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Opuntia polyacantha, or Plains prickly-pear cactus, is a cactus that is found in the dry open areas of the prairies in the southeast section of Alberta. The flesh of the plant is forage for certain varieties of prairie dogs and antelope. The edible seeds and berries were harvested and dried by local Indigenous tribes, and different parts of the plant were also used medicinally. The vibrant colour of the blossoms of this prickly-pear cactus is the inspiration for this cozy cowl.

Difficulty - Easy

Skills used - Knitting in the round, increasing, decreasing

Sizes - One size

Finished measurements
Circumference: 66 cm / 26 inches unstretched; 104 cm / 41 inches stretched
Height: 32.5 cm / 13 inches

Gauge – unstretched and unblocked
7 stitches and 10 Rows = 5 cm / 2 inches in lace stitch pattern on US 10 (6 mm) needles

Approximate yardage - est. 156 g / 5.5 oz. (183 m / 200 yds)

Yarn - Cascade Yarns 128 Superwash 117 m / 100 g (128 yds / 3.5 oz), 2 balls. Colour 821 Daffodil. Any currently available Bulky (#5) yarn with similar yardage may be substituted.

Needles - US 10 (6 mm) circular, 22″ / 56 cm long

Notions - Stitch markers, tapestry needle