• About me
  • Awards
    • I got Liebster-ed!
    • I love blog awards!
    • One Lovely Blog Award
    • Super Sweet Blogging Award
    • One Lovely Blog Award
  • More about me (turning 50!)
  • The story of the little black dog

littleblackdogsa

~ We Blog Here!!

littleblackdogsa

Category Archives: on my needles

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.

 

 

 

Advertisement

New projects and Wips’

05 Thursday Jul 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Blanket, Crochet, Cross Stitch, Embroidery, Knitting, My home, on my needles, project bags, sewing, Stitching, Work in progress

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

blanket, bunny, crochet, crochet bag, crochet bags, crocheting, cross stitch, cross stitches, cross stitching, embroidery, floppy bunny, hand crochet, hand crocheted, hand stitched, handknitting, handmade, kitchen cloths, knitted blanket, knitted squares, pure cotton, stitches, Stitching

So it is already July and the middle of the year.

And with that, a lot of new small projects and new wip’s that have found their way onto my needles and hooks.

The blanket square pattern are now settled.  I am happy with the look of the pattern and will continue to knit these squares until I have used all the yarn and have enough squares for a blanket.  🙂  It is a large project that may take a bit, but in the end I will have a pretty big and cozy blanket.

Blanket squares

Blanket squares

Then I started with some crochet.  🙂  I had been in the mood to crochet something, and small projects like these crocheted bags were just what I needed to feel very happy with taking out my hooks again.

I made a small cotton bag, and this local cotton works so well.  It is lovely and sturdy and feels good on your hands.

Crochet bag in blue
Crochet bag in blue
Crochet bag in blue
Crochet bag in blue
Crochet bag in blue
Crochet bag in blue

Then I also crocheted a bamboo bag.  I love bamboo yarn to crochet with, it is very smooth and easy to work with.  I added a pretty daisy that I got from a swap buddy last year.  It really adds to the bag, and makes it super cheerful.

Yellow crochet bag
Yellow crochet bag
Yellow crochet bag
Yellow crochet bag
Yellow crochet bag
Yellow crochet bag

Still working with cotton, I am making a small pile of cotton kitchen cloths.  This is the first one, with a few more to follow.

For the kitchen

for the kitchen

And thanks to all the beautiful embroidery work of so many, I could no longer keep myself in check.  I have started a cross stitch project.  I am not sure yet if I will be framing it, or using it as a tea cloth or a centrepiece for something larger.  But I love the variegated floss I got and am working on this when the light is good.  (old eyes you know 🙂 )

A bit of embroidery

a bit of embroidery

Also lurking in the background is this floppy bunny.  I have cut the white fur.  🙂  and had bits of white fur and fluff all over the table and workplace in the end.  I still have to cut the grey fur, which is about twice as much.  🙂  but am still working up the courage to cut into this fluffy fur again.  It is gorgeously soft and will sew up beautifully I think.

Fluffy floppy bunny

Fluffy floppy bunny

It is of course mid winter here in Johannesburg, so lots of time to relax and craft and enjoy a sunny cozy spot in the sun.

Happy crafting all.

New Blanket in the making

14 Thursday Jun 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Blanket, Knitting, My home, on my needles, winter, Work in progress

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

blanket, hand knitting, handknit, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, knit, knitted, Knitting, knitting blanket, squares blanket

About a year ago, or maybe even longer, I was working on this blanket, but I was really not making much progress.  The pattern I was using was not easy to follow, and you had to concentrate and count mostly all the time.  I also attempted to knit the whole blanket all in one.

After a while of not getting anywhere with it, I frogged it and put the yarn to one side.  The intention to still make a blanket from it was still there.

So finally I have started this rather ambitious project again.  🙂 This time I will rather knit big squares, that I can work on any time, and hopefully over a period of time, I will knit all the yarn that I have set out for this.  Then I can just join it and have a blanket.

After a few attempts at working on a square that I would like, and would be able to pick up and put down, I think this one is the one that I really like and enjoy.

 

Blanket Square

Blanket Square

 

 

 

The last of my #Wip’s

07 Thursday Jun 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Knitting, on my needles, Shawls, winter, yarns

≈ 31 Comments

Tags

handmade, Handmake, knit, knits, knitted, knitted shawl, Knitting, off my needles., Shawl

The last of my current wips are now off my needles.  🙂

I finished the Chasing Blizzard shawl.  I did not use alternating yarns as per the pattern, as my yarn already had all my favourite colours in one ball.  This is a stunning pattern that is absolutely a pleasure to knit.

The yarn is lovely and warm and the yarn cake was big enough to make a large and very cozy and warm shawl with.  It wears well and drapes beautifully.

