Family snowshoeing day. I was so warm, I had to take my hat off. ; )
I recently received this question from @atomicagecrochet, "...I'd love to know what you do or recommend for warmth in winter..."
Good question! Since I live in Canada (albeit a fairly mild part of it, New Westminster, BC in the Pacific Northwest) however we do live in a small old house built in 1929, and we're conscious of heating costs (read, we're cheap because we save our money for important things, like chocolate), so we tend to run the heat a bit on the low side in winter, and only use air conditioning very sparingly, and in one room only in summer. You'll find us in several layers while indoors here most of the time.
Keep your extremities warm with hats and socks, slippers etc
A lot of heat escapes from your head and feet. If you can keep some of that in, you'll feel much warmer. Try a kuranosuke hat and some socks.
Use a thermal-friendly stitch pattern
The stitch pattern and gauge you use will make a difference in how warm your garment or accessory will be. Choose a stitch pattern that holds heat in better, like a waffle, ribbing, or brioche stitch. Something thick and fluffy, and neither too tight or open/lacey will help.
Choose a bamboo blend, or a thicker yarn
I've noticed that all of my knitted items made with bamboo blends like Albireo, Alnilam, and Pleiades are the warmest, as well as the thicker ones, like my beeline sweater made with Pakucho Worsted. When I'm setting up the yarn booth in those huge, un-heated arenas and exhibition halls before show days, I'm usually wearing these items.
Don't neglect the value of a luxe baselayer
I have a sweater, that's more like a long sleeved shirt that I made with Pleiades Sock, years ago. It's the one sweater that's had the most use of all because it's so soft, can be worn easily as a baselayer over a jacket without being too bulky, and it's ridiculously comfy. When I'm working at home, or out hiking in winter with my family, this is my go-to choice. Layering works best when you've got some space in between for air to make a buffer zone between you and the cold, so it's ideal if your outer layer isn't too tight. By having a close fitting but not restrictive base layer, you'll still have room for movement and optimal warmth in your jacket, sweater or overcoat.
Got a question you think other folks might want to know the answer to as well? Drop me a line via instagram @veganyarn.