Getting ready for the cold

It's time to start thinking about winter accessories. The cold is going to be coming. I'd like it to stay as warm as it has been for the last week but I'm dreaming.

Cathy knit these amazing wrist warmers in tosh pashmina. They are supersoft and super warm. The pattern is called Heart of the Lotus (purchased on Ravelry)

The Lotus is a symbol of chaitanya (sanskrit for consciousness). One’s awareness rises from its mundane beginnings in the mud and grows heavenward through the water, rising into the light first as a bud and then as a spendiferous flower opening to the sun. It has long been used as the symbol of the chakras (wheels), the crown chakra being the thousand petaled lotus. These luxurious armwarmers symbolize the stem of the flower, reaching out from the heart to the hand, opening layer upon layer to embrace the light.

Heart of the Lotus includes three versions, Ornate, Delicate and Sleek. Knit it in either fingering and sport weight yarn: instructions are included for both. Sleek and Delicate versions are reasonably quick to knit. Pattern sizes are formfitting. For looser armwarmers, especially if you like to scrunch or wear over a long-sleeve T, knit a larger size than usual.

There is a new mitten pattern from Classic Elite using Liberty Wool. I think I'm going to take yarn home for Beth to make these. She loves Liberty and it might be time for her to learn something new.

 Purchase on Ravelry...

These garter stitch mittens are worked flat in two directions. The thumb side is worked from cuff to fingertips, and the pinky side is worked sideways from the center of the hand outward.

Sizes
Adult S (M, L). Both versions shown in size L.

Yarn
Liberty Wool by Classic Elite Yarns
(100% washable wool; 50 g = approx 122 yards)
Two color version shown in:
A – 1 (1, 2) balls 7879 Midnight Blue
B – 1 (1, 2) balls 7805 Magenta

Mutli-color version shown in:
2 (2, 3) balls 78102 Magic Carpet

Needles
Knitting needles in size US 6 (4 mm) or size to obtain gauge.

Note
Both mittens are worked the same and can be worn on either hand.

Classic Elite has a free pattern for boot cuffs... 
These would be a great project to learn how to knit on double pointed needles. Or maybe you want to try learning magic loop.

These are an easy way to change the look of your boots or give some color to an outfit. Wear them inside the boot, over the boot, or try them with rain boots. These also work beautifully as legwarmers to keep you toasty during a dance or a workout. The stirrups help keep them in place.

Skill Level
Intermediate

Finished Measurements
13¾ (14½, 15¼)” circumference at widest part of calf and 8 (13, 15½)” shaft length option. Shown in 13¾” circumference and 15½” shaft length.

Yarn
Camelot by Classic Elite Yarns
(100% wool; 50 g = approx 98 yards)
4 balls 2835 Merlin

Needles
Set of 4 double pointed needles (dpn) in sizes US 5 and 7 (3.75 and 4.5 mm) or size to obtain gauge

I don't think there will be knitting in my evening. The new tree should be at home when I get there. It's decorating night. And we just found out that we are hosting Christmas dinner so I need to get the whole house decorated. I would be a lot happier doing it if I knew someone would put it all away for me after Christmas. :)