I feel like I should make some excuse for why I’ve neglected to post anything for the past (what has it been?) two months. Now that the holidays are winding down, I do feel like there’s a little bit more breathing room. When I haven’t been at my day job, I’ve been doing a fair amount of felting, thanks in part for a little mention in the Dec./Jan. issue of Knitting Today!, as well as the aforementioned opportunity at the Walker.

But, that all seems like old news. The flurry of wool and needles and boxes and shipping labels has calmed. The real reason why I wanted to get back to this blog was to share this amazing knitted gift I received from Virginia.

It’s a hat that even the coldest, most bitter winds of winter cannot penetrate. The Fair Isle pattern is from Japanese designer Toshiyuki Shimada, in the book Northern European Knit Accessories.

Hidden underneath that warm flap are miles more of cool patterns:

Did I say miles?

There are so many different ways to wear this thing, that I could sport a new look every day of the week. And, in case this wasn’t warm enough as is, there’s also a cozy lining:

I thought this would be a fitting piece to share, as both a bit of fireworks to end out this year, and also a bit of inspiration for the one around the corner. So, here’s to a craft-filled new year, with motivating projects, exciting challenges, and plenty of good cheer.