tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69586676608229707252024-03-18T01:51:31.002+02:00Heidi BearsA blog that celebrates creativity.Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.comBlogger145125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-75095344546222628552014-01-06T12:02:00.001+02:002014-01-06T12:02:49.060+02:00Sock Anatomy: A Collection of Socks exploring Heel and Toes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, if you have read parts of my blog, you'll know that I love sock knitting! I think the technical aspects of it fascinate me more than the actual knitting , although, of course the two go hand in hand. When I started learning to knit socks, I was completely out of my depth. There are SO many different ways to knit socks...toe up, top down...each of which has a myriad of ways to make a toe and a heel.<br />
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There are plenty of resources which will show you how to knit a basic wrap and turn short row heel, but what about all the other options? Once the sock knitting bug has bitten you, you are pretty much going to want to know what a Half Handkerchief Heel is...what a Star Toe is ...how do you make an Afterthought Heel or knit a heel flap (or for that matter a Faux Heel Flap heel) with a rounded heel turn...the list is endless! You may even have heard of a Dutch Heel or a a German or Band Heel, and then one hasn't even started on the variations you can find for toes! If you are anything like me, the thought of trying to ferret out the information on some obscure hard-to-find webpage is exhausting...<br />
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For this reason, I had to let you all know about a new eBook on sock knitting techniques that I found! The wonderful thing about this ebook is that you can learn to do all of these techniques on baby socks! It's the perfect way to learn a new technique without having to knit a full-sized pair of socks each time. And they are just adorable, as you can imagine :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/people/knitsforklipskaap" target="_blank">Clare Devine</a> is a knitwear designer, tech editor and general whizz at all things sock knitting. You can follow along with her adventures at her blog: <a href="http://yarnandpointysticks.com/">http://yarnandpointysticks.com/</a><br />
She can also be found on Twitter:<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/_ClareDevine">https://twitter.com/_ClareDevine</a><br />
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She has released a fantastic new ebook which delves into all kinds of heel and toe constructions. She's even thrown in gorgeous cuff options, like how to knit a folded picot hem cuff! Here's the introduction from the book that gives you a wonderful overview:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">"When I started knitting, I always swore I would never ever knit
socks. You know what they say about “never say never”… I am now well and
truly hooked on sock knitting.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">This book was born from the idea of trying the many different ways of
turning a heel, without committing to a full size adult sock. Often, a
new technique is best learned and practiced on a small scale, before we
unleash our knitting powers on a larger, more complicated pattern. Baby
socks are the perfect vehicle for trying things out. They are quick and
easy, take minimal yarn and result in the cutest itty-bitty socks. Great
if you have little ones in your life who need warm toes and equally
great for learning techniques and knitting purely for the process of
working through the heel, before embarking on a larger scale project.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">All the patterns are written bearing in mind that you may not have
encountered this heel technique before or may be new to socks. There are
detailed step-by-step instructions that will enable you to successfully
knit these socks with minimal previous sock knitting experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;">I hope you enjoy working your way through these designs."</span><br />
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The eBook contains nine patterns (five patterns were released in December and four will be added to the ebook in January). Here is a run down of what you can expect to make:<br />
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<b>Flexor</b> is a pretty colorful sock that features a afterthought heel, and can be knit top down or toe up.<br />
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<b>Tarsi</b> is a textured sock, knit cuff down, with a heel flap and a rounded heel.<br />
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<b>Planum</b> is a toe up sock that has a faux heel flap and a ribbed cuff.<br />
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<b>Phalanges </b>is a little lace sock, knit toe up that has a short row heel and boasts a gorgeous little folded picot cuff.<br />
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<b>Bursa</b> has a garter stitch short row heel, is knit from the top down and has pretty lace columns.<br />
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The sock patterns that will be added to the ebook are:<br />
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<b>Tetius</b> is a little cabled sock, knit top down using a heel flap with a V or half- handkerchief heel, which is awesome because the cables run onto the heel. <br />
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<b>Brevis</b> features a heel flap with a German or Band heel turn.<br />
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<b>Longus</b> is constructed using a Dutch or square heel turn.<br />
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<b>Ossa</b> is a colorful, clever little sock that features a variation of the afterthought heel: the star heel.<br />
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The book is amazingly well written. Clare takes the reader through every aspect you need to cover including what needles to use, information about yarns, techniques with links to explanations, favorite cast-ons and cast-offs, step by step short row instructions, detailed sock anatomy and more.<br />
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Each pattern is sized from <b>newborn to 3 years old.</b><br />
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Honestly folks...if you buy one sock book this year, this should be the one! All of the patterns have been test knitted and tech edited, so it is an absolute pleasure to read and use. <br />
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I would like to add that Clare is such an amazingly generous lady too! When I contacted her about the ebook, she offered to gift a copy of the book to one winner who has read this post. Although she didn't ask me to promote anything, I would like more people to know about this wonderful resource, so:<br />
If you would like to be eligible to win a copy of this ebook, please leave a comment on the following blog post, mentioning your favorite sock pattern from the book, as well as tweeting about it.<br />
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<a href="http://yarnandpointysticks.com/2013/12/17/sock-anatomy/" target="_blank">http://yarnandpointysticks.com/2013/12/17/sock-anatomy/ </a><br />
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In addition she has set up a <u><b>special 20% discount for all readers who would like to buy the ebook between now and the end of January 2014.</b></u> The discount code is:<br />
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heidibears1<br />
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When you click on the link below, you will be taken to the ebook's purchase page on Ravelry. Click on the "Buy it now" button. A pop up will appear that has a coupon code box into which you type the code above in order to get your discount.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/sock-anatomy">http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/sock-anatomy</a><br />
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Clare will be hosting a Knit-along on her Ravelry group soon, so if you feel a little daunted by the prospect of learning alone, have no fear...you can join in for advice, encouragement and know you can learn to knit all kinds of socks!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarn-and-pointy-sticks-designs" target="_blank">http://www.ravelry.com/groups/yarn-and-pointy-sticks-designs </a><br />
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The winner will be chosen by random number generator on Sunday the 12th of January 2014 at 19H00 South African time. The winner will have to be a Ravelry memeber with a username, in order to have the ebook delivered into their Ravelry library.<br />
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So, that's my excitement for the week...I really love this ebook and think that it will help anyone who wants to learn to knit different kinds of socks. Go ahead and take a look...you will want to cast on straight away!<br />
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Have a great 2014 everyone...may you knit and crochet happily throughout the year!<br />
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x Heidi<br />
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<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-59356839468343187972013-09-24T07:45:00.003+02:002022-12-28T20:30:28.959+02:00Thandi the African Flower Rhino Crochet Pattern is available!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi everyone :)<br />
I am immensely happy and proud to have finished my rhino pattern and it is now available to buy on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thandi-the-african-flower-rhino-crochet-pattern" target="_blank">Ravelry</a>, <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/crocheting/toy/thandi-african-flower-rhino-crochet-pat/70082" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/163552551/thandi-the-african-flower-rhino-crochet?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
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<strong>Thandi</strong> is the eighth of my patterns that makes use
of the African Flower hexagon crochet motif and variations thereof,
joined in a specific order to make a recognizable 3D item. I love this
African Flower pattern and the creative possibilities of using it to
make 3D items She’s also an excellent stash buster project, as you only
need to use very small amounts of leftover sock yarn to make a motif.<br />
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Thank you very much for all your support folks! I appreciate each person who has kindly bought a pattern!<br />
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xxx Heidi <strong><br /></strong><br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-84299385935539040602013-07-18T13:16:00.003+02:002013-08-07T06:16:46.047+02:00Fatty Lumpkin the brave African Flower Pony Crochet Pattern is available now...Hi everyone :)<br />
I am very proud of my latest African Flower pattern...introducing Fatty Lumpkin! I have so enjoyed the design process and making of this little pony, that he is dear to my heart :) He is constructed seamlessly with a join-as-you-go , so there are no seams to sew. He is made from various colors of sock weight yarn, and is 27cmx28cm in size.<br />
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The pattern can be found at the following places:<br />
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http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fatty-lumpkin-the-brave-african-flower-pony-crochet-pattern<br />
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http://www.craftsy.com/user/426591/pattern-store?_ct=fhevybu-ikrdql-fqjjuhdijehu<br />
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I hope you like him!<br />
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x<br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-52701644268574853652013-06-12T17:26:00.004+02:002013-08-07T06:19:05.059+02:00Nellie the Elephant African Flower Crochet Pattern availableHi everyone :)<br />
I am SO excited to announce that I have completed the pattern for Nellie, my latest African Flower crochet pattern. She is a sweet, bright, silly little ellie, crocheted in sock weight yarn and can be constructed seamlessly with a join-as-you-go crochet method which I explain in the pattern.<br />
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She can be bought here:<br />
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/nellie-the-elephant-african-flower-crochet-pattern<br />
The pattern costs $6.50 and can be bought through Paypal. I so hope you will enjoy making her :)<br />
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xxxHeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-73918506934937819832013-04-21T21:24:00.002+02:002013-08-07T06:22:03.767+02:00Happypotamus the happy Hippo crochet Pattern availableHi everyone :)<br />
I am so excited to share that after what feels like many moons, I have finished and uploaded the Happypotamus crochet pattern to my Ravelry shop! Happy is made using the African Flower crochet motif and is a seamlessly made toy/friend. This is a great stashbuster as each flower only needs a little yarn... here is the link for the pattern...<br />
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http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/happypotamus-the-happy-hippo-crochet-pattern<br />
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Have a good day and happy crocheting!<br />
Heidi♥Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-69086321790215998432013-01-18T17:53:00.000+02:002013-08-07T06:27:50.381+02:00:: Pigwig the Piglet Knitting Pattern ::<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8xJsT5LiV2wqsPRopars7U_tBNxg33T5kgldwpUVICRncUnLJxTHNApkFgBm2FkfSPIN1bqGEXDSStizgtJKE97BlF5VlV-tLfxwThm7EjYsQtF_PvzSgHnWrGSfr8zFTNBfIcEM3ZU/s1600/IMG_1632_Pigwig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8xJsT5LiV2wqsPRopars7U_tBNxg33T5kgldwpUVICRncUnLJxTHNApkFgBm2FkfSPIN1bqGEXDSStizgtJKE97BlF5VlV-tLfxwThm7EjYsQtF_PvzSgHnWrGSfr8zFTNBfIcEM3ZU/s400/IMG_1632_Pigwig.jpg" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Hi everyone!</div>
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I am so excited to reveal my latest pattern.....Welcome.... Pigwig! </div>
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Pigwig is a girl piglet, who is dressed in her prettiest frock and shoes, with stripy stockings...she is knitted, virtually seamlessly, with only the smallest seam on her body and two small seams on her dress.</div>
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She stands around 30cm tall if knitted in the recommended yarns...</div>
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I have enjoyed creating this little piglet very much, and have tried to make the pattern clear, using many photos and step by step directions...I really hope you will have fun knitting her :)<br />
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I am running a Pigwig KAL on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/heidi-bears-designs" target="_blank">Heidi Bears Designs Ravelry Group</a>, so if you would like to join in, please post on the thread...it can be found<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/heidi-bears-designs/2439533/1-25" target="_blank"> here</a><br />
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The pattern costs USD 6.00 and can be bought in my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pigwig-the-piglet" target="_blank">Ravelry Shop.</a></div>
