One of our favourite places to walk when we lived in New England was the White Mountain National Park in New Hampshire. The air always seemed so crisp and clear there. As you walked around a curve in the path you would come across a crystal clear stream and distant views of craggy mountains.
It always seemed that would be the first place we would see snow in the area, and also where it would linger longest. Long after spring had started in earnest near our house, we could still see ice crystals making the granite boulders sparkle and glisten.
More recently we were in Sweden and were reminded of just how early autumn can turn to winter in these northern climes.
It always seemed that would be the first place we would see snow in the area, and also where it would linger longest. Long after spring had started in earnest near our house, we could still see ice crystals making the granite boulders sparkle and glisten.
More recently we were in Sweden and were reminded of just how early autumn can turn to winter in these northern climes.
So I was extremely glad to have a set of warm winter woollies to keep the cold at bay. I had purchased some wonderful pale blue and snowy white yarn during the summer and immediately imagined it in a “Nordic White” winter collection. I like working that way around – selecting some yarn and then seeing what it wants to be made into. This yarn definitely spoke of walking in the countryside, snow gently falling all around, then returning home to a welcome cup of hot chocolate... Yum.
The blue yarn is Quince & Co “Chickadee” sportweight in the appropriately named Glacier colour, and the creamy white is “Phoebe” DK which is just a little touch thicker. Both are 100% wool and super super soft. So I first made a cozy sweater using doubled yarns for extra warmth (and if you would like to read more about how doubled yarns can add to the warmth of a finished garment, then please click here).
I decided to work this in Granite Stitch from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book. I used the same stitch for the Petersfield Scarf I made for my husband Tim a short while ago and loved the way that came out. Granite Stitch produces such a soft, lofty fabric with a high degree of insulation which makes it a perfect choice for cozy items. I can certainly attest to how warm that sweater is!
The blue yarn is Quince & Co “Chickadee” sportweight in the appropriately named Glacier colour, and the creamy white is “Phoebe” DK which is just a little touch thicker. Both are 100% wool and super super soft. So I first made a cozy sweater using doubled yarns for extra warmth (and if you would like to read more about how doubled yarns can add to the warmth of a finished garment, then please click here).
I decided to work this in Granite Stitch from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book. I used the same stitch for the Petersfield Scarf I made for my husband Tim a short while ago and loved the way that came out. Granite Stitch produces such a soft, lofty fabric with a high degree of insulation which makes it a perfect choice for cozy items. I can certainly attest to how warm that sweater is!
I then added a matching hat, with a deep brim in a 1x1 rib. I was glad of that when the temperatures dropped way down. The extra thickness from the doubled DK weight yarn really kept my ears warm!
I still had lots of yarn left (yes, I do tend to buy quite a bit at a time!...) so went on to add a co-ordinating pair of gloves and legwarmers. I chose a slightly smaller stitch for these, Double Moss Stitch also from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, and they really teamed up well. Double Moss is worked over 4 rows while Granite Stitch is over 6, but that makes a big difference in the final appearance. Double Moss is much crisper and tighter, while Granite Stitch has just that little bit of extra space to bloom. However, the two stitches go together perfectly.
The collection worked out really well and I found myself using one or more items from the set on most days. One thing I hadn't made was a scarf so that's my next project to complete the set!
I still had lots of yarn left (yes, I do tend to buy quite a bit at a time!...) so went on to add a co-ordinating pair of gloves and legwarmers. I chose a slightly smaller stitch for these, Double Moss Stitch also from our Reversible Knitting Stitches book, and they really teamed up well. Double Moss is worked over 4 rows while Granite Stitch is over 6, but that makes a big difference in the final appearance. Double Moss is much crisper and tighter, while Granite Stitch has just that little bit of extra space to bloom. However, the two stitches go together perfectly.
The collection worked out really well and I found myself using one or more items from the set on most days. One thing I hadn't made was a scarf so that's my next project to complete the set!
Well, I hope it is not too cold where you are right now… It certainly looks as though it is going to be a chilly holiday season this year! Time to start work on some new cozy knitted items, I reckon.
I’ll leave you with one of Tim’s lovely photos from our Sweden trip and with my best wishes for safe travels wherever you’re heading for the holidays.
Until next time – Happy Holidays and Happy Knitting!
Moira
I’ll leave you with one of Tim’s lovely photos from our Sweden trip and with my best wishes for safe travels wherever you’re heading for the holidays.
Until next time – Happy Holidays and Happy Knitting!
Moira
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