DECEMBER 7, 2014

This week's Free Pattern BOBBLE CAPELET

fiber focus: the montana family

bulky & super-bulky wool roving creates fast, soft knits in natural hues

The holidays are just around the corner, and every knitter worth their salt is furiously crafting away to clear their gift list. But knitting quickly isn't everything; it's also important to knit smart. With the first week of December already gone, it's getting down to the wire--or rather, down to the yarn.

MONTANA and BIG MONTANA are wise yarn choices for this time of year--soft wool roving in sheepy, undyed colors is the perfect cold combatant, and a bulky and super-bulky gauge respectively ensures the knitting will be swift. The Courage Jacket in MONTANA (above) plays with the recent fair isle trend in an approachable, beginner-friendly way. Winter fair isle sweaters are appreciating a resurgence in popularity--Vogue is encouraging the festive sweater trend, and fashion forward celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Beyonc� are supporting the movement. Isla Fisher sported a holiday jumper that could be the buttonless twin of the Courage Jacket, which features simple colorwork details in a bold contrast color for a fresh, classic look. If you're still hunting down great patterns to scratch off the last of your holiday gifts, be sure to check out the quick projects in MONTANA and super-bulky BIG MONTANA, featured below.

To see high-resolution views of the Courage Jacket, visit our Pinterest page!

DESIGN NOTE: The Courage Jacket is worked seamlessly from the bottom up using a 32" circular needle to accomodate the large number of stitches. A single hank is required for all the fair isle colorwork, which is simple and straightforward--perfect for colorwork beginners.

DESIGNER QUOTE: "There's so much talk going around about the 'ugly holiday sweater,' but people too quickly forget how gorgeous a holiday sweater can be when done tastefully. The two Scandinavian stars seen on the pockets of the Courage Jacket are a classic winter motif; the colorwork is understated and incredibly wearable."–Lynn M. Wilson

Bobble Capelet

by Cathy Payson

The Knit Essentials Collection is now available online & in your LYS!

Warmth Cowl in MONTANA

Peaceful Cowl in BIG MONTANA

Cross-Country Textured Wrap in BIG MONTANA