : 4.5 mm. (US 7) circular needle, 120 cm./47 in. long

Gauge : 13 sts and 28 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square

Supplies: Stitch markers. Blocking Wires.Tapestry needle.

Shorelines

At the merging of ocean and land, the Shorelines jacket marries the colours of sea and forest. Mimicking the rugged angles of the shore, the piece is constructed in panels of Garter Stitch interspersed with wrapped stitches. Each panel is worked in different directions with the bottom borders, front bands, and collar in Seed Stitch, added at the end.

Finished Chest Measurements: 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60 inches.

Level : Advanced Intermediate

Suggested Yarn : 1094, 1203, 1312, 1640, 1968, 2187 yds of medium, worsted weight yarn such as Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb (50/50 wool silk) or Shepherd Worsted (100% washable, supersoft wool)

Needles : 5.5 mm. (US 9) in 24 & 32" long, 4.5mm (US 7) in 60" long circular needles.

Gauge : 13 sts and 21.3 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square

Supplies: Stitch Markers. Stitch Holders Tapestry Needle.

Skin of the Sea

Always in motion, the surface of the sea ripples and curls. Using a handpainted yarn’s own movement and variations, the Skin of the Sea reflects the ever-changing nature of the ocean. It is worked sideways in a combination of eyelet rows and Indian Cross Stitch. To finish the garment, the bottom border, front bands and collar are picked up and knit at the end.

Finished Chest Measurements: 31, 35, 39, 43, 49, 53, 58 inches.

Level : Advanced Intermediate

Suggested Yarn : 547, 656, 766, 875, 1094, 1312, 1531 yds of light worsted weight yarn in silk, wool, cotton, rayon, or linen such as Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb (50/50 wool silk) or Shepherd Worsted (100% washable, supersoft wool)

Needles : 5.0 mm. (US 8), 4.0 mm (US 6) and 4.0 mm (US 6) circular 32" needles.

Gauge : 18 sts and 21 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square

Supplies: Stitch Markers. Stitch Holders Tapestry Needle. Blocking Wires.

Open Waters

Facing the open waters of the sea, you will be at one with the elements in this ocean-coloured wrap. Simple to work in alternating patterns of Seed Stitch and Wrapped Stitches, it is worked in one piece, then sewn along one side. There is just enough shaping so that the wrap will sit comfortably on your shoulders when you wear it for your walks along the shore.

Level : Easy

Yarn Used : 410 yds (2 hanks) of medium worsted weight Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb (50/50 wool silk)

Needles : 5.5 mm. (US 9) circular needle, 120 cm./47 in. long

Gauge : 11 sts and 20 rows = 10 cm./4 in. square

Supplies: Stitch markers. Stitch Holders Blocking Wires. Tapestry needle.

This collection is called Mythic Forest.

Four designs to honour our connection to the mysteries and ancient wisdom of the Mythic Forest.

Lake of The Woods from Ilga Leja Design

Imagine ripples of water, gently lapping the shore. The undulating lines of this capelet echo the mood of lake and forest. Knit from the lower edge to the neckline, with a self-finishing boarder. Works up easily. Knit in the calming or exciting color of your choice.

Finished size after blocking: bottom edge circumference 88 inches; around neckline 24 inches; length 20 inches.

Supplies: 656 yds of medium, worsted weight yarn such as Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb (50/50 wool silk) or Shepherd Worsted (100% washable, supersoft wool) (Color Icehouse is very similiar to sample knit).

US#8, 10 & 10.5 needles (circular suggested). Stitch markers. 3 1" buttons. Blocking Wires.

Earth Maiden from Ilga Leja Design

Wrapped in the colours of the earth, Earth Maiden walks the woods. Her wrap is a long, rectangular stole, laced along one side. Knit from the long edge, the pattern grows organically, highlighting the random colouration of the handpainted yarn. Wear your creation as a shawl, poncho, wrap or laced with I-cord at the front, back or the side.

Finished size after blocking: full version is 82 inches long by 15.5 inches wide. (short version is 61 inches long by 15.5 inches wide.)

