Night Glow

inflating a hot-air balloon for the Night Glow
Riverton, WY
July 2017

 During the Rendezvous Balloon Rally in July, Brenda and I went to the launch field just before sundown to see the Night Glow. Four hot-air balloons were selected to inflate and "glow." Other balloonists simply surrounded the field and "candle-sticked" which is just igniting their burners without the balloon attached.

Cloud Kisser glows on the launch field

It was difficult to "time" when to snap photos. When the burners were turned off, the "glow" disappeared.

As dusk approaches a small crowd gathered on the field. Many more
spectators stayed in the vehicles that lined the perimeter of the launch field.

The huge Humpty Dumpty balloon required a lot of
people to anchor the gondola so Humpty wouldn't take
off. He was also anchored to a nearby pickup. 

This was the first time I had attended the Night Glow portion of the rally. I will definitely go again.

PAIRFECT Socks

PairFect sock in progress
August 2017

I was intrigued with the PAIRFECT yarn in a Denver shop. It's possible to knit a matching pair of socks with this yarn because the skein is clearly marked where to begin. See the yellow strands on the skein - cast on after the yellow strand and knit the first sock. The center of the skein has another yellow strand of yarn, so it's easy to know exactly where to begin the second sock; thus, making it easy peasy to knit a matching pair.

I'm following the recommendations for stitch count, given on the yarn band - 64 stitches

The yarn is  a delight to knit, and like all Regia yarn, it is guaranteed - 10 years

Pattern: Happy Feet Splash (Basic Socks) - free pattern link

Needles:  US size 2

Yarn: Schachenmayr REGIA - PAIRFECT design line
         Color 09090
          75% superwash wool and 25% nylon

Yarn cozies:  courtesy of Betsy in the Anything But Yarn Swap package  I love them! Thanks, Betsy

Have you tried a "new to you" notion or product lately?

Eclipse Art Exhibit

Awesome!
by Joan Dillon

A diverse selection of eclipse art is currently on display at the Lander Art Center. If you're in the area, I urge you to see the complete exhibit, as I am only sharing a fraction of the items on display. The show closes August 26, 2017.

"Silent Shadow"
by J. C. Dye

"Collaboration of Inspiration"
by Willie Cunningham and Stacy Wells

"Time Cycles"
Karyne Dunbar

"Freeform Dream"
by Samantha Gale

"Oh Wow!"
by Joan Dillon

Is there an eclipse themed art exhibit in your area?

Star Struck

Star Struck
Quilt of Valor
63 x 81 inches

Star Struck (the Quilt of Valor Mystery QAL - A6) was finished over the weekend. I loved and appreciated working with the large pieces/blocks for the weeks my knee was somewhat achy and tender. Working the foot pedal of my sewing machine was excellent rehab.

This pattern has a lot of possible adaptations - pinwheels in the center of the big stars, star points one color and the centers another color, and maybe a couple of smaller stars in the large white areas.

Thanks, Alycia for hosting this Quilt of Valor Mystery.

Star Struck is #119 on my QOV roster.

Eclipse Fever

Eclipse "Pop" art
Safeway store - Riverton, WY
August 2017

The total eclipse has been in the news in my community for well over a year. Preparation has been made on the city, county and state level - extensive preparation, with predictions that the state's population could double during the event. Locally, my area could see close to 10,000 - 20,000 visitors. If that prediction is correct, Riverton could more than double in population in a three-day period.

My town is nearly smack dab in the middle of the totality band, and the tiny town of Pavillion (pop. less than 200) where I taught for 25 years is THE place to be in Fremont County with an eclipse duration time of 2 minutes and 23 seconds.

Residents are being urged to purchase their groceries, gas, etc. the week BEFORE the event and also warned that the hordes coming to witness the eclipse will put a strain on cell towers and local utilities, clog the roads, and create delays in travel.

I purchased a pair of eclipse glasses several weeks ago and plan to stay home and hopefully watch the eclipse from my own driveway or backyard; however, I have a strong suspicion that the eclipse will not be visible due to all the wildfire smoke that has settled in this area.

Community officials have done everything possible to prepare, but Nature is holding all the cards in this game of chance.

Are you traveling anywhere to view the total solar eclipse?

Knitting with "Local" Wool

Mountain Meadow Wool
August 2017

I purchased two skeins of Mountain Meadow Wool at the 2016 Fiber Fest in Riverton, and in my recent knitting frenzy, I finished a cowl with one of the skeins.

The wool was milled and dyed in Buffalo, WY, and next month the Fremont Fiber Art Guild is going to take a trip to tour the mill.

I haven't decided if I am going to block the finished cowl.

Mountain Meadow Cowl

Pattern: Dailey Park Cowl (Ravelry link) by Sunne Meyer

Needles: US, size 7

Yarn: Mountain Meadow Wool - worsted weight - produced in Wyoming
          (color - Fall)  100% merino wool

QOV Mystery A6 - Clue 4

QOV mystery - A6
Clue #4
August 2017

Clue 4 of the Mystery Quilts for Military (A6) used several of the previously prepared units to create what I assume to be half of the quilt. The bottom half will likely have the bottoms of the two stars as well as another large star made with the light fabric used for the small star shown in the upper left.

This is going to be a dynamic quilt when it's finished.

Previous clues for this quilt can be found here.