swap package for Krista F!

I had the good fortune of meeting Krista of Spotted Stones Studio when in Loon Lake last November!  She is not only an incredibly talented quilter with an amazing eye for colour, but she is also a sweet and genuine person.  I just love her.

When she uttered the hint of the word "swap" in regards to my Snowfling mittens, I jumped at the chance to offer to make her some as part of a swap.  I knew they would be well used and appreciated by her up in Alaska!  She picked her colours, cobalt blue and grey on the outside with a bright turquoise lining,  and away I went, slowly picking away at them over the past few months.  Finally, they are finished- in time for spring of course!

I packaged them up along with some other goodies and away they went.  In exchange, Krista is working on some form of quilting project for me....it is all top secret, I have given her full control over project, colours and design because I don't want to limit her creativity- everything she makes is epic so I know whatever the result, I will love it!

Thanks for the opportunity to swap, Krista!!

snowfling toque

The love affair with my Snowfling mitts continues.  I love them so hard.  So I decided I needed the fun to continue with a matching hat!

I improvised the pattern and design, starting with a basic Norwegian Star pattern chart and adding rows of other designs and motifs inspired by the mittens.  I had soooo much fun watching this take shape over Christmas break when we were out at the lake!  Nothing like putting your feet up and knitting fireside as the cold winds blow :)

The pom pom, for me, is kind of like the cherry on top of a sundae.  Actually not at all….I hate those things….but it is the crowning touch of Canadian winter whimsey.  I can totally pull that look off ;)

(Yes, my hair is actually frozen. Baby, it's cold outside!)

I once again used the matching Tanis Fiber Arts yarns, this time in Green label/aran weight.  I may sew a fleece lining in here yet for extra warmth, but so far it is snowshoeing-on-frozen-lake-at-sunset approved :)

snowfling mittens

When you live in "Winterpeg," you need some good mittens.

And I think mine are THE BEST!!

This is likely the fanciest thing I have ever knit up, my first go at colorwork, and while they appear really advanced, they were quite simple to do.  It is a pattern and kit by Tanis Fiber Arts aptly named "Snowfling Mitts."  I tested them- they fling snow alright!

Not only are they perfectly adorable on the outside, they are LINED with a super soft and happy coloured cashmere wool blend to keep your hands extra toasty!   That little flash of colourful lining makes me so happy, like a best kept secret :)

(I love the picot edging at the wrist- so many cute details like that in this pattern)

These have already gotten plenty of good use and have received many compliments.  I feel like a knitting rock star!  These should definitely help with the winter blues when the snow is still here in, like, April.