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I look forward to meeting you in the KAL!</div>
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Happy Knitting!</div>
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♥Heidi</div>
Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-11697370988043404742013-01-17T15:26:00.000+02:002013-01-17T15:26:05.653+02:00♥A new pattern tomorrow...guess the pattern game today♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi everyone :)<br />
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I am very excited to announce that I will launch a new pattern on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/heidi-bears-designs/2438171/1-25" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> tomorrow in the afternoon (South Africa time)...in the meantime, I am holding a mini competition called "Guess the pattern"....<br />
All you have to do is post on the thread <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/heidi-bears-designs/2438171/1-25" target="_blank">here</a>, what your answer is....what do you think this pattern is? The competition ends when the pattern launches...details are on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/heidi-bears-designs/2438171/1-25" target="_blank">Heidi Bears Group</a> page...<br />
I will randomly choose three people who guessed correctly, who will each receive a free copy of the pattern...all you have to do is post your answer before launching time...*cough*...er...and guess correctly!)<br />
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I have worked very hard on this pattern and really, really hope that you will all love it!<br />
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Have a happy day :)<br />
♥Heidi<br />
<br />Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-49344291925516819682013-01-05T15:29:00.004+02:002013-01-05T15:29:49.228+02:00♥ Heidi Bears Designs Ravelry Group Launch ♥<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have finally launched a Ravelry group for <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/heidi-bears-designs" target="_blank">Heidi Bears Designs</a>! In order to celebrate this, I am having a group launch promotion on Ravelry for my patterns...50% off the usual price. The promotion will require you to enter a coupon at the checkout stage (keep a look-out for a small tag icon with the legend "use a coupon code" at the checkout point, and enter the coupon code <span style="color: red;">HEIDIBEARSLOVE</span>, which should automatically deduct 50% from your purchase price! It's a small way for me to share the ♥ with everyone :) The promotion will run from Monday the 7th of January 2013, starting at 19H00 GMT and will end on the 9th of January 2013 at 19H00 GMT....so go and diarise it now folks! :)<br />
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I am very excited about the group...I will be launching new patterns, promotions and generally hanging out and living the yarn addiction life with all of you... <br />
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I have been working hard on several new designs, that will be rolled out over the next few months...today I spent some time dyeing a specific color set for one of the designs...here is a pic...can you guess from the colors what it will be? (Hint*: this little person can be found lazing about in parts of Africa...)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cH69iataWxE/UOgnoLUyb7I/AAAAAAAADl8/FWd8kLNHo4Y/s1600/IMG_1504_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cH69iataWxE/UOgnoLUyb7I/AAAAAAAADl8/FWd8kLNHo4Y/s320/IMG_1504_1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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The yarn is a wonderful squishy, soft 100% superwash merino in a DK weight...it's my favorite yarn at the moment to knit with... </div>
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The reddish pink color is for a different design, and will be used most likely for shoes :) </div>
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It's a beautiful day here at the coast today and perfect weather for knitting and spending the last days of our holiday with family...</div>
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What are you knitting at the moment? </div>
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♥Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-54304006727502185302013-01-03T23:08:00.000+02:002013-01-03T23:08:33.407+02:00Knitter's Basic Design TemplateI recently joined a Design Challenge on one of the groups on Ravelry.<br />
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The challenge was open to any type of design, the requirements being that it must be written up and made available to the other members of the Design Challenge.<br />
It was a great experience and made me approach the whole design process in a very different way from the usual of messing about randomly with sticks and string :)<br />
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I am sure that deep down in all of our little knitter's hearts there lurks a budding designer that wishes for nothing more than being able to abandon the day job and spend all day doing happy things with yarn and color and adorable, magic handmade needles :) Of course the reality is such that designers have a tough time making a good living from their designs and mostly work hard to keep the yarn wolves at bay. However, whether you want to quit the nagging boss or buy the OOAK handspun mink eyelash yarn, there is really nothing to lose in designing a pattern or two and putting them up on Ravelry or Etsy or Craftsy or any of a host of other sites...after all folks, habits need feeding....so give it a try and see...you may find hidden talents you never knew you had :)<br />
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Although the design process may seem hugely daunting, all you really need to do is follow logical steps through a basic process....Sure, you may say, easy for you to say that but where the heck do I start and what if it doesn't work out, and what if no-one likes the design and what will I design and where will I get ideas from and what if tomorrow the sky falls on our heads...and...and...and...<br />
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With this understandable first time designer's angst that I want you to squash like a bug in a rug, I have put together a basic * design template that I use to go through to develop a design...this is my process, not necessarily the only/best/perfect etc, but works for me and is adaptable to different types of designs...you can download it , save it and use it for every new design you have that wants to burst it's way out of your imagination!<br />
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There are so many resources available to new designers, and so many groups on Ravelry that there is always someone willing to help and guide and troubleshoot or give tips and advice, that the only risk you run of trying is that it may become impossible for you to stop after your first design :)<br />
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I am in the process of designing several new animals for my menagerie and have found that the basic template allows for less schlepp in making sure you have covered all your bases. <br />
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In future posts i will chat about some of the steps in the process of designing something relatively simple, perhaps a pair of fingerless mittens, a pair of socks, a simple shawl...something do-able and useable...<br />
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Do you want to be a designer? Have you designed knitting/crochet patterns? How have you approached the process? What would you like to know about designing?<br />
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Sleep tight folks!<br />
♥<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/118855796/Design-Template" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Design Template on Scribd">Design Template</a><br />
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<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="1.41108545034642" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="600" id="doc_68849" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/118855796/content?start_page=1&view_mode=scroll&access_key=key-1uj4p453l23d1h0f2qoc" width="100%"></iframe>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-46742434335050197242013-01-01T16:18:00.001+02:002013-01-01T16:18:55.916+02:00No New year's resolutions methinks....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34YagIHG-M8/UOLl4_yACyI/AAAAAAAADks/xMucbJ3Blrc/s1600/IMG_1494_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-34YagIHG-M8/UOLl4_yACyI/AAAAAAAADks/xMucbJ3Blrc/s320/IMG_1494_1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
...and so a New Year is upon us...<br />
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Quite something folks...we are indeed living in <i>historic</i> times. After all the Mayan apocalypse hysterics, it seems we are to still trudge through the same-as-usual New Year's resolutions quicksand...I can safely say that my enthusiastically envisioned resolutions for 2012 died a quick and (in retrospect) merciful death...<br />
It feels like a lifetime ago that I posted about the great plans I had to do more of this, and more of that, and even get this and the next thing done during 2012...hmmmm...<br />
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<br />
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This year I will not make any New Years Resolutions...instead I think I will try to make an effort to achieve ONE thing a week...a DO-ABLE thing, something non-earth shattering that may be good for me/my family/others...something possibly unnecessary, but if achieved, very satisfying.<br />
Life is so full of surprises and so unpredictable, that achieving even small things could be a big win :)<br />
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Are you planning New Years Resolutions? What do you think will make you achieve them?<br />
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Perhaps my goal for this week is to finish writing up a pattern I have been working on...a cute and fun knit...<br />
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Whatever your take on resolutions, I wish all my blog readers a healthy, blessed and calm 2013...<br />
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♥Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-12588736178955742172012-02-13T18:42:00.005+02:002012-02-13T19:02:06.906+02:00Happy Valentines...and a Hearty Hexagon Pattern<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDGy0pOt0K0/Tzk9-sCJImI/AAAAAAAADjE/Q9cPSPakbSI/s1600/IMG_0683_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hDGy0pOt0K0/Tzk9-sCJImI/AAAAAAAADjE/Q9cPSPakbSI/s400/IMG_0683_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708662149850145378" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">♥♥♥♥♥</span>Happy Valentines Day for tomorrow!<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">♥♥♥♥♥</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have spent the weekend working on my Hearty Hexagon Pattern, hoping to have it ready for Valentine's Day, and happily, here it is! I must say, that when you have read a pattern a thousand times, and the words and symbols start blurring into a mass of scattered lines, then you need to have a break and step back...so please folks, if you buy the pattern and find a mistake, or typos or generally any things that aren't clear, please let me know... :)<br /><br />Here is the link if you would like to buy a pattern:<br /><br />http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-hearty-hexagon-crochet-motif<br /><br />I spent weeks trying to find a design that makes a clean, clear hexagon shape without any distorted features or edges. I have a hundred half crocheted hearty bits lying around...my house looks like someone yarn bombed it :)<br /><br />I hope you all have a Happy Day tomorrow, and get spoiled and appreciated by your loved ones :)<br /><br />♥Heidi<br /></div></div>Heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-27312534762319584042012-02-09T14:41:00.011+02:002012-02-09T18:45:14.713+02:00Versatile Blogger Award<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VngTGQ1oxcg/TzO_Jz1R4HI/AAAAAAAADis/kGuNvTiWrP4/s1600/Versatile%2Bblogger%2Baward.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VngTGQ1oxcg/TzO_Jz1R4HI/AAAAAAAADis/kGuNvTiWrP4/s400/Versatile%2Bblogger%2Baward.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707115328061956210" border="0" /></a><br />So today I opened my gmail and saw an email from Helen over at <a href="http://twentysixminutespast.blogspot.com/">26 minutes Past</a>. She has awarded me a Versatile Blogger Award! Thank you Helen! Until now, I had never heard of this, being suspended in space between work and wanna-work stuff (I seriously need to get out more folks...), so it came as a happy surprise :)<br /><br />There are rules to abide by when accepting a Versatile Blogger Award, and they are as follows:<br /><br />1. Add the award to your blog<br />2. Thank the blogger who gave it to you.<br />3. Mention 7 random things about yourself.<br />4. List the rules.<br />5. Give the award to 15 bloggers.<br />6. Inform each of those 15 bloggers by leaving a comment on their blog .<br /><br />Okkkkkkaaayyyyyy...so.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 1.</span><br /><br />I LOVE almonds! Yes, l♥ve them...I will eat an almond every-time if given the choice between them and other nuts...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 2.</span><br />Believe it or not ...one of my middle names is St John!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 3.</span><br />I once had a total stranger ask me if I would be willing to do a photo shoot, of JUST my hair (it was for hair products).... (I said no...)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 4.</span><br />I used to be quite involved with a form of hand to hand combat and self defence, called Kalah (loosely based on what the Israeli special forces use...). I don't have the time for it nowadays...<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 5.</span><br />I have an incredibly strong sense of smell, and become quite overwhelmed if anywhere near smokers or in a place where there are potent smells...<br /><br style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 6.<br /></span>I am totally, utterly, irrevocably creeped out by Parktown Prawns...<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>they are like the spawn of hell...it's also almost impossible to kill the gross things! They jump at you and poop a black pooey substance...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Random thing No 7.</span><br />I am the very definition of easily bored...I have to do ten things at once (mind you...enjoyable things, like knitting, crochet, painting etc, not the daily grind stuff...)<br /><br />Righteeeoooo! Time to nominate the 15 Versatile Bloggers!<br /><br /><a href="http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/">The Adventure Blog</a><br /><a href="http://asonomagarden.wordpress.com/">A Sonoma Garden</a><br /><a href="http://naturalsuburbia.blogspot.com/">Natural Suburbia</a><br /><a href="http://doyoumindifiknit.typepad.com/do_you_mind_if_i_knit/">Do you mind if I knit?