First up – my finished projects

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basket, basket cover, bunny, crochet bags, crocheting, cross stitch, cross stitches, cross stitching, festive season, floppy bunny, gnome, granny squares, hand knitted, hand knitting, hand stitched, handknit, handknitsocks, handknitted, handmade, handsewing, happy holiday socks, hat, holders, kitchen cloths, knitted, Knitting, minions, pinboards, sewing, Shawl, socks, Stitching, tissue holder, toaster cover, triangular shawl, work carry all, Wrap

So since I last posted about life in the little black dog household, sometime last year, I have been slowly and steadily crafting here and there, and keeping busy.  It was lovely summers days, and hot, so crafting was not always done, and when I was crafting, it was small items that was easy to work on.

Very few are currently WIP’s and I did indeed finish most of the projects I started during the last few months.

 

Some cotton dishcloths for the kitchen, with little crocheted flowers.  And a cheerful make up bag for a sweet and friendly colleague of mine.

 

One of the bigger projects, a very soft shawl with an autumn coloured edge.  Nearly time to start wearing it, it is just a few degrees cooler here now.  And a granny square, paisley pattern lined toaster cover.  🙂

 

When I dropped in at the LYS, she was working on this stunning basket pattern and kit.  It was super quick and easy, and I now take it every day I come to work, it is perfect for lunch and snacks and all the other odds.  I also finished Bop a Long, the furry bunny I had been planning.  It was a trying project, as the fabric shed fur all the time, and I had fur everywhere.

 

For the holidays, I got the notion to “invite some friends” and some cute gnomes came around to visit. This one with the red hat was very popular.  And I had to have a pair of red socks to wear as well.

 

My daughter gave me this stunning yarn from Italy, and I just knew it would be perfect for this wrap the moment I saw the pattern.  It really shows up the details and texture.  And I even had enough for a little hat too.  Even my old pin notice board got a new vintage look cover with storage pockets.  (it really needed a make over)

 

I bought this little kit last year in Brussels, Belgium and got it stitched up in no time once I got started.  The pieces were all pre-cut.  How nice.  Now it travels in the car with me every day as a little good luck charm.

 

And during a visit to the local huge fabric and craft warehouse, I happened to come across these cute minions.  I immediately knew they needed to come home with me.  So I got a few balls of Turkish cotton and crocheted some little pockets and added the minions to them.  Now my tissues and hand wipes are neat and tidy in my handbag, and I can have the little minions around all the time.

And this is the current progress on the cross stitch work I started last year.  Still much a work in progress, but making steady progress.  I absolutely love the embroidery floss and the gradient it creates.

And that is it for now, happy crafting to all and take care.  🙂

ps:  This was the start of my day this morning, a beautiful Fall day.

On my way to work on this lovely foggy morning.

 

 

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New Blanket in the making

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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

 

 

 

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

Heading for Summer

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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

The Joy of Winter :)

Tags

Bee Eater, box project bag, box project bags, cables, celtic cable, cheerful, grey, handknit, handmade, Johannesburg, johannesburg mornings, johannesburg weather, Kingfisher, knit, Knitting, linda's treehouse, project bag, project bags, sheep, south african yarn, stash, Sunshine Grows, sweater, travel, wool, yarn, yarns, Yarnstash

I find winter in Johannesburg very pleasant and a joy.  It is not extremely cold, and the sun is pleasant and comforting.  I would not mind very much if we had our fair share of snow, since I do love snow.

But in Johannesburg we make the most of the pleasant winters days.  Like spending a glorious sunny cozy morning, having a cup of coffee and enjoying the stunning view of the country clubs’ lawns.  I bit dry in patches, which is to be expected in mid winter.

Winter Mornings in Johannesburg

I have been patiently knitting away at my grey sweater.  I have already reached the under the arm length, and have now cast on for the sleeves.  The progress is steady, and I am loving the way the cable insert is turning out.  I have no pattern for this, so I will need to look at the top construction as soon as the sleeves are long enough.

Grey Sweater Progress

Grey Sweater Progress

Grey Sweater Progress

Grey Sweater Progress

And I spoiled myself with a little bit of happy mail.  Stunning bright, cheerful yarns from Linda’s Treehouse, in Kingfisher.  I chose Bee Eater and Sunshine Grows.  I think these would be great summer wear items.  🙂  Or winter, as they are so cheerful.

