*Snow mushroom

Some pictures of the mushroom I knitted. It was my first project using double-pointed needles since I tried to knit my first sock back in 2011. I never finished it, though.

The pattern is called "Enchanted mushrooms" and you can find it for free on garnstudio.com.

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*Steps on the ice

A few more impressions from my winter album.

Silent and soft.

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*Snow hat

Close-ups of the snow hat I made. It's a very simple pattern, but I really like it. I actually knitted it twice because the first version was a bit short for my hair – I like to have room for my bun. It snowed wonderfully the first time I wore it. 

Pattern "Snow hat"

I used  5.5 mm circular needles (60cm) and one skein of Rico Design Soft Alpaca in color 'Creme' and one skein Garnstudio Drops Soft Tweed in color 'Marble Dreams'.

Cast on and Ribbing

1. Cast on 60 stitches onto circular needles

2. Join in the round, make sure the stitches are not twisted, and place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.

3. Ribbing pattern: Knit 2, purl 2 around

4. Work this pattern for 7 rounds (about 3,5cm)

Main Body

1. After the ribbing, knit all stitches

2. Continue knitting in the round until the hat measures about 18-20 cm from the cast-on edge.

Decrease (for the crown)

From here you should switch to double-pointed needles or use the Magic Loop method. 

Round 1: Knit 4, knit 2 together – repeat to the end of the round (50 stitches remain).

Round 2: Knit all stitches

Round 3: Knit 3, knit 2 together – repeat (40 stitches remain).

Round 4: Knit all stitches

Round 5: Knit 2, knit 2 together – repeat (30 stitches remain).

Round 6: Knit all stitches

Round 7: Knit 1, knit 2 together – repeat (20 stitches remain).

Round 8: Knit 2 together around (10 stitches remain).

Finishing

1. Cut the yarn, thread it through the remaining 10 stitches, and pull tight.

2. Weave the yarn into the inside of the hat and secure it. 

3. Weave in all other loose ends.

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*The return of winter & little knitting stories

{Music: Army Dreamers – (Kate Bush Harp Cover) Naomi SV + Natural – Florian Christl + La Redécouverte – Yann Tiersen + Honey – Moux + The Play – Oak Studios}

I'm sharing some of the beautiful winter moments we had the past weeks. On one of my forest walks, I found peace beside a lovely little icy stream and listened to the stories it seemed to tell. As mentioned earlier, I also tried to overcome my aversion to double-pointed needles and practiced by making three small projects.

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*little wintry projects

After a very wintry period it has become milder again, and the snow is slowly melting.

I managed to finish three small knitting projects, which really helped me get further with my knitting skills. I made a lot of mistakes on the last one, but that's how it is when you're learning something new, isn't it? The important thing is not to give up so quickly. I'm working on a little video about the last few weeks and my knitting adventures – hopefully I'll be able to upload it soon.

Have a cozy Sunday evening!

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*Handspun wool bandana scarf

Some close-up pictures of the sixth bandana scarf I made. I love its natural wool shade and knowing that the wool comes from my father’s sheep, who all have their own personalities.

If you also have a ravelry account, feel free to add me as a friend! I’d love to see your needlework projects.

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*Winter is back

It snowed overnight.

I'm recovering from a stressful appointment and trying to improve my knitting skills a bit.

What about you?

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*Handspun wool duck

A few close-up shots of the duck I crocheted from my sister’s handspun wool. The pattern can be found in the Japanese book “Dakko Amigurumi & Cushion.”

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*Seeking comfort in nature & little handspun wool projects

{Music: May song – Oak Studios + Home II – Bryce Dessner + Two Strangers featuring Jessie Buckley – Mezanmi}

Throughout most of January, the streets were icy, and going for walks was not easy. There was a lot of mist, and February brought even more. When the snow melted, all the colors seemed to have dissolved. Nature appeared dead, but if you look closely, you can see she is quietly preparing for spring.

I finished the scarf I knitted with the hand-spun wool my sister gave me recently, as well as the small duck.

When winter began, I bought myself two hourglasses and have been using them every day since. I find them very practical for different practices and exercises. I really don’t like alarm clocks, and for me they’re a much softer alternative.

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*winter nature poetry

Winter nature poetry from the days between the years.

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