ColourSpun

Wakkerstroom Natural Fibre Handcraft Fair

2012-01-30T11:36:00.000+02:00

This year, the FOURTH ANNUALWAKKERSTROOMNATURAL FIBRE HANDCRAFTFAIR will be held on SATURDAY24th MARCH 2012 in the WakkerstroomNG Church Hall from 9.00 a.m. - 2.00 p.m.

There will be weaving, spinning,embroidery, lace making, quilting, creative knitting, felting and much more ondisplay with many vendors selling their natural fibre wares. Delicious homemaderefreshments will be available as well as secure parking. (Entrance fee: R5.00)

In additionto the demonstrations, this year there will also be various workshops tochoose from.

For workshop requirements and bookingsplease phone the appropriate teacher. Numbers are limited per workshop – soPLEASE book early.

1. Weaving with Luise Duke Tel: 082 870 4335

Workshop: DIAGONAL WEAVING A 3 hour classfrom 10.00am to 1.00pm

Level: Beginner upwards

Cost: R200.00including weaving frame kit.

Wonderful for stash busting andmuch easier than you’d ever imagine – when you know how! All you need is anassortment of yarn, scissors and a wool needle.

A weaving frame kit will beprovided.

2. Knitting (freestyle) techniques with Dana Biddle Tel:016 349 2949 / 083 268 5856 or email dana@colourspun.com

Workshop: FREE STYLE KNITTING A 3hour class from 2.30 to 5.30pm

Level: Intermediate (must be able tocast on, pick up stitches, knit, purl, increase, decrease and cast off)

Cost R150.00

Freestyle, freeform, crazy,wild – the no rules, do as you please kind of knitting and crochet that uses upall your little bits and makes use of all sorts of other fibre techniques tocreate one of a kind, never to be repeated works of art. All you need are knitting needles, acrochet hook, a darning needle, all sorts of yarn and your imagination.

3. Felting with Erica Cheetham Tel:011 673 4517

Workshop: BEGINNERS FELTING A 5 hourclass

Level: Beginner

Cost: R160.00including kit

Within the 5 hours that are allocated for this course, the participantswill learn the wet felting methods by making felted balls which then can bestrung into a necklace, a small bag or cell phone pouch with a strap. Ishall also introduce needle felting, making a small face (doll size) of aperson or an animal.

4. Embroidery withLeonora Cloete Tel:011 764 1497 / 082 371 3433or e-mail sugarbushstudio@hotmail.com

Workshop1. RIBBONS AND ROSES GREETING CARD A quick 90 minuteclass

Level: Beginner upward.

Cost: R100.00including kit

Thissimple yet stunning card will teach you how to recreate beautiful roses,leaves, using pure silk ribbon. And as abonus, show how to make memorable greeting cards. Should card making not beyour forte – have your beautiful design framed to hang onto a wall or have itframed to make a trinket box? Once youhave mastered the ancient art of Embroidery, the world is your oyster and thepossibilities are endless. You will be taught how to make spider rosescorrectly, shape leaves beautifully using a 7mm wide ribbon, sew smooth satinleaf stitch leaves, do a back stitch, work with rayon, and sew on beads!

Workshop 2. SILK EMBROIDERED COAT HANGER A 3 Hour Course

Level: Beginner upward.

Cost: R200.00 including kit

All too often we run out of hanging space, but still enjoyproducing embroideries for us to enjoy. These delightful Coat Hangers are almost too beautiful to hangclothes over, but they will certainly brighten your specialgarments in your wardrobe. Need a gift for the person that has it all? This iscertainly a thoughtful and meaningful gift for family and friends. The printcan worked in several ways, each method adding its own charm and elegance. Youare encouraged to use up threads and ribbons available in your own floss box,or be adventurous and try out new materials on the market. Allow yourimagination to run free. Suitable for alllevels of embroidery.

5. Quilting (traditionalpatchwork) with Irene Florence Tel: 084 747 7522

Workshop: ENGLISH PAPER PIECING A 3 hour classfrom 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Level:Beginner (forsomeone who has never done patchwork.)

Cost:R120.00 including kit

English Paper piecing is a timehonoured technique dating back to at least 1813. It’s a wonderful simple methodfor constructing intricate quilts with lots of perfectly matched points.

We will be using this method tomake a little bag – a kit will be provided.

6. Creativefibre with wools and silkwith Elaine BarnardTel:084 556 0699

Workshop: CREATIVE BEADS A 5 hour class from 9.00 to 11.00am and 12.00 to 3.00pm

Level: All

Cost: R220.00 including kit

Anyperson with a sense of adventure is welcome. A basic knowledge of sewing is allyou need. You will be taught to make a variety of exquisite fabric beads in newand innovative ways .Silk fabric, un-carded Sari silk threads and wool willalso be used. These beads can be worn or used as embellishment on knitting,felting, clothing , cushions, quilts or handbags .

If you haveany friends who you think will be interested, please share this info with them.
Hope to seeyou there.

Future Shorts Film Festival South Africa

2012-01-16T09:02:00.000+02:00

The Future Shorts Festival is the first ever global pop-up festival, showcasing the most exciting short films from around the world. The festival currently takes place in 142 cities in 54 countries and comprises a worldwide audience of more than half-million people, on and offline.
Kris Biddle, Jo Theron and the guys from The Bioscope Independent Cinema are bringing the festival to Jo'burg. Be a part of it and Join us on the 29th Jan 2012, at The Bioscope Independent Cinema (www.thebioscope.co.za) for an afternoon of award winning Short Films.

Screenings will be at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm
Details: 6 Short Films per Screening
Running time: Approx. 180min

Entrance is R50/person

For more info visit: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Future-Shorts-South-Africa/277007402362217

For those who want to make a day of it, why not head out for a morning at the Market on Main (www.marketonmain.co.za) @ Arts on Main before joining us for show time.

The Bioscope Independent Cinema

286 Fox Street, 2094 Johannesburg, South Africa

View Map · Get Directions

I CAN make shoes....

2012-01-13T11:32:00.003+02:00

..... sandals actually :)

Here's the first pair I've made using the instructions from Amanda's e-book "Sandal making for beginners" . Finding the supplies was easy and I didn't even have to go to the city, managing to buy everything in Heidelberg, except buckles which I decided not to use.

The rubber for the soles and the leather-board for the insoles is quite difficult to cut but if you let it bend over a bit it's not so bad. The man at the shoe repair shop suggested using a craft knife but the scissors were easier and more accurate. I also added an extra little heel cut out of the sole rubber so that they are not completely flat. Instead of leather for the straps I used cotton fabric and sewed 2 pieces together for each strap to give them extra body and strength. Since there was nobody to help mark the position of the straps, the masking tape came in very handy as did clothes pegs to help squeeze them together when the soles were finally glued on.

This pair took me a couple of days to make because they were made inbetween dyeing yarn, working on magazine projects, lots of after the holidays catch ups on the phone..... but in reality they should only take and hour or two.

I'm really pleased with this first pair, they're very comfortable and easy to walk in and I'll definately be making more.

Hurry up with the "Ballet Pumps for Beginners" Amanda, I can't wait to make some of those too!

Make your own sandals

2012-01-07T15:40:00.000+02:00

This last week has just flown past! Nicole, my friend, has been over from London and I have been teaching her to spin yarn, make felt and dye yarn - so we've been having FUN

She arrived wearing an amazing pair of sandals - that she made herself!

They are the first pair she ever made and are constructed from recycled fabric from an old pair of denims, an old T-shirt and dress.

The instructions for the sandals can be found in an e-book called "Sandal making for Beginners" by Amanda Luisa which is available from I CAN make shoes and there is a new e-book due for release in early 2012 called "Ballet Pumps for Beginners" - I'm waiting for that one!

Amanda also presents workshops so check on her website for what, where and when.

Here are some more sandals that Nicole has made using recycled old clothes.

So People - lets all make our own sandals and shoes!

Crochetnit

2011-12-31T16:21:00.000+02:00

I am about to upload a pattern for a luxurious bath mat onto Ravelry (find it here )

The bath mat has a crochenit centre and knit edging.

Crochetnit is a wonderfully quick and easy technique that is similar to tunisian crochet, except that the work is turned for the return row and so a double ended hook is needed. (Double hook needles or double end crochet hooks – are long afghan crochet hooks with the same size hook on each end designed to produce a firm, double faced fabric usually in 2 different colours. These hooks can be ordered from ColourSpun.)

Although the front and back are not quite exactly the same, they look similar enough to make the work reversible.

Right side

Other side

Cro-hooking, cro-knitting, double hook crochet,crochet on the double are all names given to this technique. You will noticethat if worked in 2 colours one side will be predominately colour A and theother side will be predominately colour B.

Maria Olma wasborn in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1920 and learned to crochet at a very youngage. She immigrated to the US in 1943 and became Mary Middleton. In 1970 afriend showed her a baby afghan she had made with a double hook needle. Marywas intrigued and realised the technique was similar to the afghan stitch shelearnt as a girl. She showed a number of others; who wanted to learn thetechnique. A craft shop asked her to give lessons and booked the classes – onelady cancelled because she didn’t want to buy a hook and pay for a lesson to learnjust one stitch. This prompted Mary to develop more stitches and start acompany called Crochenit. This is now the popular term for work done on adouble hook needle.

This block isworked in basic Crochenit stitch.

Start with afoundation chain using colour A.
The first rowwill be a pick up row – still using colour A.
Turn your work and slide along to end – join new colour(you will now have yarn on both ends of your work)
The second rowwill be a cast off row – using colour B
The third rowwill be a pick up row – using colour B
Turn your work and cast off with colour A.

You will need:

2 balls of yarnin different colours –colour A and colour B
1 double hookneedle in a size to suit your yarn (Note- you will need a bigger size hook thanknitting needle to produce a soft fabric)

Instructions

Start with acrochet foundation chain of 20 + 1 – 21 chain using colour A

Row 1:

Cast on row: Insert hook into the second chain from the hook,*wrap the yarn (from back to front) over the hook and pull through leaving thenew loop on the hook; insert the hook into the next chain* repeat from *to* toend

Turn work and slide to end of needle, using colour Bmake a slip knot and place on needle

Cast off row: pull the slip knot through the first loop on thehook;* wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the first 2 loops on thehook* repeat from *to* until there is only one loop left on the hook.

Row 2:

Cast on row: Insert the hook into the second vertical bar of theprevious row, *wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the loop through leavingthe new loop on the hook; insert the hook into the next vertical bar* repeatfrom *to* to end

Turn work and slide to the end of needle; take upcolour A

Cast off row: wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through thefirst loop on the hook;* wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the first2 loops on the hook* repeat from *to* until there is only one loop left on thehook.

Row 3:

Turn work and slide to the end of needle; take up colourB

Repeating Rows 2and 3; work 16 more rows then work a row of single crochet and end off.

Darn in ends.

There is nothingstopping you from using only one colour or a different colour at every turn oreven for each cast on and each cast off row – use your imagination and havefun!

Colonial Knots

2011-12-31T13:31:00.002+02:00

Hi Everyone,

It's the last day of this year and I am spending it in my studio :)

When I woke up this morning I decided to have a lazy day in my PJ's in my studio. Well I'm in my PJ's and in my studio and it's turning out to be a not so lazy day - I'm really busy having fun!

I have been busy putting some of my knitting patterns onto Ravelry - you can find them here, and I'll be adding more soon.

