Knitting on the Road - 3

These fingerless mitts for my friend Sue made the trip home from Fargo, ND a real pleasure. Sue wanted a mitt with a longer thumb and shorter cuff. I like the longer thumb and will definitely be making a pair of these for myself.

The remaining yarn made a pair of short-cuffed socks the perfect size for my sister.

I used Cherry Tree Hill supersock yarn (100% superwash merino). It was my first time knitting with merino, and I am in love. This yarn did not split and slipped nicely on the needles. It has a heavier twist than other sock yarns and will wear very well.

Knitting on the Road - 2

These wild-colored socks were gifted to my sister for her hospitality. The yarn (a superwash wool by Wisdom Yarns - San Diego) didn't look bad in the skein, but why the designer put such a loud orange in the mix is beyond me. Other than the colorway, working with the yarn was a delight, no splitting or dropped stitches.

I finished the first sock just as we were pulling into Fargo, ND and the other one two days later after two nights of knitting while my sisters and their husbands played cards.

Kids Just Want. . .

to have FUN.

Kids + Water = Lots of Laughs

My niece (in the black suit at right) watches over her children (my three-year old great-niece, Rose, and two-year old great-nephew, Jesse) while they burn off some energy. Preparing to descend the slide is another one of my great-nieces, Nicole, who is ten.

I don't have the opportunity to see these children very much, so I spent as much time with them as I could while I was in Fargo, ND. We went to the carnival at the Red River Valley County Fair and played around their grandmother's house. So much energy is packed is such small bundles.

Completely Finished

The quilting and binding are finished on the Bear Paw Quilt.

Cinnamon Jumble was quilted with honey bees.

It is completely finished, too.

It's hard to believe that I finished two quilts in six months.

Yikes, Bugs!

It was late when we neared Jamestown, ND last week, and it became obvious we were in a moist, humid environment. We had to exit and scrub the windshield a couple of times just to see the road.

I have never seen so many bugs at one time. Even the doors and side mirrors were caked with bugs. It took two cycles at the car wash to get rid of the remains.

Knitting on the Road

I always wanted to knit some scrubbies out of mesh or netting, but I didn't have a pattern until I located this pattern. It is also available in a similar crochet version. I found some tulle at the thrift shop and experimented before I purchased another roll for a road trip knitting project.

The 6-inch rolls of tulle can usually be found in the bridal aisle of Hobby Lobby, JoAnn's, etc. Try to find some without the shimmer or glitter because you will be paying extra without any real benefit. Pull the cardboard tube out of the middle of the roll and using some old scissors, cut the roll in half. You are now ready to begin knitting.

I used size 11 bamboo needles because I did not want to scratch my metal needles. I discovered that each scrubby takes about 12 yards of 3-inch wide tulle. The rolls of tulle vary in length: the smallest roll I found had 25 yards of 6-inch tulle which provided 50 yards of tulle when cut in half, resulting in 4 scrubbies.

When you finish knitting, your object will be this shape. Leave a tail of about 8 inches so you can finish the scrubbie.

Match the cast on edge with the bound off edge. Pin if necessary.

The edges will snuggle up against one another forming a tube. Using one of the tails, stitch the two edges together. Do not cut the tail.

Use the tail to go through the slipped stitches.

Pull the stitches so the tube closes tightly on this one end.

If the tail is long enough to go through the stitches at the other end, then repeat the process. If not, secure the tail and use the other tail to gather the slipped stitches.

Now flatten the scrubby so the gathered stitches are together. I secured the two sides together a few times to allow the scrubby to keep its shape.

Being confined in a vehicle on the open road gave me a lot of time to work on scrubbies. I completed 20 scrubbies for my sister's Longaberger Breast Cancer Walk. She will place the scrubbies in baskets ordered by her walkers.

Mission Quilts

Two Fridays a month a group of ladies gather in the fellowship hall of my church. They are members of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, and one of their missions is to provide serviceable quilts to those in need.

These quilts are made out of discarded polyester clothing and polyester yardage. Step One: cutting the squares. Several sizes of squares are made, so nearly all of the fabric is used.

