Thursday, July 28, 2016

Scrappy Hat Along


I'm sorry that I was traveling during this scrap along with Woolly Wormhead. 
But, it's not too late to go back and begin now.
She has a detailed step by step way to use your scrap yarns; in fact,
the hat looks better if you do use different yarns.
The above photo is of the finished hat--
~Sign~  Guess I can't participate in every knit along,
but it sure would be fun!
can I be a clone??

Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Oh No! It's Wednesday AGAIN!!

It's okay--I'm going to try my hand at another one of Erica Jackofsky's design, Fiddle Knits

It's the final design in the Elements collection

This is not my work!  I hope to achieve this with my yarn.
And now, I wish I had some of that gradient yarn everyone is talking about!!
Off to knit this creative design clue one!

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Fun In October!

It's that time again!  I'm was so excited to receive this notice about Taos Wool Market!  It has been one my favorite places to attend for workshops and other activities.

It is the BEST time to visit Taos!  Cool weather!  Great workshops!
Great instructors!  Great Shopping!
This year will feature Franklin Habit!  What could be better??



Knitting & Crocheting Workshops

Spinning & Weaving Workshops

Dyeing & Felting Workshops

Make N Take Workshops


Special Presentation
Friday Night Kickoff 7-8:30
Franklin Habit

B IS FOR PURL

    Franklin Habit

Monday, July 25, 2016

Mordants??

Are you a dyer?  Either Chemical or Natural dyer?  There was a great blog post about using mordants in the dye baths recently and I thought this answered many a question about how these chemical mordants assist in dyeing.
For years, I used chrome in my natural dyeing baths--it gave such sharp colors
to some plants--it was only necessary to use a very small amount.
But, after much research, I safely discarded my chrome products.

Iron--well, why not use an old iron pot or skillet while dyeing?  That's what
I use now--no need to have the mordant on hand

Copper--I used a old copper pipe--
Read the post.  

Sunday, July 24, 2016

Happy Birthday!!

Today is my mother's 96th birthday!  Happy birthday Mother!  We are visiting with her and sharing memories of our childhood.  Both of my brothers are here as well.  We are taking mother out for brunch.

You're looking good mother!  She can't believe the good Lord has
let her live so long.  

Saturday, July 23, 2016

Knit Those Knockers!!


What a great volunteer opportunity for knitters or crocheters!
For anyone who has undergone a mastectomy or knows someone
who has lost their breasts to a disease, this is a way
we can give some of ourselves to make them
feel more comfortable!
Join in--and knit those knockers!
The website has patterns for both knitted and crochet, 
along with tutorials and instructions.
Perfect!
Check it out!




Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. volunteer knitters provide these free to those requesting them. Knitted knockers can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some of the stuffing.

Friday, July 22, 2016

It's Always Good To Be Home!

The journey has ended--we are home, safe in our own beds--our journey took us to many interesting locations where we met super people, shared good food, wine and conversation.  The Historic places we visited will always be in our memories--the people we met will share a place in our hearts.

As we traveled, I used my smart phone to post photos and write this blog--it wasn't easy to say all I wanted to say about those historic places.  The computers in business center of hotels were difficult to maneuver--sometimes, you feel so dumb--especially when all other nationalities can speak your language and you butcher theirs!  Oh, well--everyone is very kind, helpful and supportive when you are a foreigner traveling in their land.  I would only hope we can afford them the same courtesy when they visit ours.

A wrap up of places and things we saw and I didn't post about:
The Grand Residenz of Munich was almost totally wiped out with WWII bombing--as many
of the historic places we visited in Germany--
true to saving history, the Residentz is being refurbished to its once beauty.
History will remain--walking into this magnificent hall--took your breath away!
This was the dining hall and only one of the 170 rooms-- We walked through
65-80 of the rooms--just unbelieveable. 

The fiascos are slowly being repaired--to think that all the work of 1600's
was almost gone, but still faintly mark their spots.
I thought I saw a spinning wheel in the right corner.
But, look at the molding--how awesome is that?! 

This is a Persian wool tapestry from 1600
Luckily, alot of these treasures were taken out of the rooms
and stored in Austria during WWII

The close up detail.

And the beers of Germany and the people are two of the highlights
besides the historic buildings.  we visited the Hofbrauhaus to sample
a beer and some sausages--the beers are government controlled--
so there are no flavored beers and all beers taste about the same to me.
Here we sat next to an East German couple who were coming to
Munich for holiday.  They spoke excellent English and answered our
questions about beers and sausage--even shared a bite of their 
pig knuckle--delightful people rule this world 

And the churches!! What else can I say about the churches?
such lovely places to sit, listen and pray!

a world known to many Christians
We stood here  and we got goosebumps!  Here is where history was in the
making--this was Hitler's Nazi party rally grounds--so eerie to think millions
walked these grounds and saluted
Here is the view from the time period.
This is so depressing to think about.

Yes, we had a grand journey--and now, we settle into daily life and routine.
Thank you for taking the journey with me.












Leftovers

Leftovers!  What to do with leftovers?  Never know what to do with all these leftovers--hate to pitch them.  It's all good stuff and sho...