I also had a request for a "Colonial Knot" tutorial today, in response to my post on Knit Buttons and so here goes:

Since I'm left handed, this is the way it would look doing it the left handed way. If you're right handed, here is a right handed tutorial.

1. Bring your thread through to the right side of your work

2. Holding your thread in your right hand,

put your needle under the thread from the right hand side

3. Now bring your thread over the needle and then under

the point from the left hand side.

The thread forms a "figure 8"

4. Push the point of your needle back into the fabric in

the same place you brought your thread through to

the right side

5. Pull your thread tight around your needle and hold it

while you push the needle through the fabric and then pull

all the thread through to form a

Colonial Knot

I've used fabric and thread here but these can be worked very successfully on your knitting using yarn.

Enjoy!

Printing Patterns

2011-11-17T10:48:00.001+02:00

There seems to be a lot interest in the pattern for my Rosy Cotton Top pattern again and I had a request for a printer friendly version. I had set aside some time this morning to try to find out how to do this and luckily decided to clear my inbox first. There I found this comment from anonymous:

If you want to print only the pattern without all the comments just right-click and choose "Print Preview". Then choose only pages 1 and 2 to print and you will get only the pattern. Simple computer printing trick!

Thank you so much for saving me time and others frustration, paper and ink!

Another way to save a lot of paper and ink and to have all your patterns etc. on hand where ever you are is to use a "tablet".
Now I'm not promoting the use of any dugs here - although mine has become quite addictive - the tablet I'm talking about is an iPad or similar device. I have loads of books, magazines, etc.... loaded on mine, that I can slip into my hand bag and take with me anywhere. I'd need to have a truck in tow to carry the paper versions around! So get your e-mail off to Santa if you don't already have one and besides the convenience of having all your info literally at your fingertips, just think of all the trees you'll be saving!

:)

Butterfly

2011-11-09T23:20:00.001+02:00

It's been a long time since I last blogged as I've been really busy travelling around the country teaching and working in my studio. My friend Heidi has also recently started blogging again (see her blog here ) and has been really encouraging me to start again too - so here we go, I'm going to try to make more time to visit with you here and share all I love to do.

As a start, here are instructions for you to while away an afternoon making a pretty butterfly using a number of different techniques to keep it interesting. Make one or a few to fly from a mobile, hang in a window or give as gifts to your friends.

Butterfly

You will need

Pattern -Print and enlarge to the size you would like

Tools and Equipment

DremelVersatip

Pieceof thick glass – about 500 x 500 mm to use as a work surface

Oldtowel

Metalruler or similar straight metal edge

Dressmakers pencil

Sharpscissors

Sewingmachine with free embroidery foot

Feltingneedle/s

Thickpiece of foam rubber

Sewingneedle

Roundnose pliers

Woolneedle

Materials

Aselection of synthetic fabric scraps plus synthetic organza about 20 x 40 cm

Machinesewing cotton in a couple of colours

Calicofabric about 20 x 20cm

2craft chenille sticks - 30cm long

Superwash wool tops for stuffing

Tinyscraps of wool tops for face and hair – flesh, red, blue, black, brown, yellow

Chenilletype yarn (available from New Kayo Bazaar – colours may differ)

Smalljump ring

KeyRing

Clearelastic cord

2crimp beads

Instructions

Wings

Readthe instructions for using the Dremel Versatip and fit the soldering tip

Placethe glass on your work table with the old towel underneath to prevent itslipping

Layone half of the piece of Organza fabric flat on the glass and layer smallpieces of synthetic fabric on top (photo 1)

Foldthe other half of the organza over to trap the small pieces of fabric and usingthe Versatip with the soldering tip and metal ruler, very lightly run the hottip along the fabric to fuse it together. Work in a grid pattern vertically andhorizontally across the fabric. (photo 2)

Turnyour fused fabric over and on point and repeat the grid pattern diagonally onthe other side of your fabric.

(photo 3)

Becareful not to press too hard with the hot tip or you will burn through thefabric.

Usingthe pattern and dressmakers pencil, draw the wingpattern onto your fabric

Useyour sewing machine to stitch around the wings and to stitch patterns onto them

Whenyou are happy with the stitching, carefully cut around the wings (photo 4)

Body

Foldthe calico fabric in half and using the pattern, drawthe head and body onto the calico and stitch all the way around it using asmall stitch on the sewing machine. (photo 5)

Cutaround the head and body shape, leaving a small seam allowance

Carefullycut a slit into the back of the body about 3 – 4 cm long.

Folda chenille stick in half and insert it into the body and head, stuff around ittightly and stitch the slit closed.

Placea layer of flesh coloured wool over the head and needle to hold, do a few morelayers to cover the head completely.

Makea tiny flesh coloured felt ball for the nose by rubbing a little wool betweenyour thumb and finger, needle in place on the head.

Needleon tiny pieces of wool for the mouth, eyes and eyebrows

Makethe arms – fold the 2^nd chenille stick in half and using the roundnose pliers, roll the ends to form hands

Placethe arms where you would like them on the body and twist around to hold inplace

Startingat the bottom, wrap the Chenille yarn around the body up to the neck. Cut theyarn, leaving a tail and then thread the tail into the wraps to hold.

Needlethe hair in place.

Stitchthe wings to the back of the body and then stitch the jump ring to the centreback of the wings.

Placea crimp bead on one end of the cord, thread the cord through the jump ring andthen back through the crimp bead, squash the crimp bead to hold it in place andtrim off the excess cord.

Placethe 2^nd crimp bead on the other end of the cord, thread the cordthrough the key ring and complete as above.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Enjoy your ButterflyJ!

Missing - Altered Books

2011-07-22T17:36:00.000+02:00

Three of Jeanette Gilk’s altered books that were removed from the exhibition at the National Quilt Festival in Stellenbosch in July and not returned before the exhibition was dismantled. Please note that these little altered books were NOT for sale. They are altered Fibreworks Major Minors catalogues that accompany Jeanette’s large altered Innovative Threads book on exhibitions. A copy of each of the 2 catalogues (not altered) were also taken. If you have them or know who does, or if you see them please arrange for their safe return to Dana Biddle, PO Box 2, Heidelberg 1438. Tel. 0163492949 or 0832685856.

Knitting in July

2011-06-26T17:33:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a really busy time since my book was launched and very exciting. We’ve had the launches in Cape Town and Hillcrest and C.N.A. in Eastgate have kindly offered to organise a Jo’burg launch. As soon as I have details I’ll let you know. In the meantime we have a lot of knitting events happening in July that I’m sure you’ll be interested in.

National Quilt Festival – 1^st to 7^th July 2011 Bloemhof Girls School, Stellenbosch

ColourSpun and Nurturing Fibres will be sharing a stand and we will be selling our hand dyed yarns and a few little surprises. We are planning lots of exciting specials, with something new every day. I’ll also be demonstrating Tunisian Crochet and we’ll both be available to help with any knitting questions you may have. If you’re anywhere near Stellenbosch, treat yourself to a visit.

Breakaway to Clarens – 12^th to 16^th July 2011

Instead of a breakaway to Heidelberg, this year I’ll be presenting workshops in Clarens on the 14^th and 15^th July as part of the annual Quilt in Clarens.

14th July – 8:30 to 4:30 Modular Knitting

Level – Intermediate to Advanced

Modular Knitting
From accessories, to garments to blankets, modular knitting is a wonderful way to knit geometric shapes into all sorts of everything. This method of knitting is easy if you follow a few guidelines and you’ll soon be on your way creating your own wonderful pieces.

Cost: R250.00

List of Materials
Yarn – all sorts, thick, thin, smooth, textured, novelty in a variety of colours of your choice.
Knitting needles – bring a few sizes in a range to suit your yarns
Scissors
Notepad
Pencil, eraser.

15^th July – 8:30 to 4:30 Free Style Knitting

Level – Intermediate to Advanced

Free Style Knitting
The do as you please with anything you like kind of knitting. You will learn to let go and allow your creativity to take over while you just knit.

Cost: R250.00

List of Materials
Yarn – all sorts, thick, thin, smooth, textured, novelty in a variety of colours of your choice.
Knitting needles – bring a few sizes in a range to suit your yarns
Scissors
Notepad
Pencil, eraser.

To book for Clarens please contact Alae Grabe – e-mail korsman@xis.co.za , Cell No: 082 577 2232, Fax 086 656 2537

To book accommodation in Clarens call Melanore on 058 256 1173

Hope to see you there J

Free Knitting with Sandra Ratto

Sandra has been free knitting for many years. This means knitting without a pattern using many different textures and colours in one piece of work. You will be shown many techniques which you’ll use to make a Papal Scarf with patches of colour and textures that can be worn as an accessory in place of a necklace.

3 One day workshops will be presented at “The Coffee Shop” on Pretoria Road in Benoni (near to Fruit and Veg City)

Dates: Thursday 7^th, 14^th and 28^th July from 9:30 to 1:30

Cost: R300.00

List of Materials

Pair of 4mm needles
Scissors
1 ball DK yarn – black
An assortment of other yarns (small amounts of each)

To book for Sandra’s workshops, please call her on 011 894 1011.
That’s all for now.
Happy Knitting

Love Dana

Yarn Standard Chart

2011-05-21T19:40:00.001+02:00

There is a discussion on our Ravelry group about substituting yarn and how different yarns are given the same name. The Craft Yarn Council has a chart of standards here which they would like to make a global standard and I have a chart in my book to help with subbing yarn which I'm happy to share here.

Different countries have different ways of describing yarn. If you want to substitute yarn it helps to know how they differ.

If you are not sure of what your yarn’s weight is, measure the wraps per inch (WPI)

To do this you will need a WPI tool or a flat ruler marked in inches

1. Tie or tape the end of your yarn to the tool/ruler

2. Gently roll the yarn onto the tool/ruler over 1 inch

3. Make sure that your yarn is neither stretched nor loose and that the wraps are all touching but not overlapping

4. Count the number of wraps over 1 inch and refer to the chart for the description of your yarn

You will notice that some of the WPI counts overlap – the density of the yarn comes into play here.

5. This method works for smooth yarns, results for fluffy yarns such as mohair or textured novelty yarns will not be accurate.

Standard Yarn Weight System	US	UK	Australia New Zealand	WPI	Approximate metres Per 50 grams
0 – Lace	Thread / Cobweb Lace weight	1 ply 2 ply	2 ply	18 +
1 – Super fine / Fingering	Light fingering Fingering	Sock / 3 ply 4 ply	3 ply 4 ply	16 – 18 14 – 16	165
2 – Fine / Sport	Sport	Light DK	5 ply	12 – 14	135 – 145
3 – Light / DK	DK Light Worsted	DK	8 ply	11 – 12	100 – 125
4 – Medium / Worsted	Worsted	Aran	10 ply	9 – 11	65 - 90
4 – Medium / Heavy Worsted	Aran	Aran	10 ply	8 – 10	65 - 90
5 – Bulky	Bulky	Chunky	12 ply	7 – 8	45 - 50
6 – Super Bulky	Super Bulky Lopi	Super Chunky		5 - 6	30 - 35

Happy knitting :)

Book Launch

2011-05-11T00:05:00.000+02:00

A Knitting Adventure with South African Yarn
'n Brei-avontuur met Suid Afrikaanse wol

It's all done now, writing, knitting, photos, layout, proof reading, printing ... and today I got the first copies of my book. It is beautiful, it far exceeds all my expectations - I love it! While I was working on this book I soon realised that even though it is my name on the cover, a book takes many more than one person to put it all together. I want to give everyone who was involved my heart felt thanks - it could not have happened without you.

