This past week has been an emotional roller coaster for me, and I'm sure you've felt it too.  This is not the blog post I expected to share with you this month.  I had been working on something new and was on track to launch those new items this month.  That all seems so unimportant now.  So instead, I wanted to fill you in on some adjustments I've made to my cozy little corner of the internet to keep us all safe and healthy during these uncertain times.

First of all, I have closed The Front Porch Pop-Up until further notice and have temporarily suspended the Free Local Pickup shipping option.  I'm a firm believer that we shouldn't be going out if we don't have to, so I'm doing my little part to encourage people to stay home.

Secondly, I will continue to accept online orders, but am prepared for that to change if need be in the future.  Your safety and trust are first and foremost on my mind.  Right now, my family and I are healthy.  We are practicing social distancing and washing hands frequently.  If any members of my family get sick, I will suspend shipments immediately until we are ALL healthy again.  On top of that, certain carriers have already warned customers that their service and shipping times could be affected during this crisis.  If I ever get the feeling that the items that you've ordered won't get to you safely and in a timely manner, I am prepared to stop accepting orders until that situation changes.

All my best to you and your family.

Here's how it works:

1. Shop online like you normally would (we're all experts by now, amiright?) and when it's time to pick your shipping method, select "Free Local Pickup" and finish checking out.

2. When I get the notification that you've placed an order (yay!), instead of preparing your cozy items for shipping, they will be held for pickup at my adorable little retail space called The Front Porch Pop-Up located at Lastenstraße 7, Innisfil, Ontario.  And yes, it really is my front porch. :)

3. So when can you swing by to grab your items you ask?  Well, store hours are posted weekly my Instagram Stories (follow @wheatfieldknitwear on the gram) OR you can reach out to [email protected] to arrange a pickup appointment.

It really is that easy.  Happy shopping!

Disclaimer time: so, I'm not exactly smitten with Valentine's Day, but I AM a sucker for anything with hearts on it, and that's where the inspiration for this collection came from. Skip the flowers and chocolates, I'm more of a pizza kinda gal.

Each item is created with a pure, winter white yarn with a punch of deep red.  And for my wool sensitive friends, I'm happy to say that all of these items are made with a 100% vegan fiber.

And so, here it is; the Wheatfield LOVE collection!

Crochet Heart Hat

Some people wear their heart on their sleeves, others prefer to wear it on their head. To be honest, it took me a while to get this one right and I had to keep ripping it apart and starting over. The funny thing is, I didn't mind one bit because the darn thing was SO fun to make!  It's just so stinkin' adorable and I love that it makes a statement. Click here to shop.

Heart Ankle Socks

These babies are my pride and joy and, admittedly, the item that kept me up at night :).  Figuring out how to stitch those hearts right out of the cuff of the sock was no easy feat, but I was SO happy with the end result!  They are the perfect post-date night accessory, you know, for the Netflix portion of the evening.  Available in three sizes, you can shop them here.

Mini Heart Hat

This super cute beanie features a folding brim and four rows of charming little hearts.  But it's not just adorable, it's warm too!  The perfect accessory for a romantic, date-night stroll in those freezing cold February temps!  You can get it here.

I'd LOVE your feedback, so leave a comment and let me know what you think!

If you're looking to gift some coziness to your friends and family this year and want to take advantage of free standard shipping, here are the dates you need to place your order by:

In Austria - December 10th

In the U.S. - December 9th

Of course, upgraded shipping options are always available at checkout if you've put things off a little too long. If you plan on using upgraded shipping, here are your order cut-off dates:

In Austria - December 19th

In the U.S. - December 12th

Now, we've all been there.  There is someone notoriously difficult to buy for on your list and it took you until the last minute to find the perfect gift, or you ordered on time (you KNOW you did!), but there was a freak snow storm / postal truck rollover / holiday gift bandit that has disrupted your delivery.  I even have a solution for you.  Yep, I said it, there is no need to sweat.  All you have to do is click here to download and print this free holiday card that let's your loved one know their cozy gift is on the way:

I'll say it louder for the people in the back.  IT'S TOTALLY FREE!