</a><br /><a href="http://acengineeredknits.blogspot.com/">AC Engineered Knits</a><br /><a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/">Little Cotton Rabbits</a><br /><a href="http://colourspun.blogspot.com/">Colourspun</a><br /><a href="http://petitefee-kinderaccessoires.blogspot.com/">Petitefee</a><br /><a href="http://hakenenmeer.blogspot.com/">Haken en Meer</a><br /><a href="http://vignettedesign.blogspot.com/">Vignette Design</a><br /><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/">The Inspired Room</a><br /><a href="http://untangling-knots.com/">Untangling Knots</a><br /><a href="http://www.lemondedesucrette.com/">Le Monde De Sucrette</a><br /><a href="http://www.adventure-journal.com/">Adventure Journal</a><br /><a href="http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/">The Cottage Home</a><br /><br />All of these blogs are an inspiration! Go and check them out :)<br /><br />On another note: the last few weeks have been bad for blogging...I just have too many distractions and happenings at the moment. I hope to have a surprise release for Valentine's Day...see you all soooooonnnnnn..........<br /><br />Have a great evening folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-23043742552410193772012-01-22T09:41:00.011+02:002012-01-22T10:29:59.621+02:00Heidi's Liquid Handsoap...easy as pie!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYYmJ20TpzQ/TxvAxeEUGHI/AAAAAAAADic/mHUf_3athD0/s1600/IMG_6952_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYYmJ20TpzQ/TxvAxeEUGHI/AAAAAAAADic/mHUf_3athD0/s400/IMG_6952_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700361709484775538" border="0" /></a>I spent yesterday morning experimenting with making liquid handsoap...yes, I was distracted by the allure of mixing and whipping and pouring and generally making a mess of things, and didn't complete the editing for my Happy Hexagon Crochet tutorial...so I am sorry dear readers, and will get on that asap in the new week...BUT, I think I have unvented (don't you just LOVE that word? Thank you EZ!), a very easy, all natural method of making liquid handsoap, without having to use lye and long cooking times... As you all know, I am totally smitten by the <a href="http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2011/10/home-made-cold-processed-soap.html">cold processed soap</a> that I had learned to make from <a href="http://down---to---earth.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-make-cold-processed-soap-v-2.html">Rhonda's lovely blog</a>, and since that, I have only made soap, never bought commercially available soaps again. My kids and husband love it, and Gerry even uses the soap to wash his hair...so all-round a big hit!<br /><br />I really like liquid soap next to the basin in the kitchen, because it's so easy to just squeeze out some from a pump dispenser when you want to wash hands, and it stays clean and contained...however, the daunting prospect of making liquid soap in the traditional way with cooking in a crockpot, and watching it, and having to use KOH lye etc led me to trying to make the liquid soap using just my cold processed natural soap that had been "curing" for around 3 months.<br /><br />I have seen many references on the web to using commercially available soap, grating it up and melting it in water and adding some glycerine to thicken...I went through the whole process of trying this method, but using my cold processed soap instead, and it failed completely! I even tried whipping the liquid with a a hand-held blender and it didn't thicken at all...<br />This made me wonder what they put in commercially sold soaps that makes it thicken with just water and a bit of glycerine? I guess it may be the same basic process as making the liquid laundry soap...if anyone knows, let me know what the "thickening " ingredient is :)<br /><br />After much experimenting and some messed up batches, I have come up with the following process, and it really made the most beautiful, moisturizing liquid soap I have used :)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Heidi's Liquid Handsoap Recipe</span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Requirements:</span><br /><br />240g of grated cold processed soap (made with olive oil and coconut oil)<br />2 Liters of water<br />1/2 cup of coconut oil<br />1/2 cup of beeswax<br /><br />Handheld blender<br />Large stainless steel pot<br />Glass bowls<br />Double boiler<br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_YPQNK9-J-0o0NB12CBu4PmIvristA9wgz0Y54CZs9eL4Ac4YySC4O6NDfqFoWoFzRZK4ElpiUH8S7G4_mIacJyO7LPOvjF681Uq0wnvgfDvvbbTuySwB1KVF4JTUje-X21SALHsY7c/s1600/IMG_0408_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_YPQNK9-J-0o0NB12CBu4PmIvristA9wgz0Y54CZs9eL4Ac4YySC4O6NDfqFoWoFzRZK4ElpiUH8S7G4_mIacJyO7LPOvjF681Uq0wnvgfDvvbbTuySwB1KVF4JTUje-X21SALHsY7c/s400/IMG_0408_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700360510077798034" border="0" /></a>Start by grating your cured cold processed soap. I arbitrarily used 240g of soap as my starting amount.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cF1Zw0BfpMw/Txu_iseq8OI/AAAAAAAADiE/LN82P2tiGmU/s1600/IMG_0409_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cF1Zw0BfpMw/Txu_iseq8OI/AAAAAAAADiE/LN82P2tiGmU/s400/IMG_0409_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700360356143755490" border="0" /></a>Pour 2L of water into a large stainless steel pot and place on low to medium heat. Add the grated soap flakes and stir until all the flakes have melted.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFxhr2ehxZ6fjEYSSVZ0eeSvbQ34myMcSWJ3bWC410YG-pzUNr9t8q80jh3w29Ok7Vj4X1BLfkcIaulMRPotNyudZSyAti-VZt28kzBCI4aPFZW9RpIB8yeL9ypsjVNkdYzx4Hzk-JgQ/s1600/IMG_0425_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyFxhr2ehxZ6fjEYSSVZ0eeSvbQ34myMcSWJ3bWC410YG-pzUNr9t8q80jh3w29Ok7Vj4X1BLfkcIaulMRPotNyudZSyAti-VZt28kzBCI4aPFZW9RpIB8yeL9ypsjVNkdYzx4Hzk-JgQ/s400/IMG_0425_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700360106299988866" border="0" /></a>The mixture will make some foam, so try not to whisk it, just stir gently ...above you can see the clear golden liquid that results.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SHDbWpKMeFmShBZWQalbDCFi5rYHkVR3jssubBygOdxmS2U1SQxeIcKsBCQH0C100bHdIbe4ivrREh-Fmx8F33mgJNnQXE1pF0mD-hdO7oBVWctPZXSWdmY9XGLO5fB7zLev550Q4KY/s1600/IMG_0422_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3SHDbWpKMeFmShBZWQalbDCFi5rYHkVR3jssubBygOdxmS2U1SQxeIcKsBCQH0C100bHdIbe4ivrREh-Fmx8F33mgJNnQXE1pF0mD-hdO7oBVWctPZXSWdmY9XGLO5fB7zLev550Q4KY/s400/IMG_0422_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700359711972462194" border="0" /></a>In a double boiler (or in my case, a Pyrex glass bowl suspended on a steel pot with some boiling water in it), melt the coconut oil and the beeswax pellets. Use low heat...you don't want it to get super-hot...just hot enough to start melting the beeswax.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wty65luwMqY/Txu-06ClmCI/AAAAAAAADhg/keSJg9EzFm0/s1600/IMG_0424_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wty65luwMqY/Txu-06ClmCI/AAAAAAAADhg/keSJg9EzFm0/s400/IMG_0424_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700359569510078498" border="0" /></a>Above you can see the melted mix...when I see the beeswax pellets beginning to melt, I turn off the heat. The rest will melt in with some gentle stirring.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMwjKIhb5vA/Txu-n51-qeI/AAAAAAAADhU/xr9ZLLTPuvw/s1600/IMG_0417_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bMwjKIhb5vA/Txu-n51-qeI/AAAAAAAADhU/xr9ZLLTPuvw/s400/IMG_0417_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700359346118896098" border="0" /></a><br />Let both mixtures (the soapy water and the beeswax/coconut mix) reach around 60 degrees Centigrade (I am not sure if this is critical...I usually make sure that any mixes are at the same temperature...).<br /><br />Pour your beeswax/coconut mix into your soapy water, slowing adding all of it while blending with a handheld blender (I used the high speed setting on my stick blender). It won't thicken, just mix all of the ingredients very well...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw13jLJmFRA/Txu-d59xRXI/AAAAAAAADhI/okPfWW399_Q/s1600/IMG_0420_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Uw13jLJmFRA/Txu-d59xRXI/AAAAAAAADhI/okPfWW399_Q/s400/IMG_0420_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700359174352881010" border="0" /></a>You will now have a milky coloured watery liquid. I poured it into a large glass bowl and put it in the fridge to cool. Over the next couple of hours, I checked in on it and found that the mixture separated out into a clear golden liquid at the bottom, and a white layer on the top.<br /><br />I gently mixed it back into an all milky colored liquid using a hand whisk. Next time I checked, there was less of a separation, and I again gently swirled the lot with a whisk. I mixed twice in about two hours then left it in the fridge.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIsCheW6-mV2Hz9GmSLGc3iS87WIcOLXXMQhhTqA7pl2JJoXD6z-dRQWf_xdWHPDH9VxKHwExkDNXIqXebkmZOVU8TJwI3oP29L-4OaL8wttwgAwxqjryMkSZeGL9-zY8GhBOYYfADwE/s1600/IMG_0429_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIsCheW6-mV2Hz9GmSLGc3iS87WIcOLXXMQhhTqA7pl2JJoXD6z-dRQWf_xdWHPDH9VxKHwExkDNXIqXebkmZOVU8TJwI3oP29L-4OaL8wttwgAwxqjryMkSZeGL9-zY8GhBOYYfADwE/s400/IMG_0429_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700358963552409122" border="0" /></a>When I got up this morning, I found that it had gelled into the most wonderful, thick milky liquid! It is really lovely stuff...it didn't leave my hands dry as I think the coconut oil is probably adding a moisturizing element...<br /><br />I decanted the liquid soap into a pump dispenser and it works well...no clogging or blocking up...<br /><br />Please try this out and let me know if it works out well for you?<br /><br />Next week, the promised Happy Hexagon Tutorial!<br />Have a lovely Sunday folks :)<br /><br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-30677224274551117932012-01-18T18:21:00.005+02:002012-01-18T18:53:03.462+02:00Overheard in a French Restaurant....<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttAHXu1b4ZU/Txb4VB6qF0I/AAAAAAAADgw/rHHI6Z1Wq3s/s1600/149_1_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttAHXu1b4ZU/Txb4VB6qF0I/AAAAAAAADgw/rHHI6Z1Wq3s/s400/149_1_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699015418659346242" border="0" /></a>I read something hilarious today...I wanted to share it with you...go take a <a href="http://frenchessence.blogspot.com/2012/01/overheard-in-french-restaurant.html">look</a> :)<br /><br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-50857676528733608312012-01-17T19:11:00.013+02:002012-01-17T19:59:22.546+02:00Bearmaking 101...any interest?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOIS6rtqdR9GXwkRq3xTgR2wABmDHAN-fkDewQNfcSN-3yIwxzSXz5D4r2PQ83R7Pw-WWgW4fAEcuci61hyCayLQJEvz3BWxndztyLHJx98DROc1UYUhEvZVFnAfRiAfFDC6Px4KNG6c/s1600/Picture+371_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOIS6rtqdR9GXwkRq3xTgR2wABmDHAN-fkDewQNfcSN-3yIwxzSXz5D4r2PQ83R7Pw-WWgW4fAEcuci61hyCayLQJEvz3BWxndztyLHJx98DROc1UYUhEvZVFnAfRiAfFDC6Px4KNG6c/s400/Picture+371_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698654632357689266" border="0" /></a>The Danish translation of the <a href="http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2010/05/african-flower-hexagon-crochet-tutorial.html">African Flower hexagon Tutorial</a> is now up...initially I had lots of trouble editing the original post , with "Error 400" popping up frequently...not sure what that was all about, and I couldn't get much help from the Blogger Forums, so if anyone out there knows what this error is supposed to mean, please let me know ! Suffice to say, the tutorial is up and once again, Thank you, Irene :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-cImaPpP9M/TxWwEvDSYvI/AAAAAAAADgY/D95JENOW_VM/s1600/Picture%2B169_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2-cImaPpP9M/TxWwEvDSYvI/AAAAAAAADgY/D95JENOW_VM/s400/Picture%2B169_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698654498903450354" border="0" /></a>Today's post is about something completely different...<br />During my varied travels through the world of crafting, I came across a lovely book on how to make miniature Teddy Bears. I love Bears, collect them as well and wondered when I saw this book, if it would be very difficult. I bought it, read it and made my first bear in just a day.<br />Of course, being miniatures, the bear was completely hand sewn, and if I recall, was about 3cm tall! It was a round bottomed Roly-Poly Bear that was weighted , so when you pushed him, he bounced back and forth...very cute!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu3WrmxTbK8/TxWv6ns7jSI/AAAAAAAADgM/ODAOr4NrDMU/s1600/Picture%2B333_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vu3WrmxTbK8/TxWv6ns7jSI/AAAAAAAADgM/ODAOr4NrDMU/s400/Picture%2B333_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698654325131939106" border="0" /></a>This led to eventually designing miniature bears, and at one stage I was selling them to a local Bear Shop (yes, believe it or not...a whole shop dedicated just to bears!). Sadly, the South African bear market for really well crafted, unique OOAK bears is pretty poor. It may be that (as in knitting and other handmade items), people don't realize just how much work went into creating them....<br />There is certainly a thriving and incredibly talented bear making community in South Africa, but unless you sell your bears internationally, you are being underpaid.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cDPjiuhOUs/TxWvv99AxPI/AAAAAAAADgA/K_z6wpyO6HA/s1600/Picture%2B324_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0cDPjiuhOUs/TxWvv99AxPI/AAAAAAAADgA/K_z6wpyO6HA/s400/Picture%2B324_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698654142126408946" border="0" /></a>It was inevitable that I should graduate to designing and making larger bears, which from a purely practical point of view, are sewn my machine, but handmade the rest of the way. The biggest challenge was to develop a style of bear, which showed unique features that made the bear instantly identifiable as a certain Artist's. My biggest influences came from the early Steiff Bears, which are of course, now incredibly scarce and unbelievably expensive! Steiff is a German company (still operating today), that produced their first Teddy Bears in the early 1900's. The were a huge success (as you can well imagine...I mean, on consideration, what did kids take to bed for comfort and company when they were little, before the advent of the teddy bear?...sheep?...somehow not quite the same, Watson my dear...), and since those early years, Steiff bears (especially antique bears) have become coveted by collectors all over the world.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMI3jLzA1ocXwP17FzYlVqKTEOj-XGQIepacPZ8kbCotegaiBSAw50aYJ015Xc1oTbw8mpFDQWG3ruwSdMxQz2fI11ViUl91XfZz5iDFC5psBAnNhcvlaTyr3FNltw4NKmW9cWSiCLag/s1600/Picture+310_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMI3jLzA1ocXwP17FzYlVqKTEOj-XGQIepacPZ8kbCotegaiBSAw50aYJ015Xc1oTbw8mpFDQWG3ruwSdMxQz2fI11ViUl91XfZz5iDFC5psBAnNhcvlaTyr3FNltw4NKmW9cWSiCLag/s400/Picture+310_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698653996445051058" border="0" /></a>The history of Teddy Bears was one of my favourite reading past-times...if you are interested in such thing s, there are some excellent teddy Bear Encyclopaedias available on Amazon.<br /><br />I used mohair fabric almost exclusively, although expensive, it is certainly the best "fur" imitation you can find. You can also find some wonderful long pile Alpaca fabric (unfortunately even more expensive than mohair), which makes the softest, fluffiest bears imaginable!