Xeriscaping

While traditional gardens are full of lush plants growing around and amongst each other, desert gardens are different. Xeriscaped gardens often feature individual elements more spaced out, carefully selected to need less water and attention while still creating a gorgeous overall look. The Xeriscaping cowl takes a leaf out of this book, carefully placing pairs of yarn-overs and decreases to space out small areas of interest in an otherwise simple fabric.

Xeriscaping is knit in the round from the bottom up. While the lace pattern is worked every row, it is very simple and easy to memorize, resulting in a cowl that takes minimal effort to yield a pleasing result. This pattern shows nicely in pretty much any yarn dyeing style, so pick your favorite color of Moonglow, find a coordinating friend in Yummy 2-ply, and cast on!

Yarn

Miss Babs Moonglow

72% kid mohair, 28% silk; 435 yd/1.7 oz (400 m/50 g) skeins

1 skein, shown in Sandpiper

AND

Miss Babs Yummy 2-Ply

100% superwash Merino wool; 400 yd/3.9 oz (365 m/110 g) skeins

1 skein, shown in Fogbound

Or approximately 320 yards/293 meters of a similar fingering weight yarn and 320 yards/293 meters in a similar fluffy lace weight yarn.

Finished Measurements

Circumference: 22½”/56.5 cm

Depth: 12”/30 cm

Needles

• US 5 3.75 mm circular needle, 16”/40 cm long, or size to obtain gauge

Gauge

Blocked: 29 stitches and 28 rows = 4”/10 cm square in Xeriscaping Lace.

Gauge is not crucial for this project, but will affect yardage and finished size if different from above.

Notions

• Stitch marker

• Tapestry needle

This pattern has been professionally tech edited.