I love Winter :-)

I just love the Winter here in SA.  It is not so very cold, and still sunny.  We have rather pleasant days still.

But we also have the colder days, which is my perfect excuse to stay home, and KNIT!  We had a few of those so far, and I made very good use of each and every moment to find a warm spot and knit to my heart’s content.

Some of my WIP’s are now finished, and I am working on new projects.

The two scarves I was working in, are both done.  Blocking a bit on the slow side, due to colder weather.

I have been working on this shawl for myself.  A very good friend of mine sent me a link on Youtube to a beautiful song.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsCdlX-5UjE) Watching the video and listening to the song inspired me to make this shawl.  The yarn is Lelana Handspun in colourway chrysanthemum.  It is knitting absolutely beautifully, I am creating the design and pattern and size as I go.  I have loads of notes and drawings to keep me on track.

This is the small crescent shawl that I am knitting for a swap buddy of mine, from Germany.  I was gifted the pattern from a friend in the USA. It is: Alby by Bonne Marie Burns I am considering starting one for myself as soon as I have finished my buddy’s shawl.

And finally, I did actually get around to cutting the fabric and mohair pieces to start working on the miniature Bunny I had been planning to make.  So far I have sewn the head pieces together.  I will be working on my Bunny during my upcoming Winter Vacation.

My love for Venus

It has finally come to say Goodbye to my lovely lady Venus.

Venus

She came into my life more than twenty years ago, as a tiny little black ball of fluff.  (smaller than a ball of yarn).  She had kept me and my daughter company over many years, including many late nights of study for my daughter as she finished high-school and a four year degree at University.

Venus just always seemed to be there, around when you needed her.  A stunning lady with a soft voice, and even softer fur to cuddle.  Always ready to sit on your lap when you are feeling sad, but never in the mood to share my lap with knitting.  I guess she new she was much softer to the touch than any yarn could ever be, and never felt the need to compete.

As she got older, she was a very peaceful and quiet lady, sleeping in front of the stove, where the heat from baking and cooking made her feel very comfortable.  It so reminded me of older farm-houses, with the cats or dogs in front of the stove or fireplace.

But this winter, she decided to go to the “happy hunting grounds” where all good Kitties go.

She will be missed in our home, and her place will never be filled.

Venus

Venus

(Not so) Idle Hands

Now that two of my scarves are done and off the needles, I did a few other projects, that I had been planning and wanting to finish for a while.

In my Molly Makes Magazine was a free little sewing project, a cute sausage dog, that I made and am now using as a pin cushion for when I am blocking my knitting.

Molly Makes Sausage Dog Pincushion

Molly Makes Sausage Dog Pincushion

I also made some earrings, it was about time, I needed a few new pairs to update my collection.

Silver and Blue Crystal Earrings

Silver Crystal Earrings

Silver Crystal Earrings

Old fashioned pearl earrings

And this Celtic inspired chain-maile piece, that I attached to a large silver pin, that works wonders as a scarf or shawl pin.

Celtic Inspired Shawl Pin

I have started a long pendant / lariat as well, I am working on this one still.  I did a few pieces that will become a beaded tassle, but am still a bit undecided about the upper piece.  The design calls for chain, but I might change it a bit and use more beads, etc.

Beaded Tassle neck piece

Beaded Tassle neck piece