Apricot-Orange Scones
A few days of negative degree weather will make you forget all about your resolutions for the new year and compel you to bake scones. It was either the weather (which I blame everything on since I moved from California to Vermont) or one of the inspiring books I received for Christmas - "The Apron Book", which captivated my domestic side throughout the recent storm.

I received a library of craft-related books for Christmas this year, which confirms that I was a really good grrrl in 2007. "The Apron Book" by EllynAnne Geisel (shown above), "Vogue Knitting Quick Reference" by the editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine,"Knitting Lingerie Style" by Joan McGowan-Michael, "The Ultimate Sock Book" by Vogue Knitting, and "Sew Everything Workshop" by Diana Rupp.

Jon, Nico and I went snowshoeing this morning, followed by a trip to the recycling house... so that should justify consuming a few extra comfort calories, snuggling up with a good book and starting a new project.

The UFOs of 2007
Rib Waves Fingerless Gauntlet

Patchwork Tote

Montego Bay Scarf

Happy New Year!

New Year's Noro Hat
Yarn: Noro Kureyon (188)
Needles: Size 7 circular & dpn
(Pattern by Saartje de Bruijn)

Scandinavian Almond Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle sliced almonds on bottom of pan.
Beat well: 1 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1 1/2 tsp pure almond extract, 2/3 cups milk
Add: 1 1/4 cup flour and 1/2 tsp baking powder
Add: 1 stick melted margarine
Mix well.
Carefully pour over sliced almonds. Bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes, until edges turn golden brown. Cool cake completely before removing from pan. (Cake will break if removed too soon.) Sprinkle with confectionery sugar.
Merry Christmas!

A Perfect Day for Snowshoeing
Jon, Nico and I went snowshoeing this afternoon. We started in the field behind our house, then proceeded along the path that was once miles of railroad track in the woods. It was a perfect day. There was easily a foot of untouched powder and the temperature was in the 30's.
Somewhere along the way, Nico made a friend with the Husky dog that has been wandering the neighborhood for the past few days. "Tubbs" cruised with our pack for most of the two-hour journey.

GOOD TIMES!

Umbilical Cord Hat (for Scott's new baby girl)
Yarn: Peaches & Creme (175 Fiesta Ombre)
Needles: Size 6 circular & dpn
(Pattern by Jennifer L. Jones from "Stitch n' Bitch")

Thanksgiving Dinner for Two
Maple-Glazed Turkey Breast, Candied Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans with Bacon, Roasted-Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Turkey Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Spring Salad Greens, Homemade Dinner Rolls, and Chocolate Cake.

Linen Curtains
I am finally getting to know my sewing machine. Shown here is my first completed curtain accompanied by a trio of brass birds that I bought several years back at a flea market in New York.
"Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

Super Bulky Earflap Hat (for Jon)
Yarn: Malabrigo Chunky Kettle Dyed Pure Merino Wool (Black and Vaa) held together
Needles: Size 15 needles
Pattern Modifications: Added 6 rows before the decrease to make the hat longer. BO at 6 stitches instead of 3. Left off the ties and pom-poms.
(Pattern from Kaleidoscope Yarns www.kyarns.com)

A quaint shop with a friendly staff. When in Vermont, visit:
The Knitting Studio
7 Main Street, Montpelier, VT 05602