<br />Don't be put off by the cost...you can make a small bear for a very reasonable cost, and once you have been bitten by this bug (again, just as with knitting and crocheting...), you will think of buying mohair, as you think of buying Kidsilk haze :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvzATTUhVUk/TxWvfSgz1GI/AAAAAAAADfo/82Kn9cc7LCw/s1600/Picture%2B291_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SvzATTUhVUk/TxWvfSgz1GI/AAAAAAAADfo/82Kn9cc7LCw/s400/Picture%2B291_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698653855587488866" border="0" /></a>I have been thinking about expanding the kinds of tutorials I post on my blog, and would like to ask my dear readers if Bear making would be something you would want to learn how to do?<br />My blog is mostly dedicated to knitting and crocheting, but perhaps it would be good to have some different stuff as well...please leave a comment if you are interested in this :)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOFE71l8d2I/TxWvU4PyLTI/AAAAAAAADfc/Q7XFgrlUm1s/s1600/Picture%2B304_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOFE71l8d2I/TxWvU4PyLTI/AAAAAAAADfc/Q7XFgrlUm1s/s400/Picture%2B304_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5698653676738063666" border="0" /></a><br />Some other news...I am repainting the inside of the house, and will post some photos when it's all done!<br /><br />Sweet dreams, folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-75083788750956367092012-01-15T18:34:00.008+02:002012-01-15T19:04:30.172+02:00African Flower Hexagon Tutorial Translated into Danish...and a new pattern!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-deASOTrRE/TxMB3F2Pd2I/AAAAAAAADec/yv_OPwSffek/s1600/IMG_6596_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 358px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-deASOTrRE/TxMB3F2Pd2I/AAAAAAAADec/yv_OPwSffek/s400/IMG_6596_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697899999527925602" border="0" /></a><br />I want to say a big ♥heart thank you today to Irene Larsen , author of the Danish Blog <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Min Verden Af ILD </span> <a href="http://www.ildverden.blogspot.com/">http://www.ildverden.blogspot.com/</a> for the wonderful Danish translation of the African Flower Hexagon Tutorial.<br /><br />Irene has very kindly translated each step into Danish and I will be updating the original post with the translation during this evening. I am pretty "chuffed" (a very South African colloquial expression indicating happiness and satisfaction :) ) with the idea of having different translations for people across the world...if everyone on earth crocheted we would all be at peace, see...so all of us crochet fanatics are actually spreading world peace :D<br /><br />Please would all of you who have used and learned (or will use and learn) from this translation, go over to <a href="http://www.ildverden.blogspot.com/">Irene's blog</a> and give her a big "Thank you" crochet Love!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uvDS5s4ofo/TxMCvOdwvgI/AAAAAAAADeo/nfj4SnIZVCY/s1600/IMG_0392_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7uvDS5s4ofo/TxMCvOdwvgI/AAAAAAAADeo/nfj4SnIZVCY/s400/IMG_0392_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697900963913842178" border="0" /></a>Some news...remember my tutorial on how to do a Magic Ring start for crocheting a round-like motif? Well, I am pleased to present a new pattern for a flower hexagon...I am calling it a "The Happy Hexagon" Pattern and will post a tutorial next week some time...keep a watch out for it folks, if you love hexagons like I do and love flowers (like I do :) )!<br /><br />It's Sunday night, so tomorrow a new week starts...you all deserve some energy for the coming tasks, so go and have a big slab of chocolate right now...it's good for you ;)<br /><br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-82656544406110967422012-01-14T16:20:00.014+02:002012-01-14T17:27:36.760+02:00I love, love, love pretty tableware...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X56g0equsJE/TxGVA4QrRaI/AAAAAAAADeE/ultWramVpT8/s1600/Home-page-slideshow-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X56g0equsJE/TxGVA4QrRaI/AAAAAAAADeE/ultWramVpT8/s400/Home-page-slideshow-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697498845935256994" border="0" /></a><br />I have many "must-have" weaknesses, I will admit....but one of the biggest is pretty tableware. My path down this collecting road, started with me inheriting a Royal Albert Old Country Roses dinner and tea service from my grandfather . This particular set is very special to me, as it has been used and appreciated since my dear grandfather bought it in 1962, when Royal Albert released this beautiful pattern for the first time. Over the (many) years since, I have added to this set and when my beautiful eldest daughter has settled into her family life, I will pass it along to her...it appeals to be that something so lovely will become an heirloom over many generations.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVzh6Brm8Y0/TxGVV3X5w6I/AAAAAAAADeQ/4baepe6kESw/s1600/IMG_0376_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVzh6Brm8Y0/TxGVV3X5w6I/AAAAAAAADeQ/4baepe6kESw/s400/IMG_0376_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697499206474384290" border="0" /></a><br />The problem with having a love of tableware is that one set is, of course, not enough... and eventually housing all of the stuff becomes a problem... I have now also collected 24 place set dinner services for the Lady Carlyle Pattern (which being a pink colourway, will go to my youngest , who is such a "pink" girl :) ), Lady Hamilton, Celebration and Heirloom, in addition to several smaller sets, mostly Royal Albert. I have decided that I need to call it now, and instead of adding different patterns, I just add odd pieces as they become available....<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTFrbmviRiE/TxGU5lYl2DI/AAAAAAAADd4/GxZTlvnPJa8/s1600/Home-page-slideshow-8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qTFrbmviRiE/TxGU5lYl2DI/AAAAAAAADd4/GxZTlvnPJa8/s400/Home-page-slideshow-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697498720609097778" border="0" /></a>A lot of the sets are no longer produced, so you have to find pieces on ebay and other sites, which in itself can be fun...currently I am looking for the Old Country Roses ramekins...wow, are they hard to find! When we moved to our town , many years ago, I came across an antique shop that had the lovely antique mahogany apothecary cabinet seen in the photos above and below, and knew that this is what I would love to keep my grandfather's set in. It is such a wonderful cabinet, and has the original makers' stamp on the back, with "London, 1905" underneath...it is one of my favorite pieces :)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtqfGh610qI/TxGUwdOYkhI/AAAAAAAADds/n0qMVb5OCS0/s1600/Home-page-slideshow-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtqfGh610qI/TxGUwdOYkhI/AAAAAAAADds/n0qMVb5OCS0/s400/Home-page-slideshow-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697498563799978514" border="0" /></a>Perhaps the only time I really enjoy cooking, is when we are having a dinner party. I always try to set a beautiful table, adding crystal (another weakness...) and silverware, and flowers. We don't often have dinner parties , but when we do, we make it as enjoyable for our guests as possible :) (Yes, Judith :) , perhaps we will have a big birthday party in March ...and yes, of course you will be first on the list of invitees!)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VtpbHved7Y/TxGUphQLi4I/AAAAAAAADdg/pfDadl1-wJA/s1600/Home-page-slideshow-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VtpbHved7Y/TxGUphQLi4I/AAAAAAAADdg/pfDadl1-wJA/s400/Home-page-slideshow-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697498444622171010" border="0" /></a>My girls have been around all of this breakable stuff since they were born and have never broken even one item...we use all of the crockery often and somehow, they have a healthy respect and appreciation for everything, being careful not to wreck anything. As I said in a previous post, the only craving I still have to give into, is having a real Christmassy, red, gold and green dinner service....something Victorian and very ornate...any suggestions for a pattern?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRe0ZqFiqNo/TxGUjj1kCmI/AAAAAAAADdU/kwDzfY5fT2Y/s1600/Home-page-slideshow-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRe0ZqFiqNo/TxGUjj1kCmI/AAAAAAAADdU/kwDzfY5fT2Y/s400/Home-page-slideshow-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697498342236621410" border="0" /></a>I spent the day cleaning up and sorting out all the non dining room stuff that has managed to accumulate on my dining room table...not there yet, but making good progress! I had gone into work really early because I woke up when the power went out at 04h30. Not sure if this is part of the much hated load-shedding by Eskom (our power supplier) or if there was another problem...Eskom is extremely unpopular here is SA at the moment, as we have had enormous increases in the cost of power, and still have outages frequently :( ...anyway, I digress...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O0RyPJf2uA/TxGUcdySPHI/AAAAAAAADdI/93UsSNo-Lzc/s1600/Home-page-slideshow-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9O0RyPJf2uA/TxGUcdySPHI/AAAAAAAADdI/93UsSNo-Lzc/s400/Home-page-slideshow-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5697498220353174642" border="0" /></a>My favorite silverware pattern has to be Kings, which you can see above. Oooohhh....yummy stuff, and if you can find an old (but well kept) set, it's just lovely...the silver is often a buttery soft color....Can you tell? I really love old stuff...something with a history that has endured...<br /><br />What do you love that has been in your family for ages?<br /><br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-11298500048493109042012-01-12T19:23:00.043+02:002012-01-12T20:37:17.562+02:00Magic Ring Crochet TutorialWe had a heck of a thunderstorm last night, which made it's re-appearance this afternoon.<br />Everything in the garden is soaked and sludgy. I shudder to think about what is brewing in all this water as of course , it being summer, is is MOZZIE season! The little blighters are everywhere, and with my garden being organic, I can't exactly chuck down a half ton of mozzie chemicals! And if I have to smell one more Citronella candle, I may be forced to take up alcohol as a hobby....<br />Yesterday was a busy day, filled with admin, kids stuff from school, and the ever present issues with trying to get a builder to come and fix the leaking spot on the patio for the gazillionth time!!!!!!!! I must say, I am sick and tired , sorry...let me re-phrase that...SICK AND TIRED of builders doing a bad job! This area on the patio roof has been fixed by FIVE different builders (each several times) and the darn thing still leaks! I am beginning to feel like the evildoer of the End Times will come from some kind of building background :( What does a girl have to do to get an honest, skilled builder ???? Negotiating Middle East Peace feels like it could be easier :(<br /><br />Anyway...rant aside...<br /><br />I was again messing around with a crochet hook and some yarn before going to bed last night, and came up with a pretty little pattern. I have started to photograph it and make the motifs...maybe next week will have a little surprise popping up :)<br /><br />Happily, I spent a couple of hours at our knitting group yesterday, and it was just divine to be sitting in the sun, crocheting hexagons (remember, I have to finish Nani's blanket, so I am focusing folks!), drinking good capuccino and eating cake. We have decided to come along to my place next week, when we will make some soap (not everyone in our group has made their own soap yet, so we are doing a teaching morning :) ...yes, I believe there will be cake! )<br /><br />Right , onto the Tutorial...I really like this Magic Ring start to a round motif as you can pull the circle very tightly closed....and it's really easy to do!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><span style="font-size:180%;">Magic Ring Crochet Tutorial</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhYRRM4Oevl-r3xi5gDBhrBPw-NqEdk46FBLzCbsDs8qpKHYIsASjJdY1oVklx3K-Vj52oPmbJU33sVQYmxdPtzNI-CZe6oV3JGkcKymSLKUUBA44vaF28UcKaw2VKz8B4ntDZCGg58A/s1600/IMG_0242_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhYRRM4Oevl-r3xi5gDBhrBPw-NqEdk46FBLzCbsDs8qpKHYIsASjJdY1oVklx3K-Vj52oPmbJU33sVQYmxdPtzNI-CZe6oV3JGkcKymSLKUUBA44vaF28UcKaw2VKz8B4ntDZCGg58A/s400/IMG_0242_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696802684137352514" border="0" /></a><br />Start by placing the tail yarn across your palm and holding it in place with your thumb. Now wind the working end of the yarn around your palm twice (wind away from you in direction).<br />Slip the two loops carefully off your palm (see above). The working yarn is on the right hand side...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEy0VA8SvuA/Tw8bq-UDlII/AAAAAAAADck/Cp1RjipbvLo/s1600/IMG_0243_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zEy0VA8SvuA/Tw8bq-UDlII/AAAAAAAADck/Cp1RjipbvLo/s400/IMG_0243_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696802478742541442" border="0" /></a>Carefully pinch the top of the set of loops between your forefinger and thumb (of your right hand), and loop the working yarn around your left little finger (* this is how I hold my yarn and control the tension...if you do it differently, please don't become confused...basically prepare your working yarn/ hand set up as if you were about to start crocheting...)<br />Be VERY careful not to "undo" the two loops of the circle...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw57LhSg6C0ZqcLUw1nonbZQ2B-Ny8lsNC9eK4Phw9Uhq0Sp7P-ZroRgwx_f3obNUJzjuQNrbEENM82bXF-lbhloCSJ-RL3VCGbQ5drD2LmcSHopRGWVbBlDcaiR0pKY-MrILouuu4u0/s1600/IMG_0244_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDw57LhSg6C0ZqcLUw1nonbZQ2B-Ny8lsNC9eK4Phw9Uhq0Sp7P-ZroRgwx_f3obNUJzjuQNrbEENM82bXF-lbhloCSJ-RL3VCGbQ5drD2LmcSHopRGWVbBlDcaiR0pKY-MrILouuu4u0/s400/IMG_0244_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696802247623945298" border="0" /></a>Move the two loops circle across to your left hand, again making sure that you haven't let them slip apart/out of your hand...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKhzYWdBLbcTtbxMw5ttCkRd2pbood-le3CKUniJ30ac2BpljAa7HcyWgdcGcCk1ZIMdVXC_3xNPPgJ4g55E9TzLzRo9Vtm7nD8T-06qo0szRLMkYX01WINmCHDSXgRf4rICr3BpdRMw/s1600/IMG_0247_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKhzYWdBLbcTtbxMw5ttCkRd2pbood-le3CKUniJ30ac2BpljAa7HcyWgdcGcCk1ZIMdVXC_3xNPPgJ4g55E9TzLzRo9Vtm7nD8T-06qo0szRLMkYX01WINmCHDSXgRf4rICr3BpdRMw/s400/IMG_0247_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696802040786337826" border="0" /></a>Insert your hook under the two loops circle, as shown above, and pull the working yarn through the circle and up in front of the loops...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIu2fK4oH7A/Tw8bIqrJp6I/AAAAAAAADcA/KWfRDbS2X0A/s1600/IMG_0248_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIu2fK4oH7A/Tw8bIqrJp6I/AAAAAAAADcA/KWfRDbS2X0A/s400/IMG_0248_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696801889355147170" border="0" /></a>Your work should look like the photo above...