Dates for 2014

Hullo everyone

I absolutely cannot believe that it is a month ago that we had our last get together for 2013.  One would think that being retired, I would have lots of time to sit and write new posts.  It would appear that this is not so!!  Anyway, today I have time AND CONNECTIVITY (so far).  Speaking of which, if anyone knows of someone clever at Vodacom that I can contact to sort out this extremely irritating problem, I would be most grateful to get their contact details.  The line has just dropped again so heaven knows what will happen when I try to save this post. 

Here are some pictures of the get together.

  Sue, Merle C and Ouma hard at work.

 Welcome to Marianna and Louisa who were first timers.  Marianna stitches (by hand) handkerchiefs together to make funky tablecloths.  How cool is that idea??

 Petro brought along some beaded jewellery items which were in need of TLC.  This is an adaptation of one of the designs in my new on line store at www.manique.co.za.

 

A new craft has hit our shores.  Tee shirting is cut into narrow strips and crochet stitches are made around the strips.  Kate and Barbara were both making mats using this new technique.  Aren't they gorgeous and practical?

 

Ena brought her Cellini to show us.  The browns and gold made a really nice combination.

 

This is Louisa doing decoupage - a first for our group!

 Connectivity restored so we should be OK.

 

Ouma hates having her photo taken and would not stand still long enough so that we could see her shrug which she started at a previous get together.

 

 

Merle C has been very busy over the last few months making baby clothes.  They are absolutely gorgeous.  On the topic of babies, Felicity let me know over the weekend that she is going to be a granny towards the end of June next year.  Congrats to her and to Lindsey and Anthony.  I guess that I had best raid my stash and patterns to try and find something different to make for the baby because I know that granny-to-be has a cupboard full of stuff already!!

 

 A couple of weeks after the get together Max' brother and his wife came out to visit for the weekend.  On the Sunday, together with a lot of their friends, we had a picnic under the big Acacia tree outside the cottage they stayed in.  Hettie took this picture of Max and Davey and Charlie.

 

 These are my granddaughters taking part in their end of year musical concert.

Max and I were extremely proud to attend Brigette's graduation on the 21st November.  She now officially has her Master's Degree in Paleontology and has moved to Cape Town to do her PHD.

I have put the dates for 2014 up on the blog and hope that you will all diarise them.  I am busy arranging for some very interesting workshops as well.  February will see Merle G show us pearl knotting. and for March I have arranged with Neeske for a quilting/patchwork workshop.  I am really looking forward to both of these.

Those of you who will be travelling during this festive season please take care and get both to your destinations and home again safely.  I would like to take this opportunity of saying a very big thank you to all of you who supported the Club over the past year and to wish everyone a blessed Christmas and prosperous 2014.  May it be a very good year for all of us.

 

Knitting news

Hi All

Believe it or not, I have a gap today to write a few lines here even though it is so soon after the last post.  I just want to tell you all about Petro's Centurion Craft Show which happened at the beginning of October.

Brigette had a stand at the show and I (as usual) was there with her.  I took the few Cellini kits which were left from my workshop earlier and decided to work one whilst there.  This attracted a lot of attention from visitors who could not believe how simple the technique actually is.  This show showcases crafts practised by everyday people like you and I.  There are no mass produced items there.

Johan demonstrating his expertise at making glass lamp work beads.

This is me on the right showing something to a couple of visitors.

This is Marita's Creative Knitting stand.

If you would like to see more pictures, you can visit Brigette's blog at http://africanabeading.blogspot.com

Now I want to tell you about a knitting project which is happening at the moment and which will culminate in the Yarn Indaba at the end of from 31st July 2014 to 2nd August 2014 at the Voortrekker Monument.  The project seeks to get enough knitted squares to cover the steps of the Monument thereby setting a new world record.  To do this 19050 square measuring 20cm x 20cm and 3350 squares measuring 15cm x 15cm are needed by the 1st July 2014.  The squares can be any pattern and yarn only the size is important.  After the record has been set the square will be made up into blankets which will then be given to charity.  If you would like to be a part of this project and make some squares you can contact me when they are done and we can then arrange that I get them from you.

