Pampas stole

Pampas Stole by Susan Pandorf

What is Being Made

The Pampas stole is a beaded lace knit creation designed by Susan Pandorf as part of the garden variety collection from Sunflower Designs. This rectangular shawl measures 16 inches wide by 72 inches long, making it a versatile accessory suitable for draping across shoulders or wearing as a lightweight wrap. The design draws inspiration from pampas grass, the ornamental plant native to South America known for its distinctive large plume-like flowers and remarkable resilience across diverse growing conditions.

Techniques and Stitches Used

This intermediate-level knitting project incorporates beaded lace techniques to create an elegant, textured fabric. The pattern features repeating plume motifs that form the structural foundation of the design. Each plume unit consists of 15 stitches and measures 2 inches wide when blocked, establishing the gauge for the entire project. The beaded lace construction requires careful integration of seed beads throughout the knitting process, adding sparkle and visual interest to the finished piece. The stole's construction likely involves lace decreases and increases to create the characteristic openwork patterns associated with beaded lace shawlettes.

Materials and Tools Required

• Yarn: 2 skeins (874 yards total) of Handmaiden Sea Silk or Mini Maiden in the Straw colorway, a 4-ply weight yarn suitable for delicate lacework
• Beads: 5000 size 8 Miyuke seed beads in sparkle metallic gold-lined crystal (#0234), providing subtle shimmer throughout the design
• Needles: US Size 3 needles for the main knitting, with a cable needle for any cable techniques incorporated into the pattern
• Additional Tools: Size 12 crochet hook and a large eye beading needle for bead application and finishing

Design Inspiration and Characteristics

The Pampas stole celebrates the remarkable characteristics of pampas grass, a hardy ornamental plant capable of thriving in nearly any habitat—from rocky terrain to flooded areas and drought conditions. This resilience is reflected in the stole's construction, which combines delicate lace with the structural integrity needed for a wearable accessory. The plume motifs echo the distinctive flowering heads of pampas grass, which can reach impressive heights of 8 to 12 feet in their native South American habitat. The beaded embellishment adds an element of sophistication and light-catching beauty, transforming the natural inspiration into an elegant knitted accessory.