What’s in a Name… Frost Flower Fiberworks

A frost flower - also known as hair ice or wool ice.

What’s in a name….. Frost Flower Fiberworks

Imagine you’re walking through the forest on a cool crisp morning. Your breath forms delicate plumes. The sun is just beginning to peek out behind vibrant streaks of pink and orange. Out of the corner of your eye you see something sparkle. Now it’s early so you think your mind is playing tricks on you. You decide to investigate. You move some dried autumn leaves aside and there it is. Twinkling in the early morning sunlight. Is it a flower? It certainly looks like a flower. You touch it and to your surprise it’s frozen! This is no ordinary flower. It has fine petals of frozen water. It is a… frost flower.

Frost flowers are a natural phenomenon that only bloom during the first frost of the season, never to be seen again until next year’s first frost. Autumn and winter working in harmony is what makes these flowers so special. The air needs to be cold and the ground still warm and damp. As the cold air settles in, water that’s trapped inside the flower stems freezes and tiny cracks begin to appear in the stem. Now here’s where the magic happens. Water vapor escapes through the cracks and collides with the cold crisp air. Upon impact the vapor turns to ribbons of ice! The constant flow of vapor through the cracks and freezing creates delicate petals that form these exquisite natural beauties.

So what is the connection between frost flowers and the fiber arts?

Well, it’s all about transition. The transition in season from autumn to winter. In temperature, from warm to cold. In wardrobe, from light and airy to cozy and wooly. The transition from a single stitch to a big comfy sweater. And in the case of the frost flower, the transition from vapor to ice. Frost flowers and knitting are an artistry born out of these transitions.

I feel connected to the shared idea of intentionality. That we create something to accommodate the seasonal shifts just as nature does. Nature prepares for the upcoming changes just as we, as knitters, begin to do the same. We gather our past prized projects from storage and stack them neatly on shelves in anticipation of blustery weather. We pull out all of our wooliest yarns to knit all of the sweaters, hats, and shawls, readying ourselves for the coming months. This is our time to shine! These transitions are what we, as knitters, live for!

As the seasons begin to shift from autumn to winter, be mindful of your surroundings. Take note of how nature and your knitting changes with this shift. And be on the lookout for these frosty blossoms. Tomorrow freezing temperatures are forecast in the northeast. Perfect for an early morning stroll to try to spot the elusive frost flowers.

*If you’re in awe of these icy wonders and need to see more, check out my Pinterest page!