Sierra Nevada Wrap

My Sierra Nevada Wrap project is from the chapter of A Knitter's Sketchbook exploring openwork designs. The inspiration for the wrap was the enormous flower stalk of a variety of Yucca plant found in the Californian High Sierras. At the time of our visit, these stunning flower stalks were dotted all over the rocky cliffs within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in California, USA.

Yucca Flower in Kings Canyon National Park

The twisting road and steep cliffs in Kings Canyon National Park

Every part of the yucca flower stalk has had an influence on my design! The overall shape of the wrap is inspired by the shape of the flower head. The delicate main stitch pattern contains elements of the myriad of tiny flower heads that make up the whole of the flower head. The contrasting tip of the scarf has a pattern that reminds me of the closed buds at the top of the flower stalk, yet to burst into full flower.

The tip of my Sierra Nevada Wrap from A Knitter's Sketchbook

The lovely creamy-white yarn I used for the wrap, is Malabrigo Arroyo, a soft DK weight pure merino yarn. This yarn has a lightweight feel, yet is structured enough to show the balance between the eyelets and the twisted stitch patterns on the wrap. I purchased this yarn from a delightful yarn shop in Santa Cruz, CA called The Swift Stitch, where everyone was so welcoming and the choice of yarn was amazing!