A Knitting Adventure - with South African Yarn will be launched at Spin Knits at the Red Shed V&A Waterfront on the morning of the 28th May 2011 at 10am. Many of the yarn makers will be there and it promises to be a lovely morning out. If you're in Cape Town, please come and join us.

The Durban launch will be hosted by Liz at Wool n Weave in Hillcrest at 9:30am on the 4th June 2011. If you're in Durban, we would love you to join us there.

The Jo'burg launch still needs to be confirmed and I'll post the details here as soon as it is.

Happy knitting :)

TAFA

2011-05-09T11:48:00.001+02:00

TAFA - I'm sure you may be wondering what that is all about! Well, it's the brainchild of Rachel Biel who is a Paducah, Kentucky based fibre artist and she describes it thus:

TAFA: The Textile and Fiber Art List is a membership organization of fiber artists and textile businesses on the web. TAFA showcases member portfolios through its website, provides access to larger markets, offers access to business resources and fosters community.

Our mission: Markets for Members.

What a good idea, I was so impressed that I immediately applied for membership and even more impressed by Rachel's quick response, I'm now the newest member of TAFA.

Interested in joining?
Click for information on membership.

I also figured out how Flickr works and have been uploading photos of my work all weekend. So now everyone can see what I do all day, everyday in my studio. Look for "My Work" in the right hand column and then click on the photostream - there's a lot to look at, I'm even shocked by how much, so you might want to grab a coffee and get comfortable. I hope that you'll enjoy looking at my work and wlll find it inspiring.

Lotsa love
Dana

Bags of Fun

2011-04-27T21:47:00.000+02:00

The last couple of weeks have gone by in a blur. I got some new dyes and have been dyeing almost 24/7!
What fun, I love mixing up different colours and then watching the yarn transform in the pots. The weather has been a lot cooler, misty, overcast and fairly wet but the dye pots keep my studio lovely and warm and colourful. I'll be posting some photos of the new colours here soon and will list them on my website and on etsy too.

Having so much fun reminded me of a pattern I did a while ago - a tote bag that I called

"Bags of Fun"

These bags are great fun to make and very versatile. Use them to carry your latest craft project, for shopping, or knit them up in cotton yarns to take your goodies to the beach.

You will need:
1m x 1.5m denim or similar fabric (makes 2 bags)
Sewing thread
Sewing machine
300g yarn (for each bag) in assorted colours and textures – mainly double knitting weight
1 pair knitting needles size 5,5mm or Nina S9 knitting machine, tension set at 9

Tension

It is not necessary to knit a tension swatch for this project, just keep going until your knitting fits the lining of your bag.

Start by making the lining of your bag.

1. Cut your fabric according to fig 1.

A = Side of bag - 2 for each bag

B = Pocket - 2 for each bag

C = Handle – 2 for each bag

2. Stitch a 1cm hem around all 4 sides of each pocket

3. Position one pocket on each side of bag lining (right sides up) and stitch together leaving top open. Fig. 2

4. Stitch 2 sides of lining together (right sides facing in) using a 1cm seam allowance. Fig. 3

5. Stitch a 6 cm hem at the top of the bag lining.

6. Make the handles by folding the sides of the fabric to the centre and with them slightly overlapping, stitch down. Fig.4

7. Using a zig zag or similar stitch, sew lengths of yarn to both sides of each handle.

8. Pin handles in place on each side of lining and stitch together making sure each is secure. Fig.5

9. Do not turn right side out.

Now you are ready to start knitting. Work in stocking stitch throughout, changing yarns randomly and leaving long tails.

1. Cast on about 30 stitches and work about 25 rows. Cast off.

2. Pick up stitches evenly along one short side and work about 10 rows. Cast off.

3. Pick up stitches evenly along one long side and work about 10 to 15 rows. Cast off.

4. Continue picking up stitches, working 10 to 15 rows and casting off along next short then next long side etc. until knitting fits one side of bag lining, i.e. knitting must measure 42cm x 46cm. Fig. 6

Make another piece identical in size but start with about 12 stitches and work 40 rows then repeat steps 2 to 4.

Block knitting using a steamer (NOT an iron), or by wetting and pressing into shape by hand. Be careful not to stretch your work.

Use the long tails to embellish the front of your knitting with embroidery stitches. Running stitch, French, colonial and bullion knots and cross stitch and chain stitch all work well. Weave in any left over tails at the back of your work and trim.

Seam knitting together along bottom and sides and place over bag lining. Stitch top of knitting to top of bag lining.

Please respect the copyright on this pattern; it is not for commercial use. If you would like extra copies for your friends, please download each individually. If you would like to add it to your blog or website, please link back to www.colourspun.com . Teachers are welcome to use these instructions in their workshops but each attendee must be given an unchanged, individually downloaded copy.

1000 Taveling Names and a Donkey (and lots of donkey friends)

2011-04-19T15:01:00.000+02:00

Here are 2 addresses that you can send your completed donkeys to

c/o Jackie Herbst
England and Wales Cricket Board / ECB
Lord's Cricket Ground
London
NW8 8QZ

c/o Gene
3A Stompits rd
Holy Port
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 2LA

So get stitching and lets see how many donkeys we can send to Mongolia. Don't forget, there's a ColourSpun prize for the cutest one - 10 x 50g skeins of ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn.

Dash on over to their blog to keep track of their progress.

...and a big thank you to everyone in advance

together as ONE

2011-04-18T19:42:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

I've just signed up to ONE and the fight against extreme poverty. I'd like you to join me.

By supporting ONE, you have the opportunity to take action to support effective, proven initiatives that are delivering results in the poorest places on the planet: protecting families from preventable diseases like AIDS and malaria, putting children in school, providing economic opportunity and stabilising communities.

Join me and millions of people around the world who believe that where you live shouldn't determine whether you live:

just scroll down and find the "together as ONE" widget in the column on the right - then join :)

Together as ONE we can make a difference!

Thanks!

Lotsa love

ColourSpun Yarn Clubs

2011-04-17T14:09:00.001+02:00

Over the last couple of months I have been busy with my ColourSpun Yarn Clubs. We have had the Mohair and Cotton Clubs' first offerings and now it is the Bits & Bobs Club's turn.

The night sky is the inspiration for this offering and I have some beautiful yarns in mind. While I was thinking about it, my mind wondered off and thought about Vicent von Gogh's painting - Starry Night and them I found myself singing Don McLean's song, Vincent. I'm going to have a lot of fun putting these club yarns together.

The ColourSpun Bits & Bobs Club
Night Sky

Starry Starry Night
from Don McLean’s hit song, Vincent

Starry, starry night.
Paint your palette blue and grey,
Look out on a summer’s day,
With eyes that know the darkness in my soul.
Shadows on the hills,
Sketch the trees and the daffodils,
Catch the breeze and the winter chills,
In colors on the snowy linen land

The Yarn
Bits and bobs of different ColourSpun yarns in colours resembling the night sky, no more than 25g of each.

You may choose to receive either 150g or 200g

150g: cost including shipping - R180 or US$32
200g: cost including shipping - R240 or US$40

(Club Yarns are sold at a discount of 20% off the normal price and shipping by ordinary parcel mail is free)

If you would like to join the ColourSpun Bits and Bobs club, just go here to send me an e-mail

1000 Travelling Names and a Donkey

2011-04-15T13:05:00.003+02:00

Jo, Gene, Shan and Heehaww-Dan will hit the road on the 23rd July 2011 when they embark on "the greatest adventure on earth" - all in aid of charity and they need your help!

Read all about the epic journey they have planned and how you can help them make it a reality on their website and in return for your help, you could be a hero and one of the 1000 Travelling Names going along for the ride. Share this with your friends so that they can go along too.

I will be posting a simple pattern for a knitted soft toy donkey here soon, one of the items on their wishlist is lots of soft toy donkeys, to be given to needy children in Mongolia. If you have your own pattern, or prefer to stitch a fabric donkey, please feel free to start immediately - the more we can make the better. I'll be posting the address in London for them to be sent to in the next day or so, and I'm putting together a prize for the person who sends the most adorable donkey.

Here is a free pattern to get you started, Woolley Donkey

Conversions

2011-04-06T19:23:00.003+02:00

Today I had a comment on my Rosy Cotton Top from Sal, who wished that I had the measurements in American standard as well as metric. So here are the conversions are as they appear in my book.

Knitting Needle Sizes

US	UK	Metric
0	14	2
1	-	2.25
-	13	2.5
2	12	2.75
-	11	3
3	10	3.25
4	-	3.5
5	9	3.75
6	8	4
-	-	4.25
7	7	4.5
8	6	5
9	5	5.5
10	4	6
10.5	3	6.5
-	2	7
-	1	7.5
11	0	8
13	00	9
15	000	10
17	-	12

Metric / Imperial Measurements

Length

100 centimetres (cm) = 1 meter (m)

36 inches (“) = 1 yard (yd)

To convert:

Centimetres to inches – multiply by 0.3937

Inches to centimetres – multiply by 2.54

Metres to yards – multiply by 1.0936

Yards to metres – multiply by 0.9144

Weight

1 gram (g) = 0.0353 ounces (oz)

50 grams = 1¾ ounces

100 grams = 3½ onces

1 ounce (oz) = 28.35 grams (g)

4 ounces = 114 grams

I've also added a universal converter to my blog - find it in the right hand column.

Thank you Sal for your comment, I'm sure these will be of help to everyone.

Happy Knitting!

Something to aspire to

2011-04-02T19:24:00.000+02:00

Day six: 2nd April. Something to aspire to.
2KCBWDAY6

Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make bu can admire the result of those that have.

I'm left handed and so knitting, being a two handed activity is easy, even though when I was at school I wasn't taught to knit because of being a lefty. Crochet, on the other hand, :) is another story. I, strangely enough, was taught to crochet at school and can manage the basic stitches but others seem to have to be worked in reverse by left handed people. This is a skill I would like to master - some time in the future.

And now for something completely different

2011-04-01T14:54:00.002+02:00

Day Five: 1st April. And now for something completely different*
KCBWDAY5

experimental blogging day to try and push your creativity in blogging to the same level that you perhaps push your creativity in the items you create.

I've been thinking about today's blog all week and I think this qualifies as something completely different... and before anyone jumps to any conclusions, it is past midday here so it's too late for any April Fool jokes :)

As, I'm sure most people who know me will testify, I'm a fibreholic and always on a quest for beautiful fibres and especially yarn, nothing is more exciting than tracking down that perfect ball or skein of fibrey heaven and so.... I've decided to have a ColourSpun Treasure Hunt.

You can take part today or if you prefer on any other day in April 2011. Just remember, all the clues will be posted today, so the longer you wait to take part, the more difficult it will be to find them. There will be a clue at each stop and at the end you will need to put all your clues together in the order you find them so that you can claim your treasure.

Clue #1 is 01
write it down where you won't loose it and then go to http://www.facebook.com/ColourSpun#!/pages/ColourSpun-Natural-Designer-Yarn/179000468792769 for clue #2.

Happy Hunting :)

Where are they now?

2011-03-31T20:26:00.001+02:00

Day Four: 31st March. Where are they now?
2KCBWDAY4

Whatever happened to your __________?

Write about the fate of a past knitting project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity.

