How do I find my "Alchemy Level" for creating items in The Alcove? On SubetaLodge, I came across a bunch of books I want to create and it says, "Your alchemy level has to be 8 or above to create one of these items." I know I'm not a zombie right now, so I can't enter, but it's almost February and I want to be ready!

It tells you on the Alchove page. For example mine says this:

Your alchemy level: 4 Skill points to next level: 2

If you're not a zombie yet, you'll have to wait to be able to see it. If you have zombie skins unlocked, you can wear one of them to get in any time of year. But you increase your level by making items there. A lot of items don't require any levels to make, that's a pretty new thing that was implemented somewhat recently.

ah thanks and how do you gain alchemy levels? Is it one per item created?

You get a certain amount of skill points for each item created, and when you get enough you move up to the next level. I'm not sure exactly how many items need to be created per level, but if you want to do it cheaply you can just use random tokens to make items.

[edit]Random alchemy tokens, that is. Like this: [item=Alchemy Token: Food] One token will give you an item, even if you don't use any of the extras like layer cards and colors.

oh wow that's a great tip thanks!