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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Time for some finished projects

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bag, bags, blanket, crochet, crochet bag, crochet bags, crochet blanket, crocheting, dog, dog bandanna, dog cowl, doggie, handdyed, handknitsocks, handknitted, handkntting, handmade, Little black Dog, nanhua temple, roadtrip, roadtrips, socks, yarn, yarns

It has been a very good and progressive couple of weeks.  The cooler weather has finally arrived, and it meant more time for crafting and relaxing.

Plus we have had some lovely long weekends to enjoy, and I made very good use of all the extra days.

I took a long road trip to visit the Nan Hua Temple.  It is an absolutely beautiful place to visit, and I spent the day there and enjoyed a beautiful vegetarian lunch.  I find it very peaceful and tranquil.

Temple Entrance

 

Nan Hua

Nan Hua

I crocheted a new bag that I could use the funky cheeky piece of fabric I had.  This time the fit was perfect, and I even inserted a zipper.

Crochet Bag

Crochet Bag Lining and zipper

Off my needles is my first pair of socks for the winter.  I tried a little something new / different on the heels, but I may need to practice a bit more.

Socks

The left over sock yarn became a cowl and bandanna for Miekie.  She seems happy with the new goodies.

Miekie New Cowl

Miekie New Bandanna

Do you remember this yarn I got from my daughter?  🙂  I decided to make a crocheted blanket.  The colourway is called Woodpecker, and I am calling this my “woodpecker” blanket.  The colours does remind me very much of a little woodpecker bird.

New Crochet Blanket

Happy crafting all.

Lots of rain and crafty days

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bag, carry all, cottonyarn, crescent shawl, handknitsocks, handknitted, handknitting, handmade, Johannesburg, knitted bags, rain, rain africa, rains, rainy weather, Shawl, shawlette, socks

We are finally getting some much needed rain.  This was my commute into work.

city skyline

But it was a good time to finish my mini crescent shawl.  It turned out to pretty for words.  The yarn is a cotton yarn, and the drape is stunning.  It is lovely and soft and so easy to wear.

Finished mini shawl

And with the rainy days and a finished project, I had the perfect time to cast on some new projects.

On my needles is a carry all, knitted, with a fabric lining.  I got the fabric some time back, and it is just so cheerful.  I think it is just what my bag would need.

Carry all

And also socks for the Fall that is now settling in.  I dyed this yarn a long while ago, from Kool Aid.  I have four different colours, and am planning to knit socks for myself for winter with all the colours.

Winter socks on my needles

Happy crafting to all.  🙂

Finland Swap

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chocolates, fingerless mittens, finland, mittens, Moomin, needle case, socks, stitch markers, stitchmarkers, swap, swap buddy, swap goodies, swap package, swaps, swaps2016, treats, yarn

Earlier in the year, I got the opportunity to swap with a buddy all the way in stunning Finland.  And what a super swap it was.

My package quickly made its way to Birgit in Finland.  I made socks for her, and they were the perfect fit.

Then the wait began.  By now you all know that my post here can be slow at times, and once again it seems to have been the case.  The darling Birgit was really worried, but I assured her all the time not to worry, it will arrive eventually.

And it did.  Unfortunately by the time the package arrived, Birgit had already sent a second package and they both arrived at the same time.

I was so very happy to receive these stunning gifts and goodies.  Gorgeous socks, my favourite yellow mittens, and a stunning pair of fingerless mittens, with beads and lace detail.  So pretty, I am looking forward to winter to show them all off.

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

I got yarn, that I have already caked, stitch markers, a Moomin tin, chocolates, stationery and a notebook, the cutest needle holder, so much to mention.

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Love from Finland

Yes, I have already caked the yarn and will be looking for a pretty idea soon to knit myself a pretty something with real handdyed yarn from Finland.

Swap update

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African Expressions, bag, beads, buttons, handmade buttons, project bags, ribbons, socks, south africa, stitch markers, stitchmarkers, swap buddy, swap goodies, swap package, swaps, swaps2016, yarn

The package I sent to Finland, made it safely.

I am happy that the socks I knitted for her, fits just right.  Now I can reveal the goodies.

I knitted these socks for her, in one of her favourite colours. And I included a SA handmade batik project bag for small projects.  African Expressions yarn, it is lovely and soft and knits up so well. Sweets and treats that are some of my favourites, and a handful of knitting goodies and notions, including stitch markers that I made myself.

Finland Swap Package

Finland Swap Package

 

Finland Swap Package

Finland Swap Package

Finland Swap Package

 

I have been knitting on goodies for another swap, and so my sweater and blanket has been slow going.  I will show the swap gifts a bit later, it is for a local SA swap, and I should be sending out very soon.

Also working on the #stitchingsanta swap package, and until that package has arrived safely at its new home, it will have to remain a secret until Christmas.  🙂

Soon I will be back to my sweater and blanket.

Summer Lovin’

Tags

blanket, cardigan, crochet, Gifts, granny squares, granny squares blanket, Knitting, local gifts, new project, on my needles, progress, socks, swap buddy, swap package, sweater, yarns

It definitely feels a lot like Summer here.  The gorgeous Spring days were a few and short lived.  It is already very warm and sunny most of the time.  I can hardly believe that it is October already.  This year has gone by so very quickly.

My package to my swap buddy in beautiful Finland is ready for mailing.  I was so happy to get to swap with someone from such a far away and beautiful country.  I had a lot of fun knitting for her, and getting all kinds of local gifts and goodies ready.  I will reveal the content to as soon as the package has reach its new home.

Finland Swap Package

Granny squares and blankets have been featured so much lately, I could no longer resist the temptation to also work on one.  I got myself the first lot of yarns, and since I love all shades of Blue, I decided on something with Blue and Gray with a bit of White.  Now I need to decide on the granny square pattern I want to use, and then I am on my way to my very own blanket.  Thank you to all the ladies for the great inspiration!

The Blues Blanket

And I decided to knit myself something for Summer as well.  This will be a light little sweater to wear on the odd cool day.  The yarn is a silk and cotton blend.  I mus admit it does not have much “give” in the knitting, but the bigger needles does create a nice drape.  Will keep it pretty plain and simple therefore.

Summer Tweed Sweater

 

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.

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!

Swap Time!!

Tags

beaded gifts, buddy, cookies, Knitting, local gifts, socks, swap buddy, swap goodies, swaps, sweets, yarns

Its that time again, and I have a package to send to a Buddy, all the way across the big ocean.

This was an amazing swap, as my buddy is the most interesting knitter.  I did very dark socks for her, as she likes darker colours.  This was hard to knit at night, but I did finish and had time to knit other goodies for her as well.

And I had lots of fun shopping for her, for all kinds to knitting gifts and goodies.

So its finding its way to her, and I hope it arrives soon enough, and that we loves her socks.

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.