Keeping it going

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

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

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

 

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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

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

A little something different

Tags

beads, constellations, crochet, crocheting, embroidery, gift, Gifts, greenteatipple, scheepjes, scheepjes yarn, Shawl, stars, starsigns, Stitching, stormy day shawl, stormydayshawl, yarns

What do you do or give to two young arty people, that just about has everything they need?  That was what I was thinking about when I decided to make something for my daughter and son in law’s second wedding anniversary.  And it had to be modern enough to fit into a loft apartment in the city.  🙂

This is what I finally came up with.  It is their star constellations, embroidered and embellished with beads for the stars, and sequin and beads for the bigger stars.  I chose a hoop and attached a small black leather strap, as they have a round wooden mirror that hangs from a leather strap, in the bedroom.  Perfect match.  🙂

Embroidery – Wedding day Anniversary

Embroidery – Wedding day Anniversary

Embroidery – Wedding day Anniversary

 

I ordered this stunning Scheepjes Yarn (Whirl) from BeInspired, as I simply loved it the moment I saw it.  This is Green Tea Tipple, not blue, but close.  🙂

Scheepjes Green Tea Tipple

Scheepjes Green Tea Tipple

Scheepjes Green Tea Tipple and Stormy Day Shawl

I had to wrap my head around crocheting UK stitches / pattern, since I normally crochet and read patterns USA stitches when working on crochet items.  I am already getting the hang, and although progress is a bit slow, the darker colour is not to easy on the eyes when working at night, I am looking forward to moving into the lighter shades, and making faster progress.  I love this yarn, it is super soft, very light, and I am sure it will wear beautifully and be lovely and warm.

Stormy Day Shawl

Stormy Day Shawl

Stormy Day Shawl

Stormy Day Shawl

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

 

 

Crafty weekend indeed!

Tags

African Expressions, alpaca, Alpaca Yarn, bear fur, birds, ceramics, embroidery, handmade, handmade bear, Handmade Bears, hearts, inserts, magazines, mollie makes, project bag, project bags, scissors, sewing, shopping, south africa, turkey yarn, washi, washi tape

As I took Friday off from work, I had a lovely long weekend ahead of me, with lots of crafting time and crafty shopping planned as well.

Of course, it is still rainy season here, and it rained especially hard on Thursday when I left for my “long weekend”.  Flooded roads, again, and this time on the freeway, just around the corner from my neighborhood.  All 4 lanes under water, and the emergency lane too.  I felt like I was about to cross a river, in my car, which is not very high off the road surface.  But I managed to get through and not stall either.

Johannesburg Rain

It rained a bit on Friday, just as I arrived at the annual Hobby X expo.  I enjoy the Hobby X, so much to see and do and get and enjoy.

Firstly I had a coffee with my sister, and we both dried out, as our shoes and pants were pretty damp.  Then we got around to the shopping. My sister spoiled me by getting me a new piece of fur for a bear.  This is my favourite type of fur, the sparse and scruffy looking type.  Now I can re-cut the pieces for a bear I cut a while ago, but did not really like the fur to much.  I decided I could do with a few new scissors while I am there, and these two went home with me.  Super light and comfy to use, and nice and sharp.

Hobby X Shopping

I was looking for some pretty ceramic inserts, and even though these were a bit expensive, the quality is so good, and the glaze so smooth and clear, I got a few pretty pieces that I have some small projects in mind for already.  And of course, some extra rolls of Washi Tape.

I did not plan on buying any yarns, as I have enough for a bit of knitting, but the African Expressions skein was just to pretty to not take home.  I also came across this stunning ball of yarn from Turkey and the colours in it attracted me immediately.  It is soft and warm, and I am looking forward to knitting it up.

Hobby X Shopping

Hobby X Shopping

Mostly the attraction for me, is the international magazines I can get at a mere fraction of the normal price.  I love Mollie Makes, and splash out each time to get as many copies as they have.  This year I came home with a whole stack, and I am so looking forward to long cool Fall days to enjoy these.

Hobby X Shopping

And then I even got around to getting out the sewing machine and overlocker and some of my fabrics.  I made some projects bags and a carry bag for my I Pad.  I had embroidered a small cloth, that I intended for a cushion, but now it is a little I Pad bag.  Some of the baggies still need zippers or closing cord, and I will do those as soon as I visit my LYS for a few supplies.

Sewing Project Bags

Sewing Project Bags

Sewing Project Bags

A great crafty weekend all round.

 

It was a time for Fairies and stitching

Tags

cross stitches, cross stitching, embroidery, fairies, fairy, framed, handmade, Handmake, stitches, Stitching

After receiving this very pretty Fairy cross stitch kit in a swap, quite some time ago, I prepared the floss and was indeed looking forward to starting on them. However it did not happen as soon as I had hoped.

But thanks to the lovely Ginny at My Time Stitching, her beautiful Mermaids and her inspiration, I got totally inspired to start stitching these pretty little Fairies.

