Colour.

 

Rios in Glitter

I love colour.

I never thought I would utter those words, but there you go. Another positive effect of turning 40, I guess.

I spent my entire teenage years in black. Head to toe and including my mood. Misspent youth, if you ask me now. I listened to the Cure and other neurotic bands and had a crush on an equally dark boy.

Moving to Melbourne in my 20′s didn’t help. More black outfits (to blend in, of course). I did experiment with a few colours, but nothing really stuck. After so many years in black, I suspect I was not comfortable with any colour beyond grayscale….

Years later, 3 kids and a move to the country, I have started playing with colour. First,  gravitating to those gorgeous autumn colours like warm oranges and mustard and deep burgundy. Autumn colours, like autumn itself, always lifts my spirits. There is nothing quite like a walk through a forest, with nature bursting with the last of its glorious colour display.

Madelinetosh DK Gilded

Cascade 220 Turtle

Eco Wool in Gun Metal

Lana d’Oro in Shamrock

Madelinetosh DK in French Grey

Noro Nadeshiko

So, I started playing around with colourful accessories. The Honey Cowl was my first bright accessory in a stunning Orange. More cowls and scarfs followed in a range of warm tones. Accessories are just a great way to experiment and  add a splash of colour to a dark wardrobe. In fact, it can make an outfit go from ‘blah to wow’ I reckon.

Do you have accessories that can bring some pop to your style. Is there a colour that you are drawn to when you feel blue? Is there one colour that is just so you?

Only in recent months I have braved to venture out even more into the world of colour. Some funky cotton pants in Royal Purple, of all colours… I would never in my life bought a pair of purple pants, but I tried them on and fell in love with the combination of maroon and purple .
Now I am looking at blends like the gorgeous Dream in Colour colours like Sangria, Passion and Cranberry Melt and I imagine all sorts of things I would knit with them…..

Some Pattern Ideas

Rios in Cumparasita

Rios is just a wonderful blend of 100% superwash merino. Soft like butter and beautifully dyed, I have used this several times now for my kids jumpers and hats. A few examples are:

 Caelum

Abate

 Flintshire

Tuke

Dream in Colour – Calm in Sangria

Calm in Passion

Calm is a wickedly cushy skein of single ply worsted weight yarn. Beautiful colours and great stitch definition make this a great yarn for hats, fingerless mitts  and also for a super-cosy cowl.

Cove Cowl

Wanderlust Mittens

Antler Hat

And then a shipment of the most luxurious kind arrived. And out of the box popped this most stunning colour called Rhodolite. Road to China is the most exquisite yarn, a blend of Merino, Alpaca, Silk and Cashmere. Light as a feather, drapey and elegant and silky soft and warm.

So now, without thought and warning, I am loving all these hot, extravagant and loud colours too!!!

Road to China in Rhodolite

This particular colour is destined for something delicious around my neck….but just imagine a floaty, drapey cardigan in this?

Alice

Susie Rogers Reading Mitts

Veronika

Over the past few weeks I have been receiving shipment after shipment of new stock. One yarn in particular that I  love and will be expanding on is the Lana d’Oro. An incredibly durable yarn in a blend of 50/50 Merino/Alpaca, this is without a doubt the best yarn for its price on the market. I am knitting Abate in the colour ‘Hare’ for a friend’s son and it is knitting up beautifully. But most importantly, especially when knitting for kids, it will look great for the next few winters (if those tackers would just stop growing for a bit…).

Still from Cascade, I now stock Superwash Sport and Superwash 220. Both yarns are very popular for kids knits and they are such great value too. And just so many colours to choose from…

Superwash Sport in Como Blue

Madelinetosh Merino Light is still proving to be hugely popular and if you are still looking for pattern ideas, here are some that I have fallen in love with

Window to my soul

Ochre

Elfe

And speaking of colours, I must admit that I have been a tad distracted lately. Knitting projects are sitting lonely in my basket as I spend all of my free time in the kitchen. Not cooking weird and wonderful culinary creations (well, I still do that too), but dyeing skein after wonderful skeins. I suddenly had the urge to experiment with colour myself and what started as a holiday project with the kids using onion skins, red cabbage, Kool-Aid and Food colouring has now progressed to the growing range of Landscape Dyes. Someone should have warned me of the addictive nature of such a hobby….