Supplies: 765 (656 yds) yds of light worsted or DK weight yarn such as Lorna's Laces Swirl DK.

US#7, & 8 circular needles, US#3 double pointed (for I-cord). Stitch markers. Tapestry needle.

Ancient Bark from Ilga Leja Design

Reflecting the continuity found in Nature, the Ancient Bark Moebius wrap encircles the head and shoulders in continuous movement. Weathered and textured, like its namesake, it honours the variations in colour and pattern created by handpainted yarns. Easy to work, the wrap uses blocks of basketweave stitch interspersed with rows of garter stitch.

Finished size after blocking: 36 inches long by 19 inches wide.

Supplies: 700 yds of fingering or sport weight yarn such as Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (makes lovely draping shawls) or Shepherd Sport for main color, and contrasting solid requires 110 yds.

US#5 & 7 circular needles. Stitch markers. Tapestry needle.

Balsam from Ilga Leja Design

Named for the strongly scented resin that flows within the Balsam fir, this wrap contains its own flowing movement. Wrap your head and neck in comfort with this spiral cowl. Knit in the round from the top down, it grows in width to embrace the neck and shoulders.

Finished size after blocking: bottom edge circumference 37 inches; around neckline 22 inches.

Supplies: 383 yds of SOFT (because it will be around your face) medium, worsted weight yarn such as Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb (50/50 wool silk) or Shepherd Worsted (100% washable, supersoft wool) (Color Icehouse is very similiar to sample knit).

US#8 & 6 circular 24"needles. Stitch markers. Tapestry needle. Blocking Wires & pins.

This collection is called Shawl & Scarf.

Explore the magic and mystery of handpainted yarns in this collection of shawls and scarves.

Lady of the Forest

This wrap, evoking the mystery of the forest, is knit in a continuous flow of bias knitting in Garter Stitch until the collar and border are added at the end. Enhanced by the natural striping of a handpainted yarn, it drapes in different directions, when worn in different ways. It can be worn as a shawl or, when sewn together, as a large cape or poncho.

Level : Intermediate

Yarn Used : Handpainted, double knitting weight (1100 m./1200 yds.) Lorna's Laces Swirl DK. or check our Yarn Standards page

Finished size after blocking: 86 cm/34 in long at centre back. 147cm/58 in wide across shoulders. 66cm/26 in wide along base of front edges.

Needles : 6.5 mm. (US 10.5) straight or circular needle. Outside border needs at least a 80 cm./32 in. long circular.

Gauge : 13 sts = 10 cm./4 in

Supplies: Stitch markers. Stitch Holders Blocking Wires. Tapestry needle.

Brickwork

This handpainted scarf with its angular lines is achieved by combining a simple lace pattern with garter stitch blocks. The constantly changing direction of the pattern creates the effect of an interlocking brick façade. Easy to work in a fingering weight merino wool, you can fashion several versions of this scarf: as a neck warmer, as a full scarf (as pictured) or as a shawl.

Level : Advanced Beginner

Finished Size: Neck Warmer is 19 cm./7.5 in. wide x 130 cm./51 in. long
Full scarf is 28 cm./11 in. wide x 180 cm./71 in. long
Shawl is 434 cm./17 in. x 175 cm./69 in. long

Yarn Used : Handpainted fingering, lightweight 350, 700, 1100 yds. Try one of the yarns shown as fingering on our Yarn Standards page, or step up to a lighter larger yarn and use one of the sport weight yarns.

Needles : 4 mm. (US 6)

Gauge : 13 sts = 10 cm./4 in

Supplies: Stitch markers. Blocking Wires. Tapestry needle.

Diamonds on the Diagonal

Long diagonal lace lines meet to form a diamond or half-diamond at the centre of these vibrant scarves of multicolours. Knit from one end to the other in a Garter Stitch lace pattern, each scarf takes a single 100-gram skein of handpainted fingering-weight merino wool to create each stunning wrap of colour for your neck and shoulders. Directions are given for both styles.

Level : Beginner

Yarn Used : Handpainted fingering, lightweight 350 yds. Try one of the yarns shown as fingering on our Yarn Standards page, or step up to a lighter larger yarn and use one of the sport weight yarns.