New Stash Yarn

My latest find in project  bags are these Box Project bags.  They are square and deep with a zipper.  If you open them all the way, you can fold the top back and they double as a portable fabric yarn bowl.  The cute sheepies print on these were just irresistible.  I got two sizes, one for sock size projects and one for shawl size projects.

Box Project Bags

Box Project Bags

Box Project Bags

Greetings :)

Tags

bear, bear fur, bears, cables, celtic cable, hand knitted, handknit, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, handmade bear, Handmade Bears, knit, knits, Knitting, miniature bear, sweater

Becky Bear is saying Hello to everyone.

She is finally all stitched and put together, and is even wearing a white glittery tutu and a pretty butterfly brooch.

The fur was a gift from my sister, and I absolutely love the way it worked for this bear. I used a bit of leather for the paw pads, and kept her as simple as possible.

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

Becky Bear

Currently on my needles is a rather big and brave project. 🙂  I decided to cast on a sweater for myself.  I have had this lovely and soft grey lambs wool in my stash for a bit, and have been wanting to knit a sweater for myself for some time now.  So finally it happened and I got started.  It is a plain sweater with not to much detail, but I am putting in a panel of Celtic cables, as I love the way they look.

Grey Sweater

Grey Sweater

Grey Sweater

A quick update before a very long weekend. :)

Tags

blanket, crochet, crochet blanket, crocheting, granny squares, granny squares blanket, handknit, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, Johannesburg, Johannesburg sunset, knit, Knitting, love jozi, Shawl, stratus wrap, triangular, triangular shawl, Wrap

With the Easter weekend, I have been able to craft a bit on my WIPs’ and I am so happy with the Granny Square blanket that I am making.  The blanket squares have all been joined, and I am working on a border.  The border may take a bit longer, as I have decided to just keep going at it with the colours and wool I have for this project until I run out.

Granny Square Blanket

Granny Square Blanket

Granny Square Blanket

Granny Square Blanket

My Tanis Triangular Shawl is complete.  It blocked beautifully, and I would recommend this easy to knit shawl to anyone.  I am considering knitting a second one, and doing the large lace border, as I stopped after a short piece of the lace border, and although I love this shawl, I think another one is definitely a must knit.

Completed – Tanis Triangular Shawl

Completed – Tanis Triangular Shawl

Completed – Tanis Triangular Shawl

I also started on a Stratus Wrap for myself.  This is a great pattern, and it is so easy and knits up so fast.  I am able to take it with me, and during the Easter weekend my sister and I enjoyed a good lot of knitting while the men in the family tended to the fire and a typical South African braai.  It will probably become a bit to big to carry around for much longer, but I have yarn and ideas for the next projects ready as well.  I added a spot of colour to the stratus wrap, specially since our Johannesburg sunsets are just so beautiful and you can not resist the evenings and the fiery colours.

The Stratus Wrap

The Stratus Wrap

The Stratus Wrap

Johannesburg Sunsets

I am working on a small embroidery piece and unfortunately the grey rainy chilly weather on the weekend was not so good for getting good pictures, it was a good time to hibernate with tea and stitching.  I will hopefully be able to show my embroidery soon.

It is a very short week for me, only 2 working days and a day workshop (work not craft related) and then a 5 day weekend.  LOL.  Yes I am ready for the long weekend here, and have loads and loads of projects and ideas to keep me busy, regardless of what the weather is bringing this time of the year.  It has started to become cooler, and some trees have now started to turn colour and drop leaves.  It is beautiful and I am so happy to have Winter coming to visit.

Take care and enjoy the new week.

A busy crafty weekend

Tags

bear, bear fur, bears, birgit freyer, blanket, ceramic, ceramics, crochet blanket, granny squares, granny squares blanket, handknit, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, Handmade Bears, hartlam, hartlam yarns, Knitting, magazines, mongoose, Shawl, shetlace yarn, travel, undercoverotter, visits, weekend, yarn, yarncakes, yarns

It has been a lovely and busy crafty long weekend, and I am extremely happy with the time I could enjoy at home and out and about, still enjoying the last warm weather, as Fall has not arrived just yet and the days are still warm and so comfortable to be outside.  While visiting a friend in the countryside, these two came to visit and loved the fruits we shared with them.

