I looked forward to getting Reversible Knitting: 50 Brand-New, Groundbreaking Stitch Patterns because I’m a big fan of Lynne Barr’s book Knitting New Scarves. Lynne’s innovative and clever approach to knitting continues in this book. The book begins with a section on “faux crochet,” where Lynne was inspired by crochet’s ability to go in different directions. But she didn’t try and copy crochet stitches, she used the concepts of crocheted lace as inspiration to come up with innovative new knitting techniques. I especially like the stitch “tilted,” which is a bit like a lacy open entrelac in that you’re creating discrete little sections of knitting. There are nice step-by-step photos in all sections to get you through any tricky bits.

In this book, reversible doesn’t mean that the fabric is the same on both sides. It means that Lynne has considered both sides of the fabric when creating the 50 new stitches featured and both sides are interesting–there is no “wrong side” or “right side.”

The patterns in Reversible Knitting aren’t reversible in the traditional sense either. They are all interesting, some fascinating and created by some of the most exciting minds in knitting including Norah Gaughn, who not surpisingly has a sweater that can be worn upside down or right side up, wenlan chia who has the sweater I’d most like to wear a bulky cowl necked sweater called “Winding Path,” Debbie New, Lily Chin, Cat Bordhi and Veronik Avery.

Yesterday we got a huge dump of wet, wet snow, the city almost shut down which is saying a lot for Cordova. The snow removal machines (And James who seems to be constantly shoveling our BIG driveway) have had a very hard time keeping up. Snow keeps falling off the roof (roofalanche!) and piling up in front of our windows,  so we get a lot less light in the house during our short days, but the view outside is very pretty now that its gotten a little colder and the snow has slowed. I’m just hoping everything is cleaned up by the time we fly out on Sunday.

Meanwhile, even in the thick of the snowstorm people were out in droves walking through the foot-deep slush in town shopping and generally having a good time. The Net Loft was busy yesterday and several friends stopped by and we did some exchanging of gifts. I gave my friend Angela a little Noro scarflette like the one I made myself back in May.

Angela gave ME this adorable little handmade doll by an Alaskan artisan. The doll is a weaver and has a little in progress basket in her hands. She’s also wearing a Kuspuk which is a traditional native Alaskan garment.

I haven’t mailed this little scarf yet, and the recipient may or may not be reading this blog post, (I hope she likes it when she gets it!) but Colleen was kind enough to model it for me. The scarf is made using the snowflake garland pattern from Red Heart, I made it with Brown Sheep Bulky and a USM hook, and added the tassels at the end.

Finally, I re-discovered this custom colorway of Three Irish Girls Gallenas at The Net Loft on Wednesday, and had to get it to make some small ornaments for gifts. This is the heart from simplebeans.

I hope you’re all finding a little time to crochet during these busy weeks. I’ve been saving this skein of handspun from Blonde Chicken Boutique since I bought it last spring. I’m thinking of making my Elsinore Woods Scarf [Ravelry Link] with it this evening if I get the chance. The scarf pattern is in the latest issue of Inside Crochet (issue #5).

There’s a bit of a flurricaine going on outside. That’s what my friend Sascha calls it when it’s snowing and also blowing 40+MPH winds. So, in honor of the dramatic weather I’ve decided to deluge you with ornaments. I seem to be running out of minutes and still have yet to gather teacher presents, make more cookies and maybe pack for our trip to San Francisco along with things like Girl Scout caroling parties, and the little Knit Night gift exchange we had last night. Oh, and hopefully get holiday cards underway!

I hosted a baby shower on Sunday afternoon. It was a tea, and it was fun to get out my grandmother’s Franciscanware. It is service for twelve, so perfect for a big gathering like this. I made mini sandwiches, cupcakes, cookies and of course tea and coffee.

And I made a little something for the baby too – A chunky log-cabin-inspired carriage blanket and matching hat.

The blanket is made entirely in half-double crochet, and was worked out from the center using Plymouth Yukon – a soft, bulky wool blend yarn that has a nice sheen. It will be warm for a little Alaskan baby born in January.

So just in case I’m away from the blog for a day or so, here are a few ornaments to consider.