<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYcXR_b34Pg/Tw8a99Yl2-I/AAAAAAAADb0/4eFjVlJtxiM/s1600/IMG_0249_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYcXR_b34Pg/Tw8a99Yl2-I/AAAAAAAADb0/4eFjVlJtxiM/s400/IMG_0249_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696801705399016418" border="0" /></a>Next, do a Yarn around Hook....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F0ShoSEA1U/Tw8am2fqhYI/AAAAAAAADbc/hmN8YoA1U-4/s1600/IMG_0251_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2F0ShoSEA1U/Tw8am2fqhYI/AAAAAAAADbc/hmN8YoA1U-4/s400/IMG_0251_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696801308412642690" border="0" /></a>...and pull through the the stitch on your hook... Keep a tight hold of the loopy circle :)<br />Cool! you have made a chain stitch :)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5s7zRuTaGTA/Tw8adrwKUBI/AAAAAAAADbQ/hxTAxJ2EVtk/s1600/IMG_0252_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5s7zRuTaGTA/Tw8adrwKUBI/AAAAAAAADbQ/hxTAxJ2EVtk/s400/IMG_0252_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696801150910222354" border="0" /></a>Insert your hook into the circle again.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JfFjrhpup0/Tw8aQK8W1II/AAAAAAAADbE/BOj6E6OzDIg/s1600/IMG_0254_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3JfFjrhpup0/Tw8aQK8W1II/AAAAAAAADbE/BOj6E6OzDIg/s400/IMG_0254_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696800918764704898" border="0" /></a>Yarn around hook again...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObcXJClmqdHGNrl0pnh7tJltupzjNRyzabLcmgnj7FW0AnV1dxtd0u0uoMyHEKlIkFQcgg4Bnp0MhjKD7ueMBWpmnM4ChzzK9zZzENR3iumZW8gkECyC8rGjFqw7ywjnVms2P_6wKlLM/s1600/IMG_0257_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObcXJClmqdHGNrl0pnh7tJltupzjNRyzabLcmgnj7FW0AnV1dxtd0u0uoMyHEKlIkFQcgg4Bnp0MhjKD7ueMBWpmnM4ChzzK9zZzENR3iumZW8gkECyC8rGjFqw7ywjnVms2P_6wKlLM/s400/IMG_0257_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696800747116041730" border="0" /></a>...pull up to the front of the loopy circle...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwVlSlC7Ppg/Tw8Z4VNwQFI/AAAAAAAADas/zVUzzLoNeBU/s1600/IMG_0259_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwVlSlC7Ppg/Tw8Z4VNwQFI/AAAAAAAADas/zVUzzLoNeBU/s400/IMG_0259_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696800509205168210" border="0" /></a>Yarn around hook again, and pull through the stitch on your hook...well done! You have made a single crochet stitch :)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iObdPSx31-Y/Tw8Zof5kxqI/AAAAAAAADag/6zGPBxhMbmE/s1600/IMG_0260_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iObdPSx31-Y/Tw8Zof5kxqI/AAAAAAAADag/6zGPBxhMbmE/s400/IMG_0260_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696800237195413154" border="0" /></a>Your work should look like the photo above...<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zK9ufV-zA4/Tw8ZaDoy2hI/AAAAAAAADaU/iWlFJhGcs3c/s1600/IMG_0263_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 327px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zK9ufV-zA4/Tw8ZaDoy2hI/AAAAAAAADaU/iWlFJhGcs3c/s400/IMG_0263_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696799989090671122" border="0" /></a>Continue in this manner, making the required number of single crochet stitches your pattern indicates. In my photos, I have made 12 sc's for a new Hexagon pattern I am working on :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwTtALoDyYwADtH5Fx2wR_HQqIkhcjPlSBnGP8SOBgz8XdQRekFmA_MAAwEKNlhYfmmmo7j5gxq1HX2TQPor2G0Pa41zIp3GCtfh83PCYpYomWJrUD2zHVOWSSBFaEqO_BqLUu9kZI9g/s1600/IMG_0264_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwTtALoDyYwADtH5Fx2wR_HQqIkhcjPlSBnGP8SOBgz8XdQRekFmA_MAAwEKNlhYfmmmo7j5gxq1HX2TQPor2G0Pa41zIp3GCtfh83PCYpYomWJrUD2zHVOWSSBFaEqO_BqLUu9kZI9g/s400/IMG_0264_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696799797716515362" border="0" /></a>Right! Your required number of sc's are made , and now you need to close the ring.<br /><br />In order to see which of the two loops is the one closest to the Tail Yarn, you need to gently pull on the Tail Yarn, and notice which of the two loops shortens. In the photo above, you can see which of the two has become shorter as the Tail Yarn lengthens...<br />Remember which one it is :)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rdhEYHfycl4/Tw8ZA1dVVoI/AAAAAAAADZ8/laKkCZ3gSpI/s1600/IMG_0265_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rdhEYHfycl4/Tw8ZA1dVVoI/AAAAAAAADZ8/laKkCZ3gSpI/s400/IMG_0265_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696799555787773570" border="0" /></a>OK, now pull the yarn that became shorter , at the other end of where the Tail Yarn emerges, and pull it carefully in the opposite direction (shown by the small red arrow), thus making the Tail Yarn become shorter and shorter...<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1Vk_atUpIvaXMYsN7QBMm5Th2cTgFrINyEUXuqxBCZULl0YDU-BXYg1ZXzxZBr0oLdcwlCOZO_Gzq2F6J2-N-ib2bFr-B-G-7tx3et8kcImXxQVmHhcIcT2ZlaMTd-LIURS_z6pEjSA/s1600/IMG_0266_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf1Vk_atUpIvaXMYsN7QBMm5Th2cTgFrINyEUXuqxBCZULl0YDU-BXYg1ZXzxZBr0oLdcwlCOZO_Gzq2F6J2-N-ib2bFr-B-G-7tx3et8kcImXxQVmHhcIcT2ZlaMTd-LIURS_z6pEjSA/s400/IMG_0266_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696799364603718114" border="0" /></a>Above you see the pulling in progress...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PAgvYPurkE/Tw8Yi74wwQI/AAAAAAAADZk/JpydqiRMmzg/s1600/IMG_0268_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7PAgvYPurkE/Tw8Yi74wwQI/AAAAAAAADZk/JpydqiRMmzg/s400/IMG_0268_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696799042117353730" border="0" /></a>Above, we are nearly there...you will pull until the Tail Yarn is pulled out of the Loopy Twosome completely!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7FfN1_kKO67mbclhs-0BqLQWVsftVTQV6D1gTY5qrVVH24WrLc5LrWBSgykRjNVfFnSVOUek_raq64nWegr14p-U_cj7qRv1hoRWiBwDn1eFCiJrnkdqRtfBmEL7wcfI7LEaxwp9etU/s1600/IMG_0269_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7FfN1_kKO67mbclhs-0BqLQWVsftVTQV6D1gTY5qrVVH24WrLc5LrWBSgykRjNVfFnSVOUek_raq64nWegr14p-U_cj7qRv1hoRWiBwDn1eFCiJrnkdqRtfBmEL7wcfI7LEaxwp9etU/s400/IMG_0269_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696798818618765426" border="0" /></a>You will be left with just one loop yarn, and a Tail.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAn80Yp8Xow/Tw8YHpKZ-VI/AAAAAAAADZM/VsZjLiF7Gtg/s1600/IMG_0270_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAn80Yp8Xow/Tw8YHpKZ-VI/AAAAAAAADZM/VsZjLiF7Gtg/s400/IMG_0270_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696798573234616658" border="0" /></a>Now pull the Tail Yarn until you see the circle loop begin to become smaller...and smaller, until is is almost closed and a ring of sc's has formed :)<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-787hslQI3dg/Tw8X5u1RO2I/AAAAAAAADZA/KdYONpPeeBY/s1600/IMG_0272_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-787hslQI3dg/Tw8X5u1RO2I/AAAAAAAADZA/KdYONpPeeBY/s400/IMG_0272_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696798334238407522" border="0" /></a>Above you see how things should look...your crocheted ring is almost closed, and the first chain stitch you made is lying next to the last sc you made...all that is left to do is join the circle in the round.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yg2cbwekjYk/Tw8XppfSg_I/AAAAAAAADY0/iq7F7X4qzP8/s1600/IMG_0273_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yg2cbwekjYk/Tw8XppfSg_I/AAAAAAAADY0/iq7F7X4qzP8/s400/IMG_0273_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696798057926132722" border="0" /></a>Insert your hook into the chain stitch you made right at the beginning of the whole process...<br />Yarn around Hook, and make a slip stitch (by pulling through both stitches on your hook).<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoVthPsAZiw/Tw8Xe-9OGyI/AAAAAAAADYo/3w18kksoTjE/s1600/IMG_0274_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FoVthPsAZiw/Tw8Xe-9OGyI/AAAAAAAADYo/3w18kksoTjE/s400/IMG_0274_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696797874710256418" border="0" /></a>Whoo!Hoo! Ring closed! There is still a biggish hole in the middle of the crocheted circle. If you would like it to close completely, just pull hard on the Tail Yarn until it closes completely :)<br />You can start to crochet Round 2 now...<br /><br />This is such a great start to a motif in which you want a closed round crocheted centre, it looks especially good on flowers! Please let me know if there are any errors...I am little tired and the 'ol noggin is nodding...<br /><br />Happy crocheting folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-88177862246357744612012-01-10T17:53:00.009+02:002012-01-10T18:28:57.760+02:00Children and their doings...First off today , I want to thank everyone for the kind comments and thoughts (and messages left for the bad blogger!) after yesterday's post. I am happy to report that the tutorial was taken down and I am hopeful that the same person will perhaps re-consider before posting another tutorial. I am grateful to all of you who sent comments and emails, and who visit here and want to say a big, huggy, heart-burtsing, eye-popping *Thank You*...I appreciate you all very much! ♥♥♥♥♥<br /><br />Today was the last holiday day before school starts. I sewed on school badges, scrolls, covered a trillion textbooks and exercise books, nagged about getting uniforms set out and pencil cases packed. I demanded an earlier bath time and (Ha, Ha...) set the law about getting to bed early!<br />(We leave for school at 06H45, so the little critters need to get some sleep after pulling all-nighters during the holidays...) The girls were quite obliging and with any luck, tomorrow at a quarter to seven will not hear a plaintiff, "Mom...can you <span style="font-style: italic;">quickly just</span> bake 24 muffins...just <span style="font-style: italic;">quickly</span>...I forgot about it and I must have them today..." (Ok, just for the record...this has actually happened and real children were very nearly harmed during the making of this production....)<br />So, a new year starts and I am expectant that it will be a good year full of new things and experiences!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Erc0uJicwLM/TwxffrJ5ZyI/AAAAAAAADYc/bPUIag95tWw/s1600/IMG_0928_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Erc0uJicwLM/TwxffrJ5ZyI/AAAAAAAADYc/bPUIag95tWw/s400/IMG_0928_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696032626481653538" border="0" /></a>Nani has a penchant for grilled eggs, and she just ups and makes herself one when she feels like a snack. When I wanted to come and blog, I realized that I didn't have my phone with me. So, off I went searching... this is what I found...produced courtesy of an 11 year old... :D<br />It's pretty dark, but (IMHO) pretty funny :)<br />Children will do the darndest things...Aliki once cracked and "hid" a dozen eggs under her bed, because she wanted (I presume) to find one with a chicken inside. Of course, I had to wrack my brain to work out where the unbelievably bad smell was coming from a few days later...<br />we had to remove the carpet completely from the room and quarantine it before disposal...<br /><br />The very same child, at the age of 3 years, spent a Sunday afternoon, smearing her bedroom with a kilogram of peanut butter. I was pregnant with the second one, and suffering from 9 months worth of hellacious, ride-with-a-bucket-in-the-car-at-all-times morning sickness, which had left me with little by way of a sense of humour. I had gone to lie down for an afternoon nap and awoke, violently nauseous with the swirling odours of peanut butter around me.<br />The child had literally covered every possible spot (including herself) with smooth peanut butter...I blame the DH for those genetic traits emerging : l ......<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0G6TDG6MtXjbhU1TiRrh0ZJgYMc4axICuKkHAgwHEsitexYDjLSzzlVsh-lpUBmgrCvfut3cNvqkXYU2gOC4NbSCH-aj_j0wYSroesF9wwSOltsldyYAEPio-IoTBB1AF2lZEt377Us/s1600/IMG_0224_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0G6TDG6MtXjbhU1TiRrh0ZJgYMc4axICuKkHAgwHEsitexYDjLSzzlVsh-lpUBmgrCvfut3cNvqkXYU2gOC4NbSCH-aj_j0wYSroesF9wwSOltsldyYAEPio-IoTBB1AF2lZEt377Us/s400/IMG_0224_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696032348183279954" border="0" /></a>My favourite image comes from M•I•L•K .... I really love their stuff and have collected all the pictures I like over the years. The one above is like a personal mantra...if you have kids, you will know <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">exactly</span> what this means!<br /><br />Go now, and check what your kids are doing...you never know ;)<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-86784486821476447542012-01-09T05:36:00.028+02:002012-01-09T18:39:15.900+02:00African Flower tutorial theft....and Weekend Recap<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY9IYwL3OwXNmVg2m2DJ9TR7_pWfTHHUY-UoJQYGG2XBXJ5IiTWxCHPZpdeCtOrYxNToy4u0VCA9hKw4hWS8oWjbW_vVAkJAspGxv3KeftHu26YfrN-Vgw8qozHIr_n5khvY9mMeYoOM/s1600/Sad+Face.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 376px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTY9IYwL3OwXNmVg2m2DJ9TR7_pWfTHHUY-UoJQYGG2XBXJ5IiTWxCHPZpdeCtOrYxNToy4u0VCA9hKw4hWS8oWjbW_vVAkJAspGxv3KeftHu26YfrN-Vgw8qozHIr_n5khvY9mMeYoOM/s400/Sad+Face.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695664192065122434" border="0" /></a><br />Well...I guess it had to happen. I have been seeing a lot of this going on in the Blogosphere, and was wondering when I would have to be the one to write rude comments and emails ...<br /><br />I received a lovely, kind email from Sam (thank you very much Sam, for letting me know :) ), asking if I had two blogs or if someone had copied my African Flower Hexagon Tutorial onto their blog. I went to take a look...Hey Presto! There is was...<span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">VERBATIM!</span><br /><br />Now I know that there are some people out there who have dodgy ideas about what constitutes nice manners, but I have to say that I am pretty bleak about it. I know that this has happened to people's handmade items as well...someone blatantly copying their work and representing it as their own, and sadly they haven't had much by way of recourse. The only thing that I have seen happen to keep the Blog world accountable, is to bombard the offenders with messages and comments until they remove the stolen work. Have any of you had something similar happen? How did you manage to resolve the problem , if at all? What do you think I should do?<br />I have left a comment (very strongly worded I might add), as there doesn't seem to be an email or contact on the site, and I will try to email Blogger as well...<br /><br />Folks, any helpful suggestions would be very much appreciated :)<br /><br />The Tutorial is posted in it's entirety on the "<span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">makehandmade.blogspot.com</span>" site and here is the <a href="http://make-handmade.blogspot.com/2011/05/african-flower-hexagon-crochet-tutorial.html?showComment=1326124465100#c395667724709318318">link</a>...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CTnXtOFzTM/Twpl9D8TgsI/AAAAAAAADWY/4lujBKDu_lo/s1600/IMG_0182_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8CTnXtOFzTM/Twpl9D8TgsI/AAAAAAAADWY/4lujBKDu_lo/s400/IMG_0182_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695476778468082370" border="0" /></a><br />We had a lovely weekend. Gerry's stand-in doctor covered the ICU on Sunday, so we had the whole day to ourselves :) After work on Saturday, I spent (more!) time sorting out the vegetable garden. It really defies belief that the whole world as I know it can deteriorate into a uncontrollable mess in just 12 days!!!! It's kind of like "Lord of the Flies" thing! After a week of hard work, I finally feel like the worst is over and I have started planting some seedlings...