It was a rather unusual kit, as the instructions indicated that you only “highlight” some of the areas on the printed fabric with cross stitches, and the diagrams indicated some areas as a suggestion only.  The floss was only for “highlighting” as it was by far not enough to cover the whole fabric.

Fairy Cross Stitch Work

Cross Stitch Fairies

Cross Stitch Fairies

You are advised to use your own initiative as you go ahead and stitch areas that you want to bring out and accentuate. So that is exactly what I did.  But I got carried away when it came to the wings, thanks to Ginny and her beadwork on her Mermaids, and I added some beads to the wings as well.  Thanks Ginny.

Cross Stitch Fairies

Cross Stitch Fairies

Cross Stitch Fairies

Cross Stitch Fairies

Cross Stitch Fairies

As soon as I had completed them, I immediately got them framed in a little frame and hung them above my crafting table.

Cross Stitch Fairies

Now I am itching to stitch more.  Our summer is around the corner, and I only have one or two more winter projects to finish off, then I can start working on “summer projects” which may very well include some stitching.

 

Winter Break update

Tags

alpaca, autumn, beanie, bear, bears, bunny, ceramic, ceramics, cross stitch, daughter, embroidery, fairies, handmade, handmade bear, Handmake, Knitting, lace, make-over, manos, miniature bear, mittens, paint, speckled yarn, speckledyarn, stellarfibreworks, tiles, winter, yarns

It has been my annual Winter Break and I have enjoyed the break so much.Getting away from the busy work and office is sometimes just what a person needs.

Miekie and I both enjoyed to lazy cold mornings, and spent the time having lazy, slow breakfasts before we started the day.

I got time to catch up on some reading, specially on some of my loved magazines.

The usual amount of knitting definitely took place.  My Alpaca Wrap is now already half way there.  I finished a Manos del Uruguay beanie for my son in law, and have another on the needles for him.  And my daughter is getting matching mittens to wear with her speckled wrap.

Grey Alpaca Wrap

Speckled Mittens

Green knitted beanie

Beanies

With me being home and able to work during the sunnier parts of the day, I could also work on more delicate projects.  One of these were these little fairies in cross stitch.  According to the instructions of the kit, you only stitch areas you want to highlight.  What a lot of fun they are.  Nearly done, and then I will frame them and find a special place for them.

Fairy Cross Stitch Work

Fairy Cross Stitch Work

Wilbur the Bear is now no longer a kit sitting on the table.  I cut the pattern pieces and am ready to start stitching him together.  I want to add a few things, and have gotten cute silk ribbon roses and antique looking buttons as well.  I suspect Wilbur will be a girl bear in the end and may need another name.

Wilmot Handmade Bear

Wilmot Handmade Bear

This wooden box had been around my home for a bit, being used on the odd occasion for this and that.  I finally decided to put it to proper use, give it a complete makeover and keep it around.  So with rather a lot of layers of paint, I was able to smooth it over, and stop it from showing up a nasty stain through each layer of paint.  Finished it off with a bit of pretty lace and a cute ceramic bunny.  Now I can keep it around for any little project or storage.  Sometimes these little wooden boxes are all you need.

Wooden Box Makeover

Wooden Box Makeover

Wooden Box Makeover

Wooden Box Makeover

Wooden Box Makeover

Wooden Box Makeover

While waiting for a friend the other day to arrive for a cup of coffee and a chat, I ended up browsing in a little shop.  I could not resist these cute tiles.  I think I will use the smaller ones as memo magnets and the bigger one will be just perfect for a mug cozy.

Little Ceramic Tiles

Update on my current WIP’s

Tags

crochet, embroidery, Handmake, Knitting, lace knitting, lace yarn, Shawl, tapestry, yarns

Summer is slowly making way to Fall here, and I am slowly getting a lot more crafting done.

It is still pretty warm during the day and we still go out as much as we can to enjoy the last of Summer, but I am really looking forward to Fall and Winter.

My Leaf Shawl is making progress, despite having to frog twice.  I do not use a pattern and am making it as I go.  I added some texture to the shawl with this very soft and light blue yarn, that has a little sparkle in it as well.  I am loving the way it is turning out so far.

Leaf Shawl – Progress

Leaf Shawl – Progress

Leaf Shawl – Progress

Leaf Shawl – Progress

 

My little tapestry is getting regular attention now, and I have completed the background and even substituted the grasshopper with a ball of yarn for the cute kitty.  Kitty is up next and I have the tapestry yarns I need.

Tapestry work – progress

And I am crocheting again, another vintage look doily.  These are just my absolute favourites at the moment, and when I find myself crocheting, I always look for a vintage look yarn and pattern.  This pattern is from a book I bought about 30 years ago, when I just started working and collecting books and patterns.  It is still one of my favourite pattern books to look for when wanting a pattern.

Vintage Crochet

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.