Chasing Blizzard Shawl

Chasing Blizzard Shawl

Chasing Blizzard Shawl
Chasing Blizzard Shawl
Chasing Blizzard Shawl
Chasing Blizzard Shawl

Now time to dive for some yarns and patterns and ideas.  I have already got a stitching project ready.  🙂

Happy Winter Crafting

21 Monday May 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Blanket, Crochet, Handmade Bears, Knitting, Mini Bears, on my needles, sewing, Shawls, Stitching, Work in progress

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

bear, bears, crochet, crochet blanket, crocheting, hand knitted, handcrochet, handknitted, handmade, handmade bear, Handmade Bears, handsewing, handsewn, knit, knits, knitted, knitted shawl, Knitting, Mini Bears, miniature bear, sewing, Shawl, vintage look bear, Work in progress

So winter is here now, and the days are lovely, chilly and sunny.  I do enjoy a good winter’s day around here.  Although lately we have had some pretty cloudy overcast days, specially in the afternoons, and with drizzle during the night too.  Winter rainfall is unusual in Johannesburg.  The trees have started losing their leaves, and the lawn has a leafy blanket now.

This then means more crafting time for me now.

I have had enough daylight to stitch me little bear, Old Ned.  All the parts are sewn, and ready for stuffing.  Then his face and ears, which is my best loved part, as it gives character to them.  Then I am ready to assemble the last bits.

Little bear progress

Little bear progress

And of course, winter brings shawls.  And even though I have many already, and love to wear them, I guess I can never have to many.  The latest one is a pretty blue-ish one.  The yarn is a yarn cake, and fades into shades of blue.  I found the perfect pattern, Chasing Blizzard Shawl.  The pattern makes use of various colours, but since my yarn is already coloured, I just follow the pattern without changing yarns.  It is an amazing easy pattern and knits very nicely.

New shawl

New shawl

And when the cold is a bit to nippy, I can now change to the Woodpecker blanket, which is growing steadily at a lovely pace, and now big enough to keep my legs warm.  It will definitely be finished this winter still.

Woodpecker blanket progress

Woodpecker blanket progress

Happy crafting to you all.  🙂

 

 

 

 

Keeping it going

09 Wednesday May 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in Beanies, Embroidery, Hats, Knitting, on my needles, Stitching, Work in progress

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

Beanies, embroidery, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, Hats, Knitting, knitting hats, Stitching

It is very noticeable just how much you start to craft and feel like crafting once the weather turns, and you are cozy and comfy in a spot of sunlight on a chilly Fall day.

That is how is feels to me at least.  During summer I did craft, but I think a lot less.  Now I am on a roll again.

I have cast on a quick hat, I think I want this one for myself.

Cabled Beanie

Cabled Beanie

And I even stitched this little kit that I had.  I had not done embroidery for a while, and loved it.  I tried to keep the black lines of the design to give it a little different look.  Normally I cover the design lines and wash them out.  But I think this works.

Embroidery kit

Embroidery kit

The crocket “Woodpecker” blanket is coming along too, I should even be using it this winter when the really colder weather arrives.

 

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.  🙂

I just want to knit ….

28 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Knitting, on my needles, Shawls, Stitch Markers, Work in progress

≈ 34 Comments

Tags

cotton, cottonyarn, crescent shawl, lacecottonyarn, organic cotton, Shawl, shawlette, tulip needle protectors, tulip stitchmarkers, yarn, yarncake, yarncakes

I just want to knit it all, all the time.

The weather here is slowly cooling, heading towards Fall now.  Although it is all still very green due to some rain that we are finally getting.  Not enough yet, but every drop helps.

In the meantime I am knitting my small crescent shawl in a cotton yarn, and making good progress.

I received this yarn cake from my lovely daughter and it is just so perfect for winter, I have left it on the dining room table, I just want to start knitting it.  🙂

Spoiled myself with some Tulip knitting needle point protectors, and stitch markers.  They are just super cute,  and already in use.

IMG_E2693

Happy knitting and crafting all.

 

Time is not standing still

07 Wednesday Feb 2018

Posted by littleblackdogsa in 2018, Alpaca Yarn, cowl, Knitting, on my needles, Scarf, Shawls, Swaps, Work in progress, yarns, Yarnstash

≈ 31 Comments

Tags

baby alpaca yarn, cottonyarn, cowl, crescent shawl, frisenvang, fynbos, hand knitting, handdyed, handknitted, handmade, hartlam, lace scarf, lace shawl, lacecottonyarn, laceyarn, leave cowl, scarf, scarves, Shawl, stellarfibreworks, yarn, yarns, Yarnstash

Time is definitely not standing still this year.  It is February already.  And a week into the month already.

It has also been a pretty crafty time so far.  I have received beautiful yarns, some in swaps, and some that I bought, and some from my stash that I caked and got ready to start knitting them.  🙂

Yarn Cakes

Yarn Cakes

The dark blue yarns were some of the yarns that my son in law brought home last year.  It is from Frisenvang in Copenhagen, and they get all their yarns from alpaca breeders in Peru.  The yarn is hand spun and naturally dyed.  It is so very soft.

The seagreen yarn was from my swap buddy in December, in the #SAFestiveswap.  I loved the colour so much, I could not put it away, so it was caked rather.  I have a pattern ready for it too.