I’m still stuck on Danish hearts!  I didn’t really get the last one to turn out the way I wanted, but I’ve found TWO on the Drops Design web site (which is full of such great christmas stuff, you could spend all month making it). This filet-crochet inspired one seems very promising.

Heart Ornament from Drops Design

Here’s the other–a little more traditional looking, and includes a little pocket to hide goodies.

Danish Heart from Drops Design

I love this little pine cone, but to make it I will have to stray from my color palette, I did not include brown. I’m sure I can find some in the stash.

Crocheted Pine Cone from Planet M Files

Have you ever tried Tunisian crochet? I’ve only dabbled, but I’d like to do more. This teeny tiny hat from Inner Child Crochet seems like the perfect way to get your feet wet. So little and cute!

Tunisian Crocheted Hat from Inner Child Crochet

Finally, I’ve been on the lookout for little wreath patterns, and while there are many, most require pipe cleaners or some kind of ring foundation. Nothing wrong with that, but I specifically wanted patterns that folks could just sit down and crochet without a lot of extra materials. Here’s a little wreath that I think would look nice with or without the attached bell.

Wreath With Bell - copyright 2004, Lalia Nordmark

Well I missed yesterday, and I’ll be busy tomorrow too, so I’ve piled up a few ornaments to keep us busy in the moments we do snatch to crochet.

For yesterday, crocheted mittens:

A Pair of Mittens from Better Homes & Gardens

Today, some quick hearts–these are fast and fun, I’m planning on making a pile more. Jenni’s blog Simplebeans is fun to explore, too.

Crocheted Hearts, Copyright Simplebeans

And for tomorrow, Holly Leaves and Berries from Marlo’s Crochet Corner.

Holly and Berries from Marlo's Crochet Corner

I’m hoping things will calm down after the weekend, but there’s not much chance, really. At any rate, tomorrow I’m hosting a baby shower, and in a week we’ll be leaving to spend Christmas in San Francisco.

Crocheted Angel Ornament by Phyllis of Many Creative Gifts (www.favecrafts.com)

I like the simplicity of today’s ornament: this little Angel from the Fave Crafts web site.

I spent my crocheting time today working on a gift, so I’m falling a wee bit behind on my ornament making. How about you? I’m also looking for more ideas, so if you’ve seen some fun ornaments out there. Let me know in the comments.

I did finish the gift I was making, and it’s blocking right now, but it’s a heavy wool, so I’m concerned about it drying in time. (I will not, however, be putting it in the oven at 225F as the Yarn Harlot famously did yesterday with a twitter play-by-play. At least, not yet, as I don’t want to take it off the blocking board.) I even photographed the gift in question, and I’ll post the pics after its been given this weekend.

James’ ship got underway for a quickly scheduled buoy tending trip. I’m hoping they get back in time for the weekend’s crazy mess of activities–caroling, Christmas pageant, and a baby shower. But tonight, I’m going to settle down and watch a little TV and try and catch up on ornaments IF I can tear myself away from the book I’m listening to on my iPod.

Speaking of books, Selma and I are reading The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. We’re really enjoying it. I’m looking forward to listening to Gaiman’s reading of the book. I love how he narrates most of his own audio books. His recording of his book Stardust is one of our favorites, the kind of story you can listen to over and over and not tire of it. I’m going to be reviewing a couple of audio books in the coming days, and I have a couple to give away too, so start thinking about your favorite books to listen to.

UPDATE: I did make the Angel tonight, tho’ I haven’t blocked it yet. It was a nicely done pattern and the result is pretty in the fine wool. I’ll post pictures of all of my little ornaments as soon as I can.

Today while I was teaching at The Net Loft, the young girl whom I had taught to make snowflakes last week came back. She’s gone snowflake crazy–she’s made garlands and a table runner, having figured out how to attach the motifs in a multitude of ways. I was starting a log cabin-inspired baby blanket while I was there and she eyed it curiously, I think I see baby blankets in her future too, it’s so fun to have a new, eager crocheter!

