Yesterday, April 1, was a balmy 60 degrees with a light breeze here in upstate NY.  Late afternoon saw rain, then a rainbow, more sun (the above photo was shot at 7:00 pm), then thunder and lightning (plus heavy rain), ending the evening off with high winds.

Today it looks deceptively nice – the sun is shining, but if you step out, hold onto your hat!   The wind is still gusting over 35 mph and the temperature is only about 37.  I don’t have a wind chill calculator, but it feels about 20.  I have taken out my handspun, handknit vest (mohair/wool blend in autumn colors), and this is taking the edge off the coolness, thank you very much. 

I have become a fan of vests these last couple of years.  Not that I ever had anything against them, it’s just that I have always been a sweater person.  I was swayed not because I saw so many women wearing vests, but rather men.  And my pal, Greg, in particular.  Greg extolled the virtues of the vest – keeping the core of the body warm, while allowing maximum freedom of the arms to carry out the untold number of chores that always exist out in the country.  I knew exactly what he meant – the cumbersome barn jacket that makes the schlepping of hay and wood awkward because of all that extra fabric.  And I have ripped more than 1 sleeve reaching over stock panels or trying to grab just one more log than I really had room to carry…

So for outdoor chores, I highly recommend the layers of t-shirt, sweatshirt, then vest.  This is also a nice combo if you cross-country ski or do a lot of walking.  And what works well for outdoors also works well for indoors, in the way of a more dressy, knitted vest.  There are a ton of patterns out there [check out “Folk Vests” by Cheryl Oberle - look over on the website (shameless self-promotion)].  And the great thing about knitting a vest – No Sleeves!  Think of the time savings.

I’m hoping to put away the wool sometime in the near future – if the temperature will break 60 degrees for more than 3 hours.  In the meantime, try a vest as a transition garment.

Peace & Love,

Liz