Bits n' pieces mat [learning left hand crochet]

I did not want to throw away these crochet lesson pieces because I worked hard to get them right. I could have undone to use in other projects but instead I tried making something else.

I pieced them, adding extra stitches where it needed. All with what I had, I did not buy any new.
It did not become a perfect square or a rectangle, but that was alright. I added a single crocheted border in couple of different yarns.

A bit of an applique too; one of the flowers I learnt.

Lastly, I sewed a piece of plastic grip (which is available at $1 store) to the back to keep it from sliding. It being a little wonky, does not sit perfectly flat on the ground.

I am just happy with its bohemian charm. Now, I am thinking may be another one.

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Few more new stitches;

In Pink: half double crochet with chain 1 spaces                                      Yellow: Chain 3 lace

In Purple; lace with spaced shells

Finally, an update on my knitted winter scarf too.........  I have been knitting a lot during the past couple of weeks. I really want to finish the scarf before the winter ends.

Thank you for taking your time today to stop by.....
till next time,
xxx,
Gaia

A cross stitched home...

...for pins and needles
While I was  visiting my mother I had time to complete another small cross stitch kit. I was not quite sure what I wanted to do with it; finally made another case for pins and needles.

I really do not need another one. Maybe I can give it away at some point or take part in a swap if I can get a chance. For, now I will keep with done things.

I, also want to show some of my old cross stitch work;done about 15 or more years ago.

These are some of the practice pieces, now I can see that I did the Y incorrectly on 'may sunshine fill your day'.

some old books including DMC cross stitch book 1962 belonged to an aunt of mine. 

These framed pieces decorate the walls of my old room.

Thank you for taking your time today to stop by,

til next time,
xxx,
Gaia

Irish crochet motif [learning left hand crochet]

Rose
I was given these crochet, tatting and hardanger books by a cousin of mine recently. There are so many things in here I would love to learn ; was so eager to try something from the Irish crochet book.

I tried the rose motif which I thought would be an easy one for a start. After few re-doings [i had copy it in US terms] I was able to understand it better.

 

Ref: Russell -Lea crochet book 2001,Australia

**sorry for the quality of the pictures as it is not easy get clear ones on winter mornings**

There is always something new to learn;  hopefully, I did it right.

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Few more pictures from my visit.

This 18th century Buddhist temple stands on stone columns.

Church belonging to colonial time

Hindu Temple

Tea Plantations

Mist gathering over the hills ; early afternoon

Pigeon having a snack on a leek farm

family of monkeys

Post office & bungalow ..built during colonial period.

 

[you should be able to click on the pictures to make them larger]

Thank you for taking your time to stop by,

til next time,
xxx,
Gaia

Winter Scarf [left hand knitting]

This is the yarn I got from my friend [I showed in my last post], very pretty, soft hand dyed merino wool.

After trying out both knitting and crocheting patterns, I chose to go with knitting this time. The pattern is 'double seed stitch' and I am using 4.5 needle. Hopefully, I will be able to complete it before winter ends.

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My mother loves gardening and these are some of her plants. I would have liked, if I was able to get some pictures of flowering plants too but there weren't many as it was the rainy season in the tropics.

I want to wish all friends in the world of blogs,a very happy 2014 !! I am glad to be back after a small break and there is so much catching up to do.

Thank you for taking time to stop by,
till next time,
xxx,
Gaia

Wasteful Art !

When you  buy bread or certain times packaged vegetables [at the supermarket] the plastic bags they come in are secured with  these types of tabs. [may not be the correct word for it]

I have been collecting the tabs for awhile just to see how much of a plastic pile I can make.

While the collection grew, I had sketched few ideas how to use them. This is an experimental mixed media project. Apart from the tabs, I also incorporated used tea bags, scraps of fabric, and lots of acrylic paint.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself doing the project; but I do not know how well my idea is presented here.

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This magazine was featured in many crochet blogs in the past month, and it did look interesting. So, when I saw it at the book store, I wanted to treat myself, and here's my copy. :)

It has a small crochet project included; yarn and a hook to make a snowflake.

The instructions are in UK terms. But it does have guide with all the abbreviations and US terms, in one of the back pages. I think I manged to get it fairly right. There was enough yarn to make two; the second one turned out bit smaller as I made the stitches more tight.

Let it snow ! let it snow !

I am taking little time off from work to visit my mother. My mother is turning 70 yrs. in couple days, and my grand mother(mother's mum), is turning 93 yrs. They both have their birthday on the same day.  

I wish you all happy holidays and a peaceful 2014 !!!

See you in the new year..........

Thank you for taking time to stop by,

..til next time,
xxx,
Gaia

Crochet lessons continue ... [learning left hand crochet]

Point Stitch...

Learning stitches in a row is still difficult, as I always end up having either extra or less amount of stitches. Counting multiples and then adding the plus number to make the foundation chain still a struggle.

Cross Square

Octagonal Motif [left] and Octagonal shells [right]

Hexagonal motif [left] and Spider's web motif [right]

Lacey Circle [left] and Circular motif [right]

I have completed the all the motifs in the guide book, but there many more stitches that I have to learn.

A very dear friend sent these yarn for me. They are hand dyed merino wool, so soft and I love colours. I am thinking of a scarf but not sure if I want it knitted or crocheted.  So,I will do some practice lessons; hopefully that will help me to decide.

Thank you for taking time to stop by,

til next time,

xxx,

Gaia