As long as I have knit, I have loved mohair yarn. Many years ago, I knit a Kaffe Fasset tumbling blocks pullover in many different colours. It travelled with me to the US on a winter holiday and I wore it almost every day! When we returned home, I carefully washed it and laid it flat to dry in the laundry as it was during our rainy season. It was taking a while to dry and so "somebody" decided it needed a little help and popped it in the tumble drier, well you can guess what happened! When I went to put it away, I had a much smaller, fulled mohair pullover. Fortunately the style was quite loose and long so it just became more fitted and short.

I still wear that pullover and it is lovely and warm on even the coldest winter days.

Another pullover I often wonder about was sold on an exhibition. It was called "Wild Women" The lady who bought it had the most beautiful auburn hair and it looked stunning on her. I wonder if she still has it and if she may still wear it. I hope she's still enjoying it. I often feel tempted to knit another similar one.

Happy Knitting :)

Tidy mind, tidy stitches

2011-03-30T21:10:00.001+02:00

Day Three: 30th March. Tidy mind, tidy stitches
2KCBWDAY3

How do you keep your yarn wrangling organised? It seems like an easy to answer question at first, but in fact organisation exists on many levels. Maybe you are truly not organised at all, in which case I am personally daring you to try and photograph your stash in whatever locations you can find the individual skeins. However, if you are organised, blog about an aspect of that organisation process, whether that be a particularly neat and tidy knitting bag, a decorative display of your crochet hooks, your organised stash or your project and stash pages on Ravelry.

My studio is where I spend most of my waking hours and since I usually have a lot on the go, it has to be organised. There are parts that are very organised and sometimes it's organised chaos but generally I have a place for everything and everything in its place :)

This is my personal stash. I found these lovely, see through suitcases that fit on top of each other snugly and have little wheels that help roll them off the shelf. They seal well and keep my yarn clean and easy to find. The yarn is organised by colour and the suitcases according to the colour wheel. I have more that I keep in two large wooden trunks, sorted in custom made, see through bags.

I made this felt needle keeper to hang my spare circulars on the wall. It's decorative and the needles are always on hand. My Knitpros are kept sorted in their special "filofax" .

... and this is the organised chaos - freshly dyed yarn waiting to be labled, some drying on a rack and Dandy Bear waiting to be photographed.

Skill + 1UP

2011-03-29T12:50:00.001+02:00

Day Two: 29th March. Skill + 1UP.
2KCBWDAY2

Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?

Last year was soo full with getting my book done, but I did still manage to learn a new knitting skill - 2 actually. I have a friend who has arthritis in her hands and although she still manages to knit, forming purl stitches hurts so we (Heidi of Heidi Bears and I) set off on a mission to find a way for my friend to purl in a different way that won't hurt her hands and in the process learnt a few new ways to form purl stitches ourselves.

The first was the Norwegian Purl stitch. The method of forming the purl stitch differs from our usual method because the yarn is kept at the back of the knitting. Here is a link to a vidio tutorial which explains it far better than I could in words.

The second method we learnt was a whole different way of knitting - Portugese knitting. The yarn stayed in front of the needle for the purl stitch and for the knit stitch! Here is a link to a video tutorial that explains how to knit this way.Instead of holding the yarn in your hands, tensioned with your fingers, it is fed through a safety pin attached to your clothing just below your shoulder or it can go around your neck. The stitches are formed by flicking the yarn around the needle with you left thumb. It's really quick and there is very little movement so this was the method we showed my friend - who is very happy to be knitting more that garter stitch again.

HAPPY KNITTING

A Tale of Two Yarns

2011-03-28T22:37:00.002+02:00

Well here we are -
Day One: 28th March. A Tale of Two Yarns.
2KCBWDAY1

Part of any fibre enthusiast’s hobby is an appreciation of yarn. Choose two yarns that you have either used, are in your stash or which you yearn after and capture what it is you love or loathe about them.

I have been trying all day to sit down and write about my very favourite yarn and life just kept happening but here I am now :)

I'm a yarn snob! I want every aspect of my knitting experience to be wonderful and so I make sure that I only knit with yarn I love. My absolute favourite at the moment is my ColourSpun Pure Cotton Chunky. This is a new yarn that I have been experimenting with and I'm really enjoying it. It's extra soft and worked up quickly into comfortable, easy to wear, perfect for in-between weather cardigans. I'm going to make a throw next.

Another favourite yarn is Adele's Mohair. Her yarns are also extra soft and I'm busy knitting a throw for our bed using a mixture of colours and textures. Her yarn is mainly hand made and provides a living for many woman in an area where unemployment is very high.

Happy Knitting everyone

Knitting and Crochet Blog Week

2011-03-27T16:42:00.000+02:00

It's here again - Knitting and Crochet Blog week starts tomorrow! If you are a knitter or enjoy crocheting and you're also a blogger - then join the fun. All the details are available on http://eskimimiknits.com/knitting-and-crochet-blog-week-2011/ . I'll be posting every day this week.

If you'd like to have my posts sent to your e-mail, insert your e-mail address in the block at the top of the right hand column and click on submit. You'll get an e-mail from feedburner asking you to confirm your subscription, click on the link and confirm.

A Knitting Adventure with South African Yarn

2011-03-25T18:26:00.001+02:00

Leave all your cares behind and embark on a wonderful adventure across our beautiful, wild, diverse, colourful country, South Africa, to find 22 accomplished yarn makers who will tell you their tales and with their yarn, tempt you to explore different knitting techniques to turn the 40 projects in this book into infinite possibilities.

A book for both new knitters and old, who, each time they pick up their needles, venture forth on a journey – some long, some short but all filled with the creative spirit that makes each destination their own.

The Book is done!! :) It goes to print next week. Pre order a signed copy of "A Knitting Adventure - with South African Yarn" or " 'n Brei Avontuur - met Suid-Afrikaanse Wol" from http://www.colourspun.com/ for delivery in May 2011.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this book possible and to everyone who takes it along on their own knitting adventure.

With lots of love Dana

Mosaic Madness

2011-03-07T16:48:00.000+02:00

I was very fortunate this Hobby-X, for a change, I was on the receiving end of a workshop - twice! In2Crafts ran a number of workshops designed as an introduction to different crafts or to teach new or improved techniques. What fun! I chose 2 mosaic classes (Tile Tapestries and Mosaic Pendants) because I have never worked with mosaics before.

I didn't know what I was missing, mosiac is such fun and I came away with a beautiful mosaic tapestry made from all sorts of stuff like the usual glass tiles and the not so usual, tiles made from Skulpy clay and stamps, seed beads, pewter ....

The Mosaic Pendant workshop was just as good. I learnt to cut the glass tiles properly and ended up making 3 pendants :) - just couldn't stop! They still need to get a resin finish and I'm going to hang them from beaded chains.

I had so much fun that I bought the tools required and a lot of mosaic tiles and am definately going to do more of this.

Hope you had a fun weekend too.

Colour - with a capital C

2011-03-01T19:14:00.002+02:00

The last few days seem to have gone by supersonically - my feet don't seem to have touched the ground, literaly! I had my bum glued to my chair for a solid 3 days catching up on admin so that I could submit my tax yesterday, which was of course the deadline. I really hate admin but I'm going to try to be better at it from now on .... no promises though :)

Yesterday all my new dyes arrived - WOW. I can't wait to use them. I thought I'd spend today immersed in colour, but realised that I wouldn't be able to wash the yarn till Monday and by then it will be rather stinky. I'll have to wait till next week to start playing. I've had a really busy day anyway, I'm proofreading my book and took a little break for a visit to the nursery. I bought some beautiful flowers which will be planted by Eric tomorrow. The garden is starting to look good again. It was hit really hard by early black frost last winter and has taken a long time to recover. Hopefully we will escape the frost this winter coming.

Tomorrow is knitting. I look so forward to meeting with the girls on a Wednesday morning. Heidi was round today and is working on the most amazing crochet project using the African Flower motif. I won't let her cat out of the bag except to say - it's 3D. I can't wait to see her progress tomorrow - she is soooo clever! I'm working on a cardigan in my new chunky cotton. It's a lovely lime green colour.

AAAND ........It's Hobby-X time of the year again in Jo'burg, at the Coca Cola Dome at Northgate to be precise. I'll be working on the Craftwise and Stitches stand from Thursday to Sunday. If you're in Jo'burg - come over and say hello. Hobby-X is one of my favourite exhibitions and I really enjoy the time I spend there. There is always so much to see and do, I love seeing what great craftwork others are doing and all the new supplies that each Hobby-X brings. This year we will be hosting In2crafts @ Hobby-X, a whole range of different craft workshops, each lasting 90 minutes and designed to give the delegates a taste of what that craft offers. I've been given some time off to attend 2 workshops - both mosaic, a craft I've never tried before. I'll be making a mosaic tapestry in the first one and a mosaic pendant in the second. I'm looking very forward to being taken out of my comfort zone.

See what else is on offer here and while you're looking, you may like to join the In2crafts community - it's free!

xxx

....back from the Sea

2011-02-22T18:25:00.000+02:00

My soul is full of longing for the secrets of the sea,
and the heart of the great ocean sends a thrilling pulse through me.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Quotes

10 days flew by and I'm home again from a lovely holiday with good friends in Plettenberg Bay. We spent some time in the Tsitsikamma forest and Nature Reserve.

There is an amazing tree in the Plaatbos Nature reserve that is a magical part of this enchanted forest, tall and strong with a kindly face it silently watches all who pass.

There are Rain Spiders who spin leaves into their huge webs that hang from the branches, the spider clinging to the underside protectively waiting for the young to hatch

...and how beautiful is the ocean at the Storms River mouth, it inspired the colours for the ColourSpun Cotton Club

Have a Happy Day :)

Me Jane???!

2011-02-13T18:42:00.000+02:00

Just so that no one is confused, I did start out writing this blog about the time I spend in my studio. I spent a great deal of time in my studio, worked very hard and got through an extraordinary amount of work last year so I decided to take a little break and and spend a couple of weeks away - relaxing and proof reading the English copy of my book. Well, to my horror (and then delight :) ) I forgot my mobile and specs at home so all I can do is relax, or so I thought.

On Wednesday we went on a leisurely tractor tour through the Tsitsikamma forest down to the old Storms river bridge and had a lovely lunch.

One of my friends wanted to do the canopy tour but didn't want to go on her own, so I agreed to go too. I don't quite know what I was expecting, but it was definitely something much lower and slower!

There were 8 of us in our group, plus 2 guides and a photographer, we got all kitted up and were taken to the "launch pad". Two of the guides went ahead and then we were off - one at a time to the first platform up in the tree tops, I was already wondering what I had gotten myself into. When we were all perched on this little wooden ledge way up there, the one guide very proudly told us that none of the platforms are bolted or nailed on. They are all carefully tied on so as not to damage any tree! I suddenly discovered that I'm not as environmentally friendly as I thought I was as I wished for huge steel bolts screwed into the wood.

Then we were off again, flying through the trees. It was very scary and very exciting, 30m up in the canopy and I think I could possibly be talked into doing it again.

What an exhilarating experience - a huge amount of frightening fun! :)

Beautiful Cape Town

2011-02-03T21:15:00.000+02:00

We live in a beautiful country and one of my favourite cities is Cape Town. Today my special cousin, who is lucky enough to live there, sent me this amazing link - Cape Town - fullmoonhike - don't forget to drag your mouse up and down and side to side to get the full picture.

Yarn Clubs

2011-01-30T10:31:00.001+02:00

At the dyeing workshop we had last week, the ladies attending convinced me to start yarn clubs. I have decided to start with 3 different ones.