The squares are sent to the next station where they are organized and then selected for quilt tops.

Step Two: sew the blocks into a flimsy (quilt top)

Step Four: prepare the quilt "sandwich" with the top, a used blanket for the batting, and a bed sheet for the backing.

Step Three: tack the bed sheet or quilt backing to the frame.

Step Four: place the batting (old blanket) and quilt top on the frame and secure with pins.

Step Five: Tie the quilt with yarn to secure all three layers.

Step Five: Send the tied quilt back to the sewing group where the excess backing is turned and now serves as the binding for the quilt.

Mission Accomplished. Materials have been saved from the landfill, and attractive and durable quilts are the result of this labor of love.

Half Moon Lake Retreat

What can three sisters with three sewing machines create in one week in a semi-isolated, two-room cabin?

Priceless memories of massive millers (moth) attacks and their ultimate slaughter (believe me it was memorable), reconnecting and remembering childhood memories, and . . .

three unique Sunbonnet Sue quilt tops made from our mother's hand-appliqued, Sunbonnet Sue blocks.

I recommend going on a crafting retreat with your sister, your daughter, or your friend.

Photo Op

Make sure you grab the camera at your next gathering and take a picture of the whole gang. Arrange for a non-family member to take the photos so everyone can be pictured.

Photos like this are a wealth of information for future generations. Of course, don't forget to label the photo, so they know the identity of who was there. Can you find me and my two sisters in this photo?

My two sisters married two brothers. This picture features both sides of the family and was taken in 2006 in Minnesota during a week-long gathering.

Historic Mansion

One of my favorite activities is touring old houses. While on a trip to Duluth, MN with my sisters, I had the pleasure of touring the Glensheen Mansion. The house is absolutely beautiful and has an intriguing history (murder and suspense included).

How I would have loved to spend more time there. If you go, I recommend taking the actual tour of the house, especially the top floor which is an extra charge but well worth it.

Family Ties

Nearly 10 years ago, the family gathered for a week-long camping trip. One branch of the family brought an RV and the rest tented. We cooked on an open campfire and connected with each other as adults. This photo of me with my nieces and nephews is one of my favorites from that gathering.

The devotion Rowdie (the border collie) shows to his master (Dwight) is priceless.

Up and Away

I'll be away for a few days for a routine medical appointment and a road trip. I've scheduled some posts on a variety of topics to fill-in until I return. I hope you enjoy them. Feel free to leave comments, as I will be checking email frequently.

Investment Success

Last August, I replaced all the window sashes in my house, and I am pleased that my electric bill has been less each successive month, and the outside temperature has not varied significantly from the previous year.

It has been a mild Spring so far with cooler temperatures. The true test of the windows will be in late July, August, and September, so I am curious to see what this summer's bill will show.

So far, I am very pleased with the return on my investment.

September 08 - 110 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year -4 degrees)

October 08 - 62 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year -1 degree)

November 08 - 80 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year 0 degrees)

December 08 - 383 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year -9 degrees)

January 09 - 844 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year +10 degrees)

February 09 - 452 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year +7 degrees)

March 09 - 21 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year +8 degrees)

April 09 - 22 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year 0 degrees)

May 09 - 213 kwh (avg daily temperature from previous year +1 degree)

Kilowatts saved in nine months = 2,187

A Matter of Inches

The main reason I don't like to cut fabric for quilts is that my "cutting table" (actually a folding, resin table) is just too low. I always get a backache that troubles me for days. I considered purchasing bed risers, but the cost to raise the table to the necessary height took my breath away. Since each riser is 3.5 inches, I would need a minimum of three risers for each table leg (a total of three sets of bed risers), and the cost would have been over $70 US. Yikes!

Feasible? I don't think so. So, I limited the time I spent at the cutting table.

I considered using cement blocks, but they would not offer enough height without stacking. I considered gallon-size cans, but they would be too short on their own. No solution came to mind.

Then this week I discovered the solution. when one of the Stashbusters members posted on the group message board about using PVC table extenders. I knew this idea was worth pursuing because PVC pipe is durable, light-weight, and best of all, inexpensive.

