Pat Sloan's Mystery Begins

Well, we can't let the year end without having another

mystery BOM (Block of the Month)

from Pat Sloan 

I'm still working on 2015 pattern Vacation Time!

Maybe, I'll finish in 2016! 

Check out her website to sign up for notifications

Looks like we're going to busy! 

Four Is Enough?

Since I have sold my 8H and 10 H looms, I'm back to only 4H--

oh, so sad I say to myself.  Than I see something like this post from

Unraveling and I know--you used to weave 4 H weave structures all the time;

so, what's the big deal?!  Meg is planning this graph to weave some

cashmere--well, I say, I think I'll try this too!

Happy treadling, y'all!

Bonnie Hunter Mystery Time!

The colors and sights of Tuscany have inspired Bonnie to combine what she experienced into a very cool quilt that you will love hopefully as much as I do!

What does Allietare mean?  To GLADDEN!  To REJOICE!  To become CHEERFUL!  It’s the perfect name for this quilt, it made me so happy to watch it come together.

We will begin November 27--check out her website  to see the fabrics and

get suggestions on color

We're Sewing for our Military

Mystery Quilts for Military --join up at Yahoo groups.

November 2015, 2015 Designed by: Alycia Carmin Mystery Quilts for Military

Clue #1 has been posted so we're sewing!


Fabric Requirements: Based on 40 inch wide fabrics ( most I find are still 42 inches, but just to be safe)
Blue: 2 yards
Red : 1 3/8 Yards
White: 2 ¼ yards Binding: ½ yard ( You may want to wait and see, and use up some of your leftovers)
Backing: Approximately 4 yards
Tools Needed: Companion Angle – They come in 4 ½ and 6 ½ - Both will work – I usually go for the bigger ruler, it has more options later Easy Angle Ruler:
Straight Edge Rules Rotary Cutter I have made two of them so far – t

Snowdrift........................................

"Snowdrift

A snowdrift at the highway – not nice and even dangerous.

A snowdrift in the mountains on a sunny morning after a stormy night – what a sight to behold! Lines in the snow forming different patterns, sparkling in the morning sun…

A phenomenon in nature that has a dark and a bright side! And like this, our this year’s KAL project will be: a shawl with a dark and a bright side. But both sides will be pretty in this case! The only danger may be that you don’t want to stop snuggling on cold days.

We will knit a large asymmetric shawl in Brioche technique. This makes the shawl completely reversible and you will have the choice each day which side to use."  from the website of Dibadu!  

Let's knit this!  Did you see that description?  Brioche technique!!  I'm excited--this one begins November 27 and runs through Advent with this free pattern till Jan 1-2016!

I can see lots of knitting in my future during those dreary days of winter!  Join me!

Hoo! Hoo!

I was so excited to receive my Owl Festival quilt back from quilter, Sandy!  This was a fun one to make--such variety of owls--I worked on it for a year with patterns from Sindy of Fatcat Patterns.  I love her sense of humor and her design work!

Whoo!  Whoo!  Isn't this fun quilt?

I'm sure I can find someone who is into owls or birds..........

and I was so happy to have found this owl backing fabric!

Sindy always offers a free BOM each month--you can also purchase the complete 

pattern for a small fee.  Check out what she has now on her website.

Let's Fly a Snowflake Kite!

Here is one of the designers I love!  Crabapple Hill Designs has designed

this cool crayon stitchery pattern for the Christmas Blog Hop.

I've downloaded one for future reference--

how about your?

Back Tracking!

Oh yeah, I totally missed the boat on this one!  With our packing, moving, traveling--I've been

out of it!  And these blog hops are much fun 

with each host offering interesting ideas

and this one had recipes for the holidays!  

Okay, so I'm back tracking--

that's the nice thing about the internet,

you can usually pick up where you left off

or in my case, where I didn't begin in the first place.

Hop over to Buttermilk Basin to see if you can pick

up on some of these delightful Christmas ideas.

That's where I'm heading now!

Fleurs de Lis for Paris KAL

We do not know what to do!  We are dishearten by the actions of a few on so many.

Here is one way you can show some love with this 

 free KAL (knit-along) of a ‘Fleurs de lis’ design, rewritten from a Victorian era ‘counterpane’ square.

West Coast Fibre Arts will be writing a few lines of the pattern each day.  

Check the blog each day for the pattern.

May we knit in peaceful prayer.

Expatchers Gather!

It was such a joy to be with my ex-patcher friends!  We haven't had much time to visit or spend some quality time together.  That one special Tuesday was a blessing for us all--a chance to laugh, share stories of life events, hug, enjoy each other's company.