Just a reminder about our last meeting for the year which will be on the 16th November.  It will be a UFO day so bring something to do which has been in the cupboard for at least 6 months.  Just drop me a line to let me know if you are coming to facilitate catering arrangements.

That's it for now.
Enjoy your crafting
Sharon

My New Business Venture

Hi crafters

Before I get to my exciting news, I have to tell you that I agree totally with Brigette who said in her blog (visit it at https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6714172989893436902#editor/target=post;postID=324292340781566461) that the universe is out to get us - or words to that effect.  I know that I make the same excuse every time, but I really have been trying to get to this post since our last meeting.  Anyway, I suppose that better late than never will have to apply.  By the way, this is the first time that I have tried to put a link into my post so I hope it works.

Our meeting last month was small but intimate.  There were only a few of us there and it was almost like being in the enormous dining room in a castle where the table extends to the horison and only a few people are seated there.  It looks particularly incongruous (how's that for a big word) when only the husband and wife are at the table and each is seated at the ends.  However, back to our meeting.  Although we were spread out we nevertheless had a really lovely day.   I presented a workshop on colour knitting and I am VERY impressed with the ladies who decided to join me.  They caught on so quickly that there was very little teaching that had to be done.  Well done, girls, especially Carol who professes to not be a very good knitter.  Her fingers never got tangled in the yarns at all.

This is a picture of one of the samplers which Carol did with no difficulty whatsoever.

Sandra S seems to be a little tangled up.  She, too, mastered the techniques with no difficulty.

I encourage everyone to bring show and tell items to the meetings as we love to see what you have all been working on.  Not all the items shown originate from one of the workshops but nevertheless, we are always interested to see what our friends' hands create.

Felicity was trawling the internet a while ago and came across a crochet magazine from the UK which had this baby blanket pattern in it.  Isn't it just the most amazing item??  I suspect this one is going into the "baby box" in anticipation of Lindsey producing the grandchild(ren) in due course.  No pressure, Linds!!

Unfortunately, this is not a very good picture, but Carol is making a blanket from one of the crochet squares which she learned at the crochet workshop in May. 

As I said, earlier, it was a really lovely day although it was very hot in the afternoon.  Once again, sincere thanks to my team of helpers in setting everything up.

Now, to my news.  Some years ago, Petro introduced me to Manie Kriel of Manique Beaded Jewelery.  From him, I learned several of the techniques used in bead weaving and fell in love with this type of beadwork.  I had previously done the usual type of beading where one strings beads etc onto fireline but must be honest that it did not majorly appeal to me.  Bead weaving, however, grabbed me from the first time I tried it at one of Manie's workshops at Petro's house.  Manie has recently rediscovered his love of bobbin lace making and so the beads have taken a backseat in his life.  To cut a long story short, we came to an agreement whereby I have taken over his business.  How exciting is that?  Or maybe a little stupid considering that I am supposed to be retired.  So why do I want to start all over in a totally new industry?  Because it is exciting, that's why.  I have received the stock from Manie and although it is taking a little longer than I would have liked to get everything unpacked and sorted out (I am not 20 years old any more), I am ready for trading. Manie has also graciously given me permission to market is patterns either as is or made up into kits.  I will also be selling beads, clasps etc.  Please visit my website at http://www.manique.co.za/. 

Our next meeting will be on 16th November and is our final meeting for the year.  It will be a day dedicated to UFO's.  To the uninitiated, that means Unfinished Objects which we all have in abundance.  So please bring with a UFO which has been lying in your cupboard for at least 6 months waiting patiently for you to take it out and finish it.  Any craft will do just as long as it is a UFO.

And now to end off - how is it that spaniels can look so desperately unhappy??  This picture was taken of Charlie sitting on my "vuilsus" (sister in law Hettie)'s lap while we were away at Baroque in the Bush in September.

Enjoy crafting
See you on the 16th
Love
Sharon

Lots of news

Hi Everyone

I am sure that you have all heard me complain about the speed that time flies and so I am not going to repeat myself again.  Suffice it to say that the weeks have flown by to such an extent that I have not posted anything on the blog for about a month.  That is really bad and I apologise for it.  Let me just say that I will try to improve.