The ColourSpun Mohair Club
This club will offer 150 -200g of different types and weights of mohair - fine, DK, brushed, loopy etc. (not necessarily all at the same time) and will always include an extra special yarn. All will be hand dyed in colours inspired by nature.

The ColourSpun Cotton Club
This club will offer 150 - 200g of different weights of 100% cotton yarn, from fine to chunky.(not necessarily at the same time) It will also always include an extra special yarn. All will be hand dyed in colours inspired by nature.

The ColourSpun Bits & Bobs Club
Suitable for freeform and modular knitting projects, this club will offer 150 - 200g of a lucky dip mixture of different ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn, including Merino wool, mohair, cotton and art yarns. All will be hand dyed and some may be hand spun.

Each club will deliver 4 times a year and is limited to 20 spots and then a waiting list will be set up.
The cost of the club yarn will be discounted by 20% off the normal retail price.

The details of the each club will be posted on the ColourSpun Group on Ravelry . The first offering will be the ColourSpun Mohair Club at the beginning of February, followed by the ColourSpun Cotton Club at the end of February and the ColourSpun Bits & Bobs Club at the beginning of March.

Hope you'll join in the fun

25 Day Challenge

2011-01-28T19:35:00.000+02:00

Everyday, my youngest son's girlfriend forwards me the "Thought for Today" from innerSpace. I love receiving them, they are always positive and often thought provoking. Today she sent me the link to their 25 Day Challenge - .pause .think .act and we are both taking up the challenge :)

Day 1's challenge is "No Worries" That's easy for me, I've never been a worrier, believing that no amount of worry ever fixed anything. Do what you can to fix a problem and get help when you can't. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's challenge.

Tunisian Crochet Rug

2011-01-24T16:14:00.000+02:00

Everyone who attended Carle's dyeing workshop on Saturday wanted the instructions for my tunisian crochet rug so I thought it would be nice to share them here.

Tunisian Crochet Knee Rug

This quick and easy knee rug is worked in basic Tunisian stitch using an assortment of yarn. Change colour on each cast on and cast off row and leave a tail to form a fringe. I used an assortment of wool, mohair and novelty yarns. If you would like a bigger or smaller version of this rug, just adjust the number of stitches and rows to suit.

You will need:
1x 10mm Tunisian hook
An assortment of yarn – about 550g available from ColourSpun natural Designer Yarn

Instructions
Start with a crochet foundation chain of 100 + 1 – 101 chain using ColourSpun Kid Mohair DK
Row 1:

Cast on row: Insert hook into the second chain from the hook, *wrap the yarn (from back to front) over the hook and pull through leaving the new loop on the hook; insert the hook into the next chain* repeat from *to* to end

Cast off row: wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the first loop on the hook;* wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the first 2 loops on the hook* repeat from *to* until there is only one loop left on the hook.

Row 2:

Cast on row: Insert the hook into the second vertical bar of the previous row, *wrap the yarn over the hook and pull the loop through leaving the new loop on the hook; insert the hook into the next vertical bar* repeat from *to* to end

Cast off row: wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the first loop on the hook;* wrap the yarn over the hook and pull through the first 2 loops on the hook* repeat from *to* until there is only one loop left on the hook.

Repeat row 2, 95 times then work a row of single crochet using ColourSpun Kid Mohair DK.

Trim the fringing.

Natural Suburbia: Giveaway from ColourSpun

2011-01-24T11:33:00.001+02:00

My friend, Linda, has a wonderful blog - Natural Suburbia, which is filled with lots of beautiful and interesting things. This week she has a giveaway of ColourSpun yarn - dyed by moi.

If you feel like a treat pop in there for a visit.

Natural Suburbia: Giveaway from ColourSpun: "Please welcome Dana from ColourSpun... Natural Suburbia: Tell us a little about how ColourSpun began and how long you have been dyeing ..."

Cosmos

2011-01-23T14:14:00.000+02:00

I love the wild Cosmos flowers that grow along the roadside in our little corner of the world. They usually start flowering in March, so you can imagine our suprise and delight when my friend, Carle' and I found some driving home on the R23. Cosmos was the inspiration for the little girls cardigan in my book.

Carle' was up from Philadelphia in the Cape for a little retail therapy and to present a dyeing workshop in my studio yesterday. We all had an awesome time and I can't wait to see the results. Most of the girls who were there are Ravellers and whilst chatting at tea time, they convinced me that I should have a Ravelry group for ColourSpun - you can find it here. I hope that members of the group will be inspired by my yarn and each other and that through it we will all grow and develop and find happiness in our craft.

Carle has a lovely group on Ravelry too. It's called Nurturing Fibres and if you love yarn, you should really check it out.

People Pins - a workshop

2011-01-19T08:09:00.004+02:00

Last year Pretoria had their first HobbyEx and In2Crafts workshops were a big part of this prestigeous crafting exhibition. In March HobbyEx will be back at the Coca Cola dome in Honeydew and In2crafts workshops will be there too.

Taking part in an In2Crafts workshop is the ideal way to try out a new craft or improve your skills and be inspired.

I'm looking really forward to presenting my little "People Pins". The first ones were made for a travelling exhibition of contemporary jewellery in Europe and sold out at every venue. If you would like to make your own little people, all the details are at www.tucats.co.za or just click on the "People Pins" title above.

Workshops

2011-01-18T23:56:00.004+02:00

A friend of mine, who is an amazing fibre artist will be holding a shoe making workshop at her studio in February. These are not just ordinary shoes - they are really special. She will be presenting the same workshop at my studio in March. We haven't set the exact date yet but as soon as I can, I'll post it here.

SEW YOUR OWN SHOES

• Boots, shoes, sandals; design them to fit your own foot and wardrobe.
• Make them from fabric, string, glue and thread.
• Clothe your feet with imagination, flair and attititude.
• Join me, Kathryn Harmer (professional fibre artist) in a 3 day workshop.
Date: 1st week February: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Where: At my studio in Kwelera Mouth (Just outside of East London)

Cost: R250 per day + R150 for shoe kit (Includes rubber soling, contact glue, canvas, masking tape, a sheet of card, string, and bits and bobs of fabric)

You need: Your sewing machine and sewing tools, different coloured sewing threads and a whole lot of oomph.

Contacts: 082-350-7024 or 043-737-4814 or kathryn.kathy@telkomsa.net

I Cord Bracelets

2011-01-15T22:34:00.004+02:00

Some time ago I posted instructions for French Knit Bracelets which were made on a French Knitting Dolly. These are instructions to make those same bracelets on 2 double pointed knitting needles.

You will need:

Bracelet
DK yarn available from ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn
2 x 4mm double pointed knitting needles

Embellishment
Scraps of multi coloured yarn.
Perlé embroidery thread
Blunt tapestry needle
Seed beads
Sewing thread
Beading needle

Instructions

Knitted I-cord
I- Cord is tubular knitting done on 2 double pointed needles or on one circular needle. This gives the same result as knitting on a french knitting dolly but with the added benefit of being able to increase and decrease the number of stitches and also of being able to vary the thickness of the yarn used.
C/on between 4 and 8 Stitches
**knit across
Slide the sts back across to the other end of the needle without turning and pull the yarn firmly across the back of your work
Repeat from ** until your cord is the required length.
Cut yarn, leaving a 20cm tail. Thread through sts and fasten off.
This will give you a stocking stitch cord – smooth side out.
For a reverse stocking stitch cord – pull the yarn across the front of your work to begin knitting the next row.

Using your chosen yarn knit I cord 25 – 30 cm long. Leave a tail of at least 10cm at end.
Roll up one end to form a round knot and stitch to secure.
Make a loop on the other end large enough to pass over the knot when slightly stretched. Stitch to secure.
Embellish with embroidery, wrapped yarn, knitted beads, seed beads etc.

Rosy Cotton Top

2011-01-13T10:44:00.001+02:00

I have been trying for days to post here and the block where I need to write my post just wouldn't open. I finally realised that it was opening on "Edit HTML" and not on "Compose"?! Anyway here I am again.

We have finally settled on the name for my book, which should be on the shelves in May, it is - "A Knitting Aventure - with South African Yarn" and the Afrikaans one will be " 'n Brei Advontuur - met Suid Afrikaanse Wol". The original title was unfortunately too long :( I will be getting the 2nd draft from the layout artist today or tomorrow and am looking very forward to seeing it with all the changes done. As soon as the cover is finalised I'll post it here.

In the meantime, I have a lovely pattern for a cool summer top to share with you. It can also be knitted in wool for a warmer winter version.

Cotton Top

The instructions given are for bust size 96 – 102 cm (38 – 40”) but if you want your garment bigger or smaller, alter the number of stitches and rows to obtain your required size. Remember that this top is meant to fit loosely.

Materials Required
300g ColourSpun 100% cotton DK in main colour available from ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn
Other cotton yarn or ribbon for embellishment
4.5mm knitting needles
4.5mm crochet hook

Abbreviations
c/on = cast on
c/off = cast off
ch = chain stitch
K = knit
K2tog = knit 2 together
Sc = single crochet
St/s = stitch/es
Stst = stocking stitch
Yo = yarn over needle (each yo counts as 1 stitch)
On knit rows bring yarn to front of work and then over needle to knit next stitch

Tension
16 stitches and 22 rows = 10cm over stst

Instructions
Sides and Sleeves – work 2 identical pieces
Pattern – (over 10 rows) starting with a k row work 9 rows stst, k 10th row. Repeat.

C/on 155 sts and work 45 rows in pattern as set above
Next row: c/off 29; p 97; c/off 29. End and break off yarn.
Rejoin yarn to sts left on needle and continue in pattern as set; work 34 rows
Next row: c/off.

Back
C/on 36 sts and work 5 rows stst.
Next row : k5 (yo; k2tog; k4)x5; k1
Next 5 rows: stst
Repeat last 6 rows 16 more times
C/off.

Front
C/on 36 sts and work 5 rows stst.
Next row : k5 (yo; k2tog; k4)x5; k1
Next 5 rows: stst
Repeat last 6 rows 12 more times
C/off.

Assembly
Stitch back and front pieces to side pieces (see photos for reference).
Fold garment in half along shoulder line and complete sleeve and side seams.

Edging
Work edging around neck, sleeves and bottom.
Using either main or contrasting colour, work 2 rounds of sc around edge
Next round – [2sc; (1sc,2ch,1sc)into next st] to end.
Remember to decrease in each neck corner by skipping 1 or 2 sts on rounds 2 and 3 to keep your work flat.

Finish your garment by lacing contrasting yarn or ribbon through the holes in the back and front and winding the ends into a rose. Stitch to hold in place.

Enjoy!

HAPPY 2011

2010-12-31T21:21:00.000+02:00

I have friends and family that right now are living in a different decade to me - how weird does that sound! By this time tomorrow we'll all have joined them there :) Generally at this time of the year, everyone makes some kind of resolution for the new year and I've been thinking about what I'll be doing next year.

I'll definately be dyeing, felting, making yarn, knitting and crocheting. I'll be playing with "hot fabric", embroidering and beading. I hope to start painting again and have another go at making metal jewellery. There are a couple of exhibitions I want to be part of and some shows I'd like to see. I think I might teach a few workshops too.

In May 2011 my book will be published, I'm looking forward to that, and in the first few weeks of 2011 I'll still be involoved with the final touches for it.

