Woolly forecast

Hmm, from snow and ice to just about coat-worthy cool – just what does the weather think it’s doing? The coldest December (-22ºC) since records began (1910, since you asked) and the woollies got chunky, as predicted by the catwalks (all marl yarns and giant, statement buttons). At Knit Today we were all wrapped up feeling the warmth and being cosy and snug as we worked on pages of gorgeous winter knits.

But, now that we’ve encouraged everyone to knit big, the weather goes and gets warmer – a whole 30ºC warmer in some places. So for the practically tropical temperature (12ºC expected in Bristol this week) we need to stow away our chunkies and coax out the finer knits (except you lovely people in the Shetlands who are still at 4ºC, you stick with the cable knits. And Wales, at 8ºC, you’ll be fine as long as you remember to wear your leg warmers but Yorkshire, 10ºC, just where do you think you’re going, dressed like that?)

I've knitted my winter woolly, and now I'm going to wear it!
(pattern from Knit Today issue 55)

So the weather is wreaking havoc with our woolly wearing and the fashion barometer is flailing about wildly, not knowing whether to reach for the v-neck knits of autumn or even dare to the loose-stitched lacy knits of spring. So here are 3 ways to beat the weather:

Layers – wear thin tops under jumpers but (but keep it smooth, no lumps or wrinkles allowed)
If the day starts out Arctic-cold then thaws, opt for a chunky cardigan which you can wear open or take off altogether. Fingerless gloves also give you a bit of warmth without being too constricting.
Team thinner sweaters with hats and scarves. Who says you can’t wear them indoors, we’re starting a whole new trend, right now, just so’s you can

Fingerless gloves provide a good all-weather option
(pattern from Knit Today issue 55)

But remember, don’t resign your chunky knits to the mothballs yet (in fact, never do that) because we bet this premature seasonal shift in the climate doesn’t last long.

Even a cup of tea needs a woolly during our British winters!
(pattern from Knit Today issue 55)