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzEHqeODig5BjYDHv6k5Khhb0twQVXx0J0qkQ3awKqiS5ba12GxWkxkFIxKppOQsn-ZZD3lcsIIsb6OXP19QzWwems35q5SZQ1ED84jhe5qkXmjRcYiCyQVsZHoSvEtftun1aOzYciuc/s1600/IMG_0183_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzEHqeODig5BjYDHv6k5Khhb0twQVXx0J0qkQ3awKqiS5ba12GxWkxkFIxKppOQsn-ZZD3lcsIIsb6OXP19QzWwems35q5SZQ1ED84jhe5qkXmjRcYiCyQVsZHoSvEtftun1aOzYciuc/s400/IMG_0183_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695476564555097650" border="0" /></a><br />Where we live in South Africa, we have heavy summer rains, which is a bit of a challenge, as eventually everything gets attacked by Powdery Mildew. I use an excellent organic fungicide (Margaret Roberts'), and after just one application, the difference is visible.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGDXhbPWoGUBro5cnllmAOaRGN4YGYhYg9RIVkfFJcxZfhssNnRdEAyWxliUj9L8OhWLVsWtIglznNWQnFp2YDfhzzCp4IfyZsbVrX2w4hecWJVtOlPGysl6OOOCxCHKz4fheG7ZXDOo/s1600/IMG_0186_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGDXhbPWoGUBro5cnllmAOaRGN4YGYhYg9RIVkfFJcxZfhssNnRdEAyWxliUj9L8OhWLVsWtIglznNWQnFp2YDfhzzCp4IfyZsbVrX2w4hecWJVtOlPGysl6OOOCxCHKz4fheG7ZXDOo/s400/IMG_0186_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695476329085293634" border="0" /></a>Now is the time to plant / sow for your Autumn/Winter crops. I am planting more potatoes, beans, cauliflower, carrots, peas, red onions, baby marrows and some other odds and ends. I am going to experiment with constructing small greenhouse-like covers for my boxes to protect them from the frost (which is severe in winter), so let's see how that goes :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK6Q-jYuwC4/TwplQ8d0CkI/AAAAAAAADV0/gWFuLDUuFEk/s1600/IMG_0187_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vK6Q-jYuwC4/TwplQ8d0CkI/AAAAAAAADV0/gWFuLDUuFEk/s400/IMG_0187_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695476020546898498" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I worked on the footpaths between the bed boxes. At present, there is grass growing between the boxes, and in some places , just soil, which with the constant rain, is just a messy, muddy swamp. I found some pre-made concrete cobbles at a local nursery, which are just perfect for a walkway. I pulled out all the grass, laid down some weed control cloth and put the cobbles on top. I convinced Aliki and Gerry to go and buy some pretty white garden pebbles for me, and scattered some in the spaces that weren't well covered by the cobbles. What is really nice about these cobbles...they are all held together with wire, so you can cut a row free when you need just an extra bit. I am pretty chuffed by this...however, I have only just managed to work on a small section as yet...hopefully the rest will be done by the weekend :)<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Huke2fz57E/TwplGWI9BXI/AAAAAAAADVo/4Tbh8jy5gA4/s1600/IMG_0192_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Huke2fz57E/TwplGWI9BXI/AAAAAAAADVo/4Tbh8jy5gA4/s400/IMG_0192_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695475838460167538" border="0" /></a>I finally have a small head of cauliflower. Really, this is a winter crop and I shouldn't have expected much by way of a harvest, but there it is!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jFgErOdhao/Twpk7_ge5qI/AAAAAAAADVc/WUAScSlPD4s/s1600/IMG_0197_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2jFgErOdhao/Twpk7_ge5qI/AAAAAAAADVc/WUAScSlPD4s/s400/IMG_0197_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695475660586149538" border="0" /></a>There is a also one meagre little purple cauliflower head, more decorative than anything, but I am quite happy to be able to see the colour...it's the first purple cauliflower I have seen :)<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_9cPxTMDT4/TwpkyNfnVTI/AAAAAAAADVQ/Ur3B7j31F64/s1600/IMG_0198_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I_9cPxTMDT4/TwpkyNfnVTI/AAAAAAAADVQ/Ur3B7j31F64/s400/IMG_0198_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695475492541912370" border="0" /></a>Flashy had a bath on Sunday. Initially bath times were a nightmare with him fighting and thrashing, but he has come to really enjoy them now. Of course, the spoiled dog gets a massage and back scratching, so now he stands quite still. I wash him with a lovely organic Tea Tree Shampoo, which also makes him smell nice :)<br /><br />Have a happy Monday folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-73353553202649831152012-01-06T14:08:00.016+02:002012-01-06T19:07:45.453+02:00Watercolor Painting...how I stretch my paper<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbXYv-J01Dc/TwbnSgWeyxI/AAAAAAAADVE/lcn-e6dgh-M/s1600/IMG_0173_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbXYv-J01Dc/TwbnSgWeyxI/AAAAAAAADVE/lcn-e6dgh-M/s400/IMG_0173_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694493083964459794" border="0" /></a>In the past I have tried to teach my girls how to paint, but perhaps they were too small and their attention span too short, so it came pretty much to nothing. With my decision made to try and spend time painting again, they have suddenly decided that they want me to teach them (with no prompting by me, so this must be for real ;) ). So I decided to stretch some small pieces of watercolor paper to let them use for practice.<br />Watercolor paper always has to be stretched if you are going to paint watercolor with lots and lots of detail, and if you are painting on Hot Pressed paper. The only paper I use is the Arches brand 300g/m2 Hot Pressed Paper, which is smooth and has a lovely size applied which helps to keep the fibres stable even with 20-30 overlay washes. This is the best stuff folks...if you haven't used it, you are in for a treat...go out and buy some!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjvCfQ4WGooQtdwnZsWwp1q3ZcARujsBwAYMVNJoT3Cqe-oBtGbI6oMJwu5mdFKH5QDqdhHvm5-509MVm9nxUOIt04LziXI2RIkY99i6Kdl3_kKglwwBPz1wn502zp0sSnonfFagJmjc/s1600/IMG_0174_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKjvCfQ4WGooQtdwnZsWwp1q3ZcARujsBwAYMVNJoT3Cqe-oBtGbI6oMJwu5mdFKH5QDqdhHvm5-509MVm9nxUOIt04LziXI2RIkY99i6Kdl3_kKglwwBPz1wn502zp0sSnonfFagJmjc/s400/IMG_0174_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492940283026194" border="0" /></a>Over the years I have tried many brands of paints, but the best by far is the Schmincke watercolor. These are superb, and even when dried on a palette, will disperse immediately with a touch of water, with no plasticky bits in between. I use mostly the transparent colors, including Indian Yellow ( a warm yellow) , Aureolin Yellow (a cool yellow), Translucent Orange, Sap Green (a yellow green), Phthalo Green (a blue green), Phthalo Blue (a green blue), Ultramarine Blue Finest (a reddish blue), Alizaron Crimson (a blue red), Scarlett Red (a true red) and several other odds and ends...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJby1XMI0fALT771kjSOQXcZugOyb1p2-MQi_fz9AvVocUdUAFqYZZ9HBhQgq6lbGxPBskXHHrftADL8-GKH-B36roRvPVgbnc15_tYODzXlaRwBrFiasvueoiJlFBnB8vNJ6TH_2vc4/s1600/IMG_0179_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJby1XMI0fALT771kjSOQXcZugOyb1p2-MQi_fz9AvVocUdUAFqYZZ9HBhQgq6lbGxPBskXHHrftADL8-GKH-B36roRvPVgbnc15_tYODzXlaRwBrFiasvueoiJlFBnB8vNJ6TH_2vc4/s400/IMG_0179_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492777054144146" border="0" /></a>I use mostly the Windsor and Newton Kolinsky Sable brushes, in various sizes...Kolinsky Sable is the best brush you can use for watercolor but costs a fortune per brush, so I buy all my brushes during the Herbert Evans Art Sales in August when they have a 40% discount :)<br />If you are starting out in watercolor, I would definitely not recommend buying such expensive items...rather get used to the medium before you commit big time.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfpzYtZIDDwCa9N-1zra8Q8WNkGw5RWeXt7NPiBsM6RAm46NT5rzMYxcKm8pAEdRTczksESPBpoVXMpIw2cyp3wEelZ0ilXJEycjfqpvl14SiNOwBQP5gZTm6wVvaPXp9OarKGEJPFWE/s1600/IMG_0180_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfpzYtZIDDwCa9N-1zra8Q8WNkGw5RWeXt7NPiBsM6RAm46NT5rzMYxcKm8pAEdRTczksESPBpoVXMpIw2cyp3wEelZ0ilXJEycjfqpvl14SiNOwBQP5gZTm6wVvaPXp9OarKGEJPFWE/s400/IMG_0180_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492634734866898" border="0" /></a>I will show you how I stretch my paper...this is NOT the only way to do this...just the way I do it :)<br />I start with a plastic bucket, which I scrub super-clean and rinse thoroughly. I fill it with cold tap water.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO3WR4Tg3WQ/Twbmu7yJFTI/AAAAAAAADUU/3YXLHI_rJzE/s1600/IMG_0156_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uO3WR4Tg3WQ/Twbmu7yJFTI/AAAAAAAADUU/3YXLHI_rJzE/s400/IMG_0156_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492472852944178" border="0" /></a>Cut the paper to the size you want, making a tiny pencil mark on the correct side (yes, Arches Hot Pressed paper has a correct and an incorrect side : ) ), and carefully immerse completely in the water. I tend to soak the paper for about 20 minutes.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZn5e_n5Nxo/Twbmod1Td4I/AAAAAAAADUI/v4ENgTSTZb4/s1600/IMG_0157_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lZn5e_n5Nxo/Twbmod1Td4I/AAAAAAAADUI/v4ENgTSTZb4/s400/IMG_0157_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492361733928834" border="0" /></a>While it is soaking, prepare your wooden board. I cover the board with a good 'ol fashioned rubbish bin bag (the one the council collects rubbish in :) ), to prevent the water soaking into the wood. Make sure it is smooth and wrinkle-free...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ0EWndqWRA/Twbmhnkq4wI/AAAAAAAADT8/53xW4sdS-K4/s1600/IMG_0159_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJ0EWndqWRA/Twbmhnkq4wI/AAAAAAAADT8/53xW4sdS-K4/s400/IMG_0159_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492244089430786" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtvyv8TbexY1gg4Q3LuE_7vCPb1xT4VeNBkKdncF6pCxJOpNg6XUB8tD_2ZxLdStnfJvrtz6U48W91aPo84rKPNdqbr9hbBf-vMQFdAjjB0hhtVQYnfs136ZrNgKFsuGn-30sv5gz184/s1600/IMG_0160_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtvyv8TbexY1gg4Q3LuE_7vCPb1xT4VeNBkKdncF6pCxJOpNg6XUB8tD_2ZxLdStnfJvrtz6U48W91aPo84rKPNdqbr9hbBf-vMQFdAjjB0hhtVQYnfs136ZrNgKFsuGn-30sv5gz184/s400/IMG_0160_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694492113719238626" border="0" /></a>I tape the paper down with water activated watercolor tape. Make sure that you pre-cut your strips, because if you get water on the roll, the whole thing is ruined!<br />Run each strip once through a jar of water, and place over the edge of the soaked paper (which is placed on the rubbish bag covered board)...make sure that the tape covers at least 3/4 of an inch of the watercolor paper. Do this on all sides...<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-108YZ8mfYrk/TwbmR2QL7UI/AAAAAAAADTk/jTy0Bxg8zaI/s1600/IMG_0161_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-108YZ8mfYrk/TwbmR2QL7UI/AAAAAAAADTk/jTy0Bxg8zaI/s400/IMG_0161_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694491973152140610" border="0" /></a>While the paper is still wet, staple down the brown paper onto the board, all around...this secures the paper in place so it doesn't re-shrink when drying...<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMxEWMNLlek/TwbmIkfGbFI/AAAAAAAADTY/vfdRuo2eMuw/s1600/IMG_0169_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GMxEWMNLlek/TwbmIkfGbFI/AAAAAAAADTY/vfdRuo2eMuw/s400/IMG_0169_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694491813764033618" border="0" /></a>Leave in a cool place out of the sun to dry...Voila! Stretched paper! Ready to paint :)<br /><br />I need to catch up a lot of admin tonight , but hopefully we'll start painting tomorrow...<br /><br />What do you like to do as a hobby other than knitting and crochet? Do any of you paint?<br /><br />Have a good afternoon,<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-16294362548741831002012-01-05T06:21:00.016+02:002012-01-05T07:21:52.718+02:00Flash the wannabe feline... and Sherlock you rock!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XWHkFESCmI/TwUsH3-8DBI/AAAAAAAADTM/A4azkg4vaYM/s1600/IMG_0923_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XWHkFESCmI/TwUsH3-8DBI/AAAAAAAADTM/A4azkg4vaYM/s400/IMG_0923_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694005817678498834" border="0" /></a>Yesterday afternoon was spent in the vegetable garden...depsite me feeling like I have shifted literal tons of weeds, bolted produce, dead leaves etc....it has actually gone quite well, and the first vestiges of organization are becoming evident. I have staked a gazillion tomato plants, tripoded (is that even a word?) all the Crystal lemon cucumbers, tripoded (there it is again!) the baby marrows and squashes, sprayed the mildew with organic spray, planted a few (really, just a few :) ) lettuce seedlings, planted some rhubarb and seed potatoes and generally had a cleanup here and there...<br />When things are pretty and picturesque again, I'll show you all what things look like...<br />During my labours, a short rainstorm passed by and left with the most beautiful double rainbow...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLp0LdM_qKo/TwUr-5ASQkI/AAAAAAAADTA/A97wvpiNNn8/s1600/IMG_0919_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VLp0LdM_qKo/TwUr-5ASQkI/AAAAAAAADTA/A97wvpiNNn8/s400/IMG_0919_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694005663333761602" border="0" /></a>Inspired by <a href="http://acengineeredknits.blogspot.com/2012/01/breaking-out-of-winter-purgatory.html">AC's</a> post of her lovely dog, I thought I would show some of our lunatic animal...<br />Flash is a Pitbull, but let me tell you, he is more like a cat in character than anything you're likely to meet of the feline variety! The silly beast has quirks and traits that are so un-Pitbully, it's just not funny! I cannot stand the fact that he wants to be in the house all the time, but of course, the three enablers that live with me, are always persuaded by his big eyed, Puss-in-Boots-Kitty look and let him in whenever he begs...it drives me batty!<br />He starts whining to be let in as soon as the sun starts showing it's earliest rays, and has to be (repeatedly I might add) booted out by me at night...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO25ntkrk-rabqkV1l-96AvsQIYUJfEHp7CozQ-fVsTYMxZLpzfgBqueUv5Tk_lvcu42-H8C2nyBEektUE7w0NwFHLQX7sS1qQhqhE3-UfAr8MkKeRJvt24OkPpG8m6ZnCFe7bD23lVI/s1600/IMG_0921_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiO25ntkrk-rabqkV1l-96AvsQIYUJfEHp7CozQ-fVsTYMxZLpzfgBqueUv5Tk_lvcu42-H8C2nyBEektUE7w0NwFHLQX7sS1qQhqhE3-UfAr8MkKeRJvt24OkPpG8m6ZnCFe7bD23lVI/s400/IMG_0921_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694005478166610994" border="0" /></a>The girls spoil this dog to the point of being a celebrity...they are best friends and he is super-protective of them. When the girls and Gerry play around and wrestle and generally mess about, he gets worried that they are being hurt and will nip Gerry and shove his way between them to protect the girls...this is a good thing (especially in South Africa), but the silly beast has also done some apocalyptic things...