Storm

Hot Baby

Dark Sea

Acid

Pumpkin Glow

Strawberry and Chocolate

J.M.B

Lovely

Chilli

Oh, it was such fun playing with colours!

I had all the good intentions to take meticulous notes on my process so that I could replicate any happy outcome….well, I love them all but I lost track halfway adding mixing and dipping, so that I only have a vague idea of how I arrived at such a happy result. Next time I will do less playing and more documenting I think, so that I can offer these lovely skeins in the shop too….

Some are Pure chunky Alpaca, some are super soft and lofty Merino, and the two last ones are lovely Sock yarns.

Now, I will have to hurry and finish once again all my UFO’s so that I can transform these babies into a lovely cowl or beanie. In the meantime, I am waiting patiently for more base yarns from Lanie at  Forest Hill Yarns to perfect this lovely colour adventure…..

Hope you are all relishing this beautiful autumn colour display nature is putting up for us!

Stay warm and cosy,

Chill.

With the temperatures finally at a near perfect level, I am back in my element!

This is when I come alive, when ideas flow and I feel inspired again. And this is when I tend to chew off more than I can   handle. Life has been busier than ever. I don’t generally do busy. I don’t like to rush around. I like to do things the slow way. From raising the kids to building our house, finding your passions and in making friends. No need to rush things, right? I still think spending the day in our pj’s, having a simmering pot of  soup on the stove,  is the best way to unwind. That, and endless rows of knitting in your favourite colour right now. Give me a cookbook and a kitting project , and I enter a deep state of relaxation…

Lately I have been on a bit of a sugar free kick. I like to explore different ideas and ways of cooking and if it improves our habits and lives, then even better. So while I have been playing  with a low grain diet, I also started to have a closer look at our sugar consumption. We don’t eat any processed food or lots of packaged things, so I am not too worried. But I am taking it more as a challenge to create healthy and tasty treats without using sugars. Our main sweetener are Coconut sugar, Honey and Maple Syrup. So for our porridge it is still coconut and honey and for baking Rice Malt or Coconut. I am not much of a baker, so finding some real treasures to add to the lunchbox has been great. The kids are my taste tester, and #2 child in particular. If he approves, its in. So here is a bit about what I have been making this week.

Super Balls

We call them ‘Super Balls’ but really, they are Energy Balls. They contain shredded coconut, pumpkin seed, steamed pumpkin and cranberries. That’s it! All wizzed up in your blender, rolled into balls and tossed through some more coconut if you like and they are delish. I played around with sweet potato and sunflower seeds too. And didn’t tell the kids about the pumpkin….No they are in the lunchbox and I am feeling ever so pleased…..

When my mother-in-law visits, she always brings with her ingredients to make chocolate balls. I don’t know what goes in them exactly, but something along the line of wheat biscuits , coco, condensed milk and what not. Kid’s love making them. So the other day I played around with the Nut Milk pulp. A whet and creamy mix, all I added was some melted coconut and cacao butter, raw cacao, lots of shredded coconut and a dash of maple syrup. We rolled it into balls and popped it into the fridge to harden. Out came little chocolate balls that had a hint of alcohol (I think my maple syrup fermented a bit…oops.). Oh goodness, I felt so good having them as after dinner treat! With all the coconut goodness, they are a health food that takes you to chocolate heaven! I can see a choc ball cook-off with Nana…

And another yummy slice recipe that is a stayer is this lovely, light grain-free pumpkin bars. No photo from me, as it got eaten before I could take out my camera but so simple and yummy.

Today is a home day for me, so I will try my luck with an Avocado/Chocolate ‘Nutella’ spread…I’ll let you know how it goes.

It has been lovely experimenting and playing with food and feeling good about giving your kids healthy treats. And myself!

But this is not at all about food isn’t it!! Yes, I have been knitting and the shop has been busy with customers inspired by the sudden, yet totally expected turn of weather. And with new stock arriving almost daily, it has been hard to keep up with it all.

One of the most anticipated arrivals has been the Madelinetosh shipment. After all the remaining boxes got released from Customs I spent a long time playing with the most glorious colours. Pairing up neutrals with jewel tones has been lovely and no photographing can make these colours justice. While very tempted, I have yet only appropriated one skein of Madtosh Merino DK for a little sample project. After my last post about cowls, I had to make one for myself, but I can see a few more popping up..

