Snowbuds

I'm often asked which snowflake is my favorite. I've often answered Cold Shivers. My original Cold Shivers Snowflake will always be special to me because of what it symbolizes. Hopefully I will never endure another traumatic experience such as what led to the day I came up with the design and the name inspiration.

More happy dance moments are always welcome, but no more tragedies to get me there, please!


Many times people follow up the original question with another.

"Okay, you like Cold Shivers because of what it means. What about the one you think is prettiest? Which one is the best? Which is your favorite without the emotions?"

That's a trickier question to answer. I think the answer might always depend upon what mood I'm in when asked. Or the season. Or the day of the week. Or perhaps even what project I'm working on at the time of questioning.


The Century Snowflake is my most popular pattern on Ravelry. It isn't my most favorite snowflake, but I do like it a whole lot. Like Cold Shivers, emotional significance embodies the design of this snowflake. Although I didn't get to participate in the MS-150 the first time my readers elevated me to the level of High Roller, that achievement still remains as one of the highlights of my cycling life.


Generally speaking, I think El Diente has always been one of my favorite snowflakes because it was the first regular snowflake I ever designed to be made with two colors. At the time, using two colors for a single snowflake was a novel and eye-popping concept for me.

In my opinion, using a second color in a snowflake can make the most gorgeous snowflake even more beautiful. I'm not sure any of my bi-color snowflakes have ever hit me as deeply as my blue and white El Diente. It just doesn't get any better than that. And it sure takes care of white boredom...


Northern Lights is another favorite because it was my first amigurumi snowflake. Making things from crocheted snowflakes literally opened the floodgates of creativity in my head.


Of course, right behind Northern Lights comes the Peacock Flake. I'm still amazed I came up with that idea, and I'm still continually drawn to all things peacock. I love peacock blue, and I love peacock feathers. Before we bought our house, our apartment was right next door to a peacock haven, and after five years, I still miss their wake-up call every morning. Yes, I really do thoroughly enjoy their squawking! This snowflake captures the essence of my fascination with one of the loveliest birds.


The Christmas Stocking Snowflake has always been on my top ten, both in meaning and in appearance. The pattern for me symbolizes maturing as a designer and, although it wasn't the first, expanding my ability to create themed snowflakes.


People often ask my favorite 14er. That's another tough question. Some are favorites because of the view from the top, some are favorites because of the views on the way up, some are favorites because of the wildflowers in summer or autumn leaves in September and October, some are favorites because of the mountain goats, and some are favorites because of whom accompanied me.

Some of my favorite 14ers are symbolized in my favorite snowflakes. I'm excited that some of the mountains I love could inspire snowflakes with love longevity. It's no secret I have designed snowflakes I just don't like. But some of those 14er snowflakes are BFFs. (Best Feats Forever, because it takes a lot of work to get up a 14er. Or a 13er. Or a 12er...)

Sneffels is high on the list of favorite 14er snowflakes. I love that one pattern made four different snowflakes. I haven't climbed Mount Sneffels yet, but I'm still hoping one day the peak will notch my belt. In the meantime, I've been to Yankee Boy Basin more times than I can count, but I haven't designed a snowflake to go with that trailhead yet. Yet. It is coming! I've been to Blue Lakes four times now with The Lizard, who introduced that trailhead to me. Blue Lakes and the wildflowers there are my second favorite area in all of Colorado. The Blue Lakes Snowflake is not one of my favorites, but shhhhh, don't tell anyone. It gives me the opportunity to break up this cotton blizzard-laden post with something warm and summery...


Longs Peak was my first 14er and to this day remains one of my favorite mountains to shoot, especially from Chasm Lake. Everything around Longs Peak inspires snowflakes and snowflake projects. I've done a series of Longs Peak snowflakes and snowflakes named after the mountains and lake at the base of this majestic peak, also featured on the Colorado state quarter, as well as projects based on these patterns. (The Storm Peak and Mount Lady Washington scarves are among my favorite non-snowflake patterns, I might add.) So far, I think I like the second Longs Peak Snowflake best of the series, but I've still got one more long-term Longs Peak project and at least two more easy Longs Peak snowflakes up my sleeve.


Sometimes people ask my favorite place in Colorado.


Easy as a one-round snowflake (because pie is NOT easy): the gorgeous, spectacular, magnificent basin where The Lizard proposed to me.


I was able to capture the depth of my fondness in a series of patterns. The manipulated photo I included with the West Fork group of snowflakes also is one of my favorite photo collages of all time, too.


The Wave, of course, is one of my favorite places in the whole world (so far), and the second snowflake inspired by my first trip to Coyote Buttes is one of my favorite snowflakes, as well as one of the most fun once done. I have to say, weaving in all the ends from color changes is not my most fun use of time. But just like waiting to get into The Wave, the arduous process is worth the finished snowflake.


The Lollipop Snowflake and hat have to be the most fun snowflake projects I've ever designed.


The Wiggle Flower Afghan is fast and fun, fun, fun, and I'll never forget the reaction of my little five-year-old neighbor when I presented her with one of the sampler projects for her birthday. She takes that afghan everywhere and loves poking her fingers through the holes as she wraps up in it.


I Heart You was another really fun snowflake to create, and I anticipate a few more themed versions of this particular pattern one day.


The Feather Snowflake is one of my favorites because it just looks so darned cool.


The Medallion II Snowflake in all the different color combinations I played with has to be my second most favorite in appearance. This was another groundbreaking snowflake for me because I still have not explored all the ideas brewing in my head when I look at this pattern.


Indigo Ice is up there, too, though. Hmmm, maybe I like it more than the medallions...

The best snowflake I've designed so far, though, has to be Little Bear and Blanca Peak (which pattern is available only via donation to the Colorado/Wyoming Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Fun to make, fun to play with and a terrific gift. This is one of my favorite ornaments on my tree each Christmas! It twirls on our tree when we walk by or when the heater kicks in on a cold snowy day. Makes the Little Bear almost come to life!

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