I purchased a length of pipe at Ace Hardware and had it cut in 13 inch sections, resulting in nine segments. The "extenders" were very inexpensive: $4.00 US for the pipe, averaging an incredible $ .44 for each extender.


I slipped each table leg into a PVC segment, and now the table is a comfortable height. I am eager to see if this eliminates my backaches. If not, I am only out $4.

The bins to the left of the table are filled with yarn, and the bins under the table hold fabric and spare bedding. If the clutter bothers me, I may construct a table skirt out of a thrifted sheet.


Bonus: I have five extenders left, enough for another table and a spare.

Berry Parfait

Berry Parfait, another blanket for West Coast Oddball Knitters, made a dent in my acrylic yarn stash.

I first knit this pattern in the early 1970s when I made a full-sized afghan. The afghan was retired long ago, but I kept the pattern and revived it to make this blanket.

I used worsted weight yarn and size 10 US needles.

To make this blanket, cast on 12 sts, place marker, **11 sts, place marker **, repeat from ** nine more times, then cast on 12 sts. for a total of 134 sts (The blanket I made this blanket 28 inches wide)

Note:
I used two different color markers (white and purple) and alternated them to keep track of the stitch pattern, one to indicate increases and the other for decreases.

Row 1: Knit all stitches, pass markers as you knit.

Row 2: Knit 1, *K 2tog, K 8, Kfb (inc), PM, Kfb (inc), k 8, K 2tog, PM*, repeat * to * 4 times, K 2 tog, K 8, Kfb (inc), PM, Kfb (inc), K 8, K 2tog, K1

Repeat these two rows - change colors, if desired, on Row 1.

When desired length has been reached, bind off with Row 1.

K 2tog = knit two stitches together
Kfb (inc) = knit into the front and back of one stitch to increase 1 stitch
PM = pass marker
Sts = stitches

A Stitch in Time. . .

I wanted to do something with the sides of my towels for months, but I kept putting it off. I'd simply snipped the loose threads and put the towels back in the linen closet and in the bathroom. I told myself that I'd repair them someday. However, when I took the towels out of the dryer yesterday, I decided that "someday" was now.
The towels themselves are in good shape, but the selvage is worn and the fraying is getting worse.

Instead of attaching a binding that some other blogs have suggested, I simply turned the edge over and used a decorative stitch.
The stitches all but disappear on the front of the towel and are not that visible on the back.

The repaired towels are ready to return to active duty. Their life span has been increased, and my wallet has been spared the expense of replacing the towels.

Eagle's Flight

Eagle's Flight was created in honor of Independence Day for the West Coast Oddball Knitters' Project.

Do Petunias Grow on Trees?

In Wyoming they do.

Even though it is early Summer, the "petunia tree" at my bank looks great.

By August, the plants will be filled out even more, and the tree will be even more beautiful. The "tree" has individual rings for the pots of petunias and each pot has a tube that provides water.

I'd love to have one of these in my yard, but can you imagine trying to "dead head" all those plants?

Lily of the Valley-update

Lily of the Valley is finished.

I had a great time making this preemie blanket for the West Coast Oddball Knitters. Nearly all of the knitting was done during my volunteer shifts at the hospital, and frequently, people asked to have a closer look at the blanket and the pattern.

Acknowledging Comments

Wyoming Breezes allows me to share my failures and successes with anyone who cares to read or view them. I want to thank those who follow my blog, but most of all, I want to thank those who take the time to leave a comment, a word of advice, a pat on the back, a thought to ponder, a question, or a memory from their own life. I enjoy every one of your thoughts.

I'll respond if the commenter's email is available or if the commenter has enabled the email to be linked. I'd like to acknowledge your thoughts, so if you haven't received a response from me, it is because I don't have your email address.

The following individuals left at least one comment on Wyoming Breezes in June; some left several. You might enjoy reading some of their blogs, viewing some of the fabulous photos, and discovering new ideas. (Names are listed in random order) Leave them a comment or two: I know they will appreciate it.

