An autumn and winter color palette of mossy green, Merlot wine, and warm brown is part of my own cold season wardrobe. These colors, along with basic black, charcoal, grey, navy, cobalt blue, are what I now enjoy wearing. Since growing out my grey hair - my one positive pandemic happening - I find I can wear even more colors comfortably since saying au revoir to red hair! I believe even my red 'holiday' coat will look better with silver hair which I can honestly say I'm enjoying.
I also love to have something warm around my neck once the weather turns
chilly . . . . . . but it can't be itchy!
I see so many beautiful yarns for knitting but have to steer clear of many I know will cause discomfort and annoyance rather than warmth. I found this particular yarn a couple of years ago at JoAnn Fabrics and have used it for scarves and cowls ever since. It's 100% acrylic, smooth, washable, knits up really well and is inexpensive. I mostly knit these neck warmers in moss stitch which looks almost like a textured tweed when completed. They are simple, straightforward, with one twist prior to hand-stitching the ends together, so sit neatly around the neck.
I knit mostly while watching TV in the evenings - but you may find me picking up my needles when I want to sit, relax, and think about life during the daytime. I've been known to knit on a car ride, in an airport, in the lounge of an expedition or cruise ship, and sitting on the front porch. When caught knitting in public there is always someone who asks, "what are you knitting." Little girls often question you and tell their moms they want to learn how to do that. Hopefully the moms, or grandmas, can knit! Now and then a little boy will also ask. . . . . I have always loved boys who not only can knit but embroider, needlepoint, quilt etc. and then grow up to design and sew amazing clothing - think Kaffe Fassett!!!
Well, enough rambling, I could be knitting lol!
I still have some of this particular yarn and would like to knit a cowl for you.
If you would like one as a gift some time this winter, and don't mind waiting a while, I'll draw the winner next Monday. Leave me a comment on this post and tell me which of the three colors shown above you would prefer - mossy green, warm brown or Merlot wine. They are one size, fit all gals or guys, and you just pull it over your head. I wear mine with crewneck sweaters, jackets and coats outside, and have been known to keep one on around the house when the cold weather arrives . . . . . . and which I'm anxiously awaiting.
We actually made it to our favorite pumpkin farm over the weekend - more on that always delightful annual trip coming soon.
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I love the mossy green.I also knit watching the TV.Do you knit socks?On Woman’s Hour (BBC radio 4) this morning they were saying knitting is a science because you have to decode!
ReplyDeleteBarbarax
I would love to be entered for your draw - perhaps the bottom colour I like best. Even if I don't win I would be happy to purchase one if you sell them and if it is worth sending them over here.
ReplyDeleteKicking myself this morning ... yesterday I delivered a bag of clothing to the Salvation Army. Totally unaware my winter gloves, hats and scarves (a few hand knitted for me) were in the bottom of the bag. I have to begin again with purchasing new and will be careful next time I get a bag of give-aways together. My consolation? Someone who desperately needs winter hats, gloves and scarves will have them.
ReplyDeleteOops .. Merlot is my favorite! So sweet of you, Mary.
DeleteWhat a generous gift...mossy green would be first choice..but all are beautiful God Bless
ReplyDeleteBarb
What a sweet offer, Mary. I wont compete as I too have knitted woolly cowls! They are very satisfying on a cold windy day!
ReplyDeleteI'd love the mossy green one - but I know shipping to the UK is expensive. Would it be possible just to have a copy of the pattern please??
ReplyDeleteWearing a scarf in winter keeps my neck warm, too, and by extension, the rest of me. I'm rarely without one. Your scarves are so pretty, Mary. If my name is chosen, I'd pick the merlot version.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about your pumpkin farm visit.
Sign me up! I'd love brown. Gee. Nothing like a bossy gal.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you made it to the pumpkin patch I hope to get to one soon.
A cowl knit by you would be lovely. The yarn is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDearest Mary,
ReplyDeleteThat is a generous offer to someone living north, or a lot north from me...!
