Preparing for Christmas
Dear TEAM: I am writing requesting help in getting material such as recitations, skits, plays and even songs suitable for seniors to do for a Christmas concert. – B.S. Hanna, Alta.
Dear B.S.: Since Christmas is on its way, I wanted to send a response immediately.
In Saskatchewan, our regional library system has access to the Central Library resources, as well as those in our local library. I understand Alberta has a similar system. If you can’t find the information you need at the local library, you can fill out a specific request slip (if you know the name of the book and author), or a nonspecific request slip (asking for topics).
Read Also
Worrisome drop in grain prices
Prices had been softening for most of the previous month, but heading into the Labour Day long weekend, the price drops were startling.
You could request topics such as Christmas concerts, pageants, entertainment, festivities and Christmas music, and receive an assortment of material. Another likely place to check for this is the Ideals books, a glossy magazine format series that has great ideas.
Any readers who can help us out further, please write.
Family tree kit
Speaking of Christmas, we have come across The Family Tree Kit, which would make an excellent choice for a Christmas gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative.
Genealogy has soared in popularity for many reasons. People want to find their roots in a complex world. For many people, a medical family tree could mean the difference between life and death. Medical conditions as well as many of our psychological and physical traits are inherited. Knowing the family history can be a real asset in maintaining health in our families.
Each kit contains:
- A color 22 x 34 inch (55 x 86 centimetre) family tree wall chart.
- Sixty charts for recording lineage, family relationships and biographical information – enough to record the ancestry of two families, 21 equations into the past.
- Tracing Your Family Tree 40-page guide book.
- A research certificate valued at $15 to apply to search services.
The Family Tree Kit is published by Genealogical Research Library and distributed by Firefly Books Ltd. for $24.95. It can be purchased at local book stores or by phone 416-499-8412 or fax 416-499-8313.
Make a quillo
People who sew might enjoy making a quillo, a quilt that folds up into a pillow. My sister-in-law makes these very practical gifts. She uses Simplicity Pattern #0394. You’ll need 21Ú2 yards (2.3 metres) of two pieces of 45 inch (115 cm) fabrics, and one piece of polyester batting 45 x 72 inches (115 x 190 cm), and one piece of polyester batting 18 inches (45 cm) square.
First you construct a pillow pocket, then prepare the quilt, attach the pocket to the quilt, sew two quilting lines, and then fold the quilt into the pocket. Simplicity describes it in straightforward, easy-to-follow directions. It makes up in almost no time.
Knitted afghan pattern
If you’re thinking about homemade gifts for Christmas this year, consider knitting an afghan. My aunt from Regina sent me this beautiful fisherman knit afghan pattern that is simple and easy. It is a 42 x 55 inches (107 x 140 cm) before fringing.
This mock cable pattern has only four rows which make up quickly using a long circular needle to handle the large number of stitches. It looks like a cable, but you don’t need the extra needle most cables require.
Using a 50-ounce off-white worsted weight yarn, do a garter stitch (knitting every row) of seven stitches equaling two inches (five cm). Test the gauge by making a three inch (eight cm) garter stitch square before doing the afghan, or you may run out of wool.
Instructions:
Loosely cast on 157 stitches. Do not join, work back and forth in rows.
Mock cable pattern
Row 1 (right side): Knit 5, Purl 2; *slip one stitch, Knit 2, PSSO (purl the slipped stitch over the two knit stitches); Purl 2; repeat from o to last 5 stitches, Knit 5.
Row 2: Knit 7; *Purl 1, YO (yarn over), Purl 1; Knit 2; repeat from o to last 5 stitches, Knit 5.
Row 3: Knit 5, Purl 2; *Knit 3 (work the YO of previous row as a stitch), Purl 2; repeat from o to last 5 stitches, Knit 5.
Row 4: Knit 7; *Purl 3, Knit 2; repeat from o to last 5 stitches, Knit 5
Repeat Rows 1 through 4 for pattern.
Pattern 2
In this pattern, there are two special techniques.
- In row 1 of the pattern, in order to s11, k2, PSSO the two knit stitches, first be sure the yarn is moved back to the position for knitting before you slip the stitch. To PSSO, insert tip of left needle into the slipped stitch, draw it over the two knitted stitches, over and off the top of the right-hand needle. This results in one stitch decreased.
- In row 2 of the pattern, you are told to P1, YO, P1. To work this YO, bring the yarn back over the needle and completely around it to the front to again have yarn in the purl position. This results in one stitch increased.
Top border: Knit 2 rows. Now repeat row 1 through 4 of mock cable pattern until piece measures 54.5 inches or 137 cm long.
Bottom border: Knit 2 rows. Bind off loosely. Weave in all loose yarn ends.
Fringe: Cut a piece of cardboard six inches (15 cm) wide and 11 inches (28 cm) long. Wind yarn loosely and evenly lengthwise around cardboard. When card is filled, cut yarn across one end. You now have a pile of 22 inch (56 cm) long strands. Make several piles in same manner, then start fringing. Wind additional strands as needed. Hold piece with right side facing and one short edge at top. Working from left to right, make first knot in outer edge stitch of garter stitch side border and second knot in stitch of garter side border, then work one knot below each cable across to other side. Work one knot in inner stitch of garter stitch side border, last knot in outer stitch of garter stitch side border.
Knot Step 1: Hold 10 strands together, then fold in half. Use crochet hook to draw folded end through. Pull loose ends through folded section, and draw up knot firmly. Work knots completely across one end spaced as above.
Adaption: My aunt put 197 stitches on to make a wider afghan, and used a size 9 circular needle or 5.5 mm. You can adapt the number of stitches to change the size of the afghan. It is a good pattern for those with less knitting experience.
Help for parents
Thank you to the caller who informed us that the book Positive Discipline for Teenagers by Jane Nelson and Lynn Lott is the same book as I’m On Your Side. Just the title and the cover have changed. It is available through some book stores. I was pleased to find this book at the Book and Brier Patch on Albert Street in Regina.To order, call toll-free 1-800-276-0179.
