Scottsdale Shawl by Claudia Donnelly Designs

Scottsdale Shawl

Knitting
November 2013
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
US 6 - 4.0 mm
400 - 650 yards (366 - 594 m)
Small and Large
English
This pattern is available for $7.00 USD buy it now

The Scottsdale Shawl was inspired by the architectural influences of Frank Lloyd Wright seen citywide in Scottsdale, Arizona. Knitted top-down, increases are done on both sides to give its crescent shape. The signature clean lines of his architecture are represented by a slipped center back stitch while the alternating bands of garter and stockinette stitch mimic the Prairie Style roof tops of the many commercial and residential structures. The shawl is finished with a knitted-on lace border with picots that, while easily memorized, add the touch of flora seen everywhere in this beautiful city. Available in two sizes and aimed at adventurous beginners, experts will appreciate its beautiful simplicity!

** Finished Dimensions **
small - 11 inches down the center back and 27 inches from the bottom of the center back to each tip
large - 14.5 inches down the center back and 38 inches from the bottom of the center back to each tip

A couple years ago I spent some time in Scottsdale while in treatment at the Mayo Clinic. I was there in the beginning of October and the weather was impeccable. Scottsdale was far greener than I ever expected it to be! There were palm trees and grass and flowers planted everywhere right next to the cactus. I don’t have much of a green thumb and don’t know the names of all the things I saw, but one of the biggest things I remembered was just how green it was for being in the Sonoran desert. The other thing that struck me was the architecture. If you’ve been to Scottsdale you know exactly what I’m talking about. Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural influence is seen citywide from the many Prairie Style commercial buildings, lighting fixtures, and even bus stops to beautiful Taliesin West. Anywhere the clean decorative lines of Wright’s architecture could be placed, they were there; street lamps, bridges, walkways, and windows. I was amazed at how much of his presence is seen around every corner the city! I’ve incorporated some of these easy and basic lines and textures into my Scottsdale Shawl giving it a very organic feel.