Not really resolutions, I know but I do know that 2011 is going to be a wonderful year and I'm looking very forward to the begining of a new decade filled with a new energy of love and hope and a better life for everyone!

It's HOT!

2010-12-29T19:00:00.000+02:00

I've got a new toy to play with, it's a Dremel Versatip (2000-6). It's a portable soldering iron / hot air gun / cutting tool/ torch that runs on butane gas. I've spent the last couple of days having fun. It's great because I don't have to be near a plug or have an extension cable across the floor. I can work anywhere - even outside, so I don't have to worry about ventilation either.

I started off with a number of synthetic fabrics, layered them and free motion stitched them together. I drew my pattern on and used the cutting tip to cut the shapes out. I then used the soldering tip to carefully burn back some of the top layers and make marks and holes as part of the design. I added some metal shim, embroidery and wire. It'll be a project in Stitches some time soon.

I've also fused some lovely organza together, which will be used for butterfly wings.

Just Coasting - Last Minute Gifts

2010-12-21T21:05:00.000+02:00

Just Coasting

©Dana Biddle

Do you still have a few last minute gifts to make for Christmas? These little works of art can be made in no time and are suitable for everyone. They will be visible all the time, well except for when they’re protecting your table from a hot cuppa something, so make each one extra special. There is just one challenge when making them, all embellishment must be smooth and flat so that a cup or mug won’t wobble. Also, try to make them washable – just in case!

You will need:
Cotton fabric of your choice for base
Timtex – craft Vilene
Commercial felt
Appliqué paper
Embellishment – fabric scraps, tulle, fabric motives, felt, threads etc...

Instructions
Coasters may be made individually or a few could be made on one piece of fabric and then cut apart later.
Measure and draw the outline of your coaster/s onto the Timtex. Each should measure 10cm x 10cm.
Fuse the Timtex and the base fabric together using appliqué paper.
Using thread that will be visible on your base fabric, stitch along the outline drawn onto the Timtex. (If you prefer to work on each coaster individually, cut them apart now.)
Embellish each coaster as desired, remembering to keep your embellishment smooth and flat.
Fuse the coaster tops to the felt using appliqué paper.
Cut the coasters apart.
Finish the edges as desired.

Coaster 1
The hut was drawn onto the Timtex, top thread was placed in the bobbin of the sewing machine and the design was stitched using free motion stitching.

Coaster 2
The sheep face and body shape was cut from felt and then applied to the coaster using an embellisher (felting machine). The eye, legs and curls were then machine stitched using free motion stitching.

Coaster 3
A fabric motive was fused to the top of the coaster using appliqué paper. Stitching around the shape was done using free motion stitching.

Coaster 4
Fabric scraps were cut into tiny pieces and randomly arranged on the coaster top. This was covered with a piece of black tulle and all held together with free motion stitching.

ColourSpun on Facebook

2010-12-09T23:00:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

I've been really busy meeting deadlines for the February issue of Stitches, it promises to be a great one! I have opened a ColourSpun community page on facebook and would like to invite you to join and use it to ask questions, leave comments, post your photos of anything fibre related. Join the community here and/or join me here

Since it's nearly Christmas, I thought it would be nice to share a last minute idea for some personalised baubles.

These baubles represent Santa and his wife but you may prefer to make them to look like members of your own family.

You will need:
A4 piece of cardboard
HB pencil, Compass, Ruler – a school math set comes in handy here
Scissors
Calico fabric – 15cm x 30cm for each bauble
Cream quilting thread
Polyester stuffing
Micron pens
Pastel pencils
Curly Mohair for hair (available from ColourSpun)
Elle felting needles and a square of foam rubber about 30cm x 30cm x 10cm
Red Perlé cotton.

Instructions
Draw a circle with a 14cm diameter on the cardboard. Cut out. This is your pattern.

For each bauble:
Draw 2 circles onto the calico and cut out.
Thread a needle with a fairly long piece of quilting thread and knot the ends together securely to make it double.
Work a row of running stitch all the way around 1 circle of fabric about 5mm from the edge.
Place some stuffing in the centre of the circle and pull the threads to start gathering the circle.
Continue stuffing and gathering until it is firmly stuffed and the gathering has closed the circle at the back.
End off securely, making sure that the front of the stuffed circle is smooth and has no puckers and is a nice round shape.

Repeat with the 2nd circle of fabric.

Place the 2 stuffed circles together with the gathered edges inside and using another doubled quilting thread and an invisible stitch, attach them to each other.

Now’s where the fun starts!

Very lightly using an HB pencil, draw a face onto the bauble -use the photos as a guide. When you are satisfied, outline with the micron pens and colour the face in using the pastel pencils.

You can leave the face as is or if you would like to add some contouring stitches do so now.

With a single quilting thread and using tiny stitches, insert the needle through the back of the head and bring out on the outside corner of one of the eyes. Making a tiny stitch take the needle out at the back of the head and pull the thread tight to make an indentation, repeat on the inside corner of the eye and then on the other eye. Do the same with the mouth.

For the nose, start on the side of the head and bring the needle out on the opposite side of the nose in the middle. Making a tiny stitch, push the needle straight through to the other side of the nose and tighten thread to lift nose. Then bring the needle out at the top of the nose on the opposite side and pull thread tight (be careful not to tighten too much here). Making a tiny stitch, push the needle straight through to the other side of the nose and tighten thread to lift nose.

For the nostrils, start at the top of the head and bring the needle out in the 1st nostril, making a tiny stitch take the needle back out at the top of the head and pull tight. Repeat for the 2nd nostril and end off securely.
Use the curly mohair for the hair. Arrange it on the head and very gently needle to attach it. (Remember to work on the foam rubber to protect your needle and keep your fingers out of the way!)

Roll 2 tiny bits of mohair between your fingers to form a sausage shape. Place these on the eyebrows and carefully needle into place.

For Santa, roll another small bit of mohair into a sausage shape and needle the middle of it just under the nose to form his moustache. Needle some mohair to his chin for his beard.
Cut a piece of perlé cotton about 30cm long. Leaving a 15cm long tail, attach it to the top of the head with a tiny double stitch, which should leave you with another tail of about 15cm. Tie the ends of the tails together to form a loop for hanging.

ENJOY!

Etsy SA SILLY SALE

2010-10-31T09:13:00.000+02:00

The silly season is almost upon us and soon we’ll all be madly running around searching for gifts for family and friends. It’s so much easier to shop online in the comfort of your home and Etsy shops are perfect for special, quality handmade gifts - and you’ll be supporting a fellow crafter.
The South African Etsy Group will be holding a SILLY SALE from the 1st November for 3 weeks. Shop owners will be discounting selected merchandise in their Etsy Shops. To shop the sale go to http://www.etsy.com/ and search SAsillysale.
I am going to spend the day today uploading specials into my ColourSpun shop and I'm discounting them by 30%. All the yarn is hand dyed, extra soft, DK pure Merino wool , mill spun and Herco treated so it can be machine washed without any fear of felting. The dyes are all earth friendly and light and wash fast. Each item is exclusive, never to be repeated as this DK Merino yarn is no longer available and I need to make space for my new Merino yarn.

Readers of my blog can sneak into my shop today and be the first to snap up a bargain.

Happy Shopping!

Love Dana

Photo Shoot

2010-10-30T12:50:00.000+02:00

I had an awesome week last week - we did the photo shoot for my book, "From Fibre to Fabulous - a South African Knitting Adventure". The photo's were done over 3 days at the most spectacular location with a wonderful team of people. It is so great to work with professionals, my publisher and her assistant, the photographer, the makeup artist and stylist, all the models - everyone just did their bit, perfectly, on cue and the photo's are beautiful. I can't wait to see them in print. All that remains to be done are a few close up shots and then it's all off to the layout artists.

I can't believe that all the writing and knitting is done but I certainly haven't had time to wonder what next. I'm busy making a pair of flap top mittens for Jo, for her holiday in London in December and I'm plying some karakul yarn to make it stronger before I knit it up into a carpet runner for our passage. I'm also working on the February issue of Stitches :) and getting my listings together for the SA Silly Sale on Etsy (more about that tomorrow)

Love Dana

Rainy Day Fun

2010-10-14T16:44:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone,

We woke up this morning to thunder and then a lovely down pour and it looks like we're getting some more rain later. I love this weather, even though it's not the best for dyeing yarn. The sky is beautiful - soft shades of grey that blend into each other and as soon as the sun is out again I'm going to try to reproduce it in yarn.

I was out with my knitting friends yesterday and everyone is furiously making Christmas presents and decorations - I'm still furiously finishing the last of my book knitting and then I'll only be able to get going on presents. I thought that I'd share these Little Angels though, they're quick and easy to make and can be used to adorn your tree, gifts, cards, or turn them into fibre jewellery by adding a pin on the back.

Little Angels

You will need:
Paper pattern for robe and wings ( print, trace and cut out)
Air fading pen
Clover Yoyo maker – round extra small
Micron pens – black or brown and red
Fabric glue
Fray check

For each angel –
1 x 30cm long pipe cleaner
Scrap of cotton fabric for head (large enough to make 2 yoyos)
Scrap of light weight fabric/ muslin for robe (enough for back and front of robe)
Scrap of felt for wings
Scrap of yarn for hair
Stranded cotton for belt
Odd beads, tiny tassels ... to embellish
Perlé cotton for hanging

Instructions

Body
1. Fold the pipe cleaner in half
2. 2cm down from fold, bend each side out at 90⁰ to form the neck
3. 3cm from each bend, fold each side back towards the centre to form the arms
4. Twist the 2 ends together in the middle and bend downwards to form the legs
5. About 0.5cm from each end, bend out at 90⁰ to form the feet

Robe
1. Fold your fabric in half with right sides together and pin to hold.
2. Trace around the robe pattern on the wrong side of the fabric using the air fading pen
3. Stitch the shoulder and side seams on the drawn line.
4. Cut out leaving a small seam allowance
5. Use fray check on the seams
6. Turn right side out
7. Embellish if desired
8. Place on body

Head
1. Use yoyo maker to make 2 yo-yos.
2. Place yoyos together over the neck with gathered edges in, to form the head.
3. Holding them in place, stitch them together using an invisible stitch around the edge and at the same time secure them to the body.
4. Glue yarn to head for hair
5. Draw on eyes and mouth (see photo)

Belt
1. Tie a length of stranded cotton around the body just under the arms.
2. Cut the ends to the desired length
3. The belt can be embellished with beads or tassels before the ends are cut

Wings
1. Trace the wings pattern onto felt using an air fading pen
2. Cut out on drawn line
3. Secure to centre back of body with a few stitches

Hanger
1. Cut a length of perlé thread about 20cm long
2. Thread it through the centre top of the wings
3. Tie the ends together.

Hope you enjoy these

Lots of love

Back Home

2010-10-10T13:50:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

This time last week, my friend Linda and I were on our way to Sabie to help her brother and sister in law furnish and decorate their new venture - Lew's View. The first two self catering units are done. We had a wonderful time choosing everything from patio furniture right down to dish cloths. Talk about shop till you drop! We did most of the shopping in Nelspruit and I must tell you that the staff at the Mr. Price Home Store at the new Ilanga mall are absolutely amazing. It took us two full days of shopping on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday we took a break so that I could get some photos for my book in Pilgrims Rest and Graskop and on Thursday we hit the shops again!

What a squash!

