winter fashion

Fall and winter present a problem for the ladies: we love a warm head and ears, but we don’t want to mess up these well-groomed locks. American college campuses are the natural habitat for one solution: knitted headbands. Sorority sisters and Rastafarians alike (yes, I had dread locks for a decade!) can get behind the warm, chunky headband.

But ladies, must we wear a huge crocheted flower on our noggins?

Winter earwarmer/headband with flower — Cute, but so two-thousand-and-late: Winter Earwarmer Flower Headband by Penny Mae Designs, $20.

Do we really need to look like everyone else?

The Bronies are coming for the most famous headband on Pinterest: Cable Knit Headband Ear Warmer by Three Bird Nest, $28

I mean, you’ve been to Europe. You want something rad like this

Knitted turban hat winter accessories on asos.com — Knitted Turban on asos.com.

but not quite this.

Knit headband fox pom pom on Revolve Clothing — Bella Knit Headband with Fox Earmuffs in Taupe/Grey by Eugenia Kim, $187.

More like this

Gold knit headband by Rag & Bone — Farah Headband by rag & bone, $150.

and this.

People always ask what I’m working on. This is it. The quest for a better headband for 2012-13, in trendy colors like espresso brown and metallics.

Organic cotton copper brown knit headband by Knits for Life — Copper Brown Knit Headband in Organic Cotton by Knits for Life

Knit headband metallic blue by knits for life — Sapphire Blue Knit Headband in Organic Cotton by Knits for Life

Sapphire Blue Knit Headband by Knits for Life

I love to post my works in progress and inspiration on Instagram, so follow me to see all my current projects (@knitsforlife).

Knit Infinity Cable Headband Turban in progress by Knits for Life — I finished off the Infinity Turban Headband on last week’s road trip along the California coast. Follow @KnitsForLife on Instagram where I post shots of my process.

Knit Knot Cowl in progress by Knits for Life — Follow @KnitsForLife on Instagram for shots of my process, like this study in knit climbing knots for upcoming cowl and headband designs.

Cast on an inspiring pattern like the ones below and play along!

KNITTING PATTERN Parisian Twist Headband Ear Warmer PDF — Parisian Twist Headband Ear Warmer Knitting Pattern by McLaughlin Designs, $5.

Knotted Headband Free Crochet Pattern — Knotted Headband Crochet Pattern by Stephanie Jessica Lau, free.

Do you know about alpaca fleece? Yes, there’s an inside scoop here. If you know it, you’re likely to prefer it to merino wool and even cashmere. Be warned: asking an alpaca lover about it will launch a long list of qualities.

Oh, do ask! Alpaca fleece (and yarn spun from it) is warm as all get-out, squishy not stiff (unlike many wools), soft as cashmere (seriously), easy on allergies, and doesn’t pill up with wear. Plus, alpacas are enviable for their sense of style (above) and deliver adorable candid moments (see cats cuddling with baby alpaca below – wha???!).

This November I’ve teamed up with a family farmer in Alberta, Canada, A to Z Alpacas, to create your best winter hat.

You can buy it in my shop here or make it yourself from the pattern here and yarn here. Or, you can enter to win both in our giveaway here. Remember that all purchases in the shop plant one new rainforest tree.

Lucky you, swaddled in alpaca fur. I can’t be held responsible if this hat makes you run around your neighborhood with exuberant delight like the alpacas it comes from:

KNITS FOR LIFE

Lorna and Jill Watt.

Let’s Wear Cuter Headbands This Winter

November Giveaway: Alpaca Ear Flap Hat Kit