A Ray of Sunlight

The day had dawned a while ago and through the blinds on my window it came. It tickled my nose and caressed my face and even did a tap dance on my pillow. It was a ray of sunlight that woke me up gently leaving me inspired for the rest of my perfect day!

This is my tribute and you can find it on Etsy.
Handmade crochet earrings with genuine Swarovski elements, shipped for free within Australia in this beautiful vintage paper handmade pouch.

Crafted on a sunny day by L'Ana Banana.

All design credits to Craft and Fun.

Tools of the Trade

"Knitting is creative, health-boosting and surprisingly sociable. It's also a teensy bit addictive!"

Although I have knitted a few things that would be considered advanced knitting, I still consider myself a beginner knitter. Probably because I don't knit as much as I crochet.

Double Knitting dolls by L'Ana Banana

Knitted double colour cowl by L'Ana Banana
(former AEHandCrafts)

I find that crochet is much more versatile but I recognize knitting as being much quicker and looking way better when making garments. And it is obviously much more popular.

So I decided to give knitting another try and maybe I'll come to love it and master it as much as crochet.
And because you need the right tools for a job well done, I made a little investment.

I found two great magazines to keep as reference books, for those times when you quite can't remember exactly how to do that stitch. I have seen and bought my share of knitting magazines and books, but when I actually do need to use them, I find their instructions hazy and difficult to follow. So I was much more careful with my decision this time and took a good look at the magazines before buying them. And I must say that regarding instructions, they are probably the best I've seen so far.

I also indulged myself to a KnitPro Symfonie Interchangeable Needles Deluxe Set. With 8 different needle sizes and lots of accessories, I am set into knitting for life! I had seen this kit before but, although I love the birch wood needles, I must confess I was a bit skeptical about the interchanging system. But after a friend bought them and made an excellent review about them, I made my decision. If you are a knitter, or plan to become one, you must try the birch wood needles by KnitPro. It is a life changing experience!

So here I am, all set with the reference books and the right tools, bring on the yarn!

Vintage Wool

What can be better than good wool? Good wool for free!

There is something special about vintage items. Not only do they display the beauty of other times but they also carry history. It reminds me of my grandpa'. He always had a witty story to tell and a lesson to teach, and although he did not have a formal education, he was such a bright and wise man.

I recently joined a group of people called the Freecyclers. They are a bunch wise enough to give away and reuse things that are still in good working condition but their owners, for whatever reason, just don't want anymore. Don't you feel bad when you throw away that good old filter coffee machine that was with you for all those difficult Monday mornings, just because you bought the latest model of a capsule coffee machine? You would be surprised of how many people would want your old one...

A couple of days ago there was a good soul that had a bag of yarn to give away. As soon as I saw the message and the magic words "wool for free", a little bell was ringing in my head. And this amazing wool was just an email away.

I reckon Aotea yarn company must not exist anymore. I tried to search for it on the internet, but I could not find any info. Hence I have absolutely no idea how old this yarn is. But it is good quality 100% Virgin Wool from New Zealand and it's in perfect condition. I'll probably use it to make a small lap afghan for the bench seat that I will buy for my balcony, but I am still looking for that perfect pattern!...

"The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot"

For me, that is an undeniable truth.

I spent most of my weekend crafting, doing some of the projects that I had mentally queued for some time.
I ventured myself into my first clutch and here's the result:

Not bad for a first timer I guess! ;)

Meanwhile, my black trousers that need to be mended have been laying on the back of my chair for more than a week now and I guess I will still be procrastinating them for a while...

Summer Freebie!

This free pattern can now be found at

http://theknittingscientist.wordpress.com/2014/11/17/summer-free-pattern/