The last bit of shopping about to be loaded

Now that I'm home again, I've been doing the last bits of projects for the December issue of Stitches and I think it's going to be a really great one. Lots of lovely gift projects, and I have an idea for the November page of the birthday calender - courtesy of "Guns n Roses", can you guess what it is? I've also been knitting madly and have 2 sleeves to go, then all the book knitting will be finished.

Yesterday afternoon I plied the yarn I spun last week. When I looked at it, it seemed strangely familiar so I dug in my hand spun basket and voila - I have another skein that looks the same! The first skein was spun ages ago from tops I dyed and yesterday's skein was spun from tops dyed by Carle of Nurturing fibres :) I think I'm keeping these for me and I'm going to make something special with this yarn.

Until next time - :)

ssssSpinnnnn

2010-09-30T21:11:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

I've had a wonderfully busy day in my studio today working on projects for the December issue of Stitches. I love the December issue as I get to think up allsorts of wonderful gifts and holiday fare. Since it's a hot and sunny time of the year here, I'm working on summery projects but also have a few gifty things for those who will be spending December in more wintery weather. I'm doing the last part of the birthday calender series and am stuck trying to think of a picture for November. Any ideas, anyone?

I also gave in today and spent some time at my spinning wheel. I have some beautiful rainbow tops that a friend dyed and I am in the process now of spinning it into a funky yarn. Here are some pics.

A Lovely Long Weekend

2010-09-26T21:46:00.000+02:00

It's been a really lovely long weekend. We started it off with dinner on Thursday evening with friends we haven't seen for too long. We had a wonderful meal and a good laugh and catch up.

The rest of the weekend has been spent dyeing yarn which has turned out beautifully. The weather has been perfect for dyeing and I've really had a lot of fun. I've also had time to upload some new yarns onto my ColourSpun shop and to read my new book which I'm really enjoying. It's called "The Power" and is about the law of attraction.

Here's some of the yarn I've uploaded today:

I'm off to do a bit of knitting now - hope your weekend was also wonderful :)

Hello Again

2010-09-23T16:39:00.003+02:00

Hi Everyone,

I've had a really long, unintentional break from posting here while I caught up with myself. After I broke my last computer I seemed to be in reverse for a while but I'm happy to say I'm well and truly in forward gear again.
I have finished the writing of "From Fibre to Fabulous - a South African Knitting Adventure" and the knitting is almost done too - hopefully by the end of next week it will be there and then I plan to spin some yarn, that's something else that I haven't managed to find time for these last few months. I have some really way out, wild ideas for some funky art yarn that I really am dying to make. It hasn't been all book and nothing else though, I have managed to squeeze in some dying of yarn and whilst playing last week I worked out a new technique for colouring :) My first batch was snapped up and so I'm going to make some more this weekend. We are promised perfect weather, so the sunstoves will be out and working overtime! I'll upload it onto my shop at http://www.colourspun.com/ next week but here's a little taste of what it may be like. The way it is done means that each skein, although part of a family of skeins, has it's own unique character.

I have also done instructions for a little Rose Neckpiece that I would like to share with you today.

Rose Neck Piece

Wear your garden on your neck. This lovely neck piece can be made using either wool or cotton making it suitable to wear in winter or summer.

What you will need
1. DK yarn – wool or cotton, about 10g in your chosen colour for the neck ring and bits in assorted “rose” colours for the rose necklace. Available from ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarns
2. French knitting dolly or circular or double pointed knitting needles 3 or 4mm
3. Knitting needles – 3 or 3.5mm
4. Crochet hook – 3 or 3.5
5. Scissors or snips
6. Knitters needle (rounded point) for sewing up
7. Wire neck ring
8. Some beads to make matching earrings (optional)
9. Findings for earrings – head/eye pins, earring hooks/studs.
10. Pliers – round nose, long nose and side cutters (for making earrings)

Instructions
Begin by making a French knitting cord long enough to cover your neck ring (if you are not sure if it will fit, rather make it too long than too short). Do not end it off before removing it from your knitting dolly, or knit an icord using the circular or double pointed knitting needles. Cover your neck ring by sliding the knitted cord over it from one side and then if necessary unravel some knitting until it is a perfect fit – Not stretched and not gathered. Cut your yarn leaving about a 20cm tail and thread onto knitter’s needle. End off cord by passing yarn through all 4 stitches and pull tight. Tightly wind the tail around the end of the cord and end off by threading the yarn under the binding. Snip off end close to work. Repeat for the other side.

You now have a covered neck piece to embellish with roses.

Roses
Crochet. Large rose – start with 8 chain. Work 2 single crochet into each chain. Turn and work 2 single crochet into each stitch. Work 2 more rows increasing into each stitch. End off leaving a tail of about 20cm. Wind crochet into rose shape and stitch to hold. Position on neckpiece and attach.
Small rose – work as for large rose but start with 5 chain and work only 3 rows.

Knit. Large rose – Cast on 10 stitches. Work 4 rows in stocking stitch increasing into ever stitch on every row. Cast off leaving a tail of about 20cm. Wind knitting into rose shape and stitch to hold. Position on neckpiece and attach.
Small rose – Work as for large rose but cast on 7 stitches and work 3 rows before casting off.

Leaves
Knit – work in stocking stitch. (Make 2)
Leaving a 20cm tail, cast on 3 stitches and work 2 rows.
Next row – K3 into 1st stitch, K2 into 2nd stitch and K3 into last stitch (8 stitches)
Work 3 rows
Next row – K2tog through back of loop, K4, K2tog
Next row – purl
Next row – K2tog tbl, K2, K2tog
Next row – purl
Next row – K2tog tbl, K2tog
Next row – P2tog
End off leaving a 20cm tail. Position leaves on neck piece and attach both ends.

The 2nd neck piece is knit with cotton and embellished with a covered bead.

ENJOY!

Monthaversary Pencil Bag

2010-06-25T19:01:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone,

Today is the 3rd monthaversary of my blog and as usual I will be gifting a ColourSpun follower. I did a random draw and Heidi is the person who will receive this month's gift of 2 skeins of yarn that she can choose from ColourSpun.com
As promised, here is today's project. I hope you have as much fun making it as I did. I chose an under the sea theme, do the same or something different and when you're done it would be lovely to see some photos.

Pencil Bag

©Dana Biddle

Very quick and easy to put together this little bag makes a great gift for back to school / work, or for your crafty friends to keep their smaller tools together. Don’t forget to make one for yourself! If you don’t have a sewing machine it can just as easily be hand stitched.

You will need:
35 x 40 cm Denim fabric
35 x 40 cm Cotton fabric / calico
35 x 40 cm Appliqué paper
3 large press studs
Embellishments – wool roving, yarn, felting needles and a large piece of sponge foam or embellisher machine
Embroidery threads, beads, buttons etc.

Instructions
Working on the denim fabric, embellish as desired.( For the sample, wool roving was felted onto the denim using an embellisher machine. Next, free motion machine stitching was worked all over the piece then beads and some hand embroidery were added.)
Iron the appliqué paper onto the back of the denim.
Peel the backing paper off the appliqué paper and place the cotton fabric on top with the right side up.
Iron to fuse the cotton and denim fabric together
With the 40cm side vertical, and cotton fabric facing, fold the bottom up to form a 14cm deep pocket (leaving a 12cm flap)
Machine zigzag or satin stitch the sides of the pocket closed on the outside. You could also hand stitch them closed using a blanket stitch.
Fold the flap over and position and attach the press studs.

Enjoy!

Back at last

2010-06-24T08:34:00.002+02:00

Hi Everyone,

First I must apologise for the long lapse between posts here. It started with me going away for a week at the beginning of June and not having the connectivity I thought I would, then another week away to spend some time with a friend recovering from an operation and all good intentions of posting went out the window while we lounged around chatting and knitting and generally catching up. Then on the way home disaster struck, I dropped my hand luggage bag and managed to damage my computer in the process. It had to go into the repair shop but unfortunately nothing could be done. Anyway I now have a new computer and am back in business. Fortunately I'm really good at back up so I still have all my documents intact but I've lost all my e-mails and address book as I didn't know how to back them up and nothing could be recovered from my computer.

It's almost my 3rd monthaversary and tomorrow I'll be randomly choosing someone who follows my blog to receive a gift from Colourspun. If you are not following my blog you still have time to join before tomorrow.

This is a sunrise over Plettenberg Bay from my friend's balcony.

Have a great day - I'll be posting a project tomorrow.

Art Work

2010-05-30T16:45:00.001+02:00

Hi Everyone,

This has been a busy weekend but really enjoyable. I did a market on Friday and found this lovely painting by Yvonne Swanepoel, a local artist. It is perfect for a bare wall we have in our lounge and I was really excited about my find so thought I'd like to share. I love the calm in the painting with the sun light breaking through the storm clouds.

I hope everyone has had a lovely weekend too and all my UK friends have a wonderful extended weekend tomorrow :)

A Big Smile

2010-05-27T20:44:00.000+02:00

I spent the morning knitting with friends yesterday and was presented with a beautiful gift, made especially for me by my littlest friend who is 5 years old. She was at school and couldn't give it to me personally so her mom gave it and I still owe her a big hug and a love thank you. She made me a container to keep my knitting needles in with a beautiful drawing of me on it. I decided to store my most precious hand carved knitting needles from Nepal in it on my book shelf with some of my favourite books.

I will smile and think of her every time I see it.

Spring Blossom Necklace

2010-05-26T09:08:00.002+02:00

Hi Everyone,

I'm posting early today because I have to take my computer in to the shop, we think it has a ram problem :( and I'm hoping to have it back by this evening but am not going to tempt fate. So here are the instructions for the Spring Blossom Necklace.

An easy necklace that can be made on a rainy afternoon - make yours bright and cheerful, pretty pastel or a more sophisticated black and white.

You will need:
Cardboard to make a template
Cotton Yarn – DK
Scraps of Felt in a range of colours
Marking pen/pencil
Large seed beads in a range of colours
Sewing thread

Template
Draw a 3.5cm square onto the cardboard. Draw 2 lines to divide the square in half vertically and horizontally. Use these guidelines to draw your flower shape. Cut out the template.

Cord
Decide what length you want your necklace.
Cut 3 pieces of cotton yarn, each 3 times the finished length of your necklace. (eg. If the finished length of your necklace is 50cm, each piece of yarn should measure 150cm.)
Place the 3 pieces of yarn together and knot at both ends.
Secure one end – hook it over a door handle or get someone to hold it for you – and stretch the yarn out to its full length. Twist it clockwise until it is tight enough to want to twist back on itself. Holding it taught, find the middle and bring the 2 ends together. Allow the 2 sides of the cord to twist together. Knot the end to keep it from unravelling. Cut off the excess yarn close to the knot and roll the end into a ball, stitching firmly to hold. Make a loop on the other end just large enough for the ball to go through – stitch firmly in place.

Flowers
You will need about 8 flowers for every 10cm of cord.
Using the template and marking pen/pencil, trace the flower pattern onto the felt.
Cut the flowers out and attach to the cord with a few stitches and a bead in the centre of each flower.
Arrange the flowers in such a way that they cover the cord on all sides.

Enjoy!

And...... we have a WINNER

2010-05-25T20:14:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

Today is the 2nd monthaversary of my blog! Time has flown and I can't believe that I've been blogging for 2 whole months already. As promised I did a random draw from the people following my blog and the person that I will be sending the gift to is.... Dominant Hands. As a thank you to everyone else who is interested in my ramblings, I've decided to post the instructions for making "the gift" and they will be here tomorrow.

