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Category Archives: Johannesburg

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

10 Monday Jun 2019

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2019, Johannesburg, Knitting, Little black Dog, Miekie, My pets, on my needles, project bags, Road trips, travelling and events, Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019, yarns, Yarnstash

≈ 16 Comments

Tags

dining carriage, dining cart, handdyed, handknitting, handmade, heidelberg, heidelberg beers, heidelberg breweries, heidelberg station, heidelberg station museum, heritage beer, heritage beers, knit, knits, knitted, Knitting, luna fibers, project bag, project bags, scarf, Shawl, steam locomotive, steamtrain, steamtraintrip, the culinary express, train, traintrip, travel, umbala yarns, worldwideknitinpublicday2019

This weekend saw the 2019 Worldwide Knit in Public Day on Saturday.

The local steam train group Reefsteamers joined in, and planned a steam train trip for all to the town of Heidelberg, with stalls and a market and lunch and much more.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

So Saturday morning was a lovely early start to the station to meet “Susan” the 100 year old steam locomotive and train carriages that would take the group to Heidelberg and back.

It was a beautiful day.  The train ride was stunning, and we all got a load of knitting done.  I started two new projects, and took the one with the least concentration required.  Snacks and cupcakes and coffee were available in the dining room.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

The lovely Luna Fibers rode on the train with us, and had a bunch of yarns and other pretty goodies for us to look and purchase from her.  She even had little gifts, specially for all the knitters. I got a very aptly names skein from her, “Traveler”  🙂

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

At Heidelberg, the “Old Shed” was converted into a mini market, with stalls and goodies.  I got a beautiful skein on Umbala lace yarn, new to me.  I also met a local seamstress that makes the most interesting bags.  I loved this one, with its pockets for patterns and goodies, and big enough for a notions baggie and a project bag.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

The museum that is now housed in the old station building was a delight, and the tour guide most knowledgeable on history.  I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

 

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

Lunch is served in a train carriage / dining car or outside under the huge palm trees.  The menu has everything from snacks to perfect burgers and grills. The salads were nice big portions.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

No trip to Heidelberg is complete without a quick visit to the Heidelberg Brewery to see their impressive kettles, and enjoy the aroma of the various beers.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

I finished off the day with some goodies for Miekie.  She got a new sweater, and who could resist this lovely princess bed.  🙂  I traveled home with it, and she was so impressed with it, she made herself comfy in it and immediately slept in it.  Definitely a good purchase.

Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019

A stunning day from very early to a very late arrival back on the outskirts of Johannesburg.  Loved the train ride, and the old station.  A day to remember.

 

 

 

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Winter is here ….

04 Monday Jun 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in bears, Blanket, Crochet, Handmade Bears, Johannesburg, Mini Bears, winter

≈ 22 Comments

Tags

bear, bears, blanket, crochet, crochet blanket, crocheting, handmade bear, Handmade Bears, Johannesburg, johannesburg mornings, johannesburg weather, Mini Bears, miniature bear, misty, vintage look bear, winter, winter is here

Winter is here,

Friday morning started off very cold, and very misty.  The mist burned off when the sun came out, but it remained a typical winters day here in Johannesburg.

Misty Mornings

Misty mornings

That of course, meant a cold and wintery weekend.  And lots of time for crafting.  🙂  Yay.

I finished the crochet blanket I was working on.  Miekie loved the idea and could not snuggle under it soon enough.  I used a very plain stitch and pattern and it went amazingly quick.  I love this yarn and colour, “woodpecker” colour says the label.  It works well and fast.

Woodpecker Blanket
Woodpecker Blanket
Woodpecker Blanket
Woodpecker Blanket

And Old Ned, the little green and red bear, also got done.  He turned out so cute, and the perfect little friend for Old Blu that I did a while back.  I really like the fur with the two colours.

Old Ned
Old Ned
Old Ned
Old Ned

It is a chilly Monday here and this morning was a mere 3 degrees C but it warmed up again to a nice winters day.

Happy crafting all.

Just in time

14 Monday May 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Beanies, Hats, Johannesburg, Knitting, winter

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

beanie, Beanies, cables, Hats, Johannesburg, knitting cables, knitting hats, Pompoms, winter

Just a quick update.  🙂

I finished the cabled beanie for myself on the weekend.  And just in time.

I woke this morning to a very wet and chilly Johannesburg.

Cabled Beanie 1
Cabled Beanie 1
Cabled Beanie 1
Cabled Beanie 1
Cabled Beanie 1
Cabled Beanie 1

Happy crafting to all, and those down south, winter is here, keep warm.  🙂

Time for some finished projects

07 Monday May 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Blanket, Crochet, Johannesburg, Knitting, My pets, on my needles, project bags, Socks, travelling and events, yarns, Yarnstash

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

bag, bags, blanket, crochet, crochet bag, crochet bags, crochet blanket, crocheting, dog, dog bandanna, dog cowl, doggie, handdyed, handknitsocks, handknitted, handkntting, handmade, Little black Dog, nanhua temple, roadtrip, roadtrips, socks, yarn, yarns

It has been a very good and progressive couple of weeks.  The cooler weather has finally arrived, and it meant more time for crafting and relaxing.

