Although Knitting Fever Inc.’s headquarters are on Long Island I work remotely from New Hampshire. Hooray for technology!

The field where I let my dogs run.

The mild winter has allowed my friend and I to continue to walk outside in the mornings rather than being trapped inside on treadmills.

Last week the winter weather returned with a vengeance. We should have checked the conditions more carefully before heading out on Thursday as it was around 3 degrees Fahrenheit! Despite our scarves, we were sure our faces were going to freeze off. We didn’t turn back, but we did cut our walk short.

Which is how I found myself looking for a yarn to knit the Nosewarmer, 2nd Generation pattern from Knitty.

Color #284--Jolie

I settled on Sublime Extra Fine Merino Wool DK. This 100% Extra Fine Merino Wool yarn comes in 127 yard (50g) balls. The suggested gauge is 5.5 sts per inch on a US 6 needle.

Wonderfully soft merino wool seemed like a good choice for a project that would be pressed to my face! I didn’t want a fuzzy yarn and I also didn’t want a fragrant yarn. The Sublime fit the bill on all counts.

There are 32 colors available, but I decided to go with the bright orange color #284-Jolie because it’s such a happy color. Really, if you’re going to make a hat for your nose, you might as well go for it and make it in a bright color. I also like to tell myself that since Tangerine Tango is the color of the year my nosewarmer is actually very stylish. haha! Of course, the hazard of making it in orange is that you’ll end up looking like a duck.

I like my nose, but have no respect for my dignity.

As an experienced knitter I found the pattern quick and easy to work. I’d say it is an intermediate level pattern. It would be a good pattern for learning the short row technique because it is a small project and basically all short rows. The Knitty pattern has an explanation of how to work the short rows and also has a link to a photo tutorial.

My friend laughed heartily and called it a “snoot boot” when I presented it to her. I cannot claim that we actually wore them during our walk Friday morning, but I will mention that it makes my glasses fog up. But then, so does my scarf when I pull it up.

Garments you might wear

While I’m running around in the frozen tundra looking like a duck, you might be more interested in making a project you won’t be embarrassed to wear out in public.

A more reasonable way to keep warm.

The Snood pattern from #654 – The fourth fabulous extra fine merino wool dk book by Sublime features a pretty lace pattern and is a much more reasonable way to keep your face and nose warm when Jack Frost starts pinching you.

Something for after your walk?

The Pompom slippers is one of three slipper patterns in the same book as the Snood. This would be a quick pattern and a good way to warm up your toes after tromping through the snow on your morning constitutional.

Lovely details highlight this sweater.

For a more challenging project, take a look at “Skater Girl in Gorgeous Green.” Full of texture and details (look at that cute collar!) this sweater will keep your attention during those winter evenings. Another version of the pattern has more of a v-neck and no shawl collar.

Look for this book at your local yarn store to see the other attractive sweaters and accessories that round out the pages.

For the little man in your life.

If you’re looking for projects for the young people in your life check out “#643-The second children’s double knitting book” also by Sublime.

This book features 10 patterns for boys and girls using Extra Fine Merino Wool DK.

Shown here are the Fred Hat and Dizzy the Rascal 2. (Version 1 of the sweater is worked in one color.) Let him help select the colors to ensure it will be worn.

If your little man is daring, there are also lovely cabled sweaters in this book.

Although all weather is knitting weather, I’m sure you’ll agree that there is something about a crisp layer of snow on the ground that makes curling up with your yarn and needles more enjoyable. Why not do it with a yarn as “Sublime” (tee hee) as Extra Fine Merino DK?