Wyoming Breezes

bench at the Eppson Center front door November 2021 I seriously doubt this bench would safely hold anyone let alone a weary senior citizen. 

Sockhead Cowl progress November 2021 Knitting continues on the Sockhead Cowl: I am now working on the final ribbed section.  Since the sock blank was double knit, I separated the strands as I worked on the cowl. When I finished the first ribbing section with one strand, I looped a string of crochet cotton around the point on the second strand and continued rolling the second strand into a ball.  string marking the spot to begin knitting the final ribbed section With the start of the ribbing clearly marked, I don’t have to play yarn chicken.  It shouldn’t take too long to finish this project. 

Have a great day!

Tow Mater West Laramie, Wyoming November 2021 If you're not familiar with Mater, you probably haven't seen the animated movies by Pixar featuring talking cars ( Cars, Cars 2, and Cars 3 ). Mater, a tow truck, is one of the main characters.  

labyrinth Ivinson and Fourth Sts. Laramie, WY November 2021 Two weeks ago, I finally checked out the labyrinth in the courtyard next to St. Matthew's Cathedral in Laramie. All summer, I watched as it was painstakingly built one brick at a time. It's still not finished, but it is beautiful and quite large.  I'm not sure how the rock, stacked along the hedge, is going to be incorporated into the design. I'm sure it will be put to use next summer as this labyrinth is a work in progress.   

patterns from Karen M.  Recently, I have received donations that will allow me to make more Quilts of Valor. The patterns above were sent by Karen M. from IL. Karen is preparing to move and graciously sent the two patterns. You might remember that Karen sent fabric and an orphan star to me in July .  fabric from Marilyn M.  Marilyn (my sister) sent me a surprise package of patriotic fabric. I love the patterns she selected.  fabric from Sue L. Sue L. from IA contacted me for my address and sent three pieces of fabric that will be fun to use in a QOV.   I can't thank Karen, Marilyn and Sue enough for sending the fabric and patterns. Their gifts will make additional QOV possible. Thank you for helping me honor veterans. 

Little Free Library Kiowa Park Laramie, WY November 2021 Last week I discovered a new Free Little Library in a small town park. It contained a variety of children and adult books and is located close to the playground and a nice bench. Some flowers were hand painted on the back. Have you discovered any new Little Free Libraries in your community? 

Pistol Pete mural on Fifth Street between Grand and Garfield Laramie, WY Pistol Pete is one of the mascots for the University of Wyoming. Obviously, the UW on the chaps signifies University of Wyoming. The OSU could be Oklahoma State University, Ohio State University or Oregon State University. Possibly, one of those three is significant to the artist or the owner of the building.  Update: Oklahoma State University are also Cowboys. This cowboy drawing is also associated with their mascot. Thanks for the tip, Sara. 

discarded mask November 2021 More and more disposable masks are carelessly being discarded in parking lots, in the street, beside chairs in waiting rooms — literally they are EVERYWHERE! This week I discovered one under the hedge by my front door: the wind had blown it there from somewhere. I realize some people are angry that masks are required in many businesses, but tossing the unwanted masks anywhere but a trash can is rude and unsanitary. Today’s Public Service Announcement: please toss used masks in a trash can or wear reusable masks that can be washed.  Is this a problem in your community? 

I can relate, can you? 

Dyeing the three sock blanks in October certainly jump started my desire to knit. I’m knitting the Sockhead Cowl with the final dyed blank, and I love how it looks so far.  This blank was dyed in a kettle on the stove with several colors of blue and purple.  Because the sock blank was double knit, I’m knitting with one strand and winding the other strand into a ball, which I will use on the second half of the cowl, thus using every bit of this yarn. Even though the ribbing shows the kinks from the pre-knit blank, it will straight out after washing and a light blocking. 

north exterior wall of Turtle Rock Cafe Ninth Street, Laramie, WY October 2021 photo by Kathleen B. Kathleen spotted one of the newest murals in town and snapped a photo. Since she took the photo, more flowers have been added on the upper left. This mural is very similar to the one in this post .  Thank you, Kathleen for sharing your photo and telling me about this gorgeous mural. These two murals are by far my favorites. 

Up, Up and Away socks October 2021 I love hot-air balloons! This pair of socks reminds me of the brilliantly colored balloons that fly over Riverton every summer during the Rendezvous Balloon Festival.  These were knit with one of the sock blanks I dyed a few weeks ago.  The vibrant colors in these socks will lift my spirits every time I wear them. In fact, I might even skip down the street. Anyone remember the Fifth Dimension’s Up, Up and Away from 1967?