Lepidoptra

Grasshopper

Ink

Lolita

These skeins have been flying out the door and I am glad that our next shipments of Madelinetosh will be more regular. Shipments are now planned for June, July and August, so we should have one of the biggest selection of Madelinetosh yarn in the country. Which makes everyone happy, as this is such a lovely yarn.

Tempest Shawlette {knit}

Lumen {knit}

Hang Ten Pullover {knit}

And speaking of Jewels, I have received a tiny shipment of Malabrigo Silkpaca in the most delicious colour combination.

Silkpaca

If you are game, there are some super cute patterns to inspire…

Phoenix Mitts {crochet}

Aimatia {knit}

Itaca {knit}

I have also added the super cute Namaste Bags to our shop range, so there is now funky accessories to store all your knitting paraphernalia…

To browse whilst sipping your coffee, we now have an eclectic range of patterns, books and magazines.

Kelbourne Woolens Volume I is a stunning collection of timeless designs and the Best of Knitscene complements it with more stunning pieces to recreate. If you love knitting and crochet little flowers, then this little treasury of beautiful blooms is for you!

100 Flowers

I love my magazines and find lots of inspiration in them. We now stuck magazines to suit all tastes. The stunning Interweave Magazines are almost a collectors item…Jane Austen Knits takes its cues from the 18th century designs, while Knit.Wear is unashamedly modern and avant guard.

Jane Austen Autumn 2012

We are also stocked up again on all the PomPom issues, which are just such a breath of fresh air….

And speaking of fresh air, I have been feeling particularly energised after our regular tuesday night knitting. Over the past few weeks are great bunch of girls have started joining us and it has been a highlight of our week. It is amazing what happens when a group of women get together, no matter if its is for a book club or knitting night. It is always inspiring, uplifting and refreshing…

Have you found your groove lately? How do you slow down and stay centred? And what are you knitting at the moment?

Hope you are well and thoroughly enjoying the glorious autumn colours

Cowl Love.

Like clockwork, I woke up to a crisp morning. Granted, it was a tad early for a Sunday, but it was fresh nonetheless and my heart made a leap of joy.

So, while that day still got hot enough for a swim in the pool, autumn is in the air and I am officially happy and excited at the prospect of cooler days and woolly accessories…..

While I spent the day at Pony Club, I still managed to knit a few rows of my little sample cowl (I say sample so that I am not tempted to squirrel it away. At least not right away…)

I have been perusing cowl patterns, as they are the perfect size to whip up. Whether you want to whip up a quick gift for a friend or want to use a luxurious little skein to wrap your neck in a warm hug, cowls are just great!

Cowls are also perfect for beginner knitters who want to step up a bit. Learn to knit in the round, play with some yarn overs, practice a decorative cable or moss stitch. With a bit of help, everyone can create a piece worth showing off. In fact, over the years I have been able to help quite a few tentative knitter overcome that knitting hurdle. Bridging the gap from a basic garter scarf to a pretty cowl….

With all this yarn coming in this autumn, there is a neck hug for everyone.

Last week a lonely box of Madelinetosh yarns managed to arrive at the shop, leaving its remaining 4 siblings stuck at customs. While I wait for the bureaucratic wheel to turn, I had to take my pick from one box only, which, admittedly, made my task so much easier…With a pattern earmarked months ago, all I had to pick was the right colour of Madelinetosh Merino DK. And that was easy enough, with Jade being my all time favourite colour way in any base….

Downtown Cowl

Downton Cowl

I knit this in the suggested Madtosh Merino DK. Whipped up over the weekend, it is easy to follow pattern and a satisfying result, with the fabric being lightly drapey. I knitted an extra repeat as I wanted it to be snug and warm around my neck. The size is just perfect for my liking….

Another quick and satisfying pattern in the Madtosh DK is the

Whipsaw Cowl

Choose from two sizes, the only hard decision to make would be which colour to choose….

