Each year, the junior class women at Westhampton College (the female college of the University of Richmond) hold their “Ring Dance”, traditionally when parents presented their daughters with class rings (or perhaps boyfriends became fiancés).  It is a very formal affair to which all the young women wear white gowns, their dates tuxedos and parents are invited (also expected to be dressed formally).  Instead of a class ring, we gave Christie a special pearl ring she had chosen and we saved for the occasion.

I made this stole to wear with a black beaded silk gown that I also made for this special event.  The stitches at either end of the stole are “ring stitch” from Shetland Lace by Gladys Amedro (see Wedding Stole) in honor of the Ring Dance.  The stitch used in the center panel is “hexagon with spider pattern centre” from The Art of Shetland Lace by Sarah Don (Berkeley, CA:  Lacis, 1991, p. 77).  This stitch was chosen because the University of Richmond’s mascot is the spider.

The fiber used is a Lambspun of Colorado blend of wool, silk, and alpaca with a small amount of “glitz” added for sparkle.  A lovely piece, if I do say so myself!