Craft:

Chronicle Books' Winter Knits Kit by Sara Lucas and Allison Isaacs is the perfect antidote to the cold weather outside. (Allison is the owner of one of my favorite yarn stores in San Francisco, Imagiknit.) The kit features 25 cozy knitting projects and also comes with a cool array of extras: size 8 circular needles, 2 stitch markers, lifting ribbon, yarn needle, yarn, as well as a booklet on the basics of knitting. Each pattern is printed on mid-sized pattern cards which makes it extra easy to tote around in your knitting bag. The projects are fantastic because there are a variety of things you can make for yourself, your home, or as a gift for friends -- such as the Ruffle Scarf, Cozy Lap Robe, Throw Pillow, or Dog Blanket. And I love that most of the projects you could probably finish in a few days, such as the Mug Cozy which I'm dying to try out. The photography by France Ruffenach is stellar and makes it extra hard to decide which pattern you want to start first. Featured on the companion book site are 3 free patterns from the kit: Mug Cozy, Feather and Fan Hat, and the Cozy Lap Robe. This is also a perfect gift to give to your knitting friends! Link.