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crochetime

~ So many patterns, so much yarn, so little time: story of my hooky life.

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Category Archives: Etsy

I’m selling yarn and I’m giving it away

22 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by Natasja in Crochet For Kidneys, Etsy

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

cotton yarn, Nikkim, Vinnis, Vinnis Colours

Yes, that’s right, I sell yarn! I’m so excited! My Etsy shop is stocked with Vinni’s Colours Nikkim 100 % cotton DK yarn in white, and four shades of purple. Go on, go have a look. Here is the link that will take you straight to the yarn section of my Etsy shop.

Lilac Vinni's Colours Nikkim
Lilac Vinni’s Colours Nikkim
Plum Vinni's Colours Nikkim
Plum Vinni’s Colours Nikkim
Dark Purple Vinni's Colours Nikkim
Dark Purple Vinni’s Colours Nikkim
White Vinni's Colours Nikkim
White Vinni’s Colours Nikkim
Violet Vinni's Colours Nikkim
Violet Vinni’s Colours Nikkim

As you’ve probably guessed, my decision to stock white and purple shades is not by accident – these are the colours of the squares for the Crochet for Kidney Research UK blankets we’re making. Now you don’t have to wonder what yarn weight, fibre or shade of purple is best for the squares because I’m supplying you with the perfect yarn. Better still, 25p from each ball of purple and white yarn that I sell, will go straight to Kidney Research UK!

Now you’re probably wondering about the yarn.

  • Blend: 100% cotton
  • Ball Weight: 50 g
  • Ball Length: 119 m
  • Tension: 20 stitches; 28 rows to 10 cm on 4 mm needles
  • Needle size: 3.25 mm – 4.00 mm
  • Crochet hook size: 3.5 mm
  • Wash: Machine washable, warm iron, no bleach, dry flat, do not hang

If you don’t live in South Africa there’s a fair chance Vinni’s Colours will be unknown to you. In South Africa however, I dare say it’s the best known and most commonly used yarn around. “Vinni’s” is derived from the owner, Vinni Nielsen’s name. “Nikkim” is made up of the names of Vinni’s children Nikolai and Kim. You’ve already seen Nikkim in action on this blog – it’s the yarn I’ve been using for my Sunset Shades chevron scarf. I’ve had so many questions about the yarn and comments about the amazing shades, that I just knew I had to start selling it to my wonderful blog readers.

There are two things that made me fall in love with this yarn.

Firstly, the colour. All Vinni’s Colours yarn are hand dyed. Yes, dyed by hand. This means that you get an almost marbled, tonal variation in the colour.  I’m going try to explain it to you in hair dye terms. Back in the 80’s all home hair dyes gave you flat, solid coloured hair. Nowadays you can’t even tell who had their hair dyed in a fancy shmanshy salon and who bought a home hair dye because the new stuff “works with your natural tones and highlights.” Vinni’s Colours is like the new stuff – interesting, varied and without a mass-produced look to it. Any other cotton yarn looks like a 80’s home hair dye job.  Not only is the yarn hand dyed, it’s also skeined and balled by hand and sun dried in the African sunshine on the factory forecourt. I’m positive that it’s that loving human touch and African sunshine that adds a little something extra to the colours.  Nikkim is available in 64 solid colour shades and eight variegated, but I’m only stocking five (for now).

Secondly, the feel and drape. It’s soft. Really soft. The yarn gives a beautiful drape. I won’t use it to make crocheted baskets that needs to be sturdy and hold it’s shape, but for baby wear, cardigans, scarfs and blankets it’s perfect. My Sunset Shades chevron scarf is done in SC and HDC stitches which would normally make for a very dense fabric, yet the scarf still drapes and feels soft – I would not have achieved this if I used, for instance, Rowan Handknit Cotton despite both being DK weights. You really have to feel this cotton yarn to believe how soft it is.

Even if you don’t want to use Vinni’s Colours Nikkim to make squares for the Crochet for Kidney Research UK blankets, 25p of each ball of purple and white sold will still go to Kidney Research UK, so you’re supporting a very worthwhile charity just by buying this cotton yarn.   Vinni’s Colours also provide a much needed income to the South Africans who are employed to hand dye, skein and ball the yarn. It’s win-win!

