Originally Published for the Winter 2018 Ficstitches Yarns Kit Club.

“This is one of the greatest comforts a Soldier, Sailor, or Territorial can have on service or in camp. The particulate advantage is that it makes a warm protection for the neck and shoulders.” The vintage description for the “Balaclava Helmet” in Weldon’s Garments and Hospital Comforts fits this modern version perfectly. Made with soft baby alpaca and silk yarn with simple stitches that form an interesting texture, Patrick’s Balaclava will keep anyone warm, with or without a helmet. 

~~~
Rochester eyes my hood. “That new?”
“Found it in my pack. My girl slipped it in before I left on my last run. I think she knit it for me.” I’m nearly beaming with pride.
“That’s not knit.”
“What?”
Rochester grins knowingly. “That’s not knit. It’s crochet. My wife crochets. Believe me, I’ve learned to tell the difference.”
~~~
The hood fits great. It frames my face without getting in the way of my peripheral vision. It falls down to where my arms and shoulders meet. I pull off my coat enough to tuck it in. I’m immediately warmer. Better than a scarf and hat, which would leave a gap for my neck to freeze.
I pull my helmet back on.
So much better. I should have listened to her sooner.

-- Excerpts from “Unraveling: Wolves of Argonne” by C. Jane Reid

For more information, see: http://ficstitchesyarns.com/winter-2018-kit-reveal/