sewing doodles

Now if only I could bring myself to cough up R300 for a font, I could have a lot of fun!

Don't forget the charity book store and library...

People have been knitting, embroidering, sewing and crocheting since the beginning of time, and there is a mass of literature out there, and also some incredible trendy recent publications that I often just drool over.

But don't under-estimate your local library or second-hand book store- I always have a quick skwiz at their needlework section, and find some gems and good old basic know-how books, between what can only be described as very scary styles or fashions in needlework past... (More of that to come).  I found this complete knitting style file recently for only R20 at Kafda second hand books in Sea Point.    A fantastic find, as I am always looking to learn how to knit new textures and designs.  May just funk up the file cover a bit..,,

Cupcake Tier @ woodstock vintage

Spotted this beautiful cross-stitch pattern inspired cupcake tier (R350) at Woodstock Vintage. I love finding needlework inspired goodies. Nazeem has the most amazing eye and talent, and his shop is full of the most wonderful vintage treasures.  You will also find vintage fabrics, crocheted throws and linen... there are also many more tiers to choose from...

A is for Anchor

A little present I made for Christiaan, Susan's baby boy...  I love the simple strikingness of crossstitch.  Anybody can do this!  Use embroidery thread that is doubled, and follow below pattern!

autumn...

'Winter days are creeping in,' the baritone horn warns in the solitary distance, as the fog rolls in every morning, nestling our homes in a thick blanket that children disappear in as they amble to school.
And I feel like a squirrel snuggled up in hibernation before my flicking fire, huddled over my crochet.  Winter is nearly upon us and the children have no mittens...

Image: Dabin Choi.  Illustration for her childerens book Knickity Knick Knack, about a squirrel knitting its own tail.