Great post and of all the knitting I've done, never in a riding car; that would make me sick I guess.
But at airports, I've created quite some crochet stitches and knitting.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a generous person you are, dear Mary! I don't need to go into the draw for I believe the postal service between our countries is quite painful at the moment :)
ReplyDeleteThere are also a couple of high profile men in Europe - a Dutch gay couple and a fellow in England, I think - who are big names in the knitting world, getting men and boys fired up about knitting as an artform.
I love cowl necklines! And I love mossy green.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy following your blog. My sister-in-law is English so o especially like
hearing about your travels back to England. Keep warm!
I am just now noticing your new hair color on your profile picture and must say it really suits you well, Mary. How nice that it has also opened doors to wearing new colors.
ReplyDeleteYour knit cowls look so soft and warm. If I were chosen as the winner I would choose the mossy green. What a generous offer you are making to share your talents in this way.
So glad you were able to visit the pumpkin farm. I look forward to hearing more about your time there.
I love cowl scarves, and would surely treasure one in green, handmade by you. I really enjoy your short but sweet, frequent posts and lovely photography. I was just looking at the pictures and remember that I came across your blog when looking for photos of Lake Almanor online (?). That was a while back that you took those, I think. I used some of the photos of Lassen and "the causeway" to paint a picture to go in one of our bedrooms there... and then the fire happened before I even had a chance to bring them up. And a month of waiting and thinking the house would be gone, but the firefighters saved so much, and luck was on our side and most of the residents around the lake.
ReplyDeleteHello Mary! I’ve been following your blog since the “Across the Pond” days, but rarely comment. (You even inspired me to go to Africa!) At any rate, I would like to join in for a chance to win a hand-knitted cowl. Our winter here in Northern Utah has already gotten off to a cold and snowy start. I love the mossy green color. Thank you for your generosity.
ReplyDeleteYour knitting is beautiful, Mary, and I love the stitch you prefer. I learned to knit when I was about ten years old by the British mother (sort of ironic!) of my best friend who lived just across the street. She started me off with "broomstick" needles which were perfect for my little clumsy hands. I took it up again in my thirties, but haven't done anything at all for a very long time.
ReplyDeleteI love all the colors and if I'm drawn as a lucky winner, you make the choice. You know me! :)
I keep saying I owe you an email to bring you up to date about A and myself. I will make a point of sitting down and doing it. Pinky promise!
Love to you and Bob. ❤️. Stay warm!
Your colour palette sounds good; I love cobalt blue for winter, too. I am not quite ready yet to pull out the heavy duty knit dresses and sweaters, but I know many of my familiar things will look different now that I will wear them with my white/grey/blond hair for the first time.
ReplyDeleteNo need to enter me into the draw; I have a drawer full of woolly scarves etc., many of them made by my Mum, two by my sister and one by a friend. Also, sending stuff from the US to Germany has become very expensive and takes a very long time. But it's a lovely idea and I am sure the lucky winner will be delighted!
Love the idea of at cowl made from such attractive yarn Mary, but much as I would love one, the postage over here is too expensive and in the past you have already been far too generous to me.
ReplyDeleteThe scarves are lovely and look so cozy. However the yarn is only sold at Hobby Lobby.
ReplyDeleteI purchased mine at JoAnn's - will go back to see if they still stock it! If not we have a Hobby Lobby not too far away.
DeleteMossy green and then the Merlot color. Can you give those of us who aren't the lucky ones the pattern to make our own. I kind of like knitting - if it's an easy pattern - in the winter. Thanks
ReplyDeleteOoh, how delightful are these cowls?! Like you, I can't wear anything itchy around my neck. Soft and cozy is where it's at. You are so talented to know how and love to knit. I would be *thrilled* to win your giveaway! I particularly love both the green and merlot colors, but since I have a brown winter, I'd best pick the green color if I win. Thanks for the chance!
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