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Check it Out: Cozy up with these books for hibernation season

By Jan Johnston for The Columbian

Published: December 2, 2018, 6:04am

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Not to alarm anyone reading this, but I think I might be turning into a bear. It isn’t unexpected; I do this every year. Shorter days and cooler temperatures make me want to eat more, sleep more, and basically hunker down. If I could hibernate for three months, I would totally do it. Alas, there are a few things preventing me from accessing full bear mode: job, family, two very demanding cats. Heavy sigh. So, I can’t hibernate, but my brain still says eat, sleep, eat, sleep. What to do? Make life extra cozy so that the bear will be satisfied but not curled up under the covers from now until, let’s say, March.

Cozy is the word of the day, so be prepared to cozy up to one or more of the titles in the reading list below. Literally from head to toe, these books will keep you toasty warm inside and out. Learn how to knit a fashionable headband, cook a savory soup, make a perfect-fitting pair of socks, craft a cedarwood-scented candle, and more! So much cozy coziness. Nice.

• “Cats in Hats: 30 Knit and Crochet Patterns for Your Kitty,” by Sara Thomas.

Just in time for the holidays, you can stitch up a Santa hat for sweet little Fluffy. She keeps you cozy, so here’s your chance to return the favor. Carefully. Who doesn’t want a cat in a hat?

• “Cold Weather Crochet: 21 Cozy Garments, Accessories, and Afghans to Keep You Warm,” by Marly Bird.

Pretty in Pink Infinity Cowl, Linen Stitch Scarf, Tilt-o-Whirl Afghan – one of each, please. You’ll have no trouble keeping cozy with these beautiful designs.

• “The Cottage Kitchen: Cozy Cooking in the English Countryside,” by Marte Marie Forsberg.

Honestly, as soon as I saw the words “cottage” and “English Countryside” I immediately started feeling cozy. The recipes help, too. Lemon and Honey Polenta Cake With Peaches, Hot Chocolate With Cardamom, Pear and Ginger Tarte Tatin With Vanilla — yum, yum and yum. Oh, look at that. I chose three dessert recipes. The bear is certainly talking.

• “Custom Socks: Knit to Fit Your Feet,” by Kate Atherley.

Sock addiction? I have one. It’s probably a good thing that I don’t know how to knit because I’d be making socks right and left. That’s right — for both feet. According to the publisher’s description, this knitting book “sets out to teach knitters of all levels the skills and tools they need to understand sock fit, and to knit a pair of socks that fit properly.” Looks like you’ll be putting your best foot forward with this toe-pleasing guide.

• “Soup Swap: Comforting Recipes to Make and Share,” by Kathy Gunst.

I’m pretty sure I could live on soup during the winter months. Full of yummy for the tummy recipes, this cookbook allows you to choose from vegetable, poultry, meat and seafood soups as well as side dishes and garnishes. French Onion Soup With Double-Cheese Croutes? Bring. It. On.

• “Sweaters for Dogs: 15 Knitting Projects to Keep Your Dog Cozy and Comfortable,” by Debbie Humphreys.

Gifting your dog with a snazzy sweater will probably be easier than accessorizing kitty’s head (less painful, too). You’ll have plenty of stylish patterns to choose from in this canine-centric guide. A word of advice: you might have to step up your own fashion game because, woof, these sweatered pooches look good.

• “30 Knitted Headbands and Ear Warmers: Stylish Designs for Every Occasion,” by Jenise Hope.

We’ve already established that your cat needs headwear, and now it’s your turn. Instead of hats, knitter Jenise Hope focuses on headbands. Fun patterns and unique designs fill the pages of her book which means lots of variety for your wardrobe. Added benefit to wearing a headband instead of a hat? No more hat-hair!

• “The Year of Cozy: 125 Recipes, Crafts, and Other Homemade Adventures,” by Adrianna Adarme.

Described as a “one-stop-shop” book, take cozy to a whole new level with Apple Gallettes, Pumpkin Arrangements With Persimmons and Cotton, Homemade Wrapping Paper and Dog Teepees. Remember, Fido enjoys cozy, too.

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