Knit, knit, knit, coffee, slip and fall on ice, knit, check local news for weather report, coffee, knit, knit, knit, repeat. Here in Nashville, we relish our one, two, or three allotted snow days per year with fabricated annoyance ("Nobody knows how to drive, I swear! This city just shuts down in the snow!") and genuine, pure joy. The schools close for a dusting; for an inch, we're all at home. Last week, there were three days where we couldn't maneuver down our icy driveway at all, so we walked where we could, which wasn't far. I can not imagine...can't even try...what it's like to get the kind of weather they do up north. Of course, those folks are much better prepared for it.
And, of course, it's a knitter's dream to be snowed in. I have mostly been working on the Amanda sweater for the Fringe and Friends Knitalong. You may have seen my sob story already on Instagram, but this sweater has been a true trial of patience. I've started over twice: once by choice, and the second time by necessity (it was destroyed by a very cute puppy who I could not be angry with). I changed yarns, deciding to use the Angora Wool Worsted, because I wanted the silky texture and fuzzy halo of mohair (kid mohair!). And I also decided that I want a longer version to fit my 5' 10" frame, so I'm adding an extra three diamond repeats to the length. Now that I've started all over, I might as well make the shawl collar version, which should keep me nice and snuggly warm once the sweater is finished, which, at this rate, will be right in time for the Fourth of July. Mercy. But sweaters like these are made not for a season, but for life. Right?
Today, I'm off to the studio to shoot the new yarn for March, as well as these scrumptious little hats. We're releasing a pattern kit on Monday with the shop update, the Shelby Baby Hat designed for us by Julia Belsante. Each kit will include a printed copy of the pattern, a ball of our cozy Alpaca Wool Bulky in one of three colors, and some seashell pink, madder root-dyed yarn for the inner ears. Instructions are written for newborn, 6 months, and 12 months sizes, and the 12 month size will typically fit a toddler up to two years. Oh, they are sweet! Simple, too...I'd say they'd be an easy knit for an intermediate knitter, and a doable challenge for a beginner.
And...did you see this? I think my heart might split right down the middle :)