Whipsaw

I do like my yarn overs….another lovely cowl is

Greyhaven

….which would look equally good in Dream in Colour Classy with Cashmere, Madtosh Vintage or Cascades Lana d’Oro….

or maybe you like

Orbis, knit in Malabrigo Worsted

A few more cowls that are knit in a plush DK/Worsted yarn are:

Darkside Cowl

Nonesuch Cowl

Ambrosia Cowl

Balsam (a bit more than just a cowl)

Paperlanterns and

Hudson Cowl

Once you start digging around Ravelry for pattern inspiration you will find yourself in a maze of links and blog posts to read. One pattern leads you to a particularly beautiful example, that will lead you to an interesting blog post, which will have further links to another awesome site and before you know it, 2 hours have passed and you still haven’t decided what to knit. And sticking with me won’t really help you either, because I can spend days mulling over all the lovely patterns and yarns. To make matters worse, I am now determined to try out some new yarns….(yes, there are some brands out there that I have yet to try)…like Manos del Uruguay Serena, a blend of Alpaca and Cotton, which sounds very alluring. And then there is Jade Sapphire’s Mongolian Cashmere…..which is tempting me so much, but I have yet resisted to part with $40+ for a skein…but oh, how delicious it must be to knit with such luxury….

I mean, just looking at the pattern ideas, I could cry….

Crochet cowl

Or a Cashmere Bandana Cowl?

Of course, if you love someone very, very much, you could splurge on a manly fisherman’s Cowl for the beloved…and then wear it yourself?

Fisherman’s Rib Cowl (which incidentally, was knit with the equally squishy Road to China Worsted….mmmh.

So, have I given you a taste for cowl knitting? Are you itching t whip one up for yourself?

You might have to just wait another couple of weeks, until Summer is finally making its exit….as we speak, we are enduring another 10 days of so of blistering heat and still no rain!!!!

Hang in there friend, it will get cool soon.

Be happy,

Regrouping.

Welcome

Phew.

It has almost been over a month since my last post and what a busy time it has been…

Over the summer holidays I finally got the go-ahead and moved into the most amazing space in town. A wonderful opportunity has been given to me to open up ZigoZago the shop in our local business incubator where the focus is on giving new business the opportunity to set-up shop in a supportive environment with all the mentoring required.

The shop is spacious and light filled and has got such a happy vibe that when I started adding the shelves bursting with colourful wool, I really felt like this was going to become a beautiful space to create in.

So part of our holidays have been spent arranging and decorating the shop, ordering extra stock and placing everything just so…

It started with bare shelves…

And I opened the shop like this…

Artwork and comfy couch

It has been incredibly fun setting up the shop, partly because there was no pressure to be something other than a humble shop with a passion for colourful yarns and a dream to create a welcoming and cosy space  for all kinds of crafty cleverness….

Colourful shelves

Displays and reading cushions for the kids….

Opening day was a overwhelming success and it was such a buzz meeting so many new customers. What a thrill to put faces to online orders and to meet Ravelry friends who had travelled all the way from Melbourne, Ballarat, Bendigo and Gelong to visit the shop. I had not enough time to have proper chats with everyone but I hope that I’ll get a chance to connect over a cup of tea with some of the visitors in the coming months.

Talking yarns

Even some husbands braved the crowds (once champagne was being served) to discuss the virtues of the super soft merino…..

As the weather is still hot and summery, the true knitting season is yet to begin but judging my the orders that are flowing in now, a lot of knitters are getting ready and stocking up on some favourites to get a head start. We are still waiting on two big orders from Malabrigo and Madelinetosh, but some gorgeous yarns hit the shelves for the opening and I am very exited about sampling some of them.

Ravelry is as usual full of wonderul ideas and inspiration and there is something for everyone this winter.

Here are some of the wonderful new yarns in stock:

Silky Merino

Some delicious Malabrigo Silky Merino arrived just in time for the opening and what a delight this little skein is. All drapey and soft and oh sol silky, this 8-ply yarn is just perfect for lots of little projects.

Dinner in the Eiffel Tower Shawl

Woodpigeon Mitts

Clothilde Shawl

Underwater Garden

Scalloped Shawl

Calm Cowl {crochet}

We also got a new shipment of Dream in Colour Yarns to inspire

Classy

Classy is a cushy and strong worsted weight yarn that would be perfect just as perfect for children’s garments and accessories and it is the colour intensity that makes this such a gorgeous yarn. To me this is an honest and unpretentious skein of the highest quality.