Our birthday meeting went off very well as usual.  Thank you again to my team who helped me get everything ready and to all the ladies who made the journey out for the day.  Juanita provided us with fantastic cupcakes to celebrate.  OK, so with my wheat and dairy sensitivities, I could not eat any but judging from the oohs and aahs of those who could, they were very tasty indeed. My pictures below do not really do them justice.  My photographic skills are about on a par with my technological ones - not brilliant but certainly adequate.

 

There was no class at this meeting merely a relaxed social day.  I have some pictures for you of projects either finished or still in progress which I took on the day.

 

Merle C made this absolutely gorgeous baby cardigan.  She used patterns from a book of different knit patterns to create this lovely garment.

  Sandra S made this lovely mat using the playblocks stitch which she learnt in our Crochet 101 class on 4th May.  She will be sending it to her son in Estonia.  I must just say that I think that this a really eye catching stitch.  I think that sometime I must use it in a knee rug or something similar.

Ouma has done really well with her cellini spiral necklace from the class on 1th July.  The body is complete and she is now busy tapering the sides.  

My own cellini.  These pieces always get a lot of comments when I wear them.  (I have this blue one and a red one which I made a couple of years ago)

Brigette is arriving this morning for a week's visit - yay!!  I really do enjoy her visits.  The reason for this one is that she has a stall at Petro's Centurion Craft Show which takes place this weekend 4 - 6th October at Kiepersol in Eldoraigne.  The flyer below says it all.  Last year, the show was great but Petro has gone all out this year and there are more stall holders all exhibiting their crafts.  Barbara's tea garden is going to be fantastic.  Only genuine handicrafts are exhibited here and it is well worth a visit.  I will be assisting Brigette at her stall so PLEASE come visit us!!!!

Our next meeting is on 12th October.  When I set up the calendar at the beginning of the year, I somehow duplicated the date and I cannot be at the show and hold the meeting on the same date.  I apologise for any inconvenience but hope that you will be able to attend both events.  I will be doing a workshop on colour knitting and have been very busy deciding what stitch patterns to use and making swatches of them.  I will supply yarn and needles and the kit will cost in the region of R100.  Please let me know soon if you would like to do the class so that I can have enough kits available.

OK, that is all for now.  I hope to see you all at the Show over the weekend.

Our 1st Birthday

Hi All

Just a reminder about our birthday meeting on Saturday 14th September.  I need numbers for catering purposes please so let those email flow in urgently.  I would really love to have the biggest turnout yet.

I am busy getting my ducks in a row for 2014 and would love to have some input from you as to what you would like to do at the meetings.  I think that the classes thus far have been great fun and would like to continue to do them but obviously need your feedback.

Some suggestions already received include another advanced crochet techniques class, beading, fair isle knitting which I think we will do next month and a demonstration of cake icing.  That could be fun.


Another suggestion is that we do a bring and tell of the projects which we have completed including items made as a result of one of the classes.  I think this should be part of every meeting.

 Perhaps Merle has finished her gilet?  We shall have to wait and see.  Hopefully she will bring it for us to see sometime in the future.

Remember I told you that Brigette has moved to Cape Town?  These two pictures are from her garden.  Cape Town's views are almost as fantastic as mine!!!!

Petro had a stall at the International Quilters Exhibition held at Emperor's Palace near the airport this past weekend.  By all accounts it was a great success and I am really happy for her because I truly believe that she deserves it.

Don't forget to diarise the dates of her annual show which showcases the embroidery work done by her students during the past year.  Here is a copy of her flyer as a reminder.  I will be helping Brigette with her jewellery at the show and hope to see all of you there.

As usual, please let me have any comments (both good and bad) and numbers for the meeting on Saturday.

Enjoy your crafting
Sharon
Mobile:       +27 82 571 6883
Email:         sharon.tgc@gmail.com OR ladiecrafter@gmail.com

Our First Birthday

Hi Everyone

Thank you to those who responded with some ideas for the last 3 meetings for this year.  It is wonderful to get a response and to have other ideas from which to work.

I have decided that for our next meeting we will not be doing any specific class.  I thought that as it is our first anniversary, we should just have a peace-out day.  I have arranged with Juanita that she will bring some of her amazing cup cakes for us to enjoy as we celebrate.