WoolWinder
Mary
AuburnChick
Kathy
QuilterKathy
Colleen
Lulu
Elaine
Lori
Marcia
Alycia
Belinda
Changes in the Wind
Emily
Kathy
Homeschool101
Jen
KnitnutKaren
Mildred
Melisa (and Frankie)
Nat Red Knits
JeannieTX
PurlingKitten (I don't think she has a blog)
Sarita (I don't think she has a blog)

I love to hear from my readers, so please leave a comment when you have the time.

Mailbox Treats

Lori, Dakota City Quilter, volunteers at the Lewis and Clark Visitor's Center. On her blog she posted about her new moveable mailbox (pictured at left) and asked if anyone would help her try it out.

I have a small collection of postcards and thought it would be fun to exchange, and it would give her new mailbox a workout.

On Thursday a package arrived, not just the expected postcard. Inside, of course, was the promised postcard but also some brochures on the dam and recreational area (it looks like a fabulous area), and some luscious fabric (a fat quarter and some "noodles"). It was a wonderful surprise.

Thanks Lori, look for something in your mailbox soon.

Flying High

Happy Independence Day

If you are an American and have a flag, I hope that it is flying proudly today.

Regardless of what nationality you are, if you don't have a flag for your home or apartment, please consider buying one and put it out every sunny day.

Nothing stirs my blood and creates a lump of pride in my throat like a flag snapping in the breeze.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Scent on the Wind

I am mystified how aromas can evoke memories and feelings. The fragrance of a blooming, Russian Olive tree triggers my childhood memories.

The irrigation ditch which ran through the farmyard was lined with about 100 yards of Russian Olives. This copse served as a windbreak for the garden and for the corrals. As far as I knew, the trees had never been trimmed: they were unruly and demanded respect because the thorns caused nasty pricks and cuts. As forbidding as these trees were most of the year, in the Spring they redeemed themselves with the most delicious, sweet smell.

In 2007, the State of Wyoming declared war on the Russian Olive and declared it a noxious weed, a trash tree, and it is slowly being eradicated on public land.

Someday the air will be void of its Spring-time fragrance. That doesn't smell right to me.

Benny and Joon

Yesterday, while a thunder storm passed through my area, I watched a movie on Hulu.

Benny and Joon is a good film - sad, funny, clever, and thought-provoking. I'd give it five/five stars.

The film runs an hour and thirty-eight minutes. Johnny Depp and Mary Stuart Masterson star in this quirky romantic drama about two misfits who come together as a result of an unusual poker game. Aidan Quinn and Julianne Moore co-star. (Commercials are short and infrequent)

If you have some time this weekend, you might enjoy watching it on Hulu or renting it at a video store.

Accuracy Is Not Underrated

I am making progress on my summer goal, but I am having to make some unexpected and sometimes major alterations in the pattern. I am sure that I stopped working on this piece several years ago because my count was off and I got frustrated. I'm still frustrated, but I have more time to try and make it work.

At least the alterations are not glaring, but I worked hard to make sure the angel's face and hand were not too morphed. Since the angel is made with half-stitches, the work went fairly quickly.

Now, I need to stitch the holly and the back-stitching (a part I detest, but it always makes the piece look polished) and add the seed-bead embellishments.

My errors from the past will continue to cause problems, but now they seem more manageable.

Beauty Perceived

You cannot perceive beauty, but with a serene mind.
~ Henry David Thoreau

I never tire of looking at this stained glass window above the altar in my church. I try to arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled service just so I can sit in solitude to pray and to look at the window. This time of meditation fills me with a sense of peace.

Over the years, I have tried to take a decent photo of the window, but the automatic flash on my camera washed out the window and its luscious colors. When I discovered that my new camera has the option to turn off the flash, I knew I had to try photographing the window one more time.

Some mornings, my heart actually aches from the window's beauty when the sunlight enhances different parts. Specifically, the clouds and mountains take on distinct moods at different times and at different seasons or when the clouds outside throw a shadow on the window.

Sitting in the silence, I am saddened when another member of the congregation arrives and turns on the overhead lights. As if on cue, the sanctuary fills with chatter, ending my solitude for another week.