Toddler T-shirt vest

Enfolded Shawlette

Pagoda Hat

Classic Newsboy Hat {crochet}

Another stunning yarn from Dream in Colour, and one of my favourites at the moment is

Smooshy with Cashmere

Blue Lagoon

Smooshy would make the softest socks

Hermione’s Everyday Socks

And elegant shawls

Ginko Shoulderette Shawl

And by letting the yarn shine…by ZigoZago Customer Ambah

Kinta

Another new yarn in stock is Everlasting Sock and DK

Dive

A most durable yarn with stunning colour saturation.

Trinity

Baskerville

Like Sleeves

While knitting has slowed down, I finally finished my boy’s Ripple Blanket. Happy Rainbow colours for the happiest kid, this one is just perfect.

Rainbow Ripples

I used 11 colours of Sierra, a squishy blend of 80% Cotton and 20% Wool. If I was a bit ambivalent about this yarn last year, I am totally sold now and it has become my favourite go to yarn for crochet projects. Cascades colour range is as usual amazing and this summer I have added some 23 colours to our range. Find my notes on my Blanket on Ravelry.

Also fresh off my needles is a favourite of mine, Blackcurrant Shawl by Veera Villamaki. This time, I combined Dream in Colour Smooshy and Everlasting Sock to create a wonderful all-over dappled effect and wonderful cushyness….This one will go to its new home as part of a project swap.

Blackcurrant

With our lives returning to some kind of normality, kids all at school and the big blanket project out of the way, I am itching to cast on a new knit project…and with 5 boxes of Madelinetosh Light and DK on the way as well as some new Silkalpaca, I am dreaming of shawls…..

Can you feel the end of summer is near? Are you gearing up to a busy autumn season?

Be well,

Lazy days….

Summer evening walk

January must by far be the laziest month of the year, don’t you think?

School Holidays have put an abrupt end to our daily routine and my kid-free days. Instead, we go to bed late, sleep in and potter around the house, often happily spending the day in PJ’s and Nighties. The kids are busy with games only they know how to play. They explore the bush, read books or transform big cardboard boxes into cubbies….

This sweet monotony is only interrupted by the occasional play-date, or the obligatory trips to the pool on those hot, hot days.

My holiday activity, aside from providing copious amounts of watermelon and mango to the ever hungry gang, has been crochet. I have started knitting the lovely Medano Beach Bag, but my newly discovered passion for the hook is constantly winning over when I pack a project for the pool.

I have discovered this lovely little Jar Cosy pattern and have used up a fuzzy little skein of the most delicious alpaca/silk blend to cover all the jars in the house….the Alpaca give these a soft and fluffy feel, but I you can do them in cotton or some left over Canopy….

Jar Cosy

Of course, I could not stop at one, as they are whipped up in a couple of hours. Aren’t they just pretty!

Jar Cosies

My girl also discovered the magic hook and has whipped up a couple of lovely grannies….before she went back to read her 20th horse book…

A first

Of course, one thing leads to another, so I had to try out some more motifs…with the same Metalico Alpaca/Silk. A most delicious little pattern by Purlbee

Snowflower Ornament

They were super easy to whip up and will look lovely on my pin board.

And now, armed with a ball of Noro Kureyon, I am making one hexagon after another. Who know where this will lead me?

So all in all, despite the heat and fire threats that are too close to home, despite the constant food prep and tidying up, the daily rinsing out of bathers and hanging up of wet towels, the holidays are going great. Long lazy days of just doing what we feel like. And I feel these are the first holidays where the kids are old enough to happily entertain themselves for a period of time.The boys invent games, build intricate Lego vehicles, dig holes and make bike jumps. The big girl has discovered her love of books and is reading the whole day, with the occasional stint as a horse in the boys’ games.

I do love these lazy days.

But while our summer heat forces us to slow down and swap our woollen projects with cool cotton and fine yarns, our knitting friends in the northern hemisphere are coming up with gorgeous patterns to inspire. This gives us something to look forward to, projects to plan and yarns to stash away for when the cool weather comes.

Some patterns that are just lovely are:

Twigs and Willows

Crocus Shawlette

Entangled Vines

Oak Trail

Antler Cardigan

Just a few, to get you planning and thinking and dreaming.

And speaking of dreaming…..

The shop will be opening on Saturday 9th February. I will post more details on the grand opening on the website and of Facebook soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Hope you are all keeping cool and safe.

Alex

New Beginnings.

So here we are.

