The busy shepherdess, who has projects in progress (PIP's) everywhere is turning out just like them!!
lol
The wonderful women of my childhood did not seem one bit set back, even though things surely were hard for their generation. It was obvious to me as a child that they were busy with their creations because they loved the useful and pretty results of what they made. The time and effort they devoted to the work gave them so much more in return. It's truly amazing how they did all that without the resources we have on hand today!
So what resources are out there? Where can one find patterns? Here are a few suggestions of places to look:
1. Did you know most libraries are actually part of a vast regional collection of which you can also borrow from? Go to your local library's website and find the name of the regional group...here in Winnebago County, we are Winnefox. Another example south of here is the Monarch library system. Each region is actually a large collection of small town libraries, and each collection is available with just the click of a mouse! How is that for fabulous!! In my experience, there is little repeat of collection items for this very purpose. That means you can find stitch dictionaries, pattern books based on all sorts of themes and ideas, and periodicals. There are several magazines devoted to knitting and crochet, all available through these systems, so check it out and open a whole new world of ideas!!
2. Did you know that area book stores and Goodwill stores stock great knitting/crochet books? On one recent trip to an Appleton bookstore, we found extremely cute pattern books on crocheted farm animals that had us trying to contain our giggles right there in the aisle. But the collection is actually vast and diverse! Grab a hot cup of coffee and let the browsing begin until you find something you can't resist and open a whole new world of fun!
3. Did you know that there is a ton of free patterns available on the internet? It's true! Unfortunately, I don't think it's going to last, as this is getting tighter and tighter. If you have experience with knit or crochet, just looking at pictures of other people's work is great fun! Other people love to show what they've made and wish to inspire you so don't be shy or worry...sharing is a strong American trait!
Any one of these three above can quickly flood you with inspiration, ideas, and guidance for things to make. This is a very rich time for idea exchange that cannot be taken for granted. Utilize it to advance your skills and broaden your knowledge.
Wheely Wooly Farm yarns are ideal for nearly every pattern out there, just match the gauge and needle or hook size. In fact, most pattern collections are designed for any yarn available to you in your area that matches the gauge. Our yarns are easily washed and suitable for just about every project you could put them in. Our colors are vibrant, varigated and naturally appealing, so put these yarns in clothing, household items, toys...anything! Even dog sweaters! We think you will love the results!
Happy hunting for patterns and when you are vastly overwhelmed with all the fun options, come see us at the market and we'll do what we can to help!
P.S. I forgot to mention when I posted this yesterday, what has become of that pretty neighborhood full of flowers and gardens with spacious houses all orderly and filled with love, occupied by sharing social people who made really good cookies. After most of those residents passed away or moved into homes closer to a family member, the city virtually stopped maintaining or investing in the neighborhood. No longer maintained, the streets fell into near ruin and were quite uncomfortable to drive on. Street lights would be dark, not fixed, and so on. Some of the ladies houses fell into drug houses, and the neighborhood became much less safe. They went from apple pies and canned pears to...something much much different. While some families stubbornly stayed, most of the rest moved away and the bigger houses no longer held business leaders. The last time I drove through there was a shock. Their houses are falling apart. You can't even see where their gardens were. There are junk cars in the yards. Many, many trees are gone so it's much hotter and drier there now. The generation that built America is gone. In it's place is...well...I'll leave that interpretation to you! I know how sad it would make that generation to see the way it is today!!
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