Wyoming Breezes

Chinese Junk Hong Kong harbor December 1979 This photo taken from the ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong is as close as I ever got to a Chinese Junk . I loved Hong Kong and would love to return. Most of my tour group was ill when we were there, so I was able to explore on my own for a full day.

Kicking off Wolverine football season August 2013 Another display appeared in front of the local Safeway store. This one commemorates the start of the local high's football season and is made from Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, and Root Beer cartons.  The previous display can be seen in this post .  Isn't this football fun? The laces are Diet Dr. Pepper cartons. Do the beverage companies in your area create similar outdoor displays?

Twisted Lone Star sadly, I neglected to note the quilter of this beauty  The unusual spiral design of this Lone Star quilt caught my eye. I believe it was made during a guild class because there were two more made in different colors. Tanga Rhapsody made by Leigh T. 93 x 106 inches a block of the month project I neglected to get the name of the quilt or even the quilter's name for this beauty. It was made with Kansas Troubles or similar fabrics and was stunning.

Peppermint Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket started August 2013 This is going to be a "sweet" blanket. Knitting buddy, Cheryl started it, and when I saw her four-inch section, I decided to "mirror" her colors. This will be an all-garter stitch blanket Needles: size 8 Yarn for my section: Caron Simply Soft (Watermelon) and Red Heart with Love (White) Update : January 5, 2014

Wake Up Flowers 41 x 41 inches made by Marlene M. close-up of Wake Up Flowers blocks  I love the fabrics used in this quilt. Check out the intricate paper-piecing each triangle is comprised of 19 small pieces of fabric Whirligig (variation) made by Eileen G. close up of a Whirligig (variation) block Check tomorrow for more quilt photos.

Superman on a theater marque Bangkok, Thailand December 1979 It was fun to see these advertisements for Superman. I wonder if the movie was dubbed in Thai or if it had sub-titles? Strangely, I didn't see any movies off base when I was overseas. Superman on a theater marque Bangkok, Thailand December 1979

Spring Happens Western Region Oddball Baby Blanket started June 2013 I originally planned to use yellow for my section, but when I saw the variegated section and the green, I changed my mind. The first section is more vivid than the photo indicates. Needle size: 8 126 stitches Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Passion #0012) Stitch used: Checks and Ridges Update: December 3, 2013

Lori B. and Cheryl O. Dubois, WY August 2013 Lori and Cheryl (one of my knitting buddies) have been friends for years and enjoyed visiting at the Dubois Quilt Show. Lori, a member of the Never Sweat Needlers (the group hosting the show), worked at the quilt raffle table while we viewed the quilts. The winning ticket for the quilt displayed behind Lori and Cheryl was drawn on Sunday at the end of the show, but sadly it was not mine.

Blended Scrap Socks women's size 9 - 10 I am using a variety of scraps for these socks, and yes, some of the yarn is from socks that have been raveled. Once this pair of socks are knit and laundered, the kinks will not be noticeable. If I am counting correctly, I used seven different yarns in the first sock. The socks will not match because some the same yarns are not being used in both. I cast on with one yarn, knit two rows, added another yarn and knit two rows. From that point, I alternate the two yarns (knitting two rows each) until the all the yarn is used. Then, I add another color and continue alternating yarn every two rows. Yarn: superwash wool, sock yarn - all scraps Needles: size 2 circulars Cast on: 56 stitches Size: women's 9 - 10

close up of Scrappy Stars block Scrappy Stars made by Christine M. 85 x 86 inches pattern from Better Homes and Gardens Labyrinth made by Dixie W. 90 x 110 inches Calico Carriage Quilt Designs pattern Olde Hickory made by Leigh T. 85 x 85 inches Cottage Creek Quilts - Pam Puyleant (close-up of Olde Hickory's block) All of these quilts appeal to my eye, and I would like to make them one day. I purchased the Labyrinth pattern two years ago, but it has been shuffled to the bottom of the pattern pile.  More photos will be posted next week. 

Autumn Festival float Misawa, Japan Fall 1979 I don't know the significance of the women on the back of the festival float, but they were lovely.

Currently, I am reading four books (three shown here and the other on my Kindle), and I have more in my queue. Summer and reading go so well together: nothing (other than knitting) beats sitting on the deck with a cold drink, a light snack, and a good book. The Highway is a new release by one of my favorite authors, who lives and writes in Wyoming. I just started this and got sidetracked by Plainsong , but it appears to follow a demented big-rig driver on a crime spree across Montana. Plainsong - loaned to me by Nancy Kay , a good friend and knitting buddy. A unique story with each chapter focusing on one/two characters. As the story progresses, the characters' lives begin to overlap. Rightful Place - recommended by Ranch Wife . This is a collection of essays about the author's connection with the land and finding her "rightful place." These authors have completely different writing styles, but each book is entertaining. Do you like to in the summer? A

Hell's Half Acre Wyoming approximately 1976 Once a restaurant stood on the edge of the hill, and its deck showcased the scene below: Hell's Half Acre . It was a good place to stretch road-weary legs, browse the souvenir shop for tacky trinkets, use the restroom, buy a snack or eat a meal. The restaurant is long gone, and the site that once drew crowds is barely noticed by the passing motorists. Hell's Half Acre Wyoming approximately 1976 Hell's Half Acre Wyoming - approximately 1976 Those who stopped even saw the devil, peering out of one of the caves. Hell's Half Acre Wyoming approximate 1976 Science fiction movie fans may recognize the scenery as the "bug planet," in  Starship Troopers , but to Wyomingites, it will always be Hell's Half Acre.

Today's post contains photos from the annual Never Sweat Needlers Quilt Show in Dubois, WY. Rays of Hope 51 x 52 inches Carol Doak pattern (made by Pat C.'s friends during her radiation for breast cancer) Antique Star Blooms made by Dixie W. 54 x 66 inches Wooden Needle pattern Rhapsody in Blue made by Leigh T. 80 x 80 inches Ro Gregg pattern made from 12 different fabrics Through the Window made by Pat C. pattern from Fabric Depot - Portland, OR 63 x 64 inches More photos will be posted later this week.

Doniene's socks knit July - August 2013 Several months ago, Doniene commented on one of my sock-knitting posts that she'd like a pair of hand-knit socks. It was fun to knit this pair for her. The package should arrive in today's mail, Doniene. Enjoy! Yarn: Opal (#1913) Needles: size 2 circulars Stitches: 56 cast-on Size: 8 - 9 women's Pattern: Ribbed-cuff socks