A brand new year already filled with expectations, hopes and resolutions.

I don’t know about you, but I feel 2012 has just passed in the blink of an eye.

My first knitting project on the 1.1.12 was Different Lines in Malabrigo Sock. And I haven’t stopped knitting since.

30 + projects were logged into Ravelry, with a few in between. I have learned a few new techniques, sold or gifted most of my knitting and taken up crochet again. Discovered a few new and delicious yarns, attended the Bendigo Wool Show, and met more local knitters.

I went overseas to give my kids their first taste of long haul travel and the imposing swiss mountains.

And it is those three cherubs that have kept me on my toes this year. More than anything, they delight, surprise and inspire me daily. They have kicked goals, reached milestones and made me laugh in spite of everything. My big girl has turned into a bookworm and  moved into her own bedroom. The middle child has survived his first year of school and is still a gentle and caring boy. And the baby is not such a baby anymore and dared to graduate from kinder surrounded by a string of giggling girls….

2012 I was supported by friends and family. As I have embarked on my biggest adventure, I have been encouraged, supported and cheered on. But not just by my loved one’s but also from people in our community. During my stint in a pop-up shop I have felt the enthusiasm of so many customers and local knitters that there was now way that I could not open up a yarn shop in town. And fate continues to be on my side as I start the new year in my dream premise.

So 2013 is indeed filled with hope and expectations. With challenges and rewards. And with a whole lot of passion.

Welcome

The last week of the year has seen us move shelves and lots of boxes filled with yarn. I have spent hours already arranging furniture and yarns, moving things around and planning for the best layout. The room is big and the walls will be filled with colour and art. But is is more than a shop. It is becoming a space where you are welcome to stay and sit. Have a coffee and some cake and a chat. A space where mums can sit and enjoy a few rows of knitting while the little ones are busy reading a book or winding some balls of wool. A shop to inspire.

A refuge for wool junkies (not my definition).

I have spent the last day of the year playing in my room, dreaming about what this space is going to become in the new year.

Hopes and Dreams.

I have finished the year with the lovely Barnwood Hat. A quick knit in the deliciously soft Skein Himalaya.

Barnwood Hat (unblocked yet)

My April Showers cowl is beautiful but making slow progress.

Next on the list is the Medano Bag in Ultra Pima, followed by some Shallows Mitts in Swans Island Fingering. There might also some slouchy beanies in there, just to get a head start for the winter season.

Another pattern I would like to knit as a shop sample is the lovely Bulle Tunic for girls….

The girl is demanding a cardi and I have got my eye on Brock for her.

I’ll keep the list short and hopefully I will be able to start ticking boxes already.

Are you planning your projects ahead?

Have you already started on a 2013 project?

What are your hopes for this year?

I hope you finished the year with a little bit of me time. I hope you have spent it in good company. I hope your heart was filled with gladness and happiness and gratitude.

If you are in the area, hop over to the shop website for all the info on location, classes and social knitting dates. Come along for a spot of knitting or to pat your favourite yarns. With the best coffee in town right next door (and the aroma of the coffee roastery wafting in) you will find yourself in good company.

LOVE,

Yet another shop update – Madelinetosh

Olive and Charcoal

Oh yes, they are coming thick and fast…..

While the shop opening is delayed until after the New Year, new stock is coming in regularly now to keep up with growing demand and a crafty local community that is excited to finally have a wool shop in town again.

Summer is a slow time of year for knitting as a lot of us spend more time outdoors being active. But there is nothing wrong with knitting or crochet by the pool, isn’t there?

After the arrival of Skein, the long-awaited delivery of Madelinetosh is finally here. Mind you, only half of our order, with Merino Light still being in production and equally anticipated. I ordered this lot way back in July and I am always surprised and exited when I open the box. And this order does not disappoint.

Vintage Sari

Vintage Sari is a new colour and the hues of pink and orange-red are so eclectic and vibrant. What a funky girls cardi that would make, or a cowl to brighten up an all black outfit?

Worn Denim

Worn Denim is another new colour and equally alluring. Along with these two colours we also topped up some favourites like Thunderstorm, Winter Wheat and Tart. Other colours are Well Water Charcoal,  Briar, Cherry and Mineral.

More Sock yarn has also arrived, with beautiful greys like Graphite and Charcoal to complement our existing colours.