Plus we have had some lovely long weekends to enjoy, and I made very good use of all the extra days.

I took a long road trip to visit the Nan Hua Temple.  It is an absolutely beautiful place to visit, and I spent the day there and enjoyed a beautiful vegetarian lunch.  I find it very peaceful and tranquil.

Temple Entrance

Temple Entrance

 

Nan Hua
Nan Hua
Nan Hua
Nan Hua

I crocheted a new bag that I could use the funky cheeky piece of fabric I had.  This time the fit was perfect, and I even inserted a zipper.

Crochet Bag
Crochet Bag
Crochet Bag Lining and zipper
Crochet Bag Lining and zipper

Off my needles is my first pair of socks for the winter.  I tried a little something new / different on the heels, but I may need to practice a bit more.

Socks

Socks

The left over sock yarn became a cowl and bandanna for Miekie.  She seems happy with the new goodies.

Miekie New Cowl
Miekie New Cowl
Miekie New Bandanna
Miekie New Bandanna

Do you remember this yarn I got from my daughter?  🙂  I decided to make a crocheted blanket.  The colourway is called Woodpecker, and I am calling this my “woodpecker” blanket.  The colours does remind me very much of a little woodpecker bird.

New Crochet Blanket

New Crochet Blanket

Happy crafting all.

Lots of rain and crafty days

26 Monday Mar 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Johannesburg, Knitting, on my needles, project bags, Shawls, Socks, Work in progress

≈ 29 Comments

Tags

bag, carry all, cottonyarn, crescent shawl, handknitsocks, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, Johannesburg, knitted bags, rain, rain africa, rains, rainy weather, Shawl, shawlette, socks

We are finally getting some much needed rain.  This was my commute into work.

Johannesburg

city skyline

But it was a good time to finish my mini crescent shawl.  It turned out to pretty for words.  The yarn is a cotton yarn, and the drape is stunning.  It is lovely and soft and so easy to wear.

Finished mini shawl

Finished mini shawl

And with the rainy days and a finished project, I had the perfect time to cast on some new projects.

On my needles is a carry all, knitted, with a fabric lining.  I got the fabric some time back, and it is just so cheerful.  I think it is just what my bag would need.

Carry all

Carry all

And also socks for the Fall that is now settling in.  I dyed this yarn a long while ago, from Kool Aid.  I have four different colours, and am planning to knit socks for myself for winter with all the colours.

Winter Socks on my needles

Winter socks on my needles

Happy crafting to all.  🙂

Amazing Labels

14 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Crochet, Embroidery, Handmade Bears, Hats, Johannesburg, Knitting, Mini Bears, project bags, Scarf, sewing, Shawls, Socks, Sweater / Cardigan

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

carelabels, clothinglabels, customlabels, hangtags, label, labels, stocklabels, swingtags, wovenlabels

Things are getting very crafty around here.  I am so very proud to show off my brand new perfect labels.

I finally have personalized labels to show off my crafts and goodies.  How stunning are these.

Amazing Labels

Amazing Labels

I ordered a whole variety of different labels from The Dutch Label Shop.  They have offices in The Netherlands, and in the USA.  I took my time and browsed their site for at least two days.  There is just such a big variety and options to work with.  Deciding what to get was very difficult.

I finally decided on two labels.  A soft creamy one to stitch on as is.  And a pretty grey one, that would be used folded around the edge of the project to display both sides.  Then I also ordered care labels with wash instructions.  So perfect, as you get to choose the care instructions you want to have on your label, and you get space to put your Name etc, and space to have some written instructions or comments too. ( 🙂  I may need more with different instructions for different types of yarns, etc.)

Also included in my order was some standard labels, i.e. 100% cotton, which is perfect for the popular 100% cotton that is so lovely to work with and wear here in South Africa.  And who can resist a “one size fits all” label.  Definitely a must have.

Finally I even included some swing tags.  🙂  They are punched and have a wax cord already attached as well.

What I really love about the labels, is that they are of such good quality.  There is no loose ends, or fraying bits.  The colours are exactly as I had hoped them to be, even though one is ordering from a website and colours can look differently on screen.  Even though one can use your own designed logo for any of the works, I simply opted for one of the hundreds of logos / pictures / drawings that they already have available.  The little doggy was just perfect for me.  The edges of the labels is soft and does not scratch.  And you can order from small quantities too.

If you love my labels, just follow the link to their site and browse around for yourself.  There is so much to see and enjoy.

Thank you Dutch Label Shop for making me so very happy with my very own labels.

 

Happy 2018!

04 Thursday Jan 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Happy Holidays, Johannesburg, My home, My pets, Road trips, travelling and events

≈ 27 Comments

Tags

Happy2018, Thankyou

IMG_2006

Wishing each and everyone a most wonderful 2018.  May it be a wonderful year, with lots of good times, friends, family and happy crafty days.