Our next meeting in October, I will give some instruction on knitting with two or more colours.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS MEETING HAS BEEN MOVED A WEEK LATER TO THE 12TH OCTOBER.  The weekend of the 5th October sees Petro's annual craft show and I am involved with assisting at Brigette's jewellery stand.  Here are the details of the show.  Please make an effort to visit us there. I promise that you won't be disappointed as the standard of handwork on display is really first class. 

Our final meeting for the year will be on 16th November and once again, I think we will just have a peace-out meeting with no classes.  I am collecting in any ideas as to how we should celebrate the end of the year meeting so let me know what your ideas are.  I already have a few to mull over but would love to hear from you all.

One more thing - my eldest granddaughter, Sydney, earned a platinum medal in the gymnastics competition this past weekend.  You go girl.  Nana is very proud of you.


Well, that's it for now.
Keep crafting
Sharon

Cell:  +27 82 571 6883
Email:   sharon.tgc@gmail.com    OR    ladiecrafter@gmail.com

What's Next??

Ok, here's the thing.  My mind has just died!!  I need to find workshops for the last 3 meetings of this year and I can't think where to turn.  I am in negotiation with a team to arrange for Pergamano but this will only happen next year as will the pearl knotting which I had lined up for next month.  I am in desperate need of INSPIRATION!!!!  Please can someone help??

Our meeting this past Saturday went off very well again.   Magda presented tatting again and I was able to take my place thanks to a cancellation.  I have now discovered that it does not matter how long you have been doing crafts or more especially how clever and expert you think you are, something will come along to bring you smartly down to earth.  Will I ever get the left hand to manage the thread when making the rings?  Perhaps with hours upon hours of practice.  The other participants were all first time attendees so welcome to Carla, Irene and Linda R as well as Sandra A and Gertie.  I hope to see you all again soon.

Irene trying hard to make the thread what it is supposed to do and not what it wants to do!!

How's my first attempt?  Not very expert but I did have a lot of fun!!

These are some of the finished items which Magda brought with to sell.

Please let me have some ideas of what you would like to do at the meetings.  All suggestions will be seriously considered.

Sharon
Cell:     +27 82 571 6883
Email    sharon.tgc@gmail.com OR ladiecrafter@gmail.com

Tatting 2

 

Hi everyone

In all my thank you's last time, I missed adding Manie's name to the list.  Without him it would have been a lot more work to have the kits ready in time.  Thank you once again, Manie. If the positive response to the class is anything to go by, I am sure that we will make use of your kits again in the future. Visit his website www.manique.co.za to view his kits and beads available for purchase.  I can vouch for his prompt service!

Well, everything is on course for another tatting class this Saturday, 24th August.  I still have some place available so let me know if you are interested.

I have disappointing news regarding the pearl knotting which was supposed to happen on the 14th September.  Merle G is unable to attend both this month and next month's meetings so we have postponed her class for now.  I will let you know when it will happen.

September meeting is our first anniversary.  I can't believe how time has flown and I must thank all of you for helping to make Crafty Ladies such a success.  Perhaps I will not find another class to replace the pearl knotting but that we party instead.  I will think about it and value your input for ideas.  Contact me on either of the email addresses.

When I visited the Hobbyex Expo earlier this year, I discovered a "new" craft called pergamano.  This is a craft where you make pretty parchment designs.  Wow, I was blown away.  I am negotiating to have a workshop at one of our meetings.  Watch this space.





 
Isn't this just the most beautiful piece of paper you have ever seen?  Obviously we will start with something much simpler but it will nevertheless be stunning!  I am definitely going to do this class.
Who is going to join me?





Wow !!!!!!!!!!

You are not too late to decide to join us on Saturday.  Let me know on either of my email addresses for catering purposes.  Don't forget to visit Petro's embroidery website www.embroideryandall.co.za and to contact Maynette  on maynette@mweb.co.za or 082 378 9410 if you have second hand shoes for her son's "walk a mile in these shoes" project.

You ideas and views are always welcome.

Have a good week.

