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

Hobby X 2016 – Johannesburg

Tags

Air Alpaca, alpaca, bears, birdie, birdies, bowl, bowls, buttons, fabric, handmade, handmade bear, Handmake, handsewing, Hobby X 2016, Johannesburg, Katia, lace, miniature bear, oneofakind, owlie, printed fabric, ribbon, ribbons, sewing, yarns

It was with the usual excitement that I awaited this years first Hobby X.  The first one for the year is always held in Johannesburg, and I always look forward to going and having a good day out, meeting new suppliers, and seeing old friends and suppliers that comes up to Johannesburg to exhibit.

One of my favourite suppliers is Skapie, an online store.  I only see them once a year when they visit Johannesburg, and we catch up.  They have the most gorgeous Katia yarns, and this year was no exception.

I was introduced to oneofakindyarns.  Also available online. Gorgeous beauties.  I got these for me.  (there is more from oneofakind, and you will see them soon)  The colours and combinations were fascinating.

There were not many other yarn suppliers, but I did shop around, as I needed other things as well.  Fabric and ribbons were on my list, and these old school ones were perfect for me.  I got some really cute fabrics, for both myself and my daughter, and these pretty picture pieces are going to be very pretty items.  I am thinking the pretty doll fabric should be the inside of a project bag, never a dull day each time you open your WIP.

Since I cut my previous bear (Becky) I have not started with the sewing together of the pieces, as I did not really feel the fur was what I wanted her to look like.  So I indulged in a few new bears, and I adore these.  Wilbur is ready for cutting and sewing, with maybe a little modification here and there.

And then I got a few other pieces for the home.  Birdies to hang in the window and the cutest bowl with birdies to store my small scissors and goodies on my workdesk.

 

 

 

I got Spoiled!

Tags

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.

 

Back to Normal…….

Tags

autumn, bear, fall, fall sweater, handmade, handmade bear, Handmake, handsewing, knitted bags, Knitting, lace, lace knitting, lace scarf, lace shawl, lace yarn, mohair, mohair knitting, project bag, project bags, Rowan summer tweed, scarf, sewing, Shawl, Summer Tweed

There is probably nothing quite like a bit of cooler weather and the promise of a change in the seasons to get me creative again.  It has been a great summer and I had a wonderful, long summer break.

But I find that things are slowly getting back to normal.  For me at least.  I am on a creative crafting roll, and have so much that I would like to start on.  But I have to keep myself at bay and set limits, to some extent at least.  I am slowly working on the blanket, although with my fingers itching for other projects, I have to wonder if it will be ready for winter.

I did finish off my Smocked Lace Scarf in Burgundy Mohair.  It is amazingly soft, and I look forward to wearing it in the coming winter.

Since my scarf is off my needles, I am starting a shawl.  I don’t have a set pattern for this, as I just have an idea of what I want it to look like in the end. I am keeping my fingers crossed on this one.

And I really think it is time for a bit of needlework and stitching.  This cute 30cm bear has been around for a while, and I finally cut the pieces.  Now for some sewing!  She is pretty easy and straightforward to make.

 

Two other knitting projects are also lurking in the shadows, and may just find their way onto my needles in no time.  The Rowan Summer Tweed is for a Fall top/sweater for when the days turn cooler, and the bulky yarn I have taken out to knit a project bag or carry all, slightly bigger in order to carry the bigger knit or crochet projects.  I will be on the lookout for a pretty piece of interesting fabric to use as a lining.

It’s February already!

Tags

blanket, daughter, handmade, Handmake, Knitting, lace, lace knitting, lycra, mohair, moss and diamond blanket, scarf, silverspun, socks, tweed yarn in Oatmeal, winter

Wow, it’s February already!  Where has January gone to?

I look at my calendar, and wonder where the month has gone.  Its been a pretty hot summer month, lots of sunshine and heatwaves.  With a little bit of rain, finally.

I did finish my daughters socks.  They turned out great, even if I have to say so myself.  This yarn is absolutely fantastic for socks, and with the bit of lycra in it, the stretch makes for the most perfect fit.  She wanted cabled socks, and I love knitting cables, so they have a little cable running up the outside of the sock.  They are soft and comfortable and I am sure will make for great winter comfort.