Mother and Baby

 

Of course, I made the most of the time and cakes some yarns, cut the fabulous fur that I got from my sister for my next bear project and knitted on my Tanis Triangular Shawl.  The bear is slightly bigger than those I usually make, and I am so loving this fur.  My shawl is growing so fast, I am already at the lacy edge.

New Yarn

New Yarn

New Yarn

New Yarn

New Yarn

New Yarn

Becky Bear

Blue Shawl Progress

 

Sitting still and knitting and crafting was not all I did.  Having bought pretty little ceramic pieces and tiles over the last few months, it was time to get these into good use. A colleague (who knows me way to well) gave me two precious little wooden boxes, and I decorated them for use in my guest room / craft corner.  And as I love drinking tea, I made a stand for my teapot and another for my mugs.  (the last one still needs to dry a little longer before I dust off the grout)

Storage Boxes

Storage Boxes

Ceramics

 

And all my magazines got sorted and stored properly.  This little shelf is a self assembly project, and took a little work, but the holes were all pre-drilled and it was not to difficult in the end, with a little help of course.

Storage of Magazines

 

The granny square blanket is my daughter’s blanket, made for her more than twenty plus years ago, by my Grandmother, my daughters’ great-grandmother.  It is still in use and now have a precious place in my reading corner, along with my little porcelain doll that is more than 30 years old already.

I Love Bags!!

Tags

beads, crochet, handknit, handknitting, handmade, handsewing, Knitting, new project, project bag, project bags, skulls, stitch markers, stitchmarkers

I may suspect that I have recently been on a bit of a “bag loving binge”  I have been adding to my stock of Project bags recently, and these pretty ones are some of the lovely bags I got.

These bags I ordered from Gina at Natural Yarns.  The are handmade by “alovesupreme”. I loved the use of our national flower, The Protea, on the fabric.  The fabric is sturdy and the bag is fully lined.  The smaller bags have zipper closures, and the bigger bags are drawstring.  They are ideal for your notions and smaller projects.

New Project Bags

 

One bag that I have had my eyes on for a while now, was a cute bag with a “London” streetmap theme by Sally at Wooldiaries.  But I just never seemed to be able to meet up with her.  The perfect news came last week!  Sally’s online store Yarnbling is now open.  Of course, I could not resist placing the order for the London bag immediately.  And of course, a few extra.  The Skulls bag is so cute. And I love the bigger bag with the stars, it can take a nice large project.

New Project Bags

New Project Bags

New Project Bags

New Project Bags

 

Sally also spoiled me with a super cute gift.  She was in the area and dropped by the office to deliver my package, and I got the cutest notions baggie, with Stitchmarkers.  Just look at these little skulls.  I have never had little skulls.  The next lace project will see these dangling inbetween the thread.

New Project Bags

I got Spoiled!

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Birthday, birthday gift, daughter, gift, Gifts, handknit, handknitting, Handmake, Knitting, lace knitting, lace shawl, lace yarn, Shawl, surprise, swift, yarns, yarnswift

If there is one knitting and crafting tool (toy) I have always loved and dreamed about, it was a Swift.  Yes, my very own yarnswift.  Around here, they are extremely scarce.  They are expensive and only imported.  The LYS just don’t keep them.  So i have always just made a plan and got by.  The ball winder was a good way to roll already, and I was happy.

But then (for my birthday) my daughter and son-in-law surprised me with a big package.  My surprise knew no end and my happiness has totally over the moon when I opened it and pulled out a Yarn Swift.  Beautiful, brand new, and gorgeous.  I don’t think I quite had the words to say Thank You enough times.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday

Birthday Gift

Birthday Gift

 

Now I am ready to roll lots of yarncakes and start knitting and crocheting even more.  With Fall soon arriving here in Johannesburg, now is the ideal time to stash dive and get projects planned and patterns ready.

I have been knitting on my leafy lacey shawl.  It is coming along just nicely.  I have now done a few pattern repeats, and you can start to see the leaves develop.

Elk Leaf Lace Shawl

Elk Leaf Lace Shawl

Elk Leaf Lace Shawl

Elk Leaf Lace Shawl

 

This weekend will again also see the Hobby X craft and hobby expo in Johannesburg, and I plan to go and see what they have on offer this time.  I am sure I will see lots of new and awesome goodies, and lots of yarny goodness.