Sharon
sharon.tgc@gmail.com
ladiecrafter@gmail.com
Mobile: +27 082 571 6883

Tatting 2

Thank you......

Hullo everyone

First of all my sincere apologies for the long delay in doing a new post.  My excuse is TECHNOLOGY.  I got a new cell phone with which I have been taking some pictures (as we all do).  Some of these were of the last meeting and I have not been able to get the phone and my laptop to communicate.  You know the saying "when all else fails, consult the manual"? Well substitute "son" for "manual" and tech problems become a thing of the past.  Thank you, Brett! 

I have been very remiss in not expressing my thanks to all those who are involved with helping me in the Club's activities.  First of all a very big thank you to my husband, Max, who together with assistants, Jacob and Philip, ensure that the lapa is dressed and ready and waiting for us every time.

 

 

 

 

  Miriam cleans beforehand so the men carry everything across and set it all up - refreshments on the side - cushions on the chairs - cloths on the tables - lamps at the ready - heaters on the go and of course an urn of boiling water ready for that all important welcoming cup of tea or coffee.
 

Thank you Ouma for the constant supply of delicious koekies.

 In the kitchen, I have Sinah who is my right hand.  She helps to get the trays of cups, glasses etc ready for the men to carry out for us.  She also assists with some of the food prep.

 

  And then, while we are having our hen party, Max ensures that the dining area and food are ready for us to enjoy and feed our brain cells which by lunch time are VERY TIRED especially if we are learning a new craft.  Once again a very big thank you to all of them.  I would never be able to do it all without you.

 Of course, Brigette also helps plenty when she is here!!!

And then, we have all of you who make the trip out to spend the day with me.  These pictures show the ladies hard at work doing their Cellini Spiral Necklaces.

Sandra

Ena (a first timer so "welcome" and we hope to see you at future meetings)

Marinda (another first timer)

and Kitta (another first timer).  Note her sexy headgear!  Actually jokes aside, a good light is essential which doing one's crafts especially fine work like these beading projects.

The other first timers were Juanita, Lily and Linda.  Welcome to all of you and I hope to see you all regularly.

  

This is my embroidery instructor, Petro van Rensburg, trying very hard to finish another of her designs which she markets in kit form from her website www.embroideryandall.co.za.  I encourage you all to visit her site and see the amazing work she does.  This is one VERY talented lady. Petro also gives classes from her home.  If you are interested, her details are on her website otherwise contact me and I will pass on the message.  By the way, Petro is organising a Craft Show which will take place at Kiepersol in Centurion on the 4th to 6th October 2013.  Keep this open in your diary and visit us there.  It is going to be fantastic.


And my last picture is of Linda who decided to take a break from the beading project and work on her hardanger cloth.  Wow, beautiful!

Last but not least, I have to thank all of the ladies who have graced us with their presence over the past months.  I appreciate your attendances knowing that it is a far drive.  I do believe, however, that it is well worth the trouble.  To those who still have to attend, make up a party, fill a vehicle with crafters and their stuff and come and spend the day with us.

Our next meeting will be on the 24th August and once again Magda has kindly agreed to give a workshop on tatting.  The previous class went off very well and I am sure that this one will also be great.  Please get your names in to me as soon as possible as space is very limited.

On the 14th September, Merle G will show us how to do pearl knotting.  I hope that there will be place for me in that class as well.  Get your names to me for that one as well so that I let her know how many kits will be needed.

I also attend a Creative Knitting class where I have met some really wonderful ladies.  One of these, Maynette, has encouraged her children to make a difference for Mandela month.  This is what she says:

"My son is doing a "walk a mile in these shoes" and would like to have at least a continuous band of donated second hand shoes, for all ages, children and adults, male and female, of at least 1 km.  That would imply that it would be at least 3000 pairs of shoes!! No small feat but I would really like to help him with this.  I will fetch and carry, all I need is for the pairs to be attached in some form so that I don't lose any."  You can contact Maynette on her mobile 082 378 9410 or by email maynette@mweb.co.za or you can contact me and I will pass on any messages.

Well, that's it for today.  I hope the long wait was worth it.  I will try to communicate more regularly in future.

Sharon
Mobile: .27 82 5716883
Email: ladiecrafter@gmail.com