 

My Smocked Lace Scarf in burgundy mohair is nearing the end.  I have finished the middle section, and have started the last lace section.  Only a few more inches and pattern repeats and I can finish it off.  I love this yarn and colour, and look forward to wearing this scarf in the coming winter and showing it off.

And I did work a bit more on the blanket I am making for the winter.  It does not look very wide, but when stretched, its just fine.  I just want a small blanket to cover one up in the winter when relaxing on the sofa with a book or a movie.  I am thinking it needs a pretty border, and I know I have an old pattern (from my grandmother) somewhere that she always used to add to her knitted blankets.  I just may need to dig deep in my old patterns and goodies, or maybe there will even be a similar version out on the web.

First yarns for the year

Tags

100% merino, autumn, bamboo, bamboo knitting needles, crochet, handdyed, handmade, Handmake, Knitting, manos, manos del uruguay, manos silk blend, merino wool, natural yarns, nurturing fibres, silk blend, winter, yarns

It is a new year and I spoiled myself with a bit of yarny goodness.

The holidays are now a thing of the past and things are seemingly slowly beginning to return to normal.

Our weather has become much more bearable, and we have had a bit of rain as well.  This meant more knitting and crafting time.  And with that said, it means only a few more months before we start thinking about winter again.  So that meant a bit of yarn as well.  One never knows when you need something from the stash.  🙂

Carle from Nurturing Fibres always has the most stunning colourways, and I simply could not resist her latest, in Satchel and Shipwreck. Her hand dyed yarns are really beautiful, and they knit so well and quickly.

And who can resist Manos Del Uruguay!  I absolutely adore this yarn, and the merino and silk blend of these are super soft.  They knit and wear so well, and are comfy and warm all day.  These are imported into SA by Gina from Natural Yarns.

These are not really meant for me to knit with, I just loved them to much to not order a set.  Pretty bamboo knitting needles finished with a soft shiny pink bead.

It is a new year, welcome 2016!

Tags

baable hat, Books and gifts, crochet, daughter, handmade, Handmake, Happy Holidays, Hats, Knitting, lace knitting, Little black Dog, mohair, scarf, socks, speckled yarn, yarndye, yarns

It is 2016!  A New Year!  How quickly the holidays have gone.  Thankfully I had a good break and a typical warm and sunny Festive Season here in South Africa. The most exciting thing that happened was probably Miekie having to have some of her teeth out on New Years Eve.  She recovered super fine, and is enjoying all the attention and great food and treats.

I intended to just rest and do as little as possible, but that will never happen.  🙂  I can not sit idly and let my hands do “nothing”.

So I did do a bit of this and that.  I decided I need a little splash of soft colour for my home, and worked on these three canvases.  I did the basics and some background, but I am not done yet.  They still need a bit of finishing off.  I have some pretty bronze paint to still add to them.

Thanks to AndreSueKnits and her lovely podcasts, I got totally inspired to also dye “Speckled Yarn”.  She made it look so easy and I could not wait.  These are done using food colouring, and I had lots of fun, despite having “speckles” all over myself as well in the end.  🙂

I did knit and crochet during the holidays, but only on small projects that I could take with me while on vacation.  I had been wanting to make colourful and summery coasters for glasses or mugs, and decided on these.  I also knitted the Baable Hat (Pattern by Donna Smith) This is a super pattern that I knitted up so fast.  My daughter promptly asked for one as well, so I knitted another.

Currently I am still working on my winter blanket, but since we have been having a pretty warm summer with heatwave warnings, the knitting had been few.  I am working on a pair of socks in Silverspun yarn from the Feel Good Yarn Company. This yarn has the perfect name, and I know they will be perfect gifts.  (for my daughter again)

And I am knitting with super soft Mohair from Istanbul, that my LYS had stock off, making myself a Smocked Lace Scarf.  The pattern is by Veronik Avery and is featured in the book “Knitting 24/7” that I was gifted.

