Decorative Knitted, Beaded Collar with Bow

Decorative Knitted, Beaded Collar with Bow

Lindsay, Jennifer

2025

Depth 2.5", Inner Diameter: 18". Outer Diameter: 26.5"

This is a beaded collar accessory designed to be worn over a sweater or top to dress it up. I made this to support and participate in CKC's Collar-Along Make-Along activity -- a make-along held in 2025 that was created to call attention to the beauty and utility of the vintage decorative knitted and crocheted collars featured in CKC's new Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection, and other digital collections CKC offers access to for its online visitors.

The collar is made from a pattern available for purchase on Ravelry, a social networking website for knitters and crocheters. The collar was designed by Sigrun Halla, and is called "Pearlfriend Collar," (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pearlfriend-collar).

The yarn was given to me some years ago by Marilyn Huset, a fellow CKC Board member. It is "GalPaca Farm Mixed Fiber Sport Yarn" -- an Alpaca, Corriedale Wool, and Bamboo fiber blend -- in the color "Tsunami". Since the pattern is written for DK weight yarn, to make the collar a bit heftier, I held the sport weight yarn with a strand of Rowan Kid Silk Haze lace weight kid mohair yarn in a similar shade of blue green. The beads are an unknown mix of bronze and green metallic shades I had available. I ran out of these close to the end of the knitting, and had to find a few more beads to fill in. The beads add weight, elegance, and subtle sparkle to the collar. I modified the collar pattern to include a casing for the ribbon, which is recycled and repurposed gift ribbon.

Since completing the collar, I have worn it a lot. Such accessories are experiencing a revival because they make it fast and easy to dress up a tee or sweater for a video conference call. Because of the yarns selected, and the fact that one yarn was a thoughtful gift from a longtime CKC colleague and friend, this collar feels like a warm and cozy hug whenever I wear it.

Jennifer Lindsay