This has been one of the coldest Februarys on record.
Almost every day has been below freezing.
…so why is it that the day that I finish my first colorwork hat…
Is the day that the temperature tops out at 50 degrees Fahrenheit?
Kristen Hat
Pattern: Bea Ellis knitwear original
Yarn: Dale of Norway Heilo yarn
Needles: Size 5 and 6 circulars
KALs: Fair Isle February & Stranded Colorwork
My first colorwork project is now complete! I have to say the whole technique was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and the Bea Ellis kit that I got was a perfect introduction to stranded colorwork. I am already thinking about another kit… but I may very well use this pattern again and mix up the colors. I chose traditional Norwegian colors for the first version, but it would look kind of cool in orange and purple, right?
The Kristen hat was a constant companion on my trip down to Alabama for my grandfather’s funeral. Kris and I drove for hours, and arrived in time to spend a good amount of time with my family. My grandfather had three sons, and each son (my dad is the middle son) had three children each. Luckily we were able to fit in everyone for a family photograph – the first that I can remember.
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Click on the pictures for larger views and descriptions
The weekend passed by so quickly, but in the end, it was a very meaningful tribute to my wonderful grandfather.
Thank you so much for your well-wishes and encouraging words.
That hat is so nice Lolly! Fantastic job.
Glad that you got to spend time with your family – I’m so sorry for the reason though.
The measure of who a man was, is the legacy he leaves behind. Your Grandfather must have been a great man.
Great job on the colourwork. I like how it all came together and made a cute hat.
I seem to have the same problem- it’s freezing all month and after I finish my legwarmers and want to wear them, it’s a balmy 40 degrees (quite the high temp in upstate NY).
So sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. My papa passed from this earth almost two years ago… we miss him, yet his legacy lives on…
Congrats on finishing the hat, it looks great. It was good to spend time with your family during this time. It was great that you all got a family picture.
The hat is gorgeous! Makes you wish the cold would last a little longer, doesn’t it? (nah!)
Aren’t big families the best? So sorry for your loss.
beautiful hat! I’m sure it will keep you warm, hopefully for next winter
I am so ready for Spring.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather.
nice to have you back, L. You’ll surely get plenty of use out of the hat in the weeks to come. How wonderful that the whole family could be together; that’s what matters most.
it’s nice to have such a supportive family when sad things like this happen. i’m very sorry for your loss.
your hat looks great! i think i’m going to have to order one of those kits.
welcome home. I think that the gathering of family is one of the beautiful things about death… it’s almost like a gift. I felt this way when my “uncle” passed away a few years ago. I saw family I haven’t seen in years.
The hat is beautiful! And don’t worry — I imagine we’ve got plenty more cold days left before spring arrives.
I’m sure that there is no better tribute to what a wonderful man he was than to bring the family together…and love and laugh and enjoy the memories…hugs to you sweets.
impressive fair isle…can’t wait to see!
I love the fact that the dogs are in the family photos. =) Gotta work on those UT shirts though (says the Vandy girl).
That picture is fantastic. So is the hat. I’m sorry about your Grandfather.
Your hat turned out beautifully. Way to go! It looks so cute on, too! Hey, the color combinations are only limited by no imagination, so we know you’ll come up with some good ones, you’re ALL about the color!
You family photos are great. I love Zeb’s tie. Heehee!
~Suz~
O MY GOD!! HAT PORN!!!
GREAT~~
Oh, I love the hat! I is soooo pretty. Great job on the color technique!
I hope you were comforted by spending time with your family. The hat is wonderful.
The hat is beautiful. You may have even inspired me to take a crack at the Bea Ellis hat kit I’ve had laying around all winter
My condolences on your grandfather.
It looks like your grandfather did his part in creating a happy family–I’m glad you could all be together to remember him.
Isn’t that always the way with the weather?
I am glad that your time altogether was so meaningful. Family pictures are a wonderful way to commemorate.
Someone loved Zeb’s tie – I love his name!
Oh well, that hat will be looking might good the next time the temperature drops! I love the family pics, so nice that even the dogs were included!
Well, the hat is certainly beautiful, and I’m sure it’ll get cold again!
