Greetings all those enthusiastic hand crafters out there!
The days are definitely getting colder here in Johannesburg. Winter is almost upon us. I always feel it is the perfect time of year to begin a woolly project. Just having the blanket lying on your lap as you knit or crochet away the rows is cozy and warm. All that is required to complete the picture, is a hot mug of coffee or hot chocolate!es Here
Two lovely ladies began crochet lessons with me this last month. They had both taught themselves using the internet during the Covid lockdown and although they each produced a couple of items, they had both picked up some bad habits in their techniques. These I have corrected and they are happily crocheting again. One of the ladies found the pattern called The Viola Mandala which she has begun, the other has chosen to make a Bomber Cardi for a child.
The student who began in April has been crocheting up a storm. She has completed many granny squares, which is is now piecing together. Her work is stunning! The Jacobean runner of one of my embroidery students is coming on beautifully. It warms my heart to see the material come alive as the flowers and leaves are coloured in thread.
I had the prividge of spending time in the Kruger National Park three weeks ago. The car journey whizzed by as I worked on Jody Pyott’s Cherish pattern, which I am making as a wedding present. I have chosen to use a 100% cotton to crochet this . The cotton is wonderful to work with and the finished shapes are soft with an almost luxurious feel. My only concern is the size of the “blanket”. I think it’s going to be more like a large continental cushion in size. Time will tell.
My other project is a small Jacobean embroidery. It has been years since I last replaced my tea cosy. I felt it time to make a fresh looking one! I intend to do matching designs for each side of the cosy, but neither should take me long.
So, be inspired. Start an new project. Contact me for some lessons – crocheting, knitting or hand embroidery. Remember, you are never too old or too young to learn something new!
Yours in handcrafts, Lindsey