In the mean time here's another little teaser to help you guess what it is.

Until tomorrow .... have fun!

Gifts and Giveaway

2010-05-23T13:41:00.000+02:00

Hi Everyone,

I've had a lovely weekend. I'm taking part in an Art and Crafts Swap and received some lovely gifts in the mail yesterday. I had to send off one gift and find 6 people to take part. If the chain isn't broken, I should receive 36 little handmade gifts :) Thank you soo much - they're beautiful!

This is a card - the felt flower is removable and becomes a book mark

Another lovely handmade card

How lovely is this recipe folder, I'm going to use it for my special recipes.

All these gifts remind me that it is almost my blog monthaversary and to celebrate I'll be sending one of my ColourSpun followers a special monthaversary gift. I thought that since it's winter here and all too soon our landscape will be fairly monotone, that this month's gift should be something really bright and cheerful - so - here's a glimpse.

I'll be doing the random draw from the ColourSpun followers on Tuesday, if you're not following yet, you still have time.

Have a happy day!

Short Row Shaped Scarf

2010-05-21T15:19:00.001+02:00

Hi Everone,

A friend of mine has "Creative Friday" on her blog Natural Suburbia. I thought that this would be a good pattern for that as it is just a little different from a normal scarf.

Short Row Shaped Scarf

©Dana Biddle

You will need:
An assortment of yarns – about 150g to 200g available from ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn
1 pair 7mm knitting needles

Abbreviations
K - knit
St/s – stitch/es
W + t – wrap and turn – bring yarn forward; slip next st to right hand needle; take yarn back; slip stitch back to left hand needle; bring yarn around to knitting position.

Instructions
Work in random garter and stocking stitch throughout, when working a stitch that has been wrapped, work the wrap together with the stitch it had wrapped. Change yarn on every 2nd row; leaving a tail long enough to form a fringe.

Short rows pattern

Row 1: K24; w + t
Row 2 and all alternate rows: Knit
Row 3: K18; w + t
Row 5: K12; w + t
Row 7: K6; w + t
Row 9: K30
Row 11: K6; w + t
Row 13: K12; w + t
Row 15: K18; w + t
Row 17: K24; w + t
Row 19: K30
Row 20: knit

Cast on 30 sts
Work 50 rows straight
(Work short rows pattern; work 10 rows straight) x 6
Work 40 rows straight
Cast off.

Lady Birds

2010-05-18T13:10:00.000+02:00

Today is a beautiful day here. The sun is shining but it's not too hot and I have done a lot of dyeing this morning, the yarn is all outside drying and I came in to open an extra window- that's when I saw them, the lady birds are busy moving indoors; a sure sign that winter is on the way. I feel really privileged to have them in my studio hibernating for the winter and when the weather starts warming up again they'll move back outside to look after my garden. :)

Stitched Fabric Buttons

2010-05-17T20:02:00.000+02:00

Hello Everyone,

This is the last for now in my little mini series on making buttons. I have had fun making them and hope that you will be inspired to make your own buttons.

Fabric Buttons
1. Use a metal button mould specifically made for covered buttons. Place the mould on your fabric and draw a circle around the mould. If you want to embellish your button do so at this stage by embroidering or drawing a design inside the circle. Next cut around the circle, leaving enough fabric to fold in over the mould. Run a gathering stitch around the fabric edge and place the mould in the centre. Draw the thread up so that the fabric is stretched tight and push it into the centre so that it catches onto the teeth around the mould to hold it in position. Snap the back of the mould on to secure it.

2. Soft fabric buttons – cut a circle from your chosen fabric with a diameter of about 2 to 4 cm, depending on what size you want your button. Run a gathering thread around the edge, place acrylic stuffing in the centre, draw up the thread and fasten off. To neaten the back, cut a circle about 1cm smaller than the 1st one, run a gathering thread around the edge, draw up tight and finish off. Stitch the smaller circle to the back of the larger one to cover the gathers. Leave you button plain or embellish it with embroidery or beads.
If you need a shank for your button, stitch it on with a few loose stitches then wrap the threads with detached buttonhole stitch.

Have fun!

Warm Gilet

2010-05-14T17:33:00.002+02:00

Warm Gilet

Knit on larger than usual needles to make it soft and cuddly, this gilet is quick and easy, worked in one piece. It is long enough to keep your legs warm too. Since each front is wider than the back, it will hang longer to points in the front and is kept closed with a stick fastener. You can make a shorter version by casting on less stitches and if necessary, moving the armholes accordingly and changing the width of the fronts.

Work randomly in garter stitch, stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch, changing your yarn frequently. Tails can be left to form fringing.

Abbreviations
C/on = cast on c/off = cast off K = knit p = purl st/s = stitch/s

Requirements
About 600g of an assortment of yarns of different textures in your chosen colour way
with average weight DK to Bulky available from ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn
Waste yarn – smooth yarn in contrasting colour to your garment.
Size 7.5mm circular knitting needle – 80cm or longer OR 7.5mm long straight needles
Size 6.5mm circular knitting needle – 40 or 60 cm long.

Tension/Guage
11 sts = 10cm

Instructions
Using 7.5mm needles, c/on 90 sts and work straight (turning work after ever row) until piece measures 68cm (this completes the first front)

Insert armhole as follows:
Beginning at bottom edge of gilet, (if you hold your knitting up with the needle at the top - this will be the side of your knitting where you will start your next row) work 49sts do NOT break off yarn. Using waste yarn,
k across next 28sts; turn work; k back across 28sts; break off waste yarn. Pick up dropped yarn and complete row.

Work straight until work measures 50cm from waste yarn (this completes the back)
Insert next armhole as before.
Work straight until work measures 68cm from waste yarn (this completes the 2nd front
C/off loosely to match c/on edge.
Complete each armhole by picking up 28 sts from either side = 56sts picked up. Work 6 rows garter stitch in the round (k 1 row; p 1 row). C/off.

Knit Buttons

2010-05-11T19:15:00.001+02:00

Hi,

Last week I posted instructions for making crochet buttons and promised there would be more. Today I have instructions for knitted buttons. I was browsing on Amazon and came across this book; I don't own it but have added it to my wish list as it has fab reviews.

Knit Buttons

Use a size or 2 smaller needles than recommended for the yarn of your choice.

1. Rose button
Cast on 7 stitches.
Work 3 rows in stocking stitch increasing into every stitch on every row.
Cast off leaving a tail of about 30cm.
Wind knitting into rose shape and stitch to hold. Work 2 or 3 French Knots in centre. Leave tail to attach button.

2. Round Button
Cast on 4 stitches.
Next 2 rows: increase by knitting twice into every stitch on both rows.
Next 4 rows: knit
Next 2 rows: decrease by knitting two stitches together to end of each row.
Cast off leaving a tail of about 20cm.
Stitch two sides together to close and place seam at centre back. Squash into round shape and stitch either a bead or Colonial Knot in centre to hold. Leave tail to attach button.

Knobbly felted scarf

2010-05-10T19:55:00.003+02:00

Hello Everyone,

Today has been a strange day. It started off with a fierce storm at about 4:00 this morning, shortly followed by a fireworks display outside our bedroom window. You're probably thinking "what on earth?" - so did we! The fireworks were caused by the street light going out with a bang, having been stuck by lightning. Safe to say our electricity went off with it and we had none for most of the day. I spent some time this morning sorting out in my studio and came across a scarf I made last winter and had forgotten about. It's a lovely soft knit/felted scarf and I thought I'd share it with you.

Shibori Felted Scarf

You will need:
150gm 100% wool (this must NOT be Herco treated ie. NOT machine washable) available from ColourSpun Natural Designer Yarn
Size 5mm knitting needles
About 40 marbles or large beads
About 40 tiny elastic bands
Tumble drier

Instructions
Cast on about 200 to 250 stitches, depending on how long you want your scarf to be.
Work 7 rows garter stitch,
Next row: K3; Purl to last 3 sts; K3
Next row: Knit
Repeat these 2 rows another 19 times
Work 5 rows garter stitch.
Cast off loosely.

Place marbles/beads randomly, one at a time, where ever you would like a “Bobble”. Secure with tiny elastic band, stretching your knitting around the marble/bead. Make bobbles on both sides and both ends of your scarf.

Wet your scarf thoroughly, squeeze out as much water as possible without wringing your scarf. Tumble dry. If it has not felted enough, repeat this process again. Keep checking to be sure that it does not over felt and that sections do not felt together.

Once you are happy with your felting, remove all the marbles/beads. You may have to cut some of the elastic bands – be careful not to cut into your scarf.

Enjoy!

Yarn yarn yarn

2010-05-08T15:27:00.001+02:00

Hi there,

I have been really busy this week, my raw yarn finally arrived after quite a delay and I have spent the week catching up on orders, replenishing my stock and filling my yarn wall which was looking a little dreary with all the gaps but it will soon be it's normal bright and cheerful self! :)

I've been up to my elbows in the dye pots and for 2 days had a bright turquiose cheek, I somehow wiped some dye on and never noticed till the evening and by then had a good stain. I tried hard not to go out anywhere but we have to eat - I got some strange looks in the supermarket :) and was tempted a few times to say to the person - "it's because I've been dyeing"!

Anyway, I'm mostly caught up and thought I'd share this photo of the last of the mohair waiting for labels befor they go on the wall and into my ColourSpun shop which you can look at here.

Crochet Buttons

2010-05-04T19:31:00.000+02:00

I have always preferred making my own buttons to match whatever I've made to buying them. It makes the items all the more special, so here's some instructions for crochet buttons and I'll post instructions for some others later in the week.

Use a slightly smaller crochet hook than recommended for the yarn you use.

1. Start with a slip knot, leaving a tail long enough to use to attach the button. Make 4 chain stitches and join to form a circle. Work single crochet into the centre of the circle until it is full. End off leaving another tail. Use tails to attach button.

2. This button is worked onto a plastic ring. Be sure to choose a ring size to complement your yarn, I used a 2cm diameter ring with Aran weight yarn. A bead forms the centre.

Start with a slip knot and a long enough tail to work in afterwards. Make 4 chain stitches and join to form a circle. Remove crochet hook and place plastic ring onto crochet work with loop in front and yarn behind. Re-insert hook and make a chain stitch over the plastic ring. Work single crochet into the centre of the circle, covering the plastic ring, join with a slip stitch. End off leaving a tail. Work the tails in neatly and cut off excess yarn. Using strong thread attach a large enough bead to cover the centre of your button and use the thread to attach your button.

What a Yarn

2010-05-02T17:11:00.001+02:00

I have thought about this subject nearly all day and have unpacked a good deal of my stash in search of the yarn that makes my heart flutter and they all do. I just love yarn and have found it particularly difficult to choose just one. I do however keep going back to the same few yarns in my stash - they are all hand dyed and hand spun.

If you've been reading my blog, you will know that I am a fairly new spinner and have been spinning yarn for just over half a year now. I love spinning and at the moment my favourite yarns are the ones I have spun using Lexi Boeger's book for inspiration.

The reasons I favour them so are:
a. They are all very different from any yarn available in the shops.
b. Each skein is unique - there is not another one the same anywhere
c. They are all made using natural fibres and are so very soft
d. I made them - for me and therefore they are just the perfect yarn for me :)

Coiled yarn

Granny Stacks

Multi colour

Roses

Nubs

I have so enjoyed taking part in Knitting and Crochet Blog Week 2010 - Thank you to everyone who has visited here this week.