I'm still working away at reversible fabric swatches, but not yet ready to show them off, so instead I thought I'd list five things I can't do without at this time of year.
1. Wool socks. I have a heavy pair I wear over lighter socks, as a sort of slipper substitute. The pattern is Cynthia's Smorgasbord Socks from the first book put out by the Green Mountain Spinnery. My pair is made in navy blue Peace Fleece. They're cushy on their own and cosy inside boots. I have a bunch of lighter socks I wear with clogs inside the house. Cotton socks just don't cut it in January in Canada, even in a mild winter.
2. Rubber boots. Goes with 1. Nothing beats rubber boots and wool socks for keeping your feet warm and dry. My boots aren't especially tall, but they have good treads, so I can wear them even when it's a bit icy, and I can slip them on and off quickly for taking out the garbage or shovelling the front walk.
3. My iPod. I don't have a laptop or a tablet (although I'd love both), and I have an old clunker of a mobile phone. However, last year I splurged on a iPod so I could listen to audiobooks while knitting. Now I use it for all sorts of things from reading the Globe and Mail to finding out which bus to take. Love it and can't imagine how I lived without one before.
4. Tea. Notice how this is the third item on the list that has to do with staying warm? I love strong, hot tea with just a little milk, no sugar. Have to have a mug first thing in the morning and again in the middle of the afternoon. I might even sneak in a small cup after dinner if I have to stay up late. Mostly I drink Red Rose Orange Pekoe, 'cause it's cheap and reasonably good, although other family members disagree. James gave me a bag of loose "Buckingham Palace Garden Party" tea for Xmas; it's fragrant with jasmine and a hint of bergamot and I love it too.
5. My lacy baktus scarf. There's something about the shape of a baktus that's perfect. You can wind it around your neck and tie it so that it cuddles your jaw right up to your ears. You can drape it loosely to wear indoors. Mine is made from Shibui merino and I could really use a second. Maybe I'll have to dream up some way of putting my personal stamp on it. Now, there's an idea for a useful and interesting new project.
