Before our family first moved to Kansas, we heard the same comment, or shared versions of the same sentiment from most every Southern neighbor we knew, "Oh bless your hearts... it's so flat there." Truth be told we didn't know anything about Kansas. Other than the said reports of it being terribly flat, or stories of winter whiteouts blowing across the western plains, causing travelers to veer from their scheduled arrival at the slopes of Colorado, we were clueless. But when on our way to Wichita, we took a wrong turn in Tulsa and headed north into the beautiful hills of the remote Chautauqua County, my husband and I could only manage to recite the same four words to each other... "this is not flat!"
Indeed it is not flat. It's a beautiful state with rolling hills and prairies. And after settling in Wichita we discovered the name of a certain band of hills we are fortunate to be surrounded by, the Flint Hills. Covered in Tallgrass prairie grasses and limestone rock formations, the Flint Hills are a true treasure. Range burnings signify the beginning of Spring in the Flint Hills and then a few months later, chilly weather brings about a seemingly endless sea of muted Autumn colors.
And then there is the wind. There is always wind in Kansas. No matter what time of year, or what time of day, there is wind. It keeps the bugs away in summer, and can chill you to the bone in winter. So after spending a few winters here I knew what I wanted to design when my friend Shelly approached me about a pattern featuring Cascade's super-bulky Magnum yarn. A roving yarn made of Peruvian wool and knitting up at 2 stitches per inch I had only one thought in mind: a big-chunky-warm cowl.
Flint Hill
I wanted to give you a sneak peek of my new pattern Flint Hill that will be available soon here on NIK and on Ravelry as well. If you're a local who favors our LYS Twist, you'll be able to pick up a copy this week.
Flint Hill is a simple pattern inspired by the minimalist landscape of the Flint Hills. Thanks to the super-bulky yarn, it provides warmth without adding weight, and it will definitely fit into the category of last-minute gifts. So be looking for the pattern's arrival in the next few days!
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