Greetings fellow hand crafters!
As we approach the end of August there is an anticipation of Spring in the air, with its warmer days and fresh new growth in the gardens. Johannesburg really isn’t pretty in winter, but it is transformed in Spring when the flowers start to bloom. Spring is definitely my favourite time of the year; a time when I get a new lease on life!
Two days ago I completed the jersey I was working on. I bought the wool in New Zealand while on holiday there – beautiful, Merino wool. I used a DROPS design pattern called Ice Castle Sweater, that was easy to follow. I am delighted with the final garment, although it will probably only be used next winter.
I have also embroidered two more of the quilt designs of Colleen Goy’s (loosely based on William Morris patterns). Of the twenty five I need to do for the quilt, eight are complete, with a nineth almost done.
Now to share with you what some of my students have been doing: Conor Hughes has taken her embroidery to a whole new level, stitching onto canvas panels on which she has painted using acrylic colours. So far, two of the nine panels have been completed; a beach setting with a spring of grass and a cave next to the sea. Both are stunning! The embroidery stitches just add the final touch to bring the paintings alive.
Carol Jones decided to sew gifts for family members by embroidering their initials onto spectacle cases. They turned out beautifully. What a special touch and what a lovely gift to receive too.
Sue Theron completed another baby blanket, this time with panda bears. It is too adorable with the two of them sitting amongst the bamboo twigs!
Nara Mahale continues to amaze me. After showing her the basket weave crochet stitch, she arrived at the next lesson with a hair band created with the stitch.
Although I never taught Anita Bouwer how to crochet, she does attend my lessons and recently she brought this bag to show the class. She crocheted the bag as a gift for her daughter’s birthday. It is absolutely gorgeous. I just had to share it on the blog! It is a work of art.
I have been giving my home helper, Angie Ntshongela, crochet lessons in order for her to earn a living when she retires in a couple of years’ time. This is the progress of her first project. Her plan is to make a backing for it and make it into a cushion cover. I am so proud of Angie.
I give lessons at Ribbonsfields in Bordeaux EVERY Thursday morning, so if Kyalami Estates are too far for you, please consider this option. Lessons at Kyalami are on Wednesday and Friday mornings and Tuesday afternoons every alternate week. I’d love you to join me so I can share my passion for crafts with you!
The stock at Threads of Joy is building up. If you are needing items, especially for your embroidery projects – from DMC and Chameleon threads, to Roseworks Embroidery kits, to sewing needles, to embroidery hoops or scissors please give me a call. If I don’t have the items in stock, I will try my best to get them for you. Just call me before hand to arrange a suitable time to do your shopping.
Join me if you want to learn a new skill and meet some like-minded friends! Be inspired. Begin a new project. Bring a friend along too. Contact me if you are interested in crocheting, knitting or doing some hand embroidery. Remember, you are never too old or too young to learn something new!
Yours in craft, Lindsey
