Wyoming Breezes

crocheted Christening Gown and Bonnet August 2016 A gorgeous Christening gown and bonnet: I hope this will become a treasured heirloom for the crafter's family. I was thrilled to see it won a blue ribbon and a Champion ribbon for its Division. a quilt with "heart" August 2016 A quilt with "Heart" in the 4-H building: the heart made the simple design even more powerful. I hope to copy the idea for a Quilt of Valor. a fun array of pincushions August 2016 A variety of pincushions: a hat, doughnuts, chickens, a sewing machine, a slice of cake, and an owl with scissors for spectacles. They were cute and just plain fun!

all the items entered in the 2016 Fremont County Fair The County Fair was held last week, and the items I entered showed well. I was pleased to bring home 9 blue ribbons, 2 red ribbons, 1 reserve champion rosette, 2 champion rosettes. Noro Baby Surprise Jacket Judge's comments on the back of the Noro BSJ entry tag: Wonderful little garment - very nice color work appropriate for garment and age of user. Noro Hitchhiker  Judge's comments: lovely color work - fine knitting, too - even points and stitches. Nice, nice! Encore Baby Surprise Jacket Judge's comments: Wonderful sweater! Love the colors - stitches are beautiful. Items entered and ribbon received:     •   Faroese shawl - blue     •   Nymphliadia shawl  - red     •   Twined runner - blue     •   Lacy Hitchhiker - blue     •   Desk chair socks - blue     •   Infinity scarf - blue     • ...

carnival attraction at the County Fair 2016 The carnival was in town all last week for the County Fair and excited children and adults flocked to the midway. To me, the carnival is more magical at night when the lights are flashing and glowing on the rides, and the screams of delight and fear echo over the fairgrounds. When I was growing up, we didn't go to the carnival very much, but the one ride that I looked forward to riding was the Ferris Wheel. I didn't care for the twisting and twirling rides or those that flipped upside down, especially at traveling carnivals. I don't quite trust the equipment that is moved multiple times in the course of the summer. County Fair carnival 2016 When I was teaching, the senior class was allowed to go on a trip with the money they had raised over their high school years by selling concessions at the athletic events. Class sponsors worked with the students for four years, so they naturally chaperoned the trip. The class I ...

Sandy's "Fulled" Boots Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY July 2015 Aren't these boots fun? The knitter, Sandy brought them to a Fiber Guild meeting before they were felted, technically the term is "fulled," so I was delighted to see them on display at the County Fair. Sandy told the Guild members that she bought the kit for the boots. Well done, Sandy! I think the boots would be a lot of fun to wear.

spotted at the Fremont County Fair July 2014  I sure hope this cart has an anchor or some other means of stopping it! 

Wandering Musicians serenade knitters: Cheryl (aka Lyle), Jane, and Nancy Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY July 29, 2014 Last Tuesday evening, members of the knitting group met at the County Fair to knit in the Fiber Arts exhibit area. We were surprised when two musicians wandered by and agreed to perform for us. The gentleman with the guitar, improvised a knitting song - such an unexpected and delightful treat. The other gentleman sang about wanting to be a tomato - more laughter and foot-tapping music. These two musicians live in different areas of the country but have travelled and worked county fairs together for several years. They clearly enjoy life and enjoy making others happy, too. This was probably the most fun we've had in all the years we've met at the fair to knit. Have you had any pleasant surprises this summer?

Of course the carnival animals put on a big show of smiling for the general public. However,  I was witness to the "behind the scenes" treatment of the animals, and it was not a pleasant.  Warning : those with weak stomachs should not read any further. Small children may be traumatized by the following scene. . . I heard muffled cries and whimpers coming from these bags. If carnival personnel hadn't been in the area, I would have rushed forward to free these poor animals. I feared for my own safety, as brazen carnival workers displayed the stuffed bags practically in front of the Sheriff's Office.  PETA was nowhere in sight, but this photo is evidence of the inhumane treatment of carnival animals. We must put a stop this abuse!

Dahlia awarded blue ribbon and Best of Show at Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY July/August 2013 I had two unexpected surprises at the fair: my doilies each won rosettes and a $40 award. Since I was gone the last two years when the fair entry forms were due, I was unable to enter Dahlia ; thus, I entered it this year. It not only received a blue ribbon but the Best of Show Rosette as well. The competition was stiff, so I am beyond honored to receive this award. People's Choice Award Fremont County Fiber Guild Vintage Pattern Challenge Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY July/August 2013 Since the fair was celebrating its 100th anniversary, the Fiber Guild had a vintage pattern challenge. Fair-goers voted on the items guild members displayed in the challenge. I had no idea that my vintage doily had won until I picked up my items at the end of the fair. It was a pleasant surprise. Mrs. Canon, who introduced me to knitting doilies, would be proud. The story of Mrs....

Baby Surprise Jacket started and finished - July 2013 approx. size 2 or 3T The buttons on this Baby Surprise Jacket were sewn on the morning entries were due at the County Fair. I knit the collar at the Community Band concert the night before - nothing like coming right down to the wire. Yarn: 2 skeins Plymouth Encore (color #517) Needles: size 8 circular Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman. awarded a blue ribbon Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY

TOPS #1 Riverton, WY July 2013 I have always loved watching the County Fair Parade, but this year I was actually in the parade. The Fair is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and coincidently, the Riverton Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) group is celebrating its 50th. The woman in the white shirt started the first TOPS group in Wyoming, right here in Riverton, and she is still an active member of my club. It was fun to see the parade from a different perspective.  To prevent the parade entries from bunching up, the organizers had traffic control at the top of High School Hill. They enjoyed joking with the drivers and those on the floats. This woman wanted the large umbrella we had on the truck. Even though it was overcast, the sun bouncing off of the pavement was hot. Flags and spectators lined the parade route.  It was fun to see the anticipation the the children's faces. Many of the entries threw candy that the children eagerly sc...

This quilt won a lot of awards at the County Fair. It was simply stunning and caught everyone's eye as they entered the exhibit hall. I'd never attempt to make anything like it, but it was gorgeous! Even though this quilt was only awarded a white ribbon, I loved it for its design, its scrappiness, and its color. Quilt close-up to show construction and quilting detail. I tend to like clean quilt designs. This pattern would make a nice, scrappy Quilt of Valor. Another simple design that reminds me of Argyle socks. 

Bedazzled Bras Breast Cancer Awareness Contest Fremont County Fair August 2012 I admit my eyebrows raised a few centimeters and my brow furrowed deeper when I viewed the "Bedazzled Bras" at the County Fair. Some were quite outlandish and others simply grotesque, but it was for a good cause.  Some were beaded. Others sported feathers or fringe. One was covered with pompoms; another, masked. Some had additional lace or were altered. This bra was tastefully "bedazzled," and drew the attention of many University of Wyoming alumni. It was cute and one of the "tamer" bras on display. Others were pretty wild. This bra was unique and a real hoot with its additional "cup." I never know what exhibits I'll see at the County Fair.

Engine Block End Table spotted at Fremont County Fair August 2012 Even though it was unique and received a blue ribbon, I will not rush out and have it duplicated for my home.     Would you?