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