Awesome job on the hat. After finishing something that pretty I’d wear it regardless of the weather! Heck I’d wear it in the summer just because.
You look so much like your mom. I am glad that you got to spend the time with your family.
I love that hat. I am so glad to hear that you found stranded work easier than it looks, I am such a chicken when it comes to stranded colorwork.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lolly. I hope the embrace of family eased everyone’s pain. Sure looks like a great a family (especially those UT fans)!
Awesome hat Lolly! I don’t think you have to worry about not being able to wear it though. I bet we’ll still have a few cold days before Spring is here.
Adorable hat. I am so impressed. Colorwork is something that still scares me. Great job!
I’m so sorry about the loss of your grandfather.
Lovely hat! So glad the weekend went well. Those moments are always bittersweet, but it sure makes you appreciate every day.
I’m glad you had a nice visit with your family. I’m sure it was nice to reminisce. Yay, yay, YAY for your hat!! I love it!
Now…what are we going to do for our NEXT colorwork projects? 
Lovely hat. And what a lovely family!
so good that you could be together with so many members of your family to remember your grandfather. what a wonderful tribute.
and your hat… this is your *first* colorwork?! wow! it looks beautiful and fits you so well!
the hat came out wonderful – just in time for the warmer weather!
glad you were able to find time to spend with your family – Im’ sure it would have meant a lot to your grandfather….
I understand the feeling with your hat. My mom asked for mittens a week and a half ago. I made them at fast as I could and got them to her yesturday – when it was 40 degrees! D’oh!
It’s always bittersweet when a funeral brings a whole family together. It looks like y’all were enjoying your time together, and that’s a wonderful tribute to your grandfather. I was thinking of you this weekend and hope you’re doing well.
pretty hat. right in time, um, for the thaw.
been dealing with the same cold weather here in WI. glad it’s over.
The hat is beautiful! Well done! Perhaps if you knit a bikini the temperature would drop so you could wear your hat?!
I am glad you were able to gather with your family Lolly, though I am sorry it was for the passing of your grandfather.
Your hat is lovely. Great job with the colorwork! It’s addictive isn’t it? And yes, I think orange and purple would be great color choices for that pattern!
Sorry to hear about your loss and glad to hear you got the opportunity to spend time with family… Love the hat… orange and purple… uber cool colors… go for it… and feel the same way about a cute hat & scarf set I completed in hopes of wearing it this week…. global warming shall we say.
Welcome back! The hat came out great!
It looks awesome Lolly!
I want to tackle the Fairly Easy Fair Isle in SnB Nation. LOVE that sweater!
Amy
Beautiful hat – love the colors, very flattering on you!
So sorry to hear of your loss, sending hugs your way.
I am so sorry about your grandfather. Your picture reminded me of my family getting together for my grandfather’s funeral 2 years ago this month.
It was very sad, but at the same time, heartening because of the closeness of the family. It looks like you share that also. Your grandfather would be proud.
Take care of yourself.
Lovely hat!
I’m glad you were able to get together with your family and celebrate his life and comfort each other after his passing.
What a great family and I am sure your grandfather was proud of each and every one of you. Great family portrait too, and it will make you remember all the wonderful things you spoke about on the day too. It is sad to lose people in our lives, especially grandparents and it does make us remember all the special things in our lives that they taught us too.
Finishing your hat right when the cold snap ends, doesn’t it always work out that way? It’s still beautiful, however!
Seriously, Maryland, stop being such a ridiculous state. I finished a wrist warmer today! Your hat looks lovely. Welcome back, and I hope everyone’s doing well.
Your hat is so beautiful! I’m glad it was a comforting knot for you. Now you know you’ll be right back to needing it within a few days–even if just to show off how beautiful it is:)
you’re hat is goregous!! what a great pattern. I must get some stranded knitting on the needles some day…. did you see I’m doing Cherie! I would love to know what mods you made… so far I’ve finished the back and didn’t make any but I would love to hear what you did.
The hat looks wonderful – congrats on your first color work! As you wear in in the years to come I’m sure that you will remember your grandfather & the time you had with the whole family as you all celebrated him.
Glad you had a nice time with your family
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The hat is simply beautiful! Now I want one
Your hat is AWESOME! See how easy fairisle is?