The December 2007 issue of MagKnits came out the other day. It includes what may be, for some women, the simple winter hat of your dreams.

I'm not kidding you: If you have hair longer than chin-length, Hannah could be the hat you've been waiting for. It looks like a normal stocking cap from the front, but has a back similar to that of a baseball cap, so your ponytail isn't crushed against your head. (There are a few other hats like this out there, but mostly they use tiny extruded tubes and make your hair stick up at eccentric angles. Which is awesome, but a little too much for some people.)

More pattern chat after the break! This issue is a good one. It has nice accessories, cute sweaters, and a long coat with construction worth studying.

The stores are getting all their new winter coats in, and depending on where you live, it's almost time to bundle up. With so many beautiful coats it's hard to choose one that will suite you just right. I am forever noticing long sleek jackets on women and commenting on how attractive they look. When I get to the store and try that same style on myself, I look like a child in my mother's coat. Certain shapes are flattered by certain coat styles, and the wrong fit can highlight all the areas we're looking to hide.

Coat Check - Beat the chill with a coat that flatters explains which coats are right for which body shapes. If you have a pear shape figure, you'll want to look for a coat that balances out proportions. A belted trench will work well for you. You can find this cut in everything from khaki to fur; you'll have no shortage of style, just stick with the most attractive fit for you. If you have a boyish figure, you'll want to choose a feminine cut, with distinct lines that hold their own shape. A princess cut pea-coat or a 1940's inspired wrap coat will be stunning on you.

Have a look through their suggestions and consider which style best fits you. You can take their recommendations on cut, and translate it to fit your own personal style, be it sporty, classic or business. There is something for everyone, and since you'll be spending a lot of time in this coat, loving the way you look will make a big difference.

In Gary's post about increasing your homes sale value he recommends making sure that your floors are clean. He stresses the good impression this creates, and I totally agree. It doesn't matter if you're gearing up for a sale, or looking to better enjoy the space you have, refinishing your hardwood floors is a fabulous way to being a little luxury to your room.

Finishing or re-finishing a hardwood floor isn't the daunting task you might think. With some careful planning and diligent attention to detail you could take on this DIY refinishing project. There are important details in each step so be sure to check out the site for full instructions. Here's a summary of the steps:

It's getting cooler, which means it's time to pull those fall coats out of storage. An easy way to add a little bit of life to an otherwise dreary coat (and cling on to the vestiges of summer) is to add a bright flower pin to your lapel. Here are 5 ways to make one using different kinds of materials:

Fabric

• Wise Craft has a tutorial for a very hip flower pin. What I like about this pattern is that you can get very different looks by varying the type, combination, and color of fabrics used. Artsy-Crafty Babe also has a flower pin tutorial that uses a different technique but achieves a similar effect.
• Maize's Diary has a tutorial for a frayed fabric flower pin made from a fabric scrap and a button. No sewing machine or advanced sewing skills necessary.

Felt

• Whip-up has a tutorial for a an adorable felt daisy that could easily be made into a pin - or a sunflower or poppy for that matter.

Yarn

• If you feel like going bold, the MagKnits archive has a pattern for a huge felt poppy pin.
• Not to be outdone, Knitty.com has a pattern for a few different types of knitted flowers.
  

PS: If knitted flowers really strike your fancy, check out Nicky Epstein's Knitted Flowers for serious inspiration overload.