Winter’s Little Luxuries: Road to China Light

I’m a New Englander born and bred. Even though I haven’t called the North East “home” in over a decade, I stick out a bit here in Philadelphia: I love driving in the snow, enjoy a good shovel, take proper winter footwear very seriously (just ask Leah, poor lady gets pestered daily), and cannot for the life of me get behind the saving spots with lawn furniture m.o. that is common practice in the city. While walking one of our dogs yesterday, shearling lined boots warming my feet and Bismark perfectly perched on my head, I found myself both taken by the beauty of winter and warm in my hat made from Road to China Light. 

The experience prompted me to consider all the ways a cold weather-busting yarn like Road to China Light can be put to work to carry us through these last few weeks of winter. As a result, I put together a couple Polyvore style sets of some great patterns featuring Road to China Light, in the hopes that they, too, will inspire you to enjoy the chilly, pretty, snow-filled days!

1. My initial inspiration: Bismark. A hat featuring a folded brim and gingham-inspired colorwork, I designed Bismark for busting the cold and adding some color to the white winter days. I styled the hat with some of my most favorite winter basics: dark corduroys, a chambray shirt, a knit cardigan, scarf and a pair of boots. 

Since releasing Bismark, we’ve also added some new amazing colors to the Road to China lineup. I’ve always wanted to knit myself another hat in a bolder combination and Topaz + Rhodolite or Cobalt + Blue Tourmaline are high on the list.

2) While hats are perfect for keeping heads + ears cosy, a good scarf or cowl is essential for winter warmth. The Buttonwillow Wrap by Romi Hill fits the bill perfectly – it is large enough to wrap around your neck, but not so much so that it is overwhelming to wear. Styled with a Breton sweater, plaid shirt , classic trench and casual jeans, you’re sure to have a modern + warm accessory!

3) If more traditional shawls aren’t your “thing”, Calm Chaos by Sara Gresbach is a textured cowl perfect for tucking under a jacket. Dressed up slightly with a herringbone wool skirt, high boots and felt tote, this cowl transitions perfectly from day – night. 

4) And, last but not least, legwarmers. The Gansey Legwarmers by Courtney Kelley feature a gansey-inspired textured pattern and deep ribbing for a warm and snug fit. Paired with a more casual down vest, well-loved jeans, a bright plaid scarf, and a winter must, L.L. Bean boots, there is no way you’ll be cold this winter! (The contents of that lovely travel mug will help, too – we won’t tell if you choose to add some “adult beverage to your hot cocoa!)

Hopefully just reading this and checking out all the styles has warmed you up a bit. If not, take a moment to knit yourself an accessory in Road to China Light and enjoy these last few weeks of winter!

– Kate