dressing for the cold

We're having a bit of a cold snap up here in Maine. The temperatures have been hovering in the teens, dipping down to the single digits at night. We are by no means the only part of the country that gets this cold in the winter months. This particular cold snap has also bitten the other Northern US states. January, February and March are challenging months for the Northern sewist.   Staying warm is of ultimate importance. But we still want to look good and wear things we make. In the above outfit the skirt is a Moss from Grainline, the cowl neck top is a Renfrew from Sewaholic and the cardigan is a Strokkur from Ysolda Teague.  [and yes, I know the cowl is obscuring the yoke on the Strokkur, but when its this cold, some wardrobe choices are just moot] Those polka dot sweater tights are RTW as are the boots, but the wool socks in the books are me-made. I just finished this cardigan, like sewed the buttons on this am at work, just. It was knit in Maine's own Peace Fleece, a hearty, rustic wool and mohair blend yarn that really doesn't work for me the rest of the year. But when it gets this cold I am grateful that I have two sweaters in this yarn. Last year it was just one of them and I wore it a lot.  At least this year those around me get some variety when it's frigid...

So this is my question. Do those of us who sew garments and live in Northern climates have it better because we have so much variety to sew for?  I am always looking for cool patterns with good sleeves, the longer the better. I have dozens and dozens of perfectly wonderful sewing patterns for temperate weather garments. I love sewing them, they go together quickly, they are made with delicious lightweight fabrics. But they won't keep me warm in January in Maine.  And I am wearing all me-made these days. So I need patterns with sleeves. I look for garments that work in wool and corduroy. Construction that takes thicker fabrics into consideration. Its a bit of puzzle, a challenge to make warm fashionable garments. I like the challenge, try to rise to the occasion.  Especially since I get away to warmer places occasionally during the cold months, so I can pull some warmer weather garments out for a spin. But also because I know there is an end in sight, it will get warmer and I will get to make, and wear, those flirty items again. But right now I am looking for warmth. I am making Renfrews, Mosses, and Lindens in wool and french terry and corduroy. I am toying with the idea of an Anna with self-drafted sleeves in wool.  Wondering what a Hawthorn would look like in pinwale corduroy. Contemplating an Odette in raw silk. I'm casting on for more sweaters, and tucking my wool socked toes under and trying to stay warm....and still look good!