Dear friends,

A heads up: I switched my newsletter service provider earlier this week. You shouldn't notice any change but some links may appear different. Please be patient while I hunt down all the configurations!

My students are all over the map right now. One wants to understand gauge. Another is wrestling with a mistake from three rows back. Someone else is asking about ergonomics, while another just wants to know which colors work together.

That scattered energy matches the season. It's winter here; the world has turned grey and brown. The trees are bare, the sky hangs low, and the snow quickly loses its brightness.

We're all searching for what will sustain us through these grey weeks. For me right now, it's color.

Exploring Color

This is when I reach for brights and saturated colors. Deep teals, rich purples, and to everyone's surprise, neons! The kind of colors that feel alive in your hands.

There's something nourishing about working with color when everything outside feels muted. When my hands move through vibrant yarn, something shifts. The grey doesn't disappear, but there's hope that spring will return.

Color work doesn't have to mean complicated colorwork patterns. Sometimes it's just about spending time with colors that call to you.

Try this: Pick two or three colors that feel good together (or surprising together). You don't need more than a small amount of each. Create a simple swatch, maybe stripes or a basic stitch pattern you know well. What happens? Do the colors blend or contrast? Does one recede while another comes forward?

If choosing colors feels overwhelming, start with one. I was monochromatic for years. Pick one you're drawn to or one you find difficult. Let it sit with you. Then look at your stash and see what wants to sit next to it. Trust your instinct; your hands and eyes know things your thinking mind doesn't register right away.

These small color studies can become cat toys, mug cozies, tiny pouches, or eventually a cowl of many coloured squares. The exploration is the point, but you can end up with something useful too.

Maybe color isn't your thing this January. Maybe you need to master a new technique or just finish that one project. Trust that.

ICYMI

Here are some recent posts you might have missed. I try to post every two weeks, usually on Tuesdays.

• a swatch can teach you more than a ball band (09 December 2025)
  Why creating multiple swatches with the same yarn teaches you how your hands work, not just what the label says.
• swatch, don't skip (23 December 2025)
  Starting a swatch practice doesn't need a perfect day or a new year. Begin where you are with what you have.
• stitches in the moment (06 January 2026)
  Matching your projects to your energy and attention rather than forcing yourself to work on the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Next week: ways to keep your body happy and comfortable while you're knitting. Spoiler: I rely a good deal on Carson Demers' remarkable book Knitting Comfortably, and it's useful for crocheters too.

A Gift for Newsletter Subscribers

Each month I select two patterns to discount, one each for knitters and crocheters. The code is valid for $1 off the PDF pattern through the 18th of the next month.

• knit Bowman Lake Mitts. I'm working on a new sample and can confirm that Artyarns Merino Cloud doubled works well as a substitute for the Cashmere Eco. Also available on Payhip and Ravelry. Use code JHD64GHTK for $1 off (valid through February 18, 2026)
• crochet Shoresong. A quick beautiful shawl in 1+ skein of Artyarns Merino Cloud. Also available on Payhip and Ravelry. Use code KR6MAEC9 for $1 off (valid through February 18, 2026)

Upcoming events

VK Live NYC is January 29 - February 1, 2026. I might come to the marketplace on Sunday 01 Feb. If you'll be there and want to meet up, let me know and convince me to hop on the train. It's the only time of year this NYer might be seen in Times Square; what I do for yarn!

Thursday afternoons in Larchmont: I'm starting up a small group for knitters and crocheters who want to chat and work on their projects. We met today for the first time and I think it was enjoyable for all. If you're interested in joining, please reply and let me know. I'll send you a short survey and link where you can sign up for next week.

There's more

While I love sharing thoughtfully designed patterns, little acorn creations offers more. I work one-on-one with students through Individual Instruction sessions tailored to what you need and how you learn best. (I'm nearly full through Q2 of 2026, so if you'd like to work with me, reach out soon to schedule.) I also offer carefully curated tools that I actually use and reach for myself, including a recently refreshed stock of select HiyaHiya products. And if you're drawn to handspun yarn, I spin on my Spinolution Queen Bee Wheel and each skein is unique. You can find more details on my website.

Thank you for reading. Is there something you would like to see me swatch or write about? Please reply and let me know.