Summer days………

Tags

African Expressions, Aran wool, buddy, Curry Cup, cushion cover, daughter, Ellispark, embroidery, Emirates Park, Enchanted, fireworks, Johannesburg sunset, Lions, madelinetosh, Rugby, silverspun, socks, Winners, yarncakes, yarns

Summer in Johannesburg is in full swing.  We hardly had much of a Spring to enjoy, days are already hot and long and sunny. Normally we would have had lots of rain by now, but this year the rain is late.

Hot summer days did mean less knitting and crafting.  I have been working on the odd project though.  I finished the embroidered front cover piece for a small cushion, and now I can start the construction of the pillow case itself.

I also finished the very dark purple socks for a swap buddy, and they are making their way across the ocean to their new home.

And I even caked some yarns for future projects.

So when I am not crafting, what am I doing?  Of course, the obvious would be yarn shopping.  I got a few very pretty local skeins, and these “Enchanted” skeins from African Expressions are really living up to their name.  Also got a 400g ball of Aran with Wool for a small blanket for the cooler Fall days.

And then, like many a South African, we love our Rugby.  I have been supporting the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup and watching games on television.  Plus I spoiled my daughter and got us tickets to the Curry Cup Final in Johannesburg, with our regional team, The Lions, playing with “home ground advantage” and winning the Cup.  This was her first live match, and attending a Final is always so much better. I loved the fireworks that went off each time a goal was scored.

ps:  I have been good, and even cast on the blanket last night.

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All about Traveling Packages

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Alberta, buddy, Canada, chocolates, coffee cozies, fridge magnets, koolaid, Massachusetts, mugrugs, Old Bay, post cards, puppy snips, sock yarn, stitch markers, swap goodies, swaps

Traveling Packages and Mail Delivery Services.

Both of these make me smile, albeit for totally different reasons.

Receiving packages is always great, and I love the surprises when receiving a package with international stamps on.  The gifts and goodies are gorgeous, and so cute.  Always something new and interesting and not what I have seen before.

The other reason why I smile, is the Mail Delivery Services, which at times can be pretty slow.  Outgoing mail always seem to wing their way pretty quickly.  But the incoming mail has a will and a way of their own.

One to these was a package that “strayed”.  It was mailed to me from Massachusetts in February 2015, and arrived at my home in October 2015.   Yes, 8 Months later!!   I don’t know where this package traveled to, and where it visited before it finally got to me, but the surprise of receiving it was awesome.  In the package was sweets and chocolates, that were still in a perfect condition.  The chocolates were even already eaten, and were so good. Can not wait to try the Old Bay Seasoning.  Have been wanting this for a while, we don’t have it in SA.

My other package, coming from Alberta in Canada, took a little less time, about 3 months, which I suppose is a lot faster!

And again, what stunning lovely gifts.  Adorable Hiya Hiya goodies.  Now I also sport my own little Puppy Snips.  Are they cute or what?  And coffee / tea cozies in a typical Canadian pattern.  Wow, they are going to get amazing comments when I use them in the winter.  Even a MugRug all the way from Mexico.  I love it, and think its very special.

This is the joy of swapping with buddies from far away countries.  Even when a packages takes a bit longer, you are always surprised with the best little treasures ever.

It feels like Home

It feels like home.

That is what the skein of yarn says on its label.

The yarn I am referring to is African Expressions Soul.

It is gorgeous and soft and does make you feel comfy on the inside, just like home.

The yarn is a blend of Mohair, Mulberry Silk and Merino Wool, hand dyed in South Africa.  It is a stunning local yarn, and I loved it the moment I saw it.  It is dyed in a small selection of colours, and I adored the blue combination.

This is really a beautiful soft and delightful yarn, that I am looking forward to knitting with.

Beautiful Swap Goodies

Today I quickly want to share with you the stunning package I got all the way from Connecticut!

I was totally in awe and overwhelmed by all the lovely goodies.

It was having an early Christmas.  The little parcels inside the box just seemed to keep coming and coming.  Each one with its own new surprise.

2 New magazines, Project Bags (One is nice and big, I am going to start a bigger project) and how cute is that handpainted lamb!

So many goodies and gifts.  I love the tea, and have already put the red sunflower seeds in pots for our coming summer.  And look at all the knitting notions.

Stunning yarns, so many!  I am over the moon.  Look at the MadelineTosh.  In Byzantine, how appropriate.  The yellow is stunning, one can never be dull in such a bright colour.  Love the Polaris, have been looking for some here but could not find.  Any my daughter is hinting for a pair of cool cotton summer socks in the silverspun.  May be a very delicate pair of socks but perfect for a special evening.

WIP’s and New Books

Last weekend was the first pretty relaxing and quiet weekend I had in a long time, and I truly went all out to get up to working on my buddy’s swap socks.  Knitting on these socks are for daylight hours, and I made the most of it.  I am ready to start the gusset.  I am happy with the progress and the pattern so far.

Other knitting is taking shape, specially my little scarf, in these stunning autumn colours.  It is a project I find hard to put down, as with each row I want to see the colours as they unfold.  It very much reminds me of a forest with the leaves changing colour.

And what is better than being surprised with new craft books.  My daughter and son-in-law gifted me with these two stunning new books.

Knitting 24/7.  My son-in-law says he could not resist it, as it reminded him of me immediately.

And they know I love a bit of vintage, and love vintage crochet, so this Simple Crochet with stunning vintage like patterns and ideas was a must.