This is the time of year knitters and crocheters look forward to—when we can really justify wearing our wool shawls, cashmere socks, and slouchy hats. Not that this stops me from dressing in handknits the rest of the year, but when the mid-Atlantic chill hits, I especially cherish my craft. This year I’m craving pieces that I can pair together, mostly because that means I can show off more of what I’ve made! I also love the idea of creating unique combinations that can only happen when you make it yourself.
One of my favorite trends is a play on the turtleneck: a pullover with a matching cowl. This textured pairing by Laura Grutzeck, Pullover with Cowl, will keep you warm and chic. When you step into a heated building, simply remove the cowl! Stop by the shop for the pattern and yarn from St-Denis. Knit this in the US-made Nordique for an elegant set in any of our 22 versatile colors. For a hand-dyed option, Miss Babs Yummy 3-ply is a lovely superwash merino yarn in gorgeous, nature-inspired colors.
Unite a geometric stitch pattern with the State Street Cowl and Monkey socks. I’d love to knit this cowl in the light and fluffy Sirdar Big Bamboo. The stitches appear to float in this yarn, and the misty color palette is perfect for misty weather. This is going to be one of my gift-knitting favorites—super chunky, machine washable yarn is crucial this time of year! Knit coordinating socks in gorgeous SweetGeorgia BFL Sock, as the saturated colors are sure to brighten your day.
Stitch something warm for you and your favorite person with He Said She Said. This design features a swirling stitch pattern, and two skeins of Sublime Chunky Merino Tweed will make a couple almost as cute as the two of you.
The Nae shawl and Kozue hat duo has been created with a dilemma in mind: you need two skeins of sock yarn to knit the shawl, but you end up with half a skein left over. Make this beautiful, quiet shawl design in our new arrival SpaceCadet Celeste, and whip up a matching hat with the rest. Stop by the shop to check out these yarns in person!