Wyoming Breezes

from Google images When I see a knitting/quilting pattern that I like, I save it on the computer. If I see a clever idea or tip, I save it on the computer. After years of saving and organizing these patterns and files, it was time to see how many of them still appealed to me. I've been working on this digital cleaning process for several days, and I'm slowly making progress. I've discovered multiple copies of some patterns. I found patterns that I'm sure gremlins must have saved, because they designs were hideous. One by one, the patterns are previewed and a quick decision made - keep or delete. The "knitting" files are finished, and I'm moving on to the "quilting" files. From there, I will move to other crafting files. Once the craft files are reduced, I'll tackle the photos, the health files, and . . . Do you save patterns on your computer? How do you organize them?

ten baby hats knit from scraps October 2015 Julie, a knitting buddy, gave me some Encore she had left over from knitting baby sweaters. I used the scraps to knit baby hats. Every bit of the purple and pink yarn was used by alternating with the off-white Pacific yarn, which was purchased at a thrift shop in August. It worked great for stretching the scraps to knit more hats. Since the Encore and Pacific are considered worsted weight yarn, I had to change my usual pattern at bit. Needle size - US 8 Pattern:  cast on 54 sts, knit a 1x1 rib for an inch or an 1.5 inches for the brim, stockinette stitch for the body of the hat until it measures 3.5 inches from the cast on edge, begin decreases (k6, k2 tog for the first row, k all stitches on the second row, k5, k2 tog for the third row, k all stitches on the fourth row) continue in this manner through k1, k2 tog and then the final row is k2 tog, cut the yarn and thread the end through the remaining stitches. Pull yarn to th...

I finished knitting Susan's Woven Stripes blanket last week. The edges of my blanket were quite ruffled (probably due to the acrylic yarn I used); however, I followed  WoolWinder's tip  to "kill" the acrylic. The blanket now has a nice drape and shape. Directions on how to kill acrylic can be found here . Thank you, Bonnie for helping me set up a Google Document page to share the pattern. Your directions worked perfectly. Update : at WoolWinder's request, here is a view of the back.

Kismet blocks started June 2013 Marilyn and I saw a sample of this quilt in a Nebraska shop last May and decided to make one. Further down the road (in Fremont, NE), we found a great sale on Jenny Beyer fabric: it was kismet. Rotogravure designed by Joe Wood ThimbleCreek Quilts Marilyn and I made the pumpkin blocks the week before her anniversary party. She is using the checkerboard sashing (shown in the photo from the ThimbleCreek Quilts site) for her quilt, but mine will have plain sashing with cornerstones.

March in Wyoming usually means WIND and lots of it. Even with the wind, it is a great time to get outside to walk or to work in the yard. When I found a partial skein of Manos del Uruguay in my yarn basket, I decided to make a headband to wear on my morning walks. Since the headband is a quick knit, I made two. Adult-sized headbands 20 inches in circumference Bea's Headband size 10 or 10.5 circular needle (16" length) worsted weight yarn (double stranded) Holding yarn doubled or using two worsted weight yarns, cast on 72 stitches Begin knitting in the round being careful not to twist stitches: K2, P2 for 5 rows Knit 7 rows of plain stockinette stitch K2, P2 for 5 rows Bind off loosely Headband will be approximately 4 inches wide The headband shown at the bottom of the top photo will be given away this week. To have your name added to the drawing, leave a comment and tell me about your favorite worsted weight yarn. Even if it is too warm in your area ri...

Want to knit a vintage sweater or add a vintage pattern to your collection? The following patterns (rescued at the local senior center) could be just what you are seeking. Take one, take two or more, or take them all. I'll pay the postage, too. Update September 23, 2010 - all of the patterns have been taken. Thank you for your interest. Left: Saginaw , Ladies or Youth Sizes 32-34-36-38 (circa 1962) Right: Basic Pattern , Ladies' Sizes 14-16-18; Youth Sizes 32-34-36 (circa 1962) Left: Child's Cardigan (cat) Sizes 2-4-6 Right: Child's Cardigan (dog) Sizes 4-6 Both are taken (11/23/09) Left: Slim Style Coat , Ladies' Sizes 12-14-16-18 (circa 1961) Right: Sporty Cape , One Size L eft: Prairie Prancers , Women's or Teenager's Cardigan, Sizes 14-16-18 or Men's Sizes 32-34-36 (circa 1957) Right: Antique Autos , Men's 38-40-42-44, (circa 1957) Left: Totem Pole , Men's 38-40-42-44, (circa 1957) Right: Sports Cars , Men's 38-40-42-44 L eft: S...

Yesterday, I spotted this box of Workbasket Magazines at a neighborhood yard sale. I leafed through the issues and pulled out five that I thought had some good patterns. When I got home with my purchases, I scanned the pages with interest. The old issues contained patterns and styles that were both dated and dateless. The classic designs can be seen in current knitting magazines, and the dated styles were funky and comical. By chance, I went back to the yard sale, left my phone number and told them that I would purchase whatever they had left at the end of their sale. Today, they called, and to my surprise, they would not accept payment for the issues. I cannot wait to look at the volumes that date back to the late 1940s. Surely, some of the old patterns are currently stylish and what is old can be considered new.