Thumbs Down

These mittens were intended for my great-niece, but obviously they are too large for her. However, since I had plenty of yarn, I finished the pair for a future afghans for Afghans youth project.

I used the Lion Brand Easy-Knit Mitten pattern #80672AD (you may need to register to access this free pattern) and reclaimed wool. While the pattern was easy to follow, I prefer the Classic Mitten pattern that I knit for my great-niece and posted last week. I think the Classic Mitten has a better fit and is not so wide in the palm. I like the fit of the thumb better, too.

Homemade Treasures

Saturday, the Fiber Guild met to decorate its tree for the Festival of Trees. First the tree had to be assembled. The pole was hot-glued into the stand and then each piece of the pole was secured with hot glue to keep the trees stable during transport to the display area and to the buyer's desired location.

The group started assembling and collecting handmade decorations after the first of the year. We held a meeting in April to felt ornaments. Each member was also asked to make at least three additional ornaments. I made a red bird and several mini stockings from scrap sock yarn. The variety of ornaments everyone made is amazing.

Some of the ornaments were simple and others quite elaborate.

These poinsettias were knit and then felted by one of the members. They were stunning as were the lacy snowflakes. The garland and each ornament needed to be secured to the tree with wire to prevent them from falling off during transport.

A lady in my knitting group hand-felts Santas. She teaches classes for large felted Santas each year. Check out the garland, too. One of the members made enough for the entire tree. It was super soft.

Whoever purchases the Fiber Guild tree will have a wealth of homemade treasures.

Vintage Pattern Rescue

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.

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

Left: 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

Left: Snowmobiles, Ladies Sleeveless Vest, Sizes: 32-34-36-38

Right: Buffalo, Men's Cardigan, Sizes: 38-40-42-44, (circa 1957)

Teddy Bears, Kiddie's Cardigan, Sizes 4-6, (circa 1960)

(Taken 11/23/09)

Book with 16 classic sweaters for men and women on 55 pages. (circa 1963)

Left: Booklet with 16 classic sweaters on 20 pages, (circa 1962)

Right: Aran Jacket, Ladies' Sizes: 32-34-36-38-40-42-44

I hope you will help me find a new home for these vintage and classic patterns. Leave a comment (make sure your settings are not set at "No Reply" so I can respond) or send me an email.

Replacement Needed

Somehow the time change slipped up on me this year. Normally, I purchase replacement batteries for my two smoke detectors and change them with the clocks; however, this year life got in the way, and I kept putting it off until today.

This post is a reminder:

•  If you did not replace the batteries in your smoke detector when the time changed, please do it today.

•  If you do not have smoke detectors in your house, please purchase one and install it, all you need is a screwdriver.

These inexpensive devices save countless lives each year.

Don't waste any more time, replace the batteries or install smoke detectors TODAY.

Easy-Knit Doll Blanket

Small balls of scrap yarn drives me crazy: they take up a lot of room and are difficult to utilize. This doll blanket eliminated eight scrap balls of worsted weight yarn. I used the traditional dishcloth pattern, commonly called "Idiot's Dishcloth." The blanket is a 24-inch square.

Matching Set

My great-niece called last weekend and requested mittens for Christmas, so I made some to match the Thorpe earflap hat I knit a few weeks ago.

The mittens were knit on two size 4 circular needles. I used the Classic Mitten pattern from FreeVintageKnitting.com. The pattern covers a wide range of sizes and fits well.

The wool for these items was reclaimed from a ladies sweater.

Awareness Time

November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month

Pulmonary Hypertension is often not diagnosed in a timely manner because its early symptoms can often be attributed to those of many other conditions. Some of the symptoms of PH include:

Chest pain
Breathlessness
Low energy
Dizziness and fainting
Swollen ankles and legs
Bluish lips and skin

These symptoms may seem common and simple, but they severely impair a PH patient's ability to lead a normal life. Simple activities like walking, dressing oneself, and cleaning can become difficult to perform. Thus, a normal, healthy-looking individual might be incapable of some basic functions due to PH. 


I am one of the few who have mild secondary pulmonary hypertension, caused by another illness, in my case, severe sleep apnea. By treating the apnea aggressively and by taking my oral medication, my PH has stabilized. Many other PH patients are not so fortunate and must have a drug (Flolan) directly infused into their heart twenty-four hours a day. This drug is enormously expensive, totaling over $100,000 a year. 


Research centers around the world are working hard to find a cure for this devastating disease, and they are getting closer. Because of their passion and dedication, new treatments are being developed. 

More information can be found at Pulmonary Hypertension Association website.

Special Request

Just when I thought my Christmas knitting was complete, my sister put in a special request for fingerless mitts and a matching cowl. I was happy to fulfill her wish.

I used a skein of hand-dyed merino, sock yarn for the mitts, but I added a strand of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport to the cowl since the pattern called for worsted weight. The cowl is a bit darker because of the additional strand of darker wool.

The mitts were made with this online pattern, and the Chevron Lace Gaiter (Cowl) was printed in the November 2008 issue of Creative Knitting, page 40.