Thank you to everyone that made my 2017 such a lovely year, I look forward to spending the new year again with you all.

(the photo has taken during my recent trip to Tshukudu Game Lodge during the holidays.  The Cheetahs are 2 males, fairly friendly, will come to the lodge to enjoy the shade and cool off at the pool, but not tame, nor to be petted, as they hunt for themselves and are not fed at the Lodge.  This specific morning they had just hunted and taken down a Zebra, so they had eaten their fill, hence the big tummies and peaceful attitude.)

The Game Ranger was there with us too.  🙂

 

#SAFestiveswap2017

04 Monday Dec 2017

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2017 Swaps, Happy Holidays, Johannesburg

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

#SAfestiveswap2017, Gifts, goodies, swap, swap goodies, swap package, swaps, swaps2017

My package to my swap buddy in the #SAFestiveswap2017 is heading out and on its way to its new home.

Since it is a surprise and only I know whom it is for, here is a little preview of the goodies I packed.

SAFestiveswap2017

SAFestiveswap2017

Happy Holidays to you all.

 

Summer is stitching time

07 Tuesday Nov 2017

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Embroidery, festive season, Handmade Bears, Happy Holidays, Johannesburg, Knitting, Mini Bears, My home, on my needles, sewing, Sweater / Cardigan, Work in progress

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

bat bear, candle wicking, candlewicking, christmas elf, handmade, handsewing, handsewn, hope angel, Mini Bears, miniature bear, old ned, orchid, orchid flowers, orchids, summer, summer flowers

Summer here has gone into the low 30 degrees C already, and it is only November.  It is going to be a very hot summer.

This is my daughter’s orchid, happily growing at my house.  It is blooming beautifully.

Summer Orchid Blooms

Summer Orchid Blooms

Summer also means less knitting, and more time doing something else.  I have started working on my mini bears, and have begun to work on Old Blu.  When I saw the little Bat Bear, I was lost and loved the little critter.  I decided to get him, as I know once the kits have been sold, many are not redone for sale again.  So better to get the kit, even if I only get around to sewing him later.

Mini Bears

When I visited the lovely Michelle at Honeydew Bears, she also had these pretty darlings.  Old Ned, which is beautiful, in green and red.  He is a cousin on Old Blu, and came to visit for the Holidays.  And no festive season is complete without a Christmas Elf.  🙂  The little Hope Angel, with the cutest little wings, is a limited edition for Breast cancer awareness.

Mini Bears
Mini Bears
Mini Bears

Transferring the pattern onto the fabric for the little bit of old school Candlewicking did not take long at all. Now for a bit of french knots and colonial knots, with a bit of stitching here and there.

Candlewicking
Candlewicking
Candlewicking
Candlewicking

I am still working on my grey lambswool sweater.  All the knitting has been done, and it is off my needles.  Now to sew it together and add the neck details, which I think will be uncomplicated.  Keeping my fingers crossed to have something to show soon.

 

Heading for Summer

24 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Embroidery, Handmade Bears, Johannesburg, Knitting, My home, My pets, on my needles, sewing, Stitching, Sweater / Cardigan, Work in progress

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

bear, bears, candle wicking, candlewicking, crochet, dog, festival, grey sweater, hand crocheted, handknit, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, handmade bear, Handmade Bears, handsewing, international, international festival, Knitting, Little black Dog, love summer, Miekie, miniature bear, needle booklet, sewing, Stitching, summer, sweater, vintage look bear

October is coming to a close already.  How very quickly this Spring season has passed.  It is warm and sunny here in Johannesburg, and we had good rain on the weekend.

We were really fortunately to have stunning weather during the annual International Festival at work.  Each year we host a festival for all the students from outside South Africa that study here.  They then cook a meal from their country and share with us.  The food is amazing.  Each flag represents the students from that country.

International Festival
International Festival
International Festival
International Festival

With the warmer weather, I have been knitting a bit less on my grey sweater.  I did still get the sleeves long enough and am now ready to get to joining them all together.  Still not being able to just not be busy, I have knitted a few dishcloths, decided to  try my hand at making a small needle book, (it needed to have the corners starched to stay flat), and sorted my mini skeins into large jars.  Each jar got a crocheted doily for its lid.

Sweater progress

Sweater progress

Needle booklet making
Needle booklet making
Needle booklet making
Needle booklet making
Needle Book
Needle Book
Bottle covers
Bottle covers
Bottle covers
Bottle covers

And since I am still in the mood to stitch, I cut out the next mini bear.  Old Blu is already cut and ready for stitching.

Old Blu Bear
Old Blu Bear
Old Blu Bear
Old Blu Bear

Something I have not done for a very long time, is “candlewicking”  It is a type of embroidery.  I have opted to use a bit of colour, in shades if blue, and not stick to the traditional unbleached creamy colours.

Some stitching ideas being planned

Some stitching ideas being planned

And of course, despite all the busy crafty hustle and bustle Miekie is just relaxing and enjoying the sunny mornings in my bed.  That look simply says it all.

Miekie

Miekie

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