So don't let holiday shipping stress ruin the BEST time of the year, just follow these tips so you can focus on what's really important...eating cookies :)

Cozy holiday wishes from my family to yours!

What is Small Business Saturday, you ask?  Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010 by American Express, and despite this huge corporate backing, it encourages holiday shoppers to support boutique-like businesses that are small and local.  By now, y’all know how I feel about shopping small (if you missed the memo, you can read more about it here and here.  Shopping small is easier than you may think. Every time you pick up a coffee at the corner shop, grab lunch at a place downtown, stop in at your neighbourhood boutique, or buy a unique item on Etsy, you are supporting a small business and keeping that business owner’s dream alive.

And boy oh boy, are there deals to be had! We see you, we know what this shopping stretch is all about.  We WANT you to pick us over the big box stores and online juggernauts on Small Business Saturday so we often save our BEST deals for this day. 

So, mark your calendar for November 30^th this year and get to shopping small!  I promise you, your holiday purchases will never make a bigger impact.

1.  Your favourite winter wardrobe staple is:

      a) a turtleneck

      b) a flannel poncho

      c) a sweater dress

2.   Your signature hairstyle is: 

      a) a messy top knot

      b) a sleek ponytail

      c) a half up, half down bun

3.  Your go-to winter jacket is:

      a) an insulated parka

      b) a wool pea coat

      c) a puffer jacket

4.  Your dream Saturday night is:

      a) binge-watching Netflix at home

      b) getting dressed up for cocktail hour with the girls

      c) crushing an escape room with lots of friends

5.  The one accessory you could never live without it:

      a) a comfortable pair of shoes

      b) a classic belt

      c) a pair of statement earrings

And the results are....(drumroll please)

If you answered mostly A's, your scarf is the INFINITY SCARF.

You are all about being warm and comfortable and gravitate towards simple pieces that are easy to wear and don't need to be fussed with. This infinity scarf would be perfect for you and is available in 5 colours (all neutral of course, let's not get too crazy).

If you answered mostly B's, your scarf is the LONG OPEN ENDED SCARF.

Hello style and sophistication! You love flowing pieces with just the right amount of drape and you're not afraid to show off your fashion skills by tying the perfect knot!  This fringe scarf is just the thing you were looking for!

If you answered mostly C's, your scarf is the BLANKET SCARF.

You've never met a trend you didn't like and are more than willing to sacrifice a little practicality in the name of style.  Channeling your inner Elsa, the cold never bothered you anyway, amiright?  Check out this scarf and this one to decide which one you like best!

Fall is my favourite season.  After our long, harsh Winters I try to convince myself that Summer is my favourite, but the truth is, Summer just can't hold a pumpkin spice scented candle next to Fall.  It's truly a season for the senses; the feeling of crisp air, the smell of burning leaves, the sound of crunching leaves under your feet, those vibrant autumn skies.  So, in honour of the BEST time of year, I've put together a list of things to really get you in the spirit of the season.

1. Visit a local farm.

Farms have so many fun things going on in the Fall.  You can go apple picking, hunt for the best pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, and even try to conquer the corn maze.  It's a super affordable day out with family or friends and you're supporting an important part of your community.  It's a win/win!

2. Make a donation. 

Of course helping people in need is important all year long, but Fall can be a particularly difficult time of year for some families.  Let's face it, school supplies are darn expensive, the weather is starting to get chilly which means coats, hats, and gloves for growing kids, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  Phew, I'm stressed out just thinking about it.  So, whether it's packing a backpack with school supplies, cleaning out your closets, or just buying a couple of extra groceries, try to do what you can to help a neighbour out.  

3. Cook a cozy meal.

The shift from Summer food to Fall food in my house is always a welcome one.  What qualifies as "Fall food" you ask?  Basically anything that takes all afternoon to cook and can be eaten out of a bowl.  Scour Pinterest for some soup, stew, and chili recipes and get cooking (and eating)!