Lucy was in from CA--love seeing Lucy when she's in town!

She saw this adorable pattern and had to make it--

who wouldn't love this princess quilt?

There was some discussion between the long arm quilters--what design would look the best?

I know one grand-daughter who is going to love this!

Lucky gal!

Judy M adorned her quilt studio with her latest finish--this wonderful

snowmen lodging in the snow!

Snowflakes falling!

We all liked this so much!!

Her other creation in progress was the Cardinals

She is working on the border

Some ready!

Linda showed off her wonderful king size South African fabric quilt

absolutely smashing!

and love the quilting!

Too bad Karen wasn't there (no, she was having fun in CA!)

Here is her latest quilt finished by Sandy

what fun this is--all in batiks! 

Brenda is working up this kit for her new grandson due in December

Elephants must be a trend for new babies, but this one is 

so interesting

The rain, diagonal lines on the pattern, is to be this braid-

much discussion on how it should be done.

And Karen's pillow shams!  oh, wow!

Sandy had done the quilting on these too.

And on for the road--a finished baby quilt made by Karen,

quilted by Sandy--going to one of our expat friend's 

new baby boy!  Great pattern!  

,

25 Days of Surprises!!

I love this blog!  Helen has a newsletter that comes out on Sunday--although, I'm not a practicing paper artist, anything fiber is game!  so, when the last newsletter came out with this exciting event--I was there!  Maybe, you'll like to look in on her bog daily during those 25 days of surprises!
Don't they look interesting? and fun?

Collaboration!

What happens when you get a knitting group together and they collaborate on a special project?

That happen with a special knitting group in the fall of 2014.  

Old Shale presents over 40 variations of the Old Shale lace pattern that were knit by members of the Wednesday Afternoon Knitting Study Group and then turned into this collection along with a pattern for really cute baby blankets that were made from the sampler swatches.

These variations can be used on blankets, scarves, shawls, sweaters, hats, mittens, socks…anything!

Old Shale Variations is the product of a happy collaborative effort.  How exciting to find this selection of patterns--all free for the asking!  Check for it on Ravelry under Old Shale Pattern Variations.  Thanks Wednesday Afternoon Knitting Study Group!

Planning Your 2016 Summer Yet?

Now is the time to think about 2016 summer plans.  Hop over to Handweavers Guild of America to check out Convergence--Milwaukee 2016! 

Priority registration for Fiber Trust Members opens November 16, 2015.  Become a member of the Fiber Trust today by donating $100 or more to support HGA and the fiber arts.

Donate to HGA's Fiber Trust Annual Giving Campaign

I'm Going to Finish This!!

Here is the final pattern for the 2015 lace scarf!  I'm determined to finish December month's pattern in November--well, we have good intentions--I forgot there is a big holiday coming up!

Preliminary Rows for beads only: Work Rows 11 and 12 once, before starting the 12-row repeats.

Rows 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9: K1, +YO, K3, SSK, YO, S2KP2O, YO, K2TOG, K3, YO, K1; rep from + to EOR.
Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8: Purl.
Row 10: Knit.
(N)Row 11: Purl.
(B)Row 11 Beaded: B, +P1, B; rep from + to EOR.
Row 12: Purl.

Rep the above 12 rows, two more times (3 times total), then knit six rows. (49 sts.)

Removing stitch markers as you come to them, bind off all sts loosely - you can use a needle 2 or 3 sizes larger to make the bind off loose. Block, wear, enjoy!

I hope to post a photo soon of the finished scarf!  

Veteran's Day

My dad served in WWII--Even though WWI was known as the "The Great War", the world didn't learn a lesson and we had another war to end all wars.  Today, I will say thank you to all veteran's.  When I see a military person, I will walk up to them, shake their hand and say "Thank you for your service"!  They are very receptive to this with a big smile. 

History of Veterans Day

World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

Knitting Like Crazy!

Here comes the last two patterns for the 2015 Lace Scarf Pattern--I'm so far behind..........................

but, I'm ready now to knit like crazy to be finished by year's end.

11: Fleurette Pattern (multiple of 6 + 5): 56 beads and 47 sts total

NON-BEADED VERSION: 
Row 1(RS): K2, +K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO; rep from + to last 3 sts, K3. 
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 (WS): Purl. 
Row 3: K4, +YO, K3; rep from + to 1 st from marker, K1. 
Row 5: K2, K2TOG, +YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, S2KP2O; rep from + to last 9 sts before marker, YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, SSK, K2. 
Row 7: K2, +K1, K2TOG, YO, K1, YO, SSK; rep from + to 3 sts from marker, K3. 
Row 9: K4, +YO, K3; rep from + to 1 st from marker, K1. 
Row 11: K2, +K1, K2TOG, YO, S2KP2O, YO, SSK; rep from + to 3 sts from marker, K3.

