Time is not standing still

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

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

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

Happy crafting all.

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Off to a good start in 2018

Tags

bear, bears, cowl, hooded scarf, Mini Bears, miniature bear, new zealand yarn, possumyarn, scarf, scarves, Shawl, shawlette, triangular shawl, tunisian crochet

2018 is off to a good start, or so it seems at least when it comes to crafting and completing projects.

I am so happy with the way Old Blu turned out.  He is so cute, and reminds me a lot of a Russian bear.  He has a cousin Old Ned, that is red and green, that I will attempt next.

Old Blu Mini Bear

Since I had a relative amount of the grey lambswool left after completing my grey sweater, I decided to use it up and knitted a hooded scarf with it.  A quick and easy knit, and ready for blocking.

Hooded Scarf

January was a very peaceful month at the office, and I could sit and knit quietly in the gardens and enjoy the shade of the big trees and warm summer days. It was just perfect to finish this mini Shawl already.  It needs to be blocked, in order to open the leaves around the bottom edges.  I have knitted this before, and loved it.  Always a good pattern to knit again.

Shawlette

When I received yarn from my Stitching Santa buddy that she got while visiting New Zealand, I immediately loved it.  It was gorgeous grey and a dusty dark pink colour.  Not the usual blues I always seem to buy and love, and I loved that she opted for something different to send.  Of course, I could not put it away and kept it around.  Now that I finished these two projects, it was just the right time to cast on this pretty yarn.  I am starting a cowl for myself for the winter, which is still a few months away, and it will be ready well in time.

Green Leaves Cowl

Green Leaves Cowl

Something that I have been interested in learning and teaching myself is Tunisian Crochet.  Yes, after all these years, I have never learned this craft.  But it has been on my mind, and I had a book on my “list” of books I want to get.  I was very happy when my daughter gifted me the book, so I can get started.  This will be new to me, and I really look forward to giving it a go.

Tunisian Crochet Book

And so that is January already.  🙂  A good month indeed.

And Miekie says a happy hello to all as well, she is still enjoying being the spoiled little furry baby she is.

Miekie

 

 

 

 

 

#Stitchingsanta2017 Reveal

Tags

#stitchingsanta, cross stitching, Gifts, goodies, new zealand, project bag, project bags, stitch markers, stitching santa 2017, swap goodies, swaps, yarn

After my return from vacation, I also received my beautiful package in the #Stitchingsanta2017 Swap, that was all coordinated by the lovely Sheila (Sewchet)

I am always amazed at just how well people can get to know a person by reading a person’s blog.  🙂  I had loads of fun putting together my swap buddy’s package, and making things for her. I always love to hear about their surprise when they receive a package from my part of the world.

It is even more fun receiving a package with foreign stamps and packaging.  🙂  This year my package came from way “down under” and across the big pond.  Yes, all the way from Australia.  The lovely Emma of emmacraftdesign surprised me!

A really fun package to open!  I received yarn that has possum fur in, how amazing is that.  And the cutest project bag, just look at that little critter. And stitch markers, with a little marker that she made herself, that looks just like Miekie!

Stitching Santa 2017

Stitching Santa 2017

Stitching Santa 2017

She also crocheted my the cutest small Manta Ray, that I fell in love with immediately.  I have put the little ray in my car so I can have it around all the time.  I fell in love with Mantarays while on vacation in Cape Town and visited the Two Oceans Aquarium, where I spent hours watching them as they glided over my head in their huge tank.

Manta Ray in Cape Town

Stitching Santa 2017

Emma also sent me a small cross stitch kit, that was just the right size for me to kick off 2018.  🙂  My first project for this year!

Stitching Santa 2017

Stitching Santa 2017

Thank you Sheila and Emma for a wonderful swap.

 

#SAFestiveswap reveal

Tags

#SAfestiveswap2017, crochet, Gifts, goodies, lace yarn, mini skeins, notebook, project bag, scissors, snacks, stitch markers, swap, swaps, tea, treats, yarn, yarns

After a lovely long vacation, visiting Cape Town and a game lodge in the far north-eastern parts of my country, I am slowly getting back to my normal routine.