Cove

Graphite and Byzantine

There are some firm favourites for this brilliant yarn. Colour Affection and Stripe Study and all the other stunning shawl pattern by Veera Valimaki. But there are lots more (13’658 to be precise on Ravelry)…

 

Taygete

Henslowe

Boxy

Frost Thread

Slable

 

Nutmeg

Tart

 

It is a distraction, with only a few days left of preparing for your christmas celebrations. But it is not too late to gift a skein or two to your crafty best friend…or to put something little in your own stocking….

Happy Summer days to you all,

 

 

Pattern Inspiration Sunday

With all this new yarn in store, I spent longer than usual on Ravelry this morning, drooling over patterns.

And what I found got me very exited. There are some wonderful patterns to spark your imagination and inspire you for the cooler months. It’s no secret, summer is not my season, so I spend this season plotting my winter projects.

So this little post is all  about what is new and hot right now on Ravelry.

Poema is beautiful in Madelinetosh DK. Beautiful neckline and lace detail.

Poema

Soft and airy, Move would be stunning in Eco Alpaca.

Move

Gudrun Johnston has released a new pattern series called ‘Knit with me‘. Gorgeous patterns with beautiful details…

Empire – Knit with me

Super cute hat with lots of colour option to make it yours….

Minno

And another hat using the super soft Road to China light…

Hermione

And this colour just makes me smile!!!

Lemon grass

But if you don’t want to wait till Autumn and still need a quick Christmas gift idea, here is one that will only take you one night in our super bulky Magnum….

Chunky

Are you busy with your Christmas preparation? Do you deck out your house with knitted or crochet decoration?

We have been doing lots of finger knitting and crochet with colourful wool scraps. Trees, hearts, stars and tiny Christmas Socks are all lovely to hang on your tree or branch or hanging over a window…

Simple tree

Star

And while I thing snow-covered ornaments don’t quite fit the australian landscape in summer, little birds do…

Attic 24

So, I hope this little sunday morning inspiration hits your crafty spot.

For me, all these great ideas are also a bit tricky. With 5 projects waiting for the finishing touches, I have started yet another knit. With Skein Merino Lace in Urban beckoning me, I cast on late last night for the April Showers Cowl 

April Showers

Wishing you a wonderful weekend with perfect temperatures and a spot of crafting.

Shop update

There has been a flurry of activity here lately. Of the good kind. The one that makes you happy and gets your creative juices flowing.

First there has been some secret Solstice/Christmas crafting. This year, we are leaving out the traditional tinsel, bearded Santa and  baubles. Instead, we will opt for finger knitted garlands wrapped around a dead branch from the bush. Lets say we are combining Summer Solstice with Christmas….

Tiny flowers

And since I am on a hooking rampage, I whipped up lots of tiny flowers to add progressively to the branch. The idea is that over time, this dead branch will be filled with blossoms, leaves and festive colours to symbolise life and all that is beautiful in our world.. To celebrate the generous aspect of nature and life. It will fit well with all the growing and flowering that is happening all around us at the moment, and the abundance of  gorgeous food during this season.

The tiny crochet flowers pattern is, as usual, courtesy of Attic 24, the blog with endless colour and crochet inspiration. The yarn is the lovely Biggans Designs, which I am sampling. Next, we’ll do some leaves, hearts and super tiny starts….

I attempted to crochet this scarf about 6 months ago, but gave up in frustration. Well, this time I am unstoppable and I am loving it!

Claudia Scarf

This is going to be my daughters Class 3 Teacher. Anne is the most sophisticated and elegant 60something teacher. And her favourite colour is red, so this yarn is just perfect for her. It’s the soft Heritage Sock from Cascade. 

The crochet pattern is super easy and I am thoroughly enjoying the process.

In preparation for the opening of the Shop, I have also received a couple of most delicious deliveries.

Ultra Pima

A lot of fresh new colours of Cascade’s Ultra Pima will be brightening the shelves soon and the possibilities with the gorgeous cotton are endless. The colours are so vibrant and the feel of the cotton is silky smooth. This, in my mind, is the most perfect cotton for stylish top.

Emma

Other lovely tops that would look great in Ultra Pima:

Anjou

Jenny’s T-shirt

Sophia

Eliada and my favourite of all

Fuchsia

And there are lovely cardigans, like the popular Miette or Summer Waves that would be lovely too…

But I have my eyes on a knitted beach bag and the colour combinations are just endless.