From my stash I took out these 3 pretty pink 100% Cotton Lace yarns dyed by Colourspun, that each is slightly different from the other.  They will knit a pretty fade from dark to light.

And since I could finally get my hands on the “Fynbos” colour from Hartlam Yarns, I ordered two skeins.  🙂  which I have caked too.  I am keeping my eyes open for a pattern for them.

 

The blue has already been cast on.  No surprise there, as I just love blue yarn, and I had been gifted a gorgeous scarf pattern by Marianne at Frisenvang, specially for this yarn.  It is a very dark yarn, so I can only knit mostly during the day.

That was then a good reason to cast on the pink cotton for a small crescent shawl with a pretty and very easy lace border.

New on my needles

New on my needles

My leaves cowl is just about done, just the ribbing and some blocking to complete this lovely project.  I really loved using this yarn, and since I have a bit left I may knit something extra with it.

Leaves Cowl Progress

Leaves Cowl Progress

Happy crafting all.

← Older posts

Recent Posts

  • Little Miekie
  • Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
  • Beautiful Namibia
  • First up – my finished projects
  • Hello again

Top 100 Knitting Blogs

Cut Out and Keep

One Lovely Blog Award

One Lovely Blogger Award

Liebster Award

Liebster Award

Wordpress Family

Super Sweet Blogger

Categories

  • 2014 Swaps
  • 2015 Swaps
  • 2016 Swaps
  • 2017 Swaps
  • 2018
  • 2019
  • Alpaca Yarn
  • Awards
  • Beading
  • Beanies
  • bears
  • Blanket
  • cowl
  • Crochet
  • Cross Stitch
  • Embroidery
  • Europe
  • festive season
  • Frogged
  • General
  • Giveaway
  • Giveway
  • Handmade Bears
  • Happy Holidays
  • Hats
  • Holl and Lane
  • Jewellery
  • Johannesburg
  • Knitting
  • Little black Dog
  • Miekie
  • Mini Bears
  • My home
  • My pets
  • on my needles
  • Online magazine
  • project bags
  • Road trips
  • Rowan Kidsilk yarns
  • Scarf
  • sewing
  • Shawls
  • Socks
  • Stitch Markers
  • Stitching
  • Swaps
  • Sweater / Cardigan
  • travelling and events
  • Uncategorized
  • winter
  • Work in progress
  • Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
  • Wrap
  • yarns
  • Yarnstash

Archives

  • January 2020
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • June 2014
  • February 2012

Top Posts & Pages

  • Little Miekie
  • Worldwide Knit in Public Day 2019
  • Beautiful Namibia
  • First up - my finished projects
  • Hello again
  • Europe is so gorgeous!
  • New projects and Wips'
  • New Blanket in the making
  • The last of my #Wip's
  • Winter is here ....

Blog Stats

  • 21,104 hits

And so we say ….. :-)

littleblackdogsa on Little Miekie
Verónica on Little Miekie
littleblackdogsa on Little Miekie
theknittingmagpie on Little Miekie
littleblackdogsa on Little Miekie

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Blogs I Follow

  • A HankiDori Day
  • Coastal Crochet
  • The Knitting Magpie
  • Sticks & String
  • While Walking My Dogs
  • Muddling Through Life
  • insearchofitall
  • The Contented Crafter
  • Wild Daffodil
  • nanacathydotcom
  • The Ravell'd Sleave
  • Emma's Craft Projects
  • Hillview Embroidery
  • sweetfallenangels
  • Julia's Creative Year
  • LITTLECHURCH KNITS
  • Little Golden Notebook
  • U N D I I N
  • Jennifer Makes ......
  • LucyAnn &Luna craft

Blog at WordPress.com.

A HankiDori Day

my beautiful chaos

Coastal Crochet

All things crochet inspired by coastal living...

The Knitting Magpie

Musings of all things knitting, crafts and associated loveliness.

Sticks & String

While Walking My Dogs

Ideas, Inspiration and Instruction... all thought of while walking my dogs.

Muddling Through Life

Random thoughts as I muddle through life....

insearchofitall

Looking for answers to life's questions

The Contented Crafter

A blog containing random thoughts, bits of life, creations from my art room and tales of a cat named Orlando and a puppy named Siddy

Wild Daffodil

the joy of creativity

nanacathydotcom

Wool, Wiltshire and All Manner of Wonderful Things!

The Ravell'd Sleave

Emma's Craft Projects

Everyday craft inspirations

Hillview Embroidery

Teaching and Learning One Stitch at a Time

sweetfallenangels

Sew What... Sewing, Embroidery and handmade

Julia's Creative Year

my year of trying to be more creative in different ways

LITTLECHURCH KNITS

Knitting Patterns by Cheryl Toy

Little Golden Notebook

U N D I I N

k n i t t i n g is my c h o c o l a t e

Jennifer Makes ......

All sorts of lovely things!

LucyAnn &Luna craft

crafting,dachshunds including other bits & bobs

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • littleblackdogsa
    • Join 216 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • littleblackdogsa
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...