༺ Snow on the Mountains ༻

This time of year the Colorado mountains look so pretty. They still have winter snow, which highlights their beauty. Here are two views of the mountains I can see from the farm.

༺ Cold Enough? ༻

Here's a thermometer reading I won't soon forget!

Hope it is warmer where you are.

༺ Braided Cable Bonnet ༻

With the cold weather settling in over Colorado, I took the time this winter to add some bells and whistles to my basic knitted bonnet hat. I wanted to make a prettier brim, so I added a cable twist pattern. I think it looks a little like a pie crust edge!

Next, I wanted the back edge to have a pattern too. I got that look by purling the last four stitches on the front side, and the first four on the back side. It looks ribbed, I think.

The hat fits like a hood, but doesn't have a pointy top. The sides come down and warm the cheeks and neck, giving warmth to the whole area.

Winter causes a lot of creativity to flow for me, both for hats and scarves. Thanks for checking out my latest head covering.

༺ Handmade Cotton Sponge ༻

Here's a fun summer project if you are in the mood to create simple cotton kitchen sponges. We use ours to wipe the counters and rinse off dishes. They go through the washing machine, which I like because I know they get clean. Here's a blue one I made this morning:

I made up this pattern after trying a few purchased patterns. They had more bells and whistles than I needed. This pattern is very simple, but that's good because when the sponges wear out I'm not stressed about making more. My husband takes the worn out ones to the garage for even more use in the shop.

What you'll need:

• Cotton Yarn. The typical kitchen cotton works very well. I got a spool of it so I can make these for a long time.
• Crochet hook. I use #3.25
• Ruler or Tape Measure
• Tapestry Needle
• Scissors

Crochet Stitches:

• ch = chain
• sc = single crochet
• st = stitch
• hdc = half double crochet

 
Pattern:

Ch 9, turn

Row 1:  sc in second st from hook, hdc in next st. Repeat this pattern across to end of row. (should end in a hdc). ch 1, turn

Row 2 and beyond: repeat Row 1 until piece measures 7". ch 2 to begin trim

Fold: Bend the piece in half the long way:

Trim: You can make a more creative trim than I use, but here's what I do. hdc around all four sides, joining the two sides of the piece as you go.  At the corners, add a ch 1 to help with the curves.

Bind off and sew in yarn ends.

I hope you enjoy trying this free pattern, and also come visit my etsy shop to see my other patterns and goat's milk soap bars. I recently added a cool pattern for a braided cable scarf. The cable pattern shows on both sides of the skinny scarf, so it can be worn a lot of ways!

I'll leave you with a few pretty flower pictures I took in the yard last week. The first is Sainfoin and the second is Salvia. Thanks for reading my blog!

༺ Weeds Be Gone ༻

If you hate to use nasty chemicals to get rid of weeds coming up in walkways and patios, I have a great alternative method. I found a recipe that creates a spray to help keep grass, sunflowers, dandelions, and other weeds from filling the cracks in your walkways. I used it recently, and can say "It Works"!

Here is the recipe:

• Vinegar - Two Cups
• Liquid Dish Soap - One Tablespoon
• Salt - One Tablespoon

I found an old jar, doubled the recipe, and mixed it all up. Then I found a simple spray bottle to pour the mixture into (I used a funnel). Next, I took the spray bottle outside and gave those unwelcome weeds a nice soaking. It was easy and I felt good not having to buy or use more serious chemicals on areas where my dogs and I hang out.

The results were pretty fast. Within a few hours I saw the weeds starting to turn brown. I resprayed tough patches of grass to be sure they got a nice covering. Soon, the weeds were very brown and shriveled up. Success!

This is one recipe I want to keep on hand and use as needed.

Sights During a Colorado Winter

Living in the north eastern part of Colorado gives us the ability to be on the plains, and take short drives to get into the mountains. I enjoy living in the lowlands and visiting the hills. I guess I prefer coyotes to bears.

 I saw this bald eagle out my window this week. The hawks and eagles appreciate a nice fence post to pause upon as they watch for mice and prairie dogs.

 On our last drive up the Poudre Canyon, I enjoyed seeing the river water running through the ice.

Rock outcroppings are another favorite sight of mine. It was a cold windy day, but I had to get out of the car to snap a few pictures of the beautiful scenery.

I've been crafting less lately, but have been knitting socks as I can. The last time I made a crocheted rose, I actually had to use my own pattern to remember the details! That's a sure sign I have been away from flowers for too long.

༺ Winter Is Here! ༻

Here is Colorado we have been having a calm autumn. Temperatures have been moderate and moisture has been minimal. Until..... last Wednesday!  Suddenly, the weather forecasts started calling for snow and bitter cold. Wow - the predictions were right!

What is cold for us here along the Front Range (the area running along the eastern side of the Rockies)? I would say it is what we've had for the last 4 days. Highs are about 8 degrees, and lows are dipping to 10 below at night. We have a few inches of snow on the ground, and the roads have ice patches - just enough to keep driving interesting.

While our house is pretty cozy and warm on the first floor, this kind of cold still finds a way to sneak in. I noticed our main door's dead bolt had white on it from frost. I snapped this picture of frost forming on the inside screws! They look like little marshmallows!!

At least these temperatures will get me in the holiday mood, and remind me to pull out warm clothes, hats and gloves.