Yarn Swift and new stash

A few months ago I was very lucky in winning an auction for an old wooden yarn swift.

It is very old but still in perfect working condition.

I was using it to wind some wool skeins into balls when I realised that I hadn't shown this to you yet.

I love using it, wondering all the time who it's owner was and about the type of wool

 that has been wound on it. I get all sentimental....

Isn't this wool gorgeous?

It could be a new Top Down........mmhmm....

The wool is hand-painted 100% Merino Wool in a

worsted weight by Malabrigo again.

I'm trying not to drool whilst I write this. The yarn is so soft....... and oh those colour shades.....

Gotta go and knit, its evening.... and Saturday..... and yes, yes ,yes, tomorrow is Sunday :)

Have a fabulous weekend,

Top Down Knitting and Lace Shawl

It seems like I have caught the knitting bug. Originally I wanted to knit a rounded cropped Bolero jacket. Whilst searching the Internet  for patterns I came across this Top Down Feather and Fan Cardigan. I was intrigued. Once I started to knit, there was just no stopping me......

I made three since the beginning of June...

The first one was knitted with one thread of bamboo and one thread cotton. Just some yarn I had in my stash. This is a very light summer top.

I tried to adjust the pattern to be slightly rounded at the front. 

Once it was finished I thought I could try again and improve my knitting skills.

This one is knitted with a 80% Wool - 20% Cotton mix

I just love the Feather and Fan Lace pattern.

(Yay, I can knit lace!!!!)

Next I wanted to make a thicker winter cardigan.

And, as you can see, I tried more lace patterns.

This one is knitted with 100% Merino Wool.

I am very pleased with the way they turned out.  

It is quite chilly here in South Africa and therefore the perfect weather for knitting. 

I so enjoy to knit in the evenings and I'll have to hurry up because the hot weather is just around the corner. As of September it will be too hot to knit  :(

I am also busy crocheting a lace shawl.

The yarn I'm using is Malabrigo Baby Lace  

100% Merino Wool Lace Yarn from Malabrigo Yarns of Uruguay 

Colour: Indicieta

available   here

I'm using a 4.5mm crochet hook

Pattern: South Bay Shawlette available here

I'm still here.... looong post

Hello all,
It's been a long time since I have posted. Let me assure you, all is well, I have just been very busy with the B&B, ( had no help for 2 months), travelling to teach Mount Mellick Embroidery (making up kits as well), and, last, but not least, life just in general. I will be posting regularly again soon.

Here is a quick run through of the past few months:

March 2012
My mom arrived, and we spent a fabulous 2 months together. Here she is, embroidering Mount Mellick at one of my classes.

April 2012
On the last Thursday before Easter mom and I surprised the regular students attending my classes with a little present and more that just the ordinary coffee and tea.

May 2012

Our Womens Agricultural Union held their annual Congress. Being linked to the Associated Country Women of the World Organisation, we joined a project called "Women walk the world". The purpose being to make the world aware of the plight of rural women around the world. There were about 160 attendies at our Congress, and 90% of them walked that day.....  It was quite an experience....

From top left: Baby, Maritsa, Marita, Tokkie, Desiree and me!

In the Hall during a break.

One of my students embroideries at the Congress.

Desiree, I am proud of you!!!!!

The Congress is the highlight of the year for all the branches of the WAU. We had a super time....