The Edelweiss grows in the Alpine regions of European mountains, at high altitudes above the treeline. It prefers rocky limestone outcroppings, and its leaves and flowers are covered with fine hairs that protect them from cold and UV rays and give them a wooly appearance. For its beauty, rarity, and because it thrives in this extreme yet magnificent and unspoiled environment, it has become a symbol of the rugged beauty and purity of the Alps and their inhabitants. The Edelweiss has been celebrated in film, heraldry and song, and the image of these tiny and much beloved white flowers can be found on Trachten (traditional folk costume of the Alpine region), as well as countless product and business logos, postage stamps, military insignia, sports team uniforms, coins and even aircraft.

Wristlets are easy to knit – they’re simply a tube knitted in the round with no shaping. Edelweiss Wristlets are knitted in stranded stockinette colorwork from a chart, with written instructions for the ribbed edging. They can be knit on double points, two circulars or with the Magic Loop method. The flowers are knitted with a double strand of mohair/silk laceweight yarn to mimic the furry appearance of the originals, and French knots are used for the seed pods that develop during the short Alpine summer. Triangular shapes are reminiscent of Alpine peaks, and metallic silver accents are like frost crystals in the mountain twilight. The peaks flow into a 3 x 1 ribbed edging the color of limestone. These wristlets would be lovely in other color combinations too, and since they use small amounts of several colors they’re a great project for leftovers.

Skills required:
• Knit and purl stitches
• Stranded color stockinette knitting
• Knitting small circumferences in the round
• French knot embroidery (photo tutorial included)