Wyoming Breezes

mini doily crocheted by Susan S. date unknown Recently I went over to Sheila's house to pick up some honey to mail to Judy and her Mr. in Wisconsin. Sheila (a non-knitter) and I looked through some of her mom's knitting patterns and hand-written knitting notes and notations to determine what could be discarded. In one box we found four doilies that Susan had crocheted that needed blocking. You may remember that Susan explained her process to me, and I blocked some of her final pieces . It is satisfying to see the doilies starched and stretched into their intended shapes. Big or small, Susan's doilies are works of art. square doilies crocheted by Susan S. date unknown These two square doilies were gorgeous, and blocking them required an "army" of pins to keep the sides straight. preliminary pinning of Susan S. square, crocheted doily Some of the "soldiers' had to be moved several times, but before long they were marching in a straight li...

Lorre H. watches me explain the process of twining to Nancy K. Frank B. Wise Business Plaza Fort Washakie, WY June 2015 Earlier this year, Lorre H., director of the Frank B. Wise Business Plaza in Fort Washakie, invited the Fremont County Fiber Guild to host an exhibit. After much discussion, the Guild members agreed, and now I'm sure the members are glad that the Guild accepted the invitation. The show opened mid-June and runs through mid-July. On display are a variety of times by Guild members: knit socks, needle-felted pictures, knit shawls and scarves, knit hats, table runners, felted bags and scarves, fabric bags, knit sweaters, bears made from woven fabric, hand-spun yarn, quilts, twined rugs, doilies. The items I submitted for the show were: completed twined rug and the frame with a rug in progress Dahlia knit doily Bear Paw quilt  snowman wall-hanging, made by Sheri H.  Duluth Stars quilt Strangely, I didn't take any photos the day of the G...

I've visited and knit with Susan S. several times in the last two years. At every visit, I admired her beautiful, crocheted doilies and her knit blankets. My readers may remember the pattern that Susan agreed to share with me and with you. Sheila mentioned recently that her mother was willing to sell some of her work: I was thrilled at the opportunity to own some of Susan's works of art. I wanted larger, white doilies for the center of my kitchen and living room tables. Sheila selected a couple of doilies she thought I might like but also suggested I look through the entire box of doilies. Oh my, I was in heaven! From that box, I selected three other doilies and came home with these five beauties: The doilies range in size from 20 - 22 inches in diameter. Thank you, Susan and Sheila for allowing me to become the guardian of these works of art!

Open Class entries Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY July/August 2013 I entered 13 items in the County Fair: some in Open Class and some in Fiber Arts. Open Class entries could be made with any type of fiber; however, the Fiber Arts entries required a natural fiber content. Open Class entries, ribbon and premium awarded: Spring Violets Vest - blue ribbon - $6 Baby Surprise Jacket - blue ribbon - $6 February Socks - blue ribbon - $6 Vintage Doily - blue ribbon - $6 Holiday Apron - blue ribbon - $6 Fiber Arts entries Fremont County Fair Riverton, WY July/August 2013 Fiber Arts entries, ribbon and premium awarded: Reader's Wrap - red ribbon - $5 Fraternal Twin socks - red ribbon - $5 Rainbow socks - blue ribbon - $6 Headband - fourth place - $3 Sky Scarf/Cowl - fourth place - $3 Dishtowel - fifth place - $2 Dahlia doily - blue ribbon - $6, Best of Show rosette - $40 Vintage d...

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....

Vintage Doily size 1 needles - #20 cotton thread 11.5 inches in diameter Since the county fair deadline is fast approaching, I picked up my needles and managed to finish the doily in two late night knitting sessions. I used this pattern and was pleased with the how it turned out. My edging is not as distinct as the one online, but that may be the way that I blocked it. This doily will be in the Fremont County Fiber Guild display at the fair. Details can be found on this earlier post . Want to try a knit doily? I recommend this pattern - easy to follow and fun to knit. Intimidated by thin thread and tiny needles? Knit the pattern with cotton for a round dishcloth.

Late summer is traditionally a time for local fairs, and this year is the 100 anniversary of the Fremont County Fair. To celebrate the anniversary, the Fremont County Fiber Guild is encouraging members to select a vintage pattern (over 50 years old) and to make something for a special display. Guild members may enter two vintage-inspired items for a "People's Choice" award. source I want to eventually use whatever I knit, so  this pattern , which the site states is from an unknown Australian newspaper (1940s to 1950s), was selected. Needles: two circulars - size 1 Thread: 100% cotton (number 20)

Dahlia , measuring 16 inches in diameter, was knit on size 2 circular needles, using Aunt Lydia's Crochet Thread (size 10). Dahlia is one of three doilies featured in  Fresh Knit Doilies by Larisa Scott, published by Leisure Arts. One adjustment to the pattern, because I am inept with a crochet hook, was the knit edge. I will use the stitch again since it complements the design more than the crochet one and I doubt that I will ever master a crochet hook. The stitch, called Crown Edging, can be found on page 86 in knit edgings and trims , edited by Kate Haxell. In an earlier post , I showed other edgings from the book. Blocked and starched, Dahlia is displayed on my front room coffee table.

The doily is finished and being blocked (right side down). I'm very pleased with how it turned out - mistakes and all. When it is dry, I'll post photos of the front and the edging that I used.

Due to an abundance of coal, oil and other minerals in the area, Gillette, WY is booming town. Because housing is so tight, workers, today, often live in campers and families live in motel rooms. It was no different 38 years ago when I was assigned to complete eight weeks of student teaching in Gillette. I knew housing would be a problem, so I contacted the church to see if someone in the congregation would be willing to rent a bedroom for eight weeks. Mrs. Cannon, an elderly woman, graciously invited me to live in her home. Mrs. Cannon was an accomplished knitter, and knitted doilies (the first I had ever seen) were displayed everywhere in her home. It wasn't long before she gave me the confidence to start one of my own. When I didn't have school obligations, Mrs. Cannon and I would knit together in the evenings. She was so proud when I finished my first doily (pictured above). It was my first experience with double-point and circular needles and even knitting lace. I vow...