And that is how my year ended and the new one started.

I wish you all a Wonderful and Fantastic 2016!  May it be an Awesome Year for us all.

Happy Crafting!

#Stitching Santa Reveals

Tags

crochet, Gifts, goodies, handmade, Handmake, kidsilk, Knitting, lace yarn, local crochet cottons, mohair, stitching santa, swaps

Before I start the new year, 2016, I just want to pop back to 2015 for a brief moment.

During the Holidays, the #Stitching Santa Swap took place.  I got to send a package to Sewchet, what a fabulous time I had putting her package together, and trying to include goodies that are local yet still to be loved in a far away country.  As all the packages had now made their way, I can show you a bit more.

These are the items I included into Sewchet’s package.

A cute pincushion, a magnet to show off our beautiful sunsets, local crochet cottons and hooks.

A little wooden angel, handcrafted from recycled materials, some of my favourite sweets, and I found these 2 stunning teacloths, from India, that I added a little crochet border to.

I could not resist the big red bag, I have some of them as well, in other colours too.  They are so versatile for market days and storage. And a few other goodies, sewing needles and local printed ribbon.

But I must tell you about the HUGE surprise I got a few days before Christmas.  My Stitching Santa package arrived just in time for Christmas.  I did open the package, but not the gifts inside, and put them under the tree until Christmas eve, which is the day we normally open gifts.

I, actually myself and my doggie, got gifts and goodies from the very kind and dear Mollie and Claire.  I was totally surprised and completely loved all of it.  I have been following Claire and Mollie for a while, and I absolutely love her blog, as I get to see her part of the world, and what she and Mollie and her family and friends get up to.  I have never been to Britain, and get to see parts of it this way.

We were totally spoiled.

A package for Miekie and lots for me.

I got an Owlie project bag, that is ready for use already.  Beautiful, gorgeously soft green lace yarn, and soft grey kidsilk mohair that Claire gifted me from her stash, so beautiful.  Also the cutest buttons, sock needles that is so pretty and colourful, which I don’t have.  Yummy chocolates, that survived the postal delivery and was enjoyed by all, and two cutest ever coasters, that is now on my desk at the office to keep it cheerful all year round.

Miekie loves her treats, and are spoiled with a treat or a snack each time she was a good girl.

Thank you Claire, and Mollie, for your most lovely Santa Package and making our holidays such a very special one.

 

ps:  Miekie (the little black dog) had 7 teeth out on New Years Eve, and are currently wishing for her treats, but as she has stitches, I am saving some for a bit later, as soon as she is healed up a bit. Here she is at the vet, hours after the surgery, that went very well.  Thank you to all the staff and surgeons at Park Vet Sunward Park that took such good care of her.

 

 

A Quick Update

Tags

bamboo, bamboo crochet hooks, Barley Hat, blanket, bridger cowl, cozies, crochet, crochet hooks, Handmake, Knitting, knitting needles, Mugs, needles, straight needles

Just a quick update this morning.  I have been pretty busy with smaller projects, and I am happy with my progress so far.  It is so satisfying to complete things, and even so fairly quickly.

I finished the Bridger cowl, and cast on for the Barley hat, which is going just as fast.

I did a bit more crochet, and made these cozies for my mugs.  I used little wooden buttons to open and close the loop for when I am washing the cups.

The blanket made a little bit of progress, as I completed another pattern on it.

And I even got around to visiting my LYS and was pleasantly surprised with all the new tools and goodies they had in stock.  Just in time.  I could not resist these new goodies, and got myself some crochet hooks with a light that can be switched on / off.  A stunning bamboo crochet hook, a new Tunisian crochet hook, and some really pretty metallic straights.

Beading time

Tags

autumn, beaded items, beading, bugs, fall, festive, festive season, flowers, handmade, Handmake, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, stitch markers, teddies, teddy

It was time to make some stitch markers, one can just never have enough.  I simply adored these autumn colours and made rather a few.

Of course, I also had to make some for the Festive season, and I simply loved the “bugs and flowers”!  So cute and colourful.