I had the most wonderful Christmas time with family, and we got to spend the day in the sun and enjoying the very warm weather.  The cool water in the pool made all the difference.

But of course, December is Christmas swap time.  I did a local swap, the #SAFestiveswap and got the most gorgeous package from Nicole (Divine Designs Crochet)  🙂  She knows how to spoil someone.

SA Festive Swap 2017

I got beautiful lace yarn, and sparkly crochet cotton, mini skeins, a notebook and pretty butterflies  (that I am already using) teas, bathsalts, treats, scissors, stitchmarkets, handmade decorations, a project baggie, and Miekie got her favourite treats too.  I even got colouring in sheets, that I am taking to work for those times when I need to focus on something else.

SA Festive Swap 2017

SA Festive Swap 2017

SA Festive Swap 2017

SA Festive Swap 2017

#Stitchingsanta2017

Tags

Gifts, goodies, Handmade Bears, stitching santa, swap, swap buddy, swap goodies, swap package, swaps, swaps 2017

My Stitchingsanta2017 goodies are all wrapped up and have left, winging its way across the big pond to its new home.

I hope I am sending early enough, as I don’t want it to be late.  🙂

Here are some of the goodies I packed, since I am pretty sure she would not know it is for her, and its still a secret to where my package is heading.

The bamboo item is similar to a needle holder, but from bamboo, as she is a very talented artist and I made it from bamboo for her to store some of her precious and special brushes in it.  I hope she likes it.

Stitchingsanta2017

Stitchingsanta2017

For the rest of the goodies I will let my buddy receive and reveal all.

Happy holidays to all.  🙂

#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.

Heritage

Tags

lovelocal, proudlysa, proudlysaswap, proudlyswap2017, swap, swap buddy, swap goodies, swap package, swaps, swaps2017

In 2 weeks’ time, we here in SA will be celebrating our Heritage.  We have Heritage Day, and it is one of the most enjoyable days and times in the year.

We all get to celebrate our own and unique Heritage.

This year I have joined the #proudlysaswap2017.  I had the most amazing fun putting a package together for my swap buddy.  We especially focused on all things local and proudly SA.  What we love about SA and our heritage.

My package is all put together and ready to go.  I will only be able to show more of the contents in a few weeks, as we will only open the packages and parcels on Heritage Day.

But here is a sneak peak!!

Busy August month.

Tags

art pens, beading, birds, buds, chameleon pens, display, dog naps, giraffe, giraffes, hand knitting, home, knit, knits, kntting, Little black Dog, Miekie, mini garden, mini skeins, My home, nests, potted garden, sharpie paint pens, sharpie pens, Shawl, shawlette, spring, stitch markers, stitchmarkers, sweater, sweater knitting, tree, trees, weaver birds, weavers

Even though I have not been knitting as much as I really would have wanted to, I did keep pretty busy with so much else.

I did work a little bit on my grey sweater, and the sleeves are about halfway up the arm length.  🙂  I may only wear it next year for winter, as it is to late now, and the days have turned to Spring already.

I knitted this beautiful little shawlette years ago as a test knit for Naoko in Japan, and then I gifted it for a friend in Germany.  I have loved the pattern so much, I am going to re-knit it.

Sweater sleeve progress

New minis in my yarn stash

Not knitting meant I finally got around to doing some things I had been meaning to do.  Like rearrange my (ever increasing) collection of giraffes.  This is just some of them, but now they look a bit more organized.  🙂 yes there is still open spaces, you never know when one follows me home.

And I got around to making some stitch markers, some of which is for a swap buddy and friend.

Giraffes

Stitch markers in the making

Spring is definitely already here, and she arrived right on time this year.  This tree in the garden is full of tiny leaves and buds.  I got the urge to make a mini garden in a large container, and these plants look pretty happy.

Spring is here

Mini Garden

Weaver nests

The weaver birds built some nests in the big palm tree in the garden.  But it would seem they were not happy, I found two nests on the ground, and the next day the last one was totally destroyed at the end of the day when I got home.  I still see the weavers in the garden at the feeding tray, however no nests.  It may be that they do not like the stray kitty that has taken up residence in the garden too.