4. Get Fall fashion ready.

You know that scene in The Lion King where Rafiki ceremoniously presents baby Simba to the rest of the animals from Pride Rock?  That's what it looks like when I pull my knee-high boots out of storage every Fall.  It. Is. Time.  Dig those sweaters and leggings and boot cuffs and beanies out from the back of your closet and strut your cozy self down to the corner for a PSL ;)

5. Treat yourself to a Fall scented candle.

If you've read this far and you're still in denial that Summer is coming to an end, it's time to pull out the big guns. And by guns I mean Fall scented candles.  There are so many wonderful scents associated with Fall and with the darkness creeping in earlier and earlier, lighting a candle and cuddling up with a good book just makes sense.  

I'd love to hear your favourite things about Fall in the comments below!

Without further adieu, allow me to introduce you to this year's pride and joy!

Fingerless Gloves

For years customers have been asking me if I make fingerless gloves and finally this year I can say "YES GIRL!".  I get it, mitts can be too hot in those in-between seasons (I'm looking at you Spring and Fall) and taking off your mittens to answer a text can be annoying.  I've heard you and THEY. ARE. HERE!  Available in four neutral colours, you can shop them here.

 Slipper Socks

I made a pair of these for myself last year and when I practically LIVED in them all Winter, I just knew I had to share the cozy goodness with all of you!  Available in two colours and three sizes (that correspond with your shoe size), here's where to buy them!

Striped Knit Pom Pom Hat

You all know that I'm a sucker for neutrals, but when I came across a piece of fabric a few years ago, I fell so hard for it that I just knew I had to make a piece inspired by it. And that pom pom you guys?  IT'S SO FLUFFY!  Get it here.

 I'd love your feedback, so leave a comment to let me know which one is your fave!

1.  Hudson's Bay Blanket.  With those iconic stripes and some serious history, this has been a truly Canadian symbol for over 200 years!

2.  Milk in Bags.  Ok, this is admittedly a controversial one (see here), but what's not to love?!  Bagged milk uses less plastic, it costs less to produce, it takes up less space in the fridge because it's stackable, and it makes freezing milk more practical.

3.  Ketchup Chips.  Austria wins the salty-snack game hands down with this gem.  Americans tend to turn green at the mention of ketchup-flavoured potato chips, but that's ok, we don't want to share them anyway ;)

4.  Molson Canadian.  Anyone else get all weepy and nostalgic when they see this?  Sure, you can get Molson beer outside of Austria, but it's called Molson Export; Molson Canadian is reserved exclusively for us.  Anyone who's ever had a Guinness in Dublin and then tasted the exported version will get it.

5.  Smarties.  To any Americans who may be reading this, no, I'm not talking about those chalky little circles that we call Rockets.  I'm talking about those deliciously colourful candy-covered chocolates that are WAY better than M&Ms.  Come at me. :)

Happy Austria Day lovelies!  I hope your celebrations are freakishly polite and include some of the items on this list.  Wave that flag proudly!

Let's face it though, those early Summer evenings can get kinda chilly and mosquito ridden, so it's important to make sure your campfire attire is on point.  Here are some tips and tricks on getting Campfire Cozy that you can add to your outdoor survival guide.

1. Layer Up! (say it louder for the people in the back)

Layering is important because it keeps the warm air close to your body.  When done right, with moisture wicking fabrics, the layers work together to keep your body at the perfect temperature, no matter how cool or damp it is outside.

2.  Beanies are your friend, even in Summer.

Beanies are often the overlooked Summer accessory.  Now, I'm not suggesting you wear one to the beach, but they definitely come in handy on those brisk mornings and chilly evenings at the campsite. Nothing quite takes the chill out of the hair like a covered head and a beanie is a great way to deal with the effects of that day 3 camp hair, if you know what I mean ;).  You can shop my faves here!

 3.  Snuggle under a blanket.

                                             Source: thelondoner.me  

Campfire blankets are a thing.  Don't believe me? Just Google it.  They are huge in the Scouting community, and if anyone knows how to do campfires right, it must be the Scouts, amiright?

