quilts, knitting, and traveling

Almost done with block 3 of my travel quilt...
"My whimsical Garden"
from Piece O' Cake Designs
Yes, I am using the same colors
but different fabric prints than they used.
I love their color scheme so why take the time changing
something that didn't need changing.

I have also been knitting hats...
Along with my church women's group,
for the local Cancer treatment center.
I thought I'd share the pattern we are using;
as well as some of the things we have learned about
the needs of the patients.

Our group did some research into the needs...
actually we asked a mom who is part of our group what is actually needed and wanted in a Chemo Cap...
this is what she told us. (You may want to check with people in your own area)
-the hat needs to fit somewhat snugly and not need to have the brim rolled up.
-they do not want to be uncomfortable; and they do not want to feel like they are too warm and need to remove the hat indoors. They don't want to take them off in public.
-the yarn needs to be soft.
I've included 2 photo's the first one has several finished caps,
some a little smaller than others. and the second has several unfinished caps.
I wanted to display the variety of colors and stripes and just
fun things to do with the simple pattern.

Chemo Caps
Caron Simply Soft Yarns
Sz 8 needles (5.0mm)
To start, cast on 72 stitches. and begin a rib pattern for approx. 1 1/2".
We used the k2 p2 pattern.
(If you notice the pink hat in the first picture, I did a seed stitch pattern for the rib.)
Switch to the stockinette stitch for the remainder of the hat.
-k 1 row, p 1 row...repeat.
at 5 1/2" you begin the decrease rows.
Row 1: *k4, k2 tog, repeat from * across row (should now be 60 sts)
Row 2: p 1 row
Row 3: k 1 row
Row 4: p 1 row
Row 5: *k3, k2 tog, repeat from * across row (should now be 48 sts)
Row 6: p 1 row
Row 7: *k2 tog, repeat from * across row (should now be 24 sts)
Cut off about 18"-24" and thread a yarn/tapestry needle.
Pull through the remaining stitches on the needle, and remove from the needle.
Cinch tightly (use care not to break the yarn LOL, don't ask how I know this)
Sew from the top down using the same yarn piece.
Hide all ends. You have a Chemo Cap.
Remember to have fun, play with stripes... play with colors...
Use boy colors, as well as girl colors, think of the colors of the local colleges,
high schools, sports teams, etc.

now...
I've always thought it would be fun
to have an object I take with me on my travels
that I can include in the photo's...
I have purchased this Gnome
you can see in the photo to the left...
Here he's among the Tulips coming up in front of my home.
and in the next photo...
He's on the step in front of my home.
now, I'm not positive yet,
that this is what I want to use as my travel companion,
he is about a foot tall.
Won't be easy to take some places.
Maybe I should find something more like "Flat Stanley"
Or maybe I should find something less popular,
something unique for me...
Hmmmmmmm.
The jury is still out contemplating the verdict. But I will be doing a lot more traveling now, so I need to make up my mind soon. Until I do, I will be using the Gnome... Whom I have named George.