Cholla Shawl in Knitting 196

My Cholla Shawl design for Knitting Magazine, Issue 196 is inspired by a fascinating cactus plant growing throughout the Arizona Deserts in the USA. Although there are a large number different varieties of Cholla Cacti, my design represents the complex branching structure common to many of them.

Cholla Shawl by Emma Vining
for Knitting Issue 196

This triangular shawl has two main sections of pattern. The shawl begins with a border with the eyelet and twisted stitch pattern worked on a stocking stitch background. As the shawl widens, a second section is added, this time with a reverse stocking stitch background. This change of texture represents the long shadows which are cast on the desert surface as the sun begins to set. The golden glow of the cholla cacti spines with the desert sun behind them is beautifully captured by the gorgeous Opus Yarn from Walcott Yarns, in the stunning shade of Goldenrod.

I am really delighted with the beautiful styling, the stunning model and the way that my shawl has been teamed up with a lovely design from Pat Menchini! Thank you Knitting Magazine!