Storm Cloud

Storm Cloud Shawl by Shannon Larson

What is Being Made

Storm Cloud is a crescent-shaped knit shawl designed by Shannon Larson of Justlivin Designs. This intermediate-level project is knit from the top down and features a sophisticated construction combining multiple stitch techniques to create visual depth and texture. The finished shawl showcases a tonal, striped appearance achieved through the strategic use of two different yarn bases in the same colorway, making it an excellent project for knitters looking to explore color and texture play in shawl design.

Construction and Design Features

The shawl employs a thoughtful combination of stitch patterns throughout its body. Garter stitch sections alternate with eyelet sections, creating visual interest and allowing the shawl to drape beautifully. The piece culminates in a ruffled edging that adds movement and dimension to the finished garment. The top-down construction method allows knitters to try on the shawl as they work and adjust the final size to their preference before binding off.

Stitches and Techniques Used

• Garter stitch – forms the primary structural sections of the shawl body
• Eyelet stitches – distributed throughout the body to create openwork details and enhance drape
• Ruffled edging – provides a decorative finished edge with added texture and movement
• Top-down construction – allows for customizable sizing and fit adjustments during knitting

Materials and Yarn Requirements

Storm Cloud uses two distinct yarn weights to achieve its signature tonal, striped effect. The first yarn is a single ply fingering weight totaling approximately 300 yards from a 100g skein. The sample shown uses Autumn and Indigo Single Sock yarn in the colorway 'Dusk'. The second yarn is a mohair silk blend in lace weight, also approximately 300 yards from a 50g skein, with the sample using Autumn and Indigo Lace Mohair in 'Dusk'. This combination of a fingering weight base yarn with a delicate lace weight mohair silk creates the layered visual effect characteristic of this design.

Needles and Gauge

The pattern calls for US #5/3.75mm and US #6/4.0mm circular needles in a 40-inch length. Needle size should be adjusted based on individual knitting tension to obtain the correct gauge. The designer notes that looser knitters may need to start with a larger needle size, such as US #6/4.0mm, to achieve proper fabric characteristics. Circular needles are essential for this top-down construction method.

Design Flexibility

While the sample uses two different yarn bases in the same colorway for a cohesive striped effect, the pattern encourages creative variation. Knitters may substitute different colorways or even use two skeins of the same base yarn if preferred. This flexibility makes Storm Cloud an adaptable project suitable for various yarn stashes and personal color preferences, while the intermediate difficulty level makes it accessible to knitters with solid foundational skills.