4.  Keep those hot beverages within reach.

No campfire can be complete without a hot beverage in a campfire mug. Whether you're keeping it PG with some hot cocoa, cider or tea, or indulging in an adult beverage like a hot toddy or some mulled wine, sipping by the fire is the perfect way to end a Summer day.

Spoiler alert dads, but we can't sleep through that.  If the thought of tiny humans having run of the kitchen doesn't wake us up, the fighting that ensues over who gets to make/stir/carry what definitely will.  Then mom has to pretend to still be asleep so the kids get the joy of "waking her up" to serve her breakfast on her special day.

Kids and beds and food do not mix; something will inevitably get spilled, which means a load of laundry for mom.  Thanks, but no thanks.

But don't worry, I'm here to let you in on the dirty little secret that most moms won't admit.  What we REALLY want for Mother's Day is this:

We want a day off from momming.

Again, we love our kids.  We are all in for 364 days of the year, we just want one day where we can be out.  No cooking.  No dishes.  No laundry.  No breaking up fights.  No pouring juice.  No wiping noses or bums.  No Disney Channel.  And sleep.  So much sleep.  Uninterrupted sleep.  Heck, since I'm asking for the world, an uninterrupted shower would be nice too.

You know what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder?  Sometimes a mom needs to take a step back and take care of herself for a day so she has the strength and will to go on for the next 364.  This job is exhausting. We need this. 

So dads, instead of stressing about finding the perfect Mother's Day gift, how about spending a little time planning the anti-Mother's Day.  You'll be a hero, trust me.

1.  Open those windows.

Whether you're driving around town or hanging out at home, throw those windows open and welcome that cool Spring breeze with open arms.

2.  Spring cleaning.

Okay, okay, it's not exactly fun, but you know it feels ridiculously good once it's done.

3.  Get your toes done.

It's been a long Winter, time to free those piggies and make them pretty!

4.  Go to a Farmers' Market.

Those markets have moved indoors for the Winter will be moving back outside. Get out there and support your local businesses!

5.   Embrace your inner child.

Take advantage of that burst of energy that Spring brings by acting like a kid for a day.  Fly a kite, ride a bike, play some hopscotch, and swing on the swings at the park!

6.  Dance in the rain.

Don't let those April showers bring you down! Get out there, dance it out, and splash in some puddles while you're at it.

It's Spring you guys, let's celebrate!

1. KEEP:  Tall Boots

Source:  FashionGum.com

Those knee-high or over-the-knee boots are not only cute, they provide you with ample leg coverage on those chillier days.  To stay in that Spring frame of mind, TRADE that sweater dress you've been pairing your boots with for a flirty floral number instead.  Oh, and STORE those boot cuffs until Fall ;)

2. KEEP: Chunky Sweaters

Source:  AVE Styles

Don't STORE those chunky sweaters away just yet, but do TRADE those favourite black leggings for a long, flowy skirt.  Don't worry, I didn't say STORE those black leggings, I'm not a monster. 

 3.  TRADE: Dark Denim

Source:  FashionGum.com

Brighten up your wardrobe by swapping out that indigo denim for a lighter, brighter wash.  Denim jackets are a classic and should be a staple in every closet.

4.  STORE:  (Some) Black & Grey

Source:  Forever 21

Let's not get TOO crazy, I dig my black and grey as much as the next girl, but if you're looking at a closet full of ONLY black and grey pieces, now is the time to do something!  Slowly start to add some colourful pieces into your wardrobe and notice how it gets you out of that Winter funk.

With these tips, you'll be navigating that tricky seasonal style shift between Winter and Spring in no time!

Afraid you don’t know the first thing about planning an awesome Galentine’s Day?  Don’t worry, I’ve got your back with some fun ways to make your best friends feel special!  One of the best things about Galentine’s Day is that it can be as low-key or as fancy as you want. Here are some of my favourite ideas:

A Movie (or Netflix!) Marathon.  Have your friends come over in their comfiest clothes and have a marathon night!  If the plan is to steer clear of romance, just pick another genre and go to town.  Make sure there’s plenty of casual comfort food and drinks.  Laughter and talking is definitely welcome.  

