This year, instead of way too many truffles and Guylian hazelnut shell chocolates, I asked Santa to fill my stocking with something that would last longer: a collection of loose leaf teas. I am having so much fun trying different varieties. This mug is filled with a lemongrass blend of organic herbal tea from China that also includes clove, roses, and schizandra berries: perfect for appreciating the snowfall and below-zero windchill from inside my apartment.

I’ve been welcoming the new year with some soothing seed stitch — a perfect pairing for this tea. I’m knitting a sample, and since I don’t get to keep the finished object, I was given the yarn: luxurious Schaefer Laurel in the Elizabeth Blackwell colorway. Usually I’d say that knitting with cotton is not my favorite thing to do, but this stuff is heavenly. Here’s a seed stitch close up:

Boh thinks it is pretty cool, too.

Or he just likes that I sit next to him on the couch while I work on it, doing my part to keep us both warm.

Actually, I’m just using Boh to transition to this super cool pair of yoga socks that my friend H. (who introduced me to yoga here) knit for me! She knit them (beautifully, I might add) out of Noro, and I absolutely love the color transitions. Also, they fit perfectly! Gifts between knitters are extra special.

Hope you’re staying warm on this blustery Sunday morning!