Winter is a Great Reason to Knit

Why knit in the winter?  There are plenty of reasons besides the simple fact that it makes those cold, dreary days go by faster.

Knitting adds color

Gray skies and gray snow could get you down. Alternatively, you could get some colorful wool and knit striped socks in a riot of springtime colors. You could knit a bouquet of flowers on an intarsia sweater. You could even gather all your odds and ends to create patchwork afghan squares or use up small scraps in my Waste Not slip stitch scarf pattern.

Knitting adds warmth

Warm bodies and hearts by knitting some projects for charity. Whether you make lap robes for a convalescent center or hats for a homeless shelter, your efforts will show love to somebody who may need comfort. Spend those dark winter evenings indoors making a batch of warmth for those in need. Make sure your own family has a good supply of warm hats, mittens, and scarves, too.

Knitting also helps you keep your hands warm. Wooden needles stay warmer than aluminum needles, so use them for your winter knitting projects. Large projects such as sweaters and afghans will even keep your lap warm. Try to plan for making large projects in the winter rather than waiting till summer vacation's sweltering days.

Knitting adds life

While animals are hibernating and plants are dormant, your knitting is creating something that is growing and changing. Why wait until spring to bring new things "to life?" The calming, almost meditative rhythm of knitting is a perfect accompaniment while you daydream about planting your spring garden or filling your pool. Knitting may make the winter pass by so fast that you wish for an extra week or two for finishing a project!

Knitting Ideas: Divergent Scarves and Movie Fan Knitting