So, at this point I’m sure that nobody in Chicagoland is ignorant of the big-time cold snap we’ve got headed our way.

But what can we do when it’s just too cold? Here’s one idea: learn to knit yourself a big old woolly scarf to wrap around your head and keep your nose from freezing off.

For only a few more weeks, the Stitching Salon, a completely free interactive exhibit put on by the Chicago Tourism Center, will be running at Randolph and Michigan. I went there myself last week, and with the help of some very friendly, very old ladies I got a refresher course on casting on, admired some neat art, and entertained a couple of middle school-aged girls from my women’s mentoring group–all completely gratis! C’mon, if middle schoolers were enthralled, you will be too!

And afterward, I can’t help but recommend a short walk north on Michigan to indulge in some Mexican hot chocolate from Moonstruck. Stay warm, and GO BEARS!