Something I don’t have many of is Mini Skeins.  They are becoming very popular, and proving very helpful for those colourwork items and socks.  So I splashed out and ordered some as well.  Thank you Gina at Natural Yarns for these sets of gorgeous colours from Nurturing Fibres and KarooMoon.

New minis in my yarn stash

Another thing that I am absolutely loving, is the yearly sale at the local Art Supply Store Herbert Evans.  This store is amazing, and every year during August, they have such huge discounts, I truly spoil myself.  This year I have seen stunning new art pens and paints making their debut, and I loved the discounts, as it meant I could get a few sets.  They are sold separate as well.  I also got oil paint Sharpies, as they can write on glass and ceramics.  Just what I have been looking for.

New creative ideas!!

And through it all Miekie do not really care what all the busy-ness and fuss is about, as long as she can nap on the sofa.  🙂

So what is all the fuss about. I just want to nap.

Have a great September all!!

 

 

 

 

 

SA Cosy Winter Swap

Tags

autumn, birdie, birdies, birds, candies, candy, cards, jelly beans, SAcosywinterswap, stationery, tea, teas, yarn, yarns

You may remember the Alpaca yarn to sent to my buddy in the SA Cosy Winter Swap.  🙂

My package arrived as well, and it is stunning.  I have been looking online for some pretty autumn coloured yarn, and each time I got distracted.  Good thing, as my swap buddy sent me 2 gorgeous skeins.  How amazing is that.

SA Cosy Winter Swap

SA Cosy Winter Swap

SA Cosy Winter Swap

She also spoiled me with teas, candies (I love jelly beans) and stationery.  Plus the sweetest little birdy ornament.  She also sent me a lovely shawl pattern, that I have already printed out and it is awaiting me, patiently sitting on my workdesk.

SA Cosy Winter Swap

Loved this quick and easy and cosy swap.

Stay Cosy Winter Swap

Tags

alpaca, bags, Made in Peru, Notion Bags, Peru, Peru Yarn, Pompoms, project bags, Rowan alpaca, Rowan Alpaca Colour, Sirdar Colourwheel, Sock pattern, stitch markers, stitchmarkers, swap, Winter swap, Yarnbling

It is winter here, and of course, time for a nice Stay Cosy Swap.  It was just a quick and comforting swap, as no knitting or crochet was needed, just the kind and warmheartedness of buddies swapping something warm and cozy, with would mean Yarn, of course, and something nice and warm to drink.  My buddy likes coffee, so I got her a lovely toffee flavoured coffee to enjoy and my favourite Dutch cookies (Koffieleutjes).  And since she has recently indulged in knitting her first pair of socks, I could not resist sharing a pretty sock pattern with her.

Winter Cozy Swap Goodies

But since I was in the yarn store to get her some Alpaca, which was on her list, and she has never knitted with it before, I could not resist bringing some lovely Alpaca home for myself as well.  These lovely neutral colours just had to be part of my stash.

Rowan Alpaca Colour

Made in Peru

Rowan Alpaca Colour

The yarn store also had some new goodies, like these super cute (fake) fur pompoms.  Not so widely available here, and I was lucky to come across these.  They also had a Sirdar Colourwheel, that I had not seen yet, and I opted for something cheerful, but not overly bright.  I think this cake will knit up pretty well into a comfy shawl for those very grey chilly winters days, when you just need to feel like Spring is around the corner.

Furry Pompoms

Colourwheel Yarn

And the lovely Sally at Yarnbling updated her store.  New Project Bags!!  The fabric of these are stunning, with butterflies and dragonflies.  I got a really huge bag this time, for those big projects.  And some notions bags to match.  She also had a few bags left in a previous range, and I ordered this stunning white bag with embroidered flowers on.  Just the right size for a lace shawl, or my sock projects.

Goodies

Project Bags and Notions Bags

Project Bags and Notions Bags

I was very pleasantly surprised when I opened the one little notions bag, and got these super cute stitch markers inside.  What a lovely surprise and way to spoil a person.  I love these small markers, they work so well on lace projects.

Stitch Markers