While still exited about all these funky colours, I got a another delicious delivery. This time, it is all muted, classy and elegant.

From SKEIN we received some stunning Merino Silk Lace, Top Draw Sock and Himalaya.

Merino Silk Lace – Pastel Sky

Silk Lace is luscious and soft with a beautiful subtle sheen. This is perfect for light wraps and shawls that let the colour variations in the yarn shine.

Tiong Bahru

Shattered Sun Shawl

Vermont Shawl

But you are not limited to intricate lace work. Lightweight cowls add delicate warmth and beauty.

April Shower Cowl

Superior Cowl

Barley Sugar

Or some fine fingerless mittens….

Pianissimo

White Rabbit

Sweet Tea

Top Draw Sock is a versatile 4-ply yarn and the elegant greys and blues lend itself to a multitude of patterns. From socks to hats, shawl and of course heirloom baby garments. Here are some of my favourites.

Ginko

Jaffrey

Nanaimo Socks

Rosa Rubiginosa Socks

Meridien

Herbivore

Korrigan

And finally, the popular and so versatile Himalaya. Beautifully plied, it is the addition of Cashmere that makes this little skein so irresistible. I knitted Rikke it, but there are so many more patterns to let this yarn sing.

Rouge

Puerperium Cardigan

 Oaked hat

Olinda

Lina

Hooray Cardigan

So you can guess where you will find me during the holiday season. Sampling and test knitting some lovely things….

The shop is going to be closed for a wee break from the 18th-25th December. We are heading to the beach for some R&R and Family time.

I hope you are enjoying the last weeks of school and the busy preparations to the festive season.

 

 

New Loves.

Gosh, the weather is heating up.

The landscape is starting to look a bit dry and brittle already and I find myself hiding in the cool belly of your mud brick house to escape the hot midday sun. I must admit, it is not my favourite part of the year. We are lucky though, in that we have several gorgeous water holes in the area, so we do take the kids for a dip on the weekends. I prefer to resurface in the balmy evenings.

Last week I have gathered all my cottons to have a bit of a colour play and plan a few summery projects. I set myself the challenge to learn some techniques and since then, I haven’t been able to stop. I had a play with some Sierra (Cotton/Wool) to practice the neat ripple pattern. After a couple of false starts, I got going and now I have a little cushion cover sampler. Need to work out now what to use as backing…..

Neat Ripple

But I was very pleased with myself, so I grabbed the next ball of spare yarn, which happened to be the lovely Abuelita Lace and went in search for a new crochet project. Crown Surround looked like an impossible pattern for my skill level, but I had nothing better to do and I do enjoy a bit of a challenge. I persevered and out came the most delicious little doily.

Crowns Surround

Next I took out 2 spare balls of BC Garn Semilla Cotton. I spied some lovely granny place mats on Purlbee that looked relatively easy. Indeed, rather addictive. I love them very much and now I am waiting for some more Ultra Pima cotton to make some more.

Granny place mats

And finally I am back to basics with some natural Abuelita Organic cotton face washers with a twist. I love them and they are just the best in between/hot weather project. And a great present.

Simple face cloths

Are you switching to cotton for summer? Keen to try something new?

Sweet Trims for your handkerchiefs

Lace Bracelet

Lace Vases

Lace Doily

Funky Lace Doily

some crochet love for your christmas tree….

….and there are pattern for garters and lace g-strings too….if you are looking….

If you are committed, then the crochet blanket inspiration is endless on Ravelry. Being a crochet novice, I am drooling over so many patterns, from Granny to Ripple, Hexagons and Circles. But most importantly, it is the eclectic colours that make all these projects so appealing. I know I would just get stuck with choosing 5 colours….

Granny Pillow

Winkin Blinkin and Nod

If you are like me and struggle to choose more than 2 colours, or if you are new to cotton or crochet, a simple washcloth is the best place to start I reckon….

Scrubbie Dots

using Scraps and Ripples together

more ripples

You see how you can go crazy with colours and pattern? What I love about all these project is how portable and fun they are. Being small, you can use scraps or you can just buy a selection of colours and have fun playing around with them.

That’s what I call summer love.

How are you spending these hot days?

Enjoy,