Feeding your yarn addiction has never felt this good.

Vinnis giveaway

Speaking of win-win…… I’m giving away one ball of each of  white, dark purple, lilac, violet and plum to one lucky reader! All you have to do is have a look at the photos below and select four shades that you would want to use for your next project and tell me what that project would be. I had to break up the huge selection of Nikkim (64 shades!) into four colour groups because they wouldn’t all fit into one photo, so don’t think you have to choose a colour from each photo.

The winner will be chosen randomly on Sunday 29 September at 16:00 GMT.

Vinnis neutralsVinnis warm coloursVinnis purple and bluesVinnis Nikkim greens

I absolutely love all these amazing shades. Good luck choosing only four! Lime, Avocado and Deep Blue are my favourites. And Peacock and Pale Sage. And Mint and Kingfisher. Geez,  I can’t choose! If you have the same problem, feel free to choose more than four shades for the giveaway.

I’m really looking forward to sending out packets of purple and white yarn to my lovely readers, and giving 25p for each ball sold to Kidney Research UK. It really is win-win for me, you and Kidney Research UK.

Mabel the pug and her crochet hat

20 Tuesday Aug 2013

Posted by Natasja in As seen on TV, Etsy, Other people's crochet

≈ 6 Comments

crochet pug hat

Mabel is the spokesPug for Three‘s Pug321 campaign.  Only a pug can carrry off a crocheted birthday cake hat and gangster chain and still look this cute – choosing Mabel was perfect casting by Weiden & Kennedy London. Three says they used a pug for this campaign because “pugs are charming creatures that embody the spirit of the internet: serious, but with a just a little bit of silliness.” I think I’m going to start calling the internet, Mabel from now on.

If you want to dress up the pug in your life with crocheted birthday cake hat, have a look at PugsnGiggles’ Etsy shop here.

 

Terrific Tuesday

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, Terrific Tuesdays

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

crochet art

On a Monday I can still remember the fun I had over the weekend, Wednesday is the middle of the work week, on Thursday I start getting hopeful and on a Friday I can taste the weekend. But what about a Tuesday? It’s so…. just there. Weekend memories are too far away and the upcoming weekend might as well be a year away.

What we need is a bit of colourful inspiration to get us going on a Tuesday, don’t you think? A pretty picture, beautiful scenery or colourful imagery. Yup, that’ll liven up Tuesdays and turn it into a terrific day!

From now on I will go through my photos and Pinterest likes every Tuesday and find us a pretty picture to add colour and joy to the day.

xxxxxx

www.etsy.com/listing/72520467/aceo-atc-artists-trading-card-little?ref=v1_other_2

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72520467/aceo-atc-artists-trading-card-little?ref=v1_other_2

Two of my favourite things: giraffes and yarn, to cheer up your day.

Check out the crocheted legwarmers on the giraffe. Now there’s a sentence I never thought I’d say!

Wishing you all a Terrific Tuesday.

Natasja

Terrific Tuesday

26 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, Terrific Tuesdays

≈ Leave a comment

On a Monday I can still remember the fun I had over the weekend, Wednesday is the middle of the work week, on Thursday I start getting hopeful and on a Friday I can taste the weekend. But what about a Tuesday? It’s so…. just there. Weekend memories are too far away and the upcoming weekend might as well be a year away.

What we need is a bit of colourful inspiration to get us going on a Tuesday, don’t you think? A pretty picture, beautiful scenery or colourful imagery. Yup, that’ll liven up Tuesdays and turn it into a terrific day!

From now on I will go through my photos and Pinterest likes every Tuesday and find us a pretty picture to add colour and joy to the day.

xxxxxx

20130226-064527.jpg

This is the Crochet Eye Chart, as seen in Mollie Makes and sold in ILiveOnaFarm’s Etsy shop. It’s such a clever idea! Can’t keep my eyes off it 😉

She also sell a Knitter Eye Chart and a very clever keep-away-from-my-stash poster.

Wishing you all a terrific Tuesday!

Natasja

Terrific Tuesday

12 Tuesday Feb 2013

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, Other people's crochet, Terrific Tuesdays

≈ 4 Comments

On a Monday I can still remember the fun I had over the weekend, Wednesday is the middle of the work week, on Thursday I start getting hopeