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.

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.

Cornflower

Street Smart Hoodie
Patons Street Smart booklet
Cottage Craft wool (from Stitches East)
(Sleeve one complete, working on back)

Royal Blue

Kristen Hat
Bea Ellis Knitwear
Dale of Norway Heilo

Periwinkle

Glee Tee
Zephyr Style
Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool

Patons Divine hat in Denim colorway

I am swimming in blue – and absolutely loving it.

Such an amazing and diverse color!

Usually the rush of “new beginnings” comes in early spring – trees budding, flowers blooming – but there are quite a few noteworthy new beginnings for me, here on this last day of January.

I cast on for two new projects. Both are early starts for Project Spectrum knits. I tend to gravitate towards the blue as this has been one of my favorite colors since I was a child. However, I have some plans for white and gray as well!

First, the one you know:

Oh, my Glee tee. This one is going to be good. I totally forgot how much I enjoy the top-down technique. I have only done it once before (for the One Skein Wonder) but I really like the way it works up, err… down The yarn is fantastic. It has a beautiful texture and great feel. Plus, the color is absolutely perfect for my tastes. The yarn has some rawness to it, but is also extremely elegant. I am very happy with it… and I only have an inch! Glee will probably take awhile to knit, but it will be simple, straightforward, and so wearable. That is a winner in my book.

Then, the one you don’t know:

You may recall that I bought the Kristen hat from Bea Ellis knitwear last year. I had grand plans to cast on for this for the Stranded Colorwork knitalong, which started last December (Nonnahs made a fun Bea Ellis hat, and Grumperina shared some tips from her recent Kristen adventure). However, it didn’t see the needles till now. Honestly, I was a little nervous about the colorwork, as this was my first attempt… but after actually doing it, I can say it is not bad! I can see myself getting addicted to this! I will need some more practice on floats and stranding, but that will come with time. Now that I am starting it, it is perfect timing for the new knitalong run by Hannah and company: Fair Isle February!

The yarn is Dale of Norway Heilo in navy as the main color, and ecru as the contrast color. The cotton liner seen here will be pressed and folded under later to protect my sensitive forehead from the wool.

Another new beginning: I start a new job tomorrow. It is not completely new, as I have been doing something similar for over two years at the same institution. However, this job carries more responsibility, and has the shiny title of Archivist attached to it. So, it is my first professional position after completing graduate school in December, and I am ready for the new challenge! Gung ho!

And I probably don’t have to tell you – but did you know that PROJECT SPECTRUM starts tomorrow??? Talk about a new beginning!