Wyoming Breezes

Sometimes I use graph paper and crayons to check the placement of fabrics on the Sampler blocks, especially when the pattern shows more fabrics than I am using or if I am running short of a color. Sunday, I worked on the September sampler blocks: Aunt Dinah is shown on the left Can't Stop Spinnin' is shown on the right (I used the crayons several times to find a placement I liked for this block. I wanted to make sure that it did not have a heavy feeling/appearance) The other blocks in the sampler can be found here  and here .

I am almost finished knitting the socks for my Christmas list. I have the final pair on the needles now for my niece. They have a bit of lace and are a bit fancier than these ribbed-cuff socks. If you want to do the Hokey Pokey, click here .

I've been auditioning more layouts for my half-square triangles, and I need your opinions. Please take into consideration that I will not be using any sashing between the blocks, so look how well they "play" together. Ready? Here are the choices: This is "A" This is "B" This is "C" (Note that is is a reverse of "D") This is "D" (Note that is is a reverse of "C") This is "E" This is "F" This is "G"  (the layout I posted last week)  What is your eye telling you about these layouts? Any favorites? Thanks for your input

I've been searching for a book of knit edgings and trims since I added the edging to Little Princess . I've looked in yarn shops and online without any luck. Last week, I found what I've been seeking: knit edgings & trims 150 stitches , edited by Kate Haxell. I like to actually look inside a knitting book before I purchase, and when I picked this one off of the shelf at Barnes & Noble in Cheyenne, I knew I could stop searching. The book has a nice variety of modern and traditional trims and edgings. Here are just a few that you will find inside: This book should be in every knitter's reference library. I also found a bargain on the Hobby Lobby Clearance rack. Someday, I hope to make one of the gown sets.

I've managed to work my way through the stacks of scraps from Scrappy Spools . Now, I need to decide what to do with them. I have been thinking about making pinwheels, but I'm not quite sure. Other than pinwheels, this is another idea that I am considering. Do you have any suggestions for quilts made with half-square triangles?

When I see these signs in the summer, I wonder how tourists interpret "chain law." Chain Law means that the road is hazardous (usually blowing and drifting snow with poor visibility and little or no traction) and that tire chains are required. These warning signs are commonly seen on Wyoming's mountain passes: this one is on the South Pass road where the grade is steep and drifting snow is frequent during the winter. Because road conditions can change quickly in the mountains, the flashing lights, only turned on in extreme conditions, should be heeded. Do you have signs in your area that might cause a tourist to ponder their meaning?

I strongly recommend having your favorite pattern books spiral-bound. Most of the craft books (knitting, twining, and quilting) are soft bound.The books aren't too practical when I need to actually use them. Often the binding becomes broken from my attempts or it slips all over the table or off of my lap. Once I discovered that I could have the books spiral-bound at Kinkos, my books are in better shape and I am much happier. Personally, I wish publishers would produce these books with spiral bindings.

Another pair of socks finished! Unfortunately, they don't match, but I do have enough yarn to make another pair just like them. Fantasy #1, shown on the left, was knit from Opal Fantasie #1912 on size 2 needles. It is a men's size 9.5 Fantasy #2, shown on the right, was knit from Opal Fantasie #1911 on size 2 needles. It is a men's size 9 When the mates are finished, all of the men's socks on my gift list will be finished. I am pleased to report that in all five skeins of Opal , I found only one knot.

On Tuesday, I took a side trip to visit one of my favorite places in southeastern Wyoming: Fort Laramie . The last time I visited the fort was in the late seventies, but it hasn't changed other than some improved walkways, etc. How many prisoners longed to be on the other side of this window? Most of the glass panes in the buildings had lovely swirls of imperfections. The past is clearly revealed by doorways that welcomed the occupants home after a long day, windows that revealed their surroundings and offered protection from the elements. and stairwells with polished bannisters. I imagine a sewing machine or a writing desk tucked in the little alcove at the top of these stairs. Windows frame what was, what is, and what will be.

Are you getting tired of seeing socks? Old Man River , size 10.5 men's socks knit on size 2 needles, using Opal (Mississippi #2085) Only two more pair of men's socks to knit, but my sock yarn scrap bag is filling up. I see some short-cuffed sock knitting in my future.

I have fond memories of teaching in this old building Thomas Wolfe said, "You Can't Go Home Again" , but this week I tried. On my way to a Pulmonary Hypertension Support Group meeting in Cheyenne, WY, I planned a stopover in Wheatland , the location of my first real job and the beginning of my 33-year career in education. Ironically, as I drove down the eerily familiar streets, John Denver crooned on the radio, "Hey it's good to be back home again. . ." It truly was good to be back home again. I slowly drove by the places I had lived 36 years ago (just putting that is writing is daunting and makes me feel ancient) and pulled over briefly to snap photos. My first apartment was in the basement of an older home; the second, an apartment with a Murphy bed and steam radiators that made the doors swell shut in the winter. It was a good thing I was smaller in those days and able to squeeze through the windows. The small home (pictured above) was sha