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_JoU41_J-k/TwUroQ1o2BI/AAAAAAAADSo/wARsH0A4bEM/s1600/IMG_0550_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_JoU41_J-k/TwUroQ1o2BI/AAAAAAAADSo/wARsH0A4bEM/s400/IMG_0550_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694005274594564114" border="0" /></a>A couple of years ago, Gerry bought me a new car (very nice, luxury sedan with a lovely leather interior and all the extras). Flash and his two sisters got into the car one evening(after Nani had accidentally left the door open) and SHREDDED the interior! Yes, everything...EVERYTHING had to be replaced! When I took the car to the dealership for an insurance assessment, he never said a word....he walked around the car several times, and just kept whistling through his teeth...he never bothered to write down anything on his clipboard...<br />The insurance had to put it down to "vermin activity"... :)<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSR6358OVmI/TwUrVDhcQGI/AAAAAAAADSc/EmLlp12XGFc/s1600/IMG_0659_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSR6358OVmI/TwUrVDhcQGI/AAAAAAAADSc/EmLlp12XGFc/s400/IMG_0659_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694004944602677346" border="0" /></a>Flash as a young dog could actually climb trees....outside our bedroom we have a huge tree with large and spreading branches. One night I heard a commotion with scratching and whining ...<br />imagine my face when I saw three pitbulls up in the tree, 5 meters up on the biggest branches that could still support their weight...like I said...more feline than canine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-el7wdnY5eIo/TwUrMkr8u6I/AAAAAAAADSQ/d9bFetztMow/s1600/IMG_0670_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-el7wdnY5eIo/TwUrMkr8u6I/AAAAAAAADSQ/d9bFetztMow/s400/IMG_0670_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694004798886296482" border="0" /></a>Flash has little dreaming episodes (at least I think that's what they are...), where he yips and twitches and makes little running motions with his feet. Then he makes a little bark and growl and then yelps...all very funny to watch :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9jGM9pz8vM/TwUrBXmkRgI/AAAAAAAADSE/y8DCQqaGBpY/s1600/IMG_0691_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9jGM9pz8vM/TwUrBXmkRgI/AAAAAAAADSE/y8DCQqaGBpY/s400/IMG_0691_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5694004606395500034" border="0" /></a>He has a wool allergy, and so lying on the Persian rugs is a no-no....but of course, where in the world is his favourite place to lie? Yes! Winner-winner-chicken-dinner! ...on the Persian Rugs!!!!!!!<br />Pitbulls are really amazing dogs...we have always had them and can honestly say that they are smart, gentle, protective and loyal! (even when they eat your doors, cars, shoes, garden tools, Angora Rabbit yarn(!!!), roasted chickens, table legs.....)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzZogjqekqo/TwUlmxqW8rI/AAAAAAAADR4/e6q8SPt_yHU/s1600/Sherlock-Holmes-a-Game-of-Shadows.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzZogjqekqo/TwUlmxqW8rI/AAAAAAAADR4/e6q8SPt_yHU/s400/Sherlock-Holmes-a-Game-of-Shadows.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693998651976118962" border="0" /></a>This week the girls and I went to see the second Sherlock Holmes offering. All of us are huge Robert Downey Jr groupies (and Jude Law is himself not too shabby ;) ), so we were beside ourselves with anticipation. The first movie was absolutely awesome, and let me tell you....A Game of Shadows was even better!<br /><br />We get to meet the evil Professor Moriarty, who hatches a new criminal plan of diabolical proportions. The stage of the crime is far larger in this movie, with a global catastrophe in the making. Of course, the sheer awesomeness of RDJ is without doubt...he is as always brilliant!<br /><br />There is a lot of violence and bombs, guns etc, so it is not a movie for kids who frighten easily. The action scenes are spectacular and the music great (I intend to buy the soundtrack!).<br /><br />The ending was a real twist-in-your-seat and wring-your-hands kind of ending with a last scene Wow! surprise...all in all, the most enjoyable movie we have seen in ages!<br /><br />Have a great day folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-12759909593559936972012-01-04T13:56:00.015+02:002012-01-04T14:20:08.478+02:00Crocheted Bobble Edging Tutorial<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozSoRqXmmrE/TwRAEAvOn2I/AAAAAAAADRg/G3dVEZB-XB0/s1600/IMG_0142_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozSoRqXmmrE/TwRAEAvOn2I/AAAAAAAADRg/G3dVEZB-XB0/s400/IMG_0142_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693746266564894562" border="0" /></a>Today I am posting a tutorial on how to make a very simple crocheted bobble edging. I <a href="http://heidibearscreative.blogspot.com/2012/01/origami-happinesstomatoesand-crocheted.html">mentioned before</a> that I wanted to play around with ideas for edging off Nani's Hexagon blanket and I wanted something that reflects her happy, quirky personality. The hexagon blanket is being made (and here I assure you...I have stuck to the goal of doing two hex's every day until it is finished...yes, yes, I know the year is only 4 days old :) .....) in hectic, bright colours, because that just what Nani is like! So, without further ado...here is the tutorial...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkNzfoOoWyPqLb8AlBCFtPsRHELUa3lQsJ4lxVLePkgSRHNz9xvteBQYhcFZm6t5YueC9ULGr91oJuUXNBxb-TBL8uj9kwXdogutMWzfElkG8-DB37i4I4MWKmC6wqzQIfZ7C9R3tr3U/s1600/IMG_0121_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkNzfoOoWyPqLb8AlBCFtPsRHELUa3lQsJ4lxVLePkgSRHNz9xvteBQYhcFZm6t5YueC9ULGr91oJuUXNBxb-TBL8uj9kwXdogutMWzfElkG8-DB37i4I4MWKmC6wqzQIfZ7C9R3tr3U/s400/IMG_0121_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693746156601143602" border="0" /></a>I have crocheted a simple sc base on which to work. Above you can see that I have just turned the work and chained one.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4lo7Ip19cg/TwQ_1yvV9gI/AAAAAAAADRI/ogpibZo6RSk/s1600/IMG_0122_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4lo7Ip19cg/TwQ_1yvV9gI/AAAAAAAADRI/ogpibZo6RSk/s400/IMG_0122_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693746022289110530" border="0" /></a>Slip stitch into the FIRST space of the row. (Remember...a Slip Stitch is hook into space, yarn around hook, pull through space AND loop on hook in one movement).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cK3N7s25W0/TwQ_ugsgZnI/AAAAAAAADQ8/TQODNN3Ua1s/s1600/IMG_0123_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cK3N7s25W0/TwQ_ugsgZnI/AAAAAAAADQ8/TQODNN3Ua1s/s400/IMG_0123_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745897186289266" border="0" /></a>Chain 2.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLkcQvsuGdU/TwQ_nHe9U7I/AAAAAAAADQw/aP5mlwHbHo8/s1600/IMG_0128_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLkcQvsuGdU/TwQ_nHe9U7I/AAAAAAAADQw/aP5mlwHbHo8/s400/IMG_0128_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745770159494066" border="0" /></a>Now you will start a series of incomplete Double Crochet stitches....what you do is this: Yarn around Hook, insert hook into same space (as you made the slip st), yarn around hook, pull through...you have three loops on your hook...yarn around hook, pull through TWO LOOPS... you will be left with two loops on your hook...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFWFIopkR30/TwQ_fvh-maI/AAAAAAAADQk/w9_43KskxAs/s1600/IMG_0129_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qFWFIopkR30/TwQ_fvh-maI/AAAAAAAADQk/w9_43KskxAs/s400/IMG_0129_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745643470625186" border="0" /></a>Repeat the same again...yarn around hook, insert hook into same space again, yarn around hook, pull through, you have 4 loops on your hook, yarn around hook, pull through TWO LOOPS only...you now have THREE loops on your hook...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-SvqeioA0k/TwQ_X_hwIXI/AAAAAAAADQY/nRuWz02h_yU/s1600/IMG_0131_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t-SvqeioA0k/TwQ_X_hwIXI/AAAAAAAADQY/nRuWz02h_yU/s400/IMG_0131_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745510325690738" border="0" /></a>Repeat again...just as before...you should have FOUR LOOPS on your hook now...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jwpFJJ-eupOxckiB6gjO2WDVJXYL4HjXHwye166yZvAJpUR2BuaOS-RSFBPzoy6snSOUISZ4b04bLAhnE6jHx300fVyqHWNyyp-U4fcb1tcy7eWjrnLK69_x18Xj-dAyWUUN4pt6DB8/s1600/IMG_0133_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jwpFJJ-eupOxckiB6gjO2WDVJXYL4HjXHwye166yZvAJpUR2BuaOS-RSFBPzoy6snSOUISZ4b04bLAhnE6jHx300fVyqHWNyyp-U4fcb1tcy7eWjrnLK69_x18Xj-dAyWUUN4pt6DB8/s400/IMG_0133_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745379668277138" border="0" /></a>Yarn around hook and pull through ALL FOUR LOOPS on your hook...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ9WK-RD8ZA/TwQ_IINKdKI/AAAAAAAADQA/yVcUOipyzEM/s1600/IMG_0134_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ9WK-RD8ZA/TwQ_IINKdKI/AAAAAAAADQA/yVcUOipyzEM/s400/IMG_0134_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745237777347746" border="0" /></a>Chain 1.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvdJXQoKWITMzna0Q1dEwYb719Kd8oyUkoknLjsC3HIu1cXlG0reCPUw21F32zE1akvTXbUpZiZrWDvy_V1iZRQEokkwOIv2k1Ul4rKVCvQKtIvbo68zLxTSfTZr7Uy5Xw9lYtW_wPjs/s1600/IMG_0135_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvdJXQoKWITMzna0Q1dEwYb719Kd8oyUkoknLjsC3HIu1cXlG0reCPUw21F32zE1akvTXbUpZiZrWDvy_V1iZRQEokkwOIv2k1Ul4rKVCvQKtIvbo68zLxTSfTZr7Uy5Xw9lYtW_wPjs/s400/IMG_0135_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693745087873570194" border="0" /></a>Slip Stitch into same space as you have been working...watch the pretty bobble form...<br />:)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfPLwySK-o-rXSoCzQ93lrzPvR4ZoNP7uvzXO8HE9V48pDY_MNC-A6AHENBaLg-KE3xcGkNlejQ-40wNuuMXwAadbcoE98UE2elH_XWbd_Z_ezqQsBZb_673VNdCi4NtAywCErsGwzcs/s1600/IMG_0136_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfPLwySK-o-rXSoCzQ93lrzPvR4ZoNP7uvzXO8HE9V48pDY_MNC-A6AHENBaLg-KE3xcGkNlejQ-40wNuuMXwAadbcoE98UE2elH_XWbd_Z_ezqQsBZb_673VNdCi4NtAywCErsGwzcs/s400/IMG_0136_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693744956125183042" border="0" /></a>Slip stitch into the next two stitches of your base work...this gives you a little space between the bobbles, making things nice and even :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG5tZvQ1nOA/TwQ-xCv7Q2I/AAAAAAAADPc/OPn4NNe2Zuc/s1600/IMG_0142_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG5tZvQ1nOA/TwQ-xCv7Q2I/AAAAAAAADPc/OPn4NNe2Zuc/s400/IMG_0142_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693744841175548770" border="0" /></a>Repeat the steps to make a bobble...easy as pie!<br /><br />If your little bobble isn't nice and fat, use your little finger to "pop" out the stitches forming the bobble (from the back of your work), creating a little hollowed space at the back of the bobble...<br /><br />Hope you enjoy making this...<br /><br />Have a lovely afternoon folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-41151037174349461582012-01-03T15:06:00.000+02:002012-01-03T15:58:45.444+02:00Origami Happiness...tomatoes...and crocheted bobbles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TiqAO7AqK0/TwL-jBzfT7I/AAAAAAAADPE/JhbqS-1uCRM/s1600/IMG_0058_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5TiqAO7AqK0/TwL-jBzfT7I/AAAAAAAADPE/JhbqS-1uCRM/s400/IMG_0058_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693392756683001778" border="0" /></a>It may not come as a surprise to you if you have seen my Pinterest Boards, but I am fascinated by Origami. I have been constantly amazed at the degree of complexity that origami artists can achieve with just a bit of paper and a pair of hands. I am no expert, but decided to delve into the technical aspects of Origami...to that effect , I found a fantastic book by Robert J. Lang called Origami Design Secrets: Mathematical Methods for an Ancient Art. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Robert Lang is just simply an Origami Legend!<br />I also found some lovely Origami papers online at Loot, which made me a very happy puppy :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pA4UEtUFYc/TwL-YWSJ9DI/AAAAAAAADO4/9vkY9_G_uwc/s1600/IMG_0059_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6pA4UEtUFYc/TwL-YWSJ9DI/AAAAAAAADO4/9vkY9_G_uwc/s400/IMG_0059_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693392573201773618" border="0" /></a>The papers have various themes...one set are all animal prints...croc skin, tiger print etc...another has traditional kimono designs and traditional Japanese prints...very, very nice!<br />If you are interested in Origami, I can highly recommend two sites:<br /><a href="http://www.oriland.com/index.asp">www.oriland.com</a><br />and<br /><a href="http://www.happyfolding.com/">www.happyfolding.com</a><br /><br />The Origami artists of Oriland are Yuri and Katrin Shumakov. Their site is filled with amazing designs, many of which you can buy with step by step instructions. I have recently bought two of their offerings...<br /><a href="http://www.oriland.com/store/ebooks/oriland_magic_star/main.asp">The Oriland Magic Star</a><br /><a href="http://www.oriland.com/store/cds/origami_skeletons/main.asp">Dinosaur Skeletons</a><br /><br />Below you can see their Origami Stegosaurus...I just love this! There is even a Neanderthal Man for you to fold :) I am hoping to fold a small Steggi sometime this year...<br />The eBooks themselves are exceptionally well written, with countless illustrations to guide you...honestly, I really think even a beginner could follow along!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYMMcXoD5x4/TwMEAP58dII/AAAAAAAADPQ/KkeMSjefOvU/s1600/Oriland%2BStegosaurus.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 389px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZYMMcXoD5x4/TwMEAP58dII/AAAAAAAADPQ/KkeMSjefOvU/s400/Oriland%2BStegosaurus.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693398756242519170" border="0" /></a>Sara Adams is the star of Happy Folding. Her instructional videos are really superb (and there are loads of them!). Even if Origami isn't your thing, check out these sites...you will be amazed at the designs and the artist' cleverness!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-YOH-tGy3syRzQK8VKwgezPuVB_0AltTDQyG52LJ_tcJLglBxUIKR5nXWXGFDfeA18qTQG3X7NwXY6TUVuiWW5ubjXijX3K15Nxyxlxk6Bon5NSv4ilA2yj1U0RkakG1kCd6WvTOC9U/s1600/IMG_0060_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-YOH-tGy3syRzQK8VKwgezPuVB_0AltTDQyG52LJ_tcJLglBxUIKR5nXWXGFDfeA18qTQG3X7NwXY6TUVuiWW5ubjXijX3K15Nxyxlxk6Bon5NSv4ilA2yj1U0RkakG1kCd6WvTOC9U/s400/IMG_0060_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693392411291387458" border="0" /></a>It has been a boilingly hot day here in SA today, and I suspect we are going to have a heck of a thunderstorm later...I have managed to get the worst of the offenders out of my vegetable garden and have even harvested some more stuff, including some Purple Dragon Carrots and really red, lovely and fat tomatoes. I am going to make a pasta sauce to use in my Bolognaise sauce...any good recipes you know of...please let me know :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMUZgG0P-DI/TwL-FCPw8gI/AAAAAAAADOg/_cRXXDbJuXA/s1600/IMG_0061_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMUZgG0P-DI/TwL-FCPw8gI/AAAAAAAADOg/_cRXXDbJuXA/s400/IMG_0061_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693392241405522434" border="0" /></a>The Purple Dragon Carrots are such a novelty...lovely and burgundy on the outside, but bright orange inside...they taste the same to me as regular carrots, just not as sweet at the Little Finger Variety I mentioned before....they look fabulous in a salad!