A Fancy Candlelight Dinner or Brunch. Scour Pinterest and surprise your fellow babes with a spread fit for a Queen.  Make it complete with fresh flower arrangements, bubbly drinks, and all the fancy foods.

A Gift Exchange.  You can definitely go above and beyond to get a little something for everyone, but consider making it a gift exchange!  Who wouldn’t love a Galentine version of Secret Santa?  Just set a maximum price, draw names and shop away!  You can even write a heartfelt message to tell your friend why she’s so amazing.  Here are some sweet finds that any best gal pal would adore:

Red Knitted Hair Scrunchie

Blush Pink Triangle Fringe Scarf

Glitter and Rainbow Unicorn Beanie

Pink Cat Ears Hat

With the perfect Galentine’s Day planned, all the fine details and gifts taken care of, all that’s left to do is enjoy it.  Don’t forget to take tons of photos for memories!

Who knows, maybe you’ll have so much fun your friends will be fighting over who gets to host it next year!

Well, if you are clearing out some cozy apparel, now is a great time to take them to your local shelter or donation centre.  Winters here are downright frigid and since layering in the cold weather is key, items such as winter coats, sweaters, long johns, scarves, warm socks, hats, mittens, undershirts, and good quality jeans all make good donations at this time of year.  I want to stress that our goal is to not just clean out our space, but also to HELP, so it’s generally a good idea to call the organization ahead of time to find out exactly what they need, if anything. Sometimes shelters and charities are operating with limited space and staff and cannot manage all their donations.  Also, donating clothing means that someone needs to open the donations, clean it, mend it, sort it, etc, etc, etc, so let's make sure those resources are put to good use. Much of what is donated is dirty, ripped, worn, out of fashion or not appropriate for that particular shelter (i.e. men's items donated to a women's shelter or vice versa). 

I've also found it useful to keep my eyes and ears peeled around my community. Local schools will often do mitten and coat drives and last Winter my local grocery store was collecting gently used outerwear for a youth shelter.

So Happy New Year to you and yours!  Cheers to fresh starts and helping others.  Oh, and if you find that you've cleared out TOO MUCH cozy, you know where to find me ;)

S.

And the holidays are stressful enough, amiright?!  Who needs the added stress of worrying about whether or not their gifts will arrive in time?  I don't want to stress about that, and I don't want my customers to have to stress about that either.  So, I made the tough decision to switch carriers and all orders placed after November 20, 2018 will be shipped to you via FedEx Ground.  What does that mean for you?  Well, hang tight, because I'm going to lay all of that out for you right here:

1. Shipping will cost a little more.

This is the worst part.  I hate having to charge more for shipping at this time of year, especially when most of the large retailers are offering free shipping, but the fact is, these carriers aren't kind to the little guys.

2. You can buy multiple items and your shipping cost will not go up.

With FedEx, the minimum weight per shipment is 1lb, and in the knitwear world, that's a lot of squish!  So, whether you buy one item or six, your shipping cost will be the same. 

3. All packages will be shipped with tracking.

Now this is a change I can get behind!  With Austria Post, tracking numbers were an expensive option that not everyone wanted to pay for, but with FedEx tracking is included in the cost and will automatically be provided for EVERY package.

4. Delivery times are guaranteed.

This is a biggie, especially at this time of year, and it's the main reason why I made the switch.  Customers in Austria and the U.S. are guaranteed to receive their order in 5 business days or less.  So, go ahead and procrastinate on your holiday shopping if you want to, I've got your back ;)

Change is never easy, but I'm hoping that this decision will make for a less stressful holiday season for all of us.  So throw on a cheesy Hallmark movie, cozy up to some gingerbread cookies, and happy shopping!

