Toothpicks and a Cardboard Box

Doily + toothpicks + cardboard box = blocking with minimal resources

I already have a plan to crochet a throw resembling Islamic design

Vinnis Serina in Dark Army or Army + Amanda Perkins pattern in either Clementine or Jonquil = Islamic inspired throw

Our new abode

This is the view from the l-shaped courtyard on the ground floor

There is also a rooftop patio leading from the third floor

T's a happy feeling home

BUT

We have a pink, yes a PINK kitchen for goodness sake!

Dusky pink and stone coloured tiles . . . 

Zoned out!

A big hello from South Africa! Kaleidoscopes create an astounding spectrum of colour in a symmetrical form. I do have to admit though that I feel like Kylie Sven Opossum (of Fantastic Mr Fox's fame) when he gets zoned out and his eyes turn into comical swirls, from this overload of kaleidoscopic hooky colour!  

I am using 8 different colours and this is one of those projects that takes forever to put together.  It is a time consuming exercise from the frequent changing of colours to the volume of threads to work away. I cannot wait to see the end result even though it is still a few weeks away as I need to buy another round of yarn in order to hook many more triangles.  Each of the triangles measures 14cm per side. 

I am joining the triangles on the wrong side with a slip stitch and it turns out to be a very neat way of joining - the downside is the numerous ends to weave in  . . .  

 

Once I joined the six triangles, I also hook a connector from the outside in where the gap is left. I am deviating from Amanda's pattern and am connecting the triangles with two US triple crochet stitches in each gap to create a simple flower connector.

 

I have been neglecting my housekeeping duties in lieu of hooky time this week, but I am starting to feel crunch underfoot from all the dried leaves that enters the house with the kids and cats in tow. Meh! I am unsure though whether I am in the mood to vacuum the entire Pigtails Palace or whether I will be concentrating my efforts to selected areas only.  I am thinking of worrying only about the kitchen floor and the area around my chair which is strewn with numerous cotton yarn threads.  Have a great day!

xxxxx

Triangular Weeks and Gourmet Weekends

 

Project: A Throw 

I also considered a shawl, a scarf, potholders and place mats but decided to make this a longer term project and keep on hooking until I have enough triangles for a most beautiful throw! These triangles remind me of our 8 years living in the Middle East.

48 Triangular Motifs finished, quite a substantial number still to complete

Pattern from Madder Triangles by the talented Amanda Perkins

Yarn: Vinnis Nikkim of course (but I am already planning the next project in  Vinnis Bambi)

Hook size: 4mm

 

Meanwhile, we spend our weekends visiting and enjoying Gourmet Food Markets and Food Festivals, Down to Earth Farm Feasts and Secret Eats. It is so exciting to be part of the Secret Eats group as we never know where the next venue will be and what the menu will look like.

Last weekend we visited an urban neighborhood Maboneng Precinct in East Johannesburg and had a great time at Market On Main, a food and design market hosted in a refurbished old warehouse. Here are a few snapshots taken at the market:

Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!

xxxxx

Triangles hanging from my hooks!

A big hello here from me to all the Hookers on International Crochet Day!  I am meeting up with a group of expat ladies later this afternoon over a glass of wine for a discussion about our various crafts. I love discussion groups, it is a great way to focus a get-together and to actually learn something constructive; all the different perspectives put across the table is endlessly fascinating.  Since it was my turn to pick the topic, I grabbed the opportunity for us to enter discourse about craft and how living and working globally have changed the way we practice and view our interests. I am so lucky that I live slap bang in the middle of where the majority of the embassies are located here in South Africa, meaning there is huge opportunity to connect with like minded souls! 

I have to share with you a few quick mobile phone pics of my latest project before I leave the house though.  Isn't this just a gorgeous pattern?  I indulged myself this week by purchasing a few books from the designer Amanda Perkins and wow, I LOVE her gorgeous designs.  These patterns work up fantastic in my beloved Vinnis Nikkim Colours, I feel like I entered heaven! This design is from Madder Triangles, but don't ask me what I am making yet as I also don't know!  

I hope you had a great day and see you another time again! xxxx