Summer Shopping

This is what happens when the weather is warm and sunny!  I tend to go shopping for pretty things.

The plan was to just go out and look around a bit and see what is new, pretty and available around here.

I have been wanting to get back into crochet, and have been doing little bits here and there, mainly in cream and white.  But … I could not resist these.  Stunning crochet cottons, in the most amazing pretty flower and jewel colours.  I was a very good girl, and did not overspend, but I will be going back, as I would still love a range of “blues” to add to my cotton stash.

New Crochet Cottons

New Crochet Cottons

This fabric was simply irresistible.  It is silky soft.  I immediately loved the printed designs.  So very pretty, romantic and “old-school”.  A range of gorgeous pictures that seem to come together and compliment each other beautifully.  I am thinking of a pretty bag or two, so I can carry it around with me all the time.

New Fabric

New Fabric

New Fabric

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The Tea Merchant

This is probably my next favourite store, besides my Local Yarn Store.

They have the best teas I have ever been able to buy locally, not to mention the huge variety of blends and flavours, and tea making supplies.

It is a tiny little store, but they are always helpful and friendly.  Every time I visit, there is a different selection of teas brewing for you to taste and experience.

Tea Merchant

Tea Merchant

Tea Merchant

What is on my needles for 2015

It is 2015, and the first project for the year is on my needles.  It is a Spring Knit for a swap buddy.  It is mid summer here, but will be Spring soon in my buddy’s part of the world.  So I am making a little something for her when Spring comes visiting.

I ordered the yarn, and had to wait a few days for it to arrive.  I was super excited, and watched for the delivery of a package from the couriers each day.  I received it late last week, and cast on that very same evening.

The pattern is Spring Shawlette 🙂 obviously, and it is at Abuelita Yarns.

Spring Shawlette

Spring Shawlette

Spring Shawlette

Spring Shawlette

2014 Summer Vacation

My 2014 Summer Vacation was a beautiful and stunning time.  I got to spend time with my family and loved ones.  I think my dog enjoyed it even more, having me around all the time.  The weather was great, we had lots of sunshine, and enough rain to keep the garden happy as well.

But I did get around to doing some crafting around the house as well.  I tidied my workdesk and made myself a neat little space to work. My modified jars to store my pins in, knitted myself a carry all for my knitting, upgraded a rather plain printed shopper with beads and buttons and charms, I crocheted some beaded decorative covers for ostrich eggs, and covered a lampshade with a crocheted cover and some beaded trim, and then I even decorated my kitchen towels with pretty borders.

Workdesk Make over Tidy up

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

I was in the mood for cushions, and knitted some for the spare room, and even for my office.

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

2014 Vacation Crafting

And through it all, when the weather did keep us indoors, we even had time to build a puzzle and “frame” it by attaching it to a canvas and sealing it with varnish.

2014 Vacation Crafting

Happy 2015!

Happy 2015 to all.  May it be a stunning year.

I don’t make new years resolutions.  I have not done so for many years now.  I just make lists of my ideas and plans, and then try to keep to them when and where possible.

I do however think my dog made some.  🙂  Here she is during the vacation, sleeping in on the bed.  I get the very distinct idea that she is planning to do this very often this year.

Winding up 2014

I finished off 2014 with one more swap to a buddy in the United States.  This was such a fun swap, I had lots of fun knitting these socks for her, making her some special stitch markers, and putting her gifts and goodies together.

Socks for a swap buddy

Socks for a swap buddy

Stitch Markers for my Swap Buddy

Socks for a swap buddy

I also received two swap packages in the mail.  Just in time for Christmas, it felt like Santa was being specially nice and sending all the goodies I love.

The one package, from New Mexico, included stunning yarn from The Painted Tiger, socks, a hat and mittens, a cute pin, lovely candles and chocolates, and a most useful row counter bracelet! In Blue!  How did they know?  I don’t have one and adore it.

Sole Sister Angel Package Yarn

Sole Sister Angel Package Goodies

Sole Sister Angel Package Goodies

My other package was all the way from Washington State, and included one of my favourite yarns, Manos in Handspun.  I love the scarf that was knitted and gifted to me, it is so soft and drapes beautifully.  I am looking forward to winter to wear this beauty.

Details of the scarf is here.  🙂

Sole Sister Package Goodies

Sole Sister Package Yarn

Sole Sister Package Scarf

This was a special and perfect way to wrap up my 2014 and take a break for the Summer Holidays.