Tomorrow is Jay’s pre-school Christmas concert #1 (he goes to 2 different preschools, one M,W,F and one T, Th, so there will be another holiday event for the other school next week!). I need to make cookies for the concert, and I think I’ll make my mom’s butterscotch cookies. They’re a drop cookie, so no rolling out or decorating (=fast!), and they’re super-yummy.

Here’s her recipe:

1/2 c. butter or margarine
1 1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs (To skip the egg, try this egg replacer recipe, or just use a 1/4 c. of applesauce or pureed fruit).
1 c. sour cream (for dairy free, substitute 1 c. silken tofu + 1 T. lemon juice)
1 t. vanilla

2 1/2 c. flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1 t. baking soda

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, then sour cream and vanilla. In a med. bowl, whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda). Combine flour with wet ingredients.  Drop by teaspoonfulls onto a cookie sheet and bake at 350F for 6-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

Glaze
3 T. butter or margarine
1/4 c. water
1 t. vanilla
Powdered sugar

Melt butter and remove from heat. Add water and vanilla. Stir in powdered sugar until the glaze is thick. Once the cookies are cool, frost and allow the glaze to harden before serving.

Candy Ornament from Beansprout Creations

Tonight, I’m going to make this adorable little candy ornament, again from Beansprout Creations. Since I do have that baby blanket to work on, I won’t be making 20 of these, but you can see how one would want to have several in every color.

I love this teeny sweater ornament by Mary Jane Wood suggested by Elora in the comments. I especially love the little hanger. I keep wanting to make several of each of these ornaments, but I’m restraining myself to one or three so I have time to try them all. Do keep the suggestions coming!

Teeny Sweater Ornament Photo by Mary Jane Wood

Tonight was the elementary school holiday concert, I got to see about 60 5th and 6th grade guitarists playing Jingle Bells, the 3rd and fourth grade were on recorder doing Good King Wenceslas, and the 1st and 2nd graders brought down the house on Harmonica.

I’m going to The Net Loft tonight for knit night. I’ve been running errands and doing housework all day, catching up after the weekend, and I haven’t picked up the hook, but tonight I’m going to make these little skates from Suzies Stuff. I love how the paperclips are the blades.

Paperclip States from Suzies Stuff

I’ve been have a great time lately reading Clara Parke’s new book, The Knitter’s Book of Wool: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Using, and Loving this Most Fabulous Fiber. It’s like having a new cookbook. I’m the kind of person who reads cookbooks cover to cover, and I’m getting that same pleasure from Clara’s Book of Wool. I’m still in the introductory chapters reading about wool growing, gathering and processing and Clara’s prose makes it a pleasure to read. If you don’t know anything about how wool gets from sheep to yarn it’s a fabulous introduction, but I’m enjoying it even though I’ve visited farms, festivals and done a fair amount of reading already about wool. I also love the illustrations and photos that bring everything to life. I’m not rushing it, since it’s such an enjoyable read, but I’m looking forward to getting to the patterns too.

Today was James’ birthday, and he asked for carrot cake. I spent part of the afternoon browsing through recipes and came up with a mish-mash of things I wanted to try. I was inspired by this recipe here, among others. The cake turned out great! It was tender and fragrant with just the right combination of spices, so I thought I’d share my results:

James’ Carrot Cake

Christmas Stocking, from Beansprout Creations

When I was a teenager, we had a Danish exchange student stay at our house. He brought some fun Christmas traditions, and he taught us how to make danish paper hearts.

Christmas Paper Hearts, from Flickr User Ebygomm, Creative Commons

When I was a junior in college, and living in Paris, Morten invited me to come spend Christmas with his family in Danmark. We made marzipan candies, and placed wooden shoes out at Christmas Eve, and we danced around a lighted tree. Christmas in Danmark is magical. I thought today I’d try and crochet some Danish hearts. I found a pattern, which I’ll use at least as a starting point.

Speaking of Scandinavia, the Swedish festival of Santa Lucia, their winter festival of lights is coming up on December 13th, so we’re making some Swedish press cookies today as an early celebration. (We need to do anything we can here to celebrate the light–we have blue sky today for the 5 hours of brightness that we got, it was lovely!)