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-305cdOAar5M/TwL95nw16uI/AAAAAAAADOU/7I43SqbnJgY/s1600/IMG_0062_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-305cdOAar5M/TwL95nw16uI/AAAAAAAADOU/7I43SqbnJgY/s400/IMG_0062_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693392045317941986" border="0" /></a>As I was sitting in bed last night, listening to a lecture, I played around with some yarn and a crochet hook, and came up with a pretty crocheted Bobble Edging...very easy to crochet and potentially quite versatile. I have been thinking about an edging to use for Nani's Hexagon Blanket (...on that topic, I have been a very good little crocheter, and crocheted several hexagons since New Year ;) ), and think that this bobble edge will be a cute final round...<br />If time permits, I will do a photo tutorial later this week :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEOLtqn76DeIYM-6yYPbM2nC0hvQH6vi1fX2R6zvdkZMySQqoMGOOLN6qR-lPwebc_tmzj3-oiSiddrLHLzqEUlllEEFbZQCSyR9VrkDoVr8F1L9bPqwKOI0J-iGsJFag5SkzkyO8cAU/s1600/IMG_0066_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEOLtqn76DeIYM-6yYPbM2nC0hvQH6vi1fX2R6zvdkZMySQqoMGOOLN6qR-lPwebc_tmzj3-oiSiddrLHLzqEUlllEEFbZQCSyR9VrkDoVr8F1L9bPqwKOI0J-iGsJFag5SkzkyO8cAU/s400/IMG_0066_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693391714082352578" border="0" /></a>I have spent the last couple of days slaving in the garden, and I swear, must have staked a thousand tomato plants!!!!!!!!!!! Remember when I said earlier, "Plant less Lettuce"?...well, add to the list if things I learned about vegetable gardening..." Plant LESS TOMATOES!!"...you don't need a hundred different types of tomatoes...no, <span style="font-style: italic;">really</span>!<br />I made my sister swear that she would forcibly stop me next season, when I say something idiotic like "Oh, just one more seed...after all, maybe it won't germinate"...she has been instructed that violence may freely be used as a last resort!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQttXU9ZI0o/TwL9cV2BJYI/AAAAAAAADN8/fD5Z0hd4svA/s1600/IMG_0069_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NQttXU9ZI0o/TwL9cV2BJYI/AAAAAAAADN8/fD5Z0hd4svA/s400/IMG_0069_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693391542291604866" border="0" /></a><br />Speaking of Sisters...it's my one and only dear sister's birthday today...so 'Det...<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">*-...-•"*-...-•"*-...-•"*-...-•" Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!! *-...-•"*-...-•"*-...-•"*-...-•"<br />May your Rhubarb grow like Khakibos, your strawberries grow the size of lemons, your husband buy you yarn for no reason, and may the pests in your garden all emigrate next door!<br />Have a happy, spoiled day!<br />*PS...your pressies await....<br /><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuCCz534OUw/TwL9OF33wuI/AAAAAAAADNw/Bnvhvfm4XvE/s1600/IMG_0073_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PuCCz534OUw/TwL9OF33wuI/AAAAAAAADNw/Bnvhvfm4XvE/s400/IMG_0073_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693391297486242530" border="0" /></a>Have a fruitful Tuesday folks...<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6958667660822970725.post-60571893103600643452012-01-02T11:05:00.022+02:002012-01-02T12:31:20.105+02:00Rowan Yarns...and the easy peasy Pie Recipe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksblAl-LrDw/TwF1O6J2CkI/AAAAAAAADNk/11kbairW_cE/s1600/IMG_0029_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ksblAl-LrDw/TwF1O6J2CkI/AAAAAAAADNk/11kbairW_cE/s400/IMG_0029_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692960302962182722" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I made a berry crumble for dessert after Sunday Lunch. I will be the first to tell you that I hate cooking...at least the variety of cooking that has to magically materialize at 6pm when I would rather get a poke in the eye with a stick than waste time (that could be far better served knitting/ crocheting) in front of the stove...yes, such are my culinary leanings...however, when it comes to baking, I am a far happier camper. That being said, my philosophy about cooking and food generally can be summed up as follows: "If it takes more than 10 minutes of my time/hands to make, then it's not worth eating...".<br />So, over the years of enforced servitude in front of the stove, I have developed super-fast recipes and food shortcuts that allow me to whip something up that is great tasting but brain donor easy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE11iCm7P8sClQDl8Ga_4GQDMn-CquiySxnEZ0aN4d2V9sOtB346lIGDgU8yWVWamlLhQqLHZPGw2DcrUu2bDqlOegqIvMKwp1lGMEYv630GVxfOBEskjaQR6fkr5kVx0F4fQsXva2hqg/s1600/IMG_0019_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE11iCm7P8sClQDl8Ga_4GQDMn-CquiySxnEZ0aN4d2V9sOtB346lIGDgU8yWVWamlLhQqLHZPGw2DcrUu2bDqlOegqIvMKwp1lGMEYv630GVxfOBEskjaQR6fkr5kVx0F4fQsXva2hqg/s400/IMG_0019_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692960128086385026" border="0" /></a>This fruit pie/crumble is one of those things :)<br />Pie pastry is essentially a mixture of butter (fat) and flour, a little sugar, salt and a binder like an egg. Now, if you are so inclined you could add all kinds of stuff, like choc chips etc, but for me, the fastest is bestest! Generally you need to use about double the weight of flour to fat (note: weight, not volume!), and I happened to use Self Raising flour, but really, if you have ordinary cake flour, that's fine...just add some baking powder.<br /><br />I have a round pie dish that is about 30cm in diameter, and needed the following rough quantities to make the pie pastry:<br /><br />+/- 2 1/2 cups of flour<br />+/- 200g butter<br />1/2 - 1/3 of a cup of sugar ( I used brown sugar because it was closest to hand, but you can use castor or white sugar)<br />1/2 teaspoon of salt<br />1 large egg<br />Fruit Mix for the filling (I used a frozen berry mix that I bought from a berry supply wholesaler nearby, but really, you could use pretty much any fruit, fresh or canned as well...)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskiLNAMLX2usdd2E-kkY327FiICZkNErc8h7rpLGqsIipstunXuAD9QbslXgoc9dNPC6PB4bV1KnVlgtuGfVeEwKtBGHi1Z9FmVqA9W9VNIbSCa5JvjnQ3ElSB83VgUIQlB1qfmiwYh8/s1600/IMG_0024_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskiLNAMLX2usdd2E-kkY327FiICZkNErc8h7rpLGqsIipstunXuAD9QbslXgoc9dNPC6PB4bV1KnVlgtuGfVeEwKtBGHi1Z9FmVqA9W9VNIbSCa5JvjnQ3ElSB83VgUIQlB1qfmiwYh8/s400/IMG_0024_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692959924289050018" border="0" /></a>It's easier to work with the butter if it was refrigerated...<br /><br />I mix the pastry in my Kenwood mixer using the whisking attachment.<br /><br />1. Place flour, sugar and salt in mixer bowl.<br />2. Start mixer on medium speed, slowly adding little cut up blocks of cold butter.<br />3. Add your beating egg slowly...a crumbly pastry dough should start forming...<br />4. Allow the mixture to form a crumbly fine dough (you can get an idea of the texture above...I literally just took the loose pastry dough out of the mixer and sprinkled it on top of the berry mix...). The dough should be loose and crumbly, but if you squeeze it together, it should hold its shape without being sticky).<br />5. If you find that the dough is too loose and doesn't have <span style="font-style: italic;">some</span> sticking power, you can add a teaspoon of cold water...just add a tiny bit at a time or you'll get a sloppy dough.<br />6. When it all looks good, spray your pie dish with some non-stick spray, and scoop some dough mixture into it and flatten with your fingers until the dish is lined with pastry.<br />7. Pour in your fruit mix.<br />8. Crumble some more of the dough over the top of the fruit filling...this is not meant to look pretty...just make sure it is sort of evenly spread.<br />9. Bake in oven at 180 degrees Celsius until the top is brown and golden.<br />10. Serve with custard or cream...<br /><br />...easy peasy pie! It sounds far more complicated than it is...the whole thing took about 6 minutes to make...the rest of the time is just baking in the oven :)<br /><br />I know that there are a gazillion people who will insist that the dough has to be refrigerated for 20 minutes in clingwrap etc etc ...honestly it's too much time and schlepp and it works FINE if you don't! Life is far too short to wait for stuff to get cold!<br /><br />Try it...let me know how your pie making went :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az2BSeVR-UI/TwF0rymKFLI/AAAAAAAADNA/C6RoPQkDWHI/s1600/IMG_0045_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Az2BSeVR-UI/TwF0rymKFLI/AAAAAAAADNA/C6RoPQkDWHI/s400/IMG_0045_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692959699638031538" border="0" /></a>My dear and precious husband was in England for a conference at the beginning of December and sweet cherub that he is, went to a yarn shop and bought me some yarn! Now, until recently, the said cherub, still referred to my knitting as "sewing" ...proudly telling people that I am "...really good at sewing..."...so you'll understand that he has no concept about what yarns are and which brands / blends are desirable, never mind color and quantity ...<br /><br />He has, in the past, heard the word " Rowan" bandied about, so I suspect that when he saw the name on a couple of balls of yarn, he was desperately pleased to have found something recognizable! He brought home a variety of Rowan Yarns that I haven't used before at all. I am the first to tell you that I LOVE Rowan's Milk Cotton, Handknit Cotton and Kidsilk Haze, so I was very curious to see if I liked the following lots...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jECZml8OrCs/TwF0h9QKf5I/AAAAAAAADM0/KMQnqTjAkVc/s1600/IMG_0048_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jECZml8OrCs/TwF0h9QKf5I/AAAAAAAADM0/KMQnqTjAkVc/s400/IMG_0048_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692959530699882386" border="0" /></a>First Up... Amy Butler's Organic Aran.<br /><br />I was especially excited as I love all things Amy Butler and the fact that this is an organic yarn, so much the better. I had looked at the wonderful colours on-line, and liked the fact that it is an aran weight, so it would be perfect for big projects like a blanket. It's 50% cotton, 50% wool blend, and you get around 90m in a 50g ball.<br /><br />Verdict:<br />Very nice to work with...not as smooth a yarn as the handknit cotton, but not as splitty as the Milk Cotton. I have been using sock weight yarn for such a long time, that I had forgotten how thick aran weight is! It works up very nicely and quickly, and I would buy it again if the opportunity arose...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtjv_Bk-qBA0ElI5u8mRM_XQkY7CxT7JIS-IEtQmQ2jNs79gjulsz0XpxA2Ba9Nh0ar3d-WLMI23tGUXnIluX795dYDBSd3dW9R-dss2utlkQ-Df77Bcf4fWKKbiQPQ7MT8WRvgZnKJ4/s1600/IMG_0050_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqtjv_Bk-qBA0ElI5u8mRM_XQkY7CxT7JIS-IEtQmQ2jNs79gjulsz0XpxA2Ba9Nh0ar3d-WLMI23tGUXnIluX795dYDBSd3dW9R-dss2utlkQ-Df77Bcf4fWKKbiQPQ7MT8WRvgZnKJ4/s400/IMG_0050_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692959396230451218" border="0" /></a>Kaffe Fasset Kidsilk Haze<br /><br />This is yarn Nirvana! I mean, Kidsilk Haze people! Is there really anything more you need to say? Add in the fabulous colours in this <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">ball</span> (Note the singular: hubby brought back countless balls of muddy purple All Season's Cotton and *#@!!& only ONE BALL of this yummy stuff!) It is just the most beautiful stuff to knit with and although , like dynamite, it comes in very small balls, there is actually enough to knit a good size project with... DEFINITELY a Keeper!!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JC45T-zejoY/TwF0QzrTYBI/AAAAAAAADMc/r5Llrk2JM1o/s1600/IMG_0051_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JC45T-zejoY/TwF0QzrTYBI/AAAAAAAADMc/r5Llrk2JM1o/s400/IMG_0051_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692959236071579666" border="0" /></a>Rowan All Season's Cotton<br /><br />Ok...over-sharing time... " Hi, my name is Heidi, and I am a Yarn Snob...it has been 10 years since my last acrylic purchase..."...<br />Jokes aside...I cannot abide the stuff! I hate that grandma's knitted scratchy jerseys from the stuff in a variety of scary plastic colors , that you were forced to wear to keep the family peace...<br />Acrylic and me <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">do not play nice</span>! But, I suppose (in defence of the poor grandma's), we have only fairly recently had access to the wonderful new yarns, with the internet and all...so it was with a fair amount of nose-in-the-air that I tried this yarn. It is a blend of 60% cotton and 40% acrylic...again, an aran weight with 90m per 50g.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_KUD0vYQblri4j-D5JR1RLc_jx4eppYUL-jkIDYOFGgSXbplITwM1TnnVG08-4DvhmSn0rIkpDSeyfs0vE04PU1GaQYAIYuzbo8FOrdiNxgyPUlGZRA72RZem_4HMtk74LwBIaz_S6w/s1600/IMG_0052_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ_KUD0vYQblri4j-D5JR1RLc_jx4eppYUL-jkIDYOFGgSXbplITwM1TnnVG08-4DvhmSn0rIkpDSeyfs0vE04PU1GaQYAIYuzbo8FOrdiNxgyPUlGZRA72RZem_4HMtk74LwBIaz_S6w/s400/IMG_0052_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692959085951574114" border="0" /></a>Ok, I will admit (begrudgingly...)that it is not scratchy. It does however have a supertwisty kind of texture to it, that I am in mortal fear, will pill something crazy when washed over time... I don't think that I will knit anything with this, so I wouldn't know about the pilling...have you used it? Does it pill? The two colours that I have are a burgundyish color and a muddy purple (Arrrggghhhhhh...why would you release a color like that???)...<br /><br />NOT FOR ME...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHj4ocGG0r3sjrN-KfWVHbuf4JcAiBwmNvIwr5SSxXEjwHw5ASNInc7gDlkUzpah1XuWUhyphenhyphenLm8wYz1vRaYeHCdxeWe61axpI_tDTQSidvI1ridfD9GBpRBI_w1LKeD2J1yMRhFcYXLyY/s1600/IMG_0053_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHHj4ocGG0r3sjrN-KfWVHbuf4JcAiBwmNvIwr5SSxXEjwHw5ASNInc7gDlkUzpah1XuWUhyphenhyphenLm8wYz1vRaYeHCdxeWe61axpI_tDTQSidvI1ridfD9GBpRBI_w1LKeD2J1yMRhFcYXLyY/s400/IMG_0053_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692958940117997426" border="0" /></a>Lastly...Colourscape Chunky by Kaffe Fassett. I was quite surprised by this yarn, because anything Kaffe does is generally awesome!<br />This yarn is beautifully coloured, but like the dreaded Noro Kureyon, seems to be a spun single-ply yarn, with a fuzzy feel. It is 100% lambswool....so I suspect it will felt (there is a huge set of multi-language instructions on the ball band, telling you to hand wash, do not tumble dry etc). It may be ok for felting, but I didn't get palpitations with excitement and anticipation when I thought about what to knit with it...<br /><br />Verdict: Lovely colours...Nice for felting (I guess I should try make a felted item with it...), but I wouldn't buy it if I could...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DnpOLECZ6E/TwFz1F9JbBI/AAAAAAAADL4/VF7Q7OtwnKk/s1600/IMG_0056_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--DnpOLECZ6E/TwFz1F9JbBI/AAAAAAAADL4/VF7Q7OtwnKk/s400/IMG_0056_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5692958759941925906" border="0" /></a>Well...that's the story of the yarn, as they say! I need to go and evict more bolted lettuce from my garden (remember what I said...plant less lettuce!)...<br /><br />Have a good day folks!<br />♥HeidiHeidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00574134114248565093noreply@blogger.com4