Repeat above six rows twice more (3 times total).

Knit five rows. On the next row, K3, sm, Kf&b, knit to one stitch before the next marker, Kf&b, sm, K3. (49 sts total)

BEADED VERSION: 
Row 1(RS): K2, +K1, YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO; rep from + to last 3 sts, K3. 
Rows 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 (WS): Purl. 
Row 3: K4, +YO, K3; rep from + to 1 st from marker, K1. 
Row 5: K2, K2TOG, +YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, (B)S2KP2O; rep from + to last 9 sts before marker, YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, SSK, K2. 
Row 7: K2, +K1, K2TOG, YO, K1, YO, SSK; rep from + to 3 sts from marker, K3. 
Row 9: K4, +YO, K3; rep from + to 1 st from marker, K1. 
Row 11: K2, +K1, K2TOG, YO, (B)S2KP2O, YO, SSK; rep from + to 3 sts from marker, K3.

Repeat above six rows twice more (3 times total).

Knit five rows. On the next row, K3, sm, Kf&b, knit to one stitch before the next marker, Kf&b, sm, K3. (49 sts total)

What About You?

The other day our son was interviewing for a job--one of the questions he was asked was:  "What do you Think other people say About You?"  He said that was a tough one to answer!  This got me to thinking.................................................

What do other people say about me?  No, not like behind my back but actually what do they think about my skills, my personality, my life situations, etc.  I know what I think about myself; but, what would others say about me brings up a whole new topic of conversation!  Can you answer that question easily?  I hope I know what people will say about me----

This quiz came up on Facebook--do you ever take those instant quizzes--sure it tells you what you punch--so let's take this quiz--A Real Me

Hopefully, it will tell you what others will say about you!

Australian Quilting Event 2016

Never too early to plan a Spring trip--Now, is the time to make your arrangements to fly Down Under to take part in this exciting Quilt Event.

APRIL 14 – 17, 2016
Royal Exhibition Building
Carlton Gardens, Melbourne - See more at: Australian Quilt Event

Three Color Inkle Weaving!

This came across my computer the other day--WOW!

Three Color Pick-up-- Annie MacHale discovered it after studying many photos in the book Lithuanian Sashes by Anastazija Tamosaitiene & Antanas Tamosaitis.  This book is now out of print.  But, look what Annie did for all you inkle loom weaving folks

She has made a video tutorial that she sells in her Etsy Shop--low price of $8 for instant download

so you can begin to weave these complicated looking pieces.

She has done such remarkable work, she has almost convinced me

to take up my inkle loom again!

Little Hats, Big Hearts

Check this out!  Want to do something for charity?  Have Red Yarn on hand?

Here is your opportunity to make a difference!

American Heart Organization

Another Chapter in The Book

Today we are turning to a new chapter in our life.  We are closing on the sale of our Colorado summer home.  We have had a residence there since 1991--it was a place where we could go for some down time; adventure in a different location; just an out of normal time.  But, today, we are moving on............................................
what will be ahead for us--haven't the foggiest idea.  Where will we be during those hot dreary humid Texas days of summer?  Who knows?  But, we are game!  Bring it on!

Bye Bye House

Bye Bye Living Area

We have many fond memories of you and all our exciting adventures here!

Vintage Knitting Patterns

The 1940's in Britain was a high point for hand knitting. Women on the home front could make a contribution to the war effort by knitting for the troops using patterns that were often given away free. Many specialized patterns developed such as the balaclava helmet with ear flaps for use in telephone operations or the mittens with a separate forefinger for firing a trigger in the cold.

There is a resurgence of using vintage knitting patterns.  Victoria and Albert Museum, UK, has this page dedicated to such patterns.

Even this Helmet Cap would be useful in today's society.

Songs of Old

I know you're tired of seeing the 'stuff' from Mother's house--

quite frankly, I'm tired of digging into these boxes

but, some of this is interesting

Like these pieces of old sheet music

Not popular songs of our day by any means but none the less

interesting!  Why did Mother keep such things?

The book binding on two of these are coming apart.

The pages are tender and fragile

This one is copyrighted 1858 

 

MCMXII = 1912  

Maybe, these were my Granny's, but

I thought she didn't read music; she just played by ear.

I always thought it was amazing to me,

if you hummed a tune, Granny could play it!

What to do with this old sheet music????