Girl, I love seeing my mail carrier marching up my driveway with his arms full of Amazon boxes too, but keeping your hard earned money in your community and supporting small businesses is easier than you think (and it feels pretty darn good too).  The holiday season is stressful for everyone, but for small business owners, the last 3 months of the year is usually make-it-or-break-it time.  Many times, their success or failure during these months is the deciding factor as to whether or not they will stay open for business for another year.  Also, small business owners often rely on the revenue they make during the holiday season to purchase holiday gifts for their own families (I know I do!), and they are grateful to have you as a customer.

So, without further ado, here are a few simple things you can do this holiday season to support local businesses and organizations.

 1. Park your car and take a stroll up Main Street.   Admire the shop windows decorated and lit up for the season, exchange greetings with the owners as you enter the stores, and when your hands are full of parcels and bags, take a break and warm up in your local coffee shop.  It's like a scene from a Gilmore Girls holiday special and I am Here. For. It!

2. Hit up those holiday markets and craft fairs.  It's no secret that I'm a HUGE proponent of buying handmade (you can read why HERE), and it's never easier to buy handmade than it is during the holidays.  Holiday markets and craft shows are literally EVERYWHERE (even my super small town has one) and that's because there is nothing better than receiving a handmade gift.  

3. Support local schools, clubs and sports teams.  Raise your hand if you know someone with a kid.  Chances are at least some of those kids are doing some sort of fundraising leading up to the holidays, and the money from those fundraisers goes right back into the community you live in.  You can support these youngsters and put a smile on their sticky candy cane faces by gifting magazine subscriptions, holiday sweet treats or other wares they might be selling at this time of year.

So there you have it, 3 easy ways to support your local community this holiday season.  Do I expect you to abandon online shopping altogether? No. Am I going to abandon it altogether? Probably not.  BUT, I do plan on making an extra effort this year to distance myself from the Add To Cart button.  Let's just say we're "on a break". ;)

Step #1.  Insert your hand through the top of the Messy Bun Beanie about halfway.  This opening will hold your hair in place when it is through the top of the beanie.

Step #2.  Gather your hair into a ponytail like you normally would and hold your gathered hair in the hand that is halfway through the opening.  Don't worry, it doesn't have to be perfect since the top will be hidden by the beanie.  

Step #3.  Start pulling your hair though the opening, making sure that all of it is out of the hole, and pull the beanie down onto your forehead. 

Step #4.  Continue pulling the beanie down, adjusting as you go, until it is sitting comfortably and placed how you would like.

Step #5.  Time to find that trusty hair elastic. (psst ladies, check your wrist ;)

Step #6.  Take your hair elastic and wrap your hair into a messy bun.  Everyone has a favourite messy bun method, just do whatever comes naturally. 

Step #7.  Pull some wispy pieces of hair out from around your ears to frame your face and Ta-Da!  You're ready to rock that cold weather, messy bun hairstyle!

When you support local artisans, you are supporting their local economy and community.  Small businesses and handmade artists are more likely to spend the revenue they earn within their own communities.  The money you spend is not being sent to a corporate head office to pay out large bonuses to executives, but is often used to buy produce at the local farmers' market or to support a school fundraiser.

Supporting handmade is also good for the environment.  Handmade products do not require large production facilities or transportation fleets, most items are made in small craft studios or in the makers' own homes.  Handmade items are also higher quality and made to last, meaning that less waste is being diverted to landfills.

Handcrafted products are unique and allow you to have a direct connection with the artisan.  Unlike mass produced products, the nature of handmade goods means that there are fewer of them and you will often find unique differences in each handmade item which makes the item and the purchase very special.  And since you can be in contact with the person who made the item with their own hands, you may have the option of customizing certain aspects of the product, such as colour or size, to fit your needs.

These days, buying handmade is easier and more popular than ever.  As more and more consumers embrace handcrafted goods, the internet has witnessed a rapidly increasing industry of handmade marketplaces and websites.  Buying handmade goods online allows you to access the skills of artisans around the world and when you support artisans, you are also supporting the craft and skills they practice.  By supporting the traditional crafts, such as knitting or crocheting, you are helping to pass those skills to the next generation and keep the art and craft alive.