Finished Size: 20 cm./8 in. wide x 137 cm./54 in. long

Needles : 3.75 mm. (US 5)

Gauge : 24 sts = 10 cm./4 in.

Supplies: Blocking Wires. Tapestry needle.

Lady of the Forest

Like the aperitif it is named for, this scarf is delicate froth and sweetness. Knit in one piece from one end to the other, it is easy and fun to work, delighting the hands and the eye. The main feature of this pattern is the Indian Crossed Stitch which is used throughout the design. The two side borders are picked up and knit in a self-curling reverse stockinette stitch. Each corner is finished with a long, elegant tassel. Use any combination of solid colour with a coordinating variegated handpainted yarn to mix up the cocktail you prefer.

Level : Advanced Beginner

Yarn Used : Handpainted fingering, lightweight (350 yds. of each, one handpainted and one solid colour. Try one of the yarns shown as fingering on our Yarn Standards page, or step up to a lighter larger yarn and use one of the sport weight yarns.

Finished size after blocking: 25 cm./10 in. wide x 137 cm./54 in. long (excluding tassels)

Needles : 4 mm. (US 6)

Gauge : 20 sts = 10 cm./4 in.

Supplies: Blocking Wires. Tapestry needle.

This collection is called Summertime.

Celebrate summer with this collection of designs knit in cottons, silk and a fine-quality merino wool.

Urban Goddess from Ilga Leja Design

This graceful long vest, can also be worn as a shawl or worn as an overdress. This Apple Leaf lace pattern is for Intermediate knitters, using yarn overs and knitting 2 sts together. Pattern also has short row shaping, and picking up and knitting stitches. Vest is offered in a tunic length or a short hip length.

Finished sizes: Across the back-22, 26, 30 inches. Length-34 inches all sizes.

Materials: Fingering weight wool 1200, 1620, 2050 yds. 4.5mm (US#7) needles, straight or circular; pair of 4mm (US#7) straight needles (or large stitch holders), pair of 3mm (US#2.5) double pointed needles or circular, stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle, and blocking wires and pins.

Wharf 'n' Weave from Ilga Leja Design

This summer vest is the perfect accompaniment to a sunny day. Worked in 3 colors in an easy-to-remember slip stitch pattern, it gives the effect of a loosely woven garment, subtle in its coloring and design.

Finished measurements: 35, 38, 44, 50, 56 inches. Center back length: 21, 22, 24, 26, 26 inches.

Materials: DK or Worsted weight yarn. MC(shown in green): 550, 875, 1000 yds. CC1(shown in ecru): 350, 485, 600 yds. CC2(shown in brown): 350, 485, 600 yds. 3.5mm (US#4) circular needles, 1 20 inch and 1 32 inch. Three 4mm (US#6) needles. Two 3.5mm (US#4) double pointed needles. stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle, and blocking wires and pins.

Antique Lace from Ilga Leja Design

This silky, loose-fitting, Victorian top makes you feel as though you belong to another, slower-paced era. Over a long sleeved shirt, it serves as a vest. Over a halter top or camisole, it becomes the barest cover-up.

Finished sizes: 39, 42, 48, 52, 58 inches. 15, 16, 18, 19, 20 inches long at center back. 19, 20, 23, 25, 27 long at center front.

Materials: Sport or DK weight yarn. 550, 600, 75, 900, 1080 yds. 4.5mm (US#7) needles, extra pair of straight 4.5mm (US#7) needles, stitch markers, stitch holders, tapestry needle, and blocking wires and pins.

Fluid Linen from Ilga Leja Design

The oblique lines of twisted stitches on this cotton top do not stop until they read the end. There, a few pearl buttons close the collar at the back of the neck.

Finished Chest Measurements: 34, 37, 39, 44 and 48 inches. Finished back length 20, 22, 23, 24, 24 inches.

Materials: 875, 975, 1100, 1300, 1400 yds. 3.25 mm (US#3) straight or circular needles, 3.75 (US#5) needles, 3.25 (US##) double pointed needles (or short 16-20 inch circular) for neck collar and armholes and stitch holders.