New projects and Wips’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Happy Winter Crafting

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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

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

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

Happy crafting to you all.  🙂

 

 

 

 

Amazing Labels

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

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.

 

Finished items too

Tags

candle wicking, candlewicking, embroidery, hand knitted, hand knitting, handknit, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, Knitting, lambswool, stitches, Stitching, sweater

And since it was raining, I had the perfect time to finish my grey lambswool sweater.  I knitted a type of collar for it, that is open on the side, with buttons and buttonholes.  So I can wear it open, or with a brooch, or buttoned up to keep the wind out.

Grey Lambswool Sweater

I am very happy with the way in turned out, and I look forward to the coming winter next year so I can wear it.

Grey Lambswool Sweater

Grey Lambswool Sweater

 

I finished the candlewicking a little while ago.  It turned out pretty neat.  I do think I want to try something a bit bigger now, the stitching and embroidery was so much fun and I enjoyed it so much.

Stitching Santa

#Stitchingsanta 2017

Tags

coasters, crochet, Gifts, goodies, handknitting, handmade, Knitting, mugrugs, sewing, Stitching, stitching santa 2017, surprise, swap goodies

I am happy to say that we Finally had a rainy day.  It rained beautifully for most of the day on Saturday.  I loved the rain, as we desperately need it.

It also meant I got to get crafting and hibernate.

I worked on my #stitchingsanta2017 partner goodies.  I am not good at sewing, but gave it a try and made some mug mats.  In bright and cheerful colours.  I also made a few crocheted coasters.

Stitching Santa 2017

And I still have some goodies that is not finished yet.  More to follow soon.

Stitching Santa 2017

I did some wool shopping as well.  I may keep those as a surprise.

Progress update.

Tags

candle wicking, candlewicking, embroidery, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, konoha no shawlette, lambswool, Shawl, shawlette, Stitching, sweater, sweater knitting

It has been a lovely hot weekend, and despite the heat and warm sunny days, I even got around to some knitting and crafting.  🙂

So just a quick update this morning of my progress:

My grey lambswool sweater is now in one piece, and it is so soft and warm.  I need to knit the neck and add a few finishing touches.

Grey Lambswool sweater – Progress

Grey Lambswool sweater – Progress

Grey Lambswool sweater – Progress

Grey Lambswool sweater – Progress

The shawlette I am working on, is as good as halfway there.  One or two more pattern repeats and I can start the decrease section.  Quick and easy, and the perfect kerchief for any winter sweater.

Shawlette progress

Shawlette progress

The best part of the weekend was to embroider on the candlewicking piece I am working on.  I just loved making all the little french knots in various thickness of threads.  Mostly using shades of blue.  Now on to the other last bit of embroidery, and then into its frame and on the wall.  🙂

Candlewicking

Candlewicking

Summer is stitching time

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

Needle booklet making

Needle booklet making

Needle Book

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

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

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

So much time to craft!

Tags

100% merino, bear, bears, blanket, cowl, crochet blanket, crocheting, granny squares, granny squares blanket, greenteatipple, hand crochet, hand knitted, handmade, Handmade Bears, Knitting, mock cable cowl, scheepjes, Scheepjes Whirl, scheepjes yarn, Shawl, stormy day shawl, stormydayshawl, triangular shawl, turkish yarn

With winter recess and taking a break from work and the office, it is just amazing how much time you have to relax in the winter sun and enjoy the weather and craft.

I took my usual winter break, and was making the most of the weather, sunny days, and time to finish some projects.

After months of patiently waiting, Becky Bear finally got stitched.  All the parts are now sewn together, and I can put some stuffing into the parts and put her together.  The fur I was gifted by my sister, is lovely.  I am loving the look of Becky and am very happy with her.  She should be a happy little girl soon.  🙂

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

My quick knit of a mock cabled cowl in 100% Turkish Wool and Scheepjes Secret Garden Yarn was really quick and easy to knit.  This stitch was one of my Mom’s favourites, and she used it often in her projects.  I knitted the cowl open, and added some pearly buttons.  This makes it more versatile and I can wear it in different ways. I even had enough yarn to include a pair of fingerless mittens.

Cabled Cowl

Cabled Cowl

Cabled Cowl

My pride of course is this Stormy Day Shawl.  I can not get enough of this colour, and the finished edge is rich and dark.  The Scheepjes Whirl yarn is stunning, and this is only one to the amazing colour combinations for this Shawl.  I used GreenTeaTipple.

Stormy Day Shawl

Stormy Day Shawl

Stormy Day Shawl

Stormy Day Shawl

And I have a small crochet project going, a smaller blanket for a small family member.  I have started on the granny squares, and are just keeping it plain and simple so she can have it for the winter to keep warm when out and about.

Another Blanket

Another Blanket

Another Blanket

And in preparation for the all to soon summer, I decided that these two little cloths needs a pretty edge to brighten my kitchen.

Crochet edges

Crochet edges

Crochet edges

Stitches Emporium @ Kyalami Corner in SA

Tags

embroidery, fabrics, Knitting, new store, out and about, quilting, shopping, stitches, stitches emporium, tapestry, yarns

Last weekend was a lovely long weekend, and I was invited along to visit a new yarn shop that has just opened.

The new shop is in Kyalami, at Kyalami Corner, and although not close to my home, a very easy drive, freeway all the way there.

The lovely Gen, the owner of the store, treated us extremely well.  She has a large work table in the store, and there is coffee and tea if you are in the mood to linger and get creative.  Looking at her beautiful yarns and displays I would think many a shopper would be lingering for a while.

Stitches Emporium at Kyalami Corner in SA

Stitches Emporium at Kyalami Corner in SA

Stitches Emporium at Kyalami Corner in SA

Stitches Emporium at Kyalami Corner in SA

Stitches Emporium at Kyalami Corner in SA

I came home with a stunning haul of goodies, and I can hardly wait to get another opportunity to take a drive out to the store again, for a cup of coffee and a chat and some stash enhancements.

Goodies from Stitches Emporium @ Kyalami Corner in SA

 

We were wonderfully surprised with a free gift as well.  Just look at this pretty bag.  It is hand printed fabric, and beautifully lined.

Goodies from Stitches Emporium @ Kyalami Corner in SA

Goodies from Stitches Emporium @ Kyalami Corner in SA