All posts tagged: books

week 50 – a holiday cowl pattern, balaclavas, babka buns, and Tucci’s memoir

Published by fairfaxhill

New Holiday Cowl Pattern Hello! I’ve finished a new cowl. Every winter, I crave something red to go with my black sweaters, especially during the holidays. So, in an attempt to feel like a real knitwear designer (#goals), I decided to get some yarn (Highland Duo alpaca merino wool blend from Cascade Yarns), chose a stitch pattern I liked and tried something on my own. I cast on 50 stitches and knit until the cowl was about 11 inches deep. This yarn will forever be my favorite for things that are close to my neck. It is so soft! I made a blue cowl with it a few years ago. Interested in the pattern? Check out my new Etsy store (a work in progress). After trying the cowl on, I realized it was snug enough to pull over my head like a cap. This got me thinking about the balaclava craze that’s going on in the knitting world. Have you noticed? I first saw one on Petite Knit’s Instagram account and thought they were adorable …

longer days, camellias and a new book

Published by fairfaxhill

It’s starting to look like spring around here and believe me, it is a much-welcomed change! Winter is great for staying indoors, knitting lots and all things cozy, but I have a hard time dealing with fewer hours of light in my days. My biggest complaint is that it’s too dark to go on a walk with my dog before going to work. And later after work, it’s also too dark. Yes, I know, I could use a flashlight or borrow Patrick’s headlamp, which he uses to go fishing in the wee hours of the morning on weekends – but it’s tough to go out there when it’s dark. So, every winter, I tend to not exercise enough and inevitably end up gaining a few pounds. It doesn’t help that I love food and that my appetite seems to quadruple during this time of the year, either! (Kudos to my friends that are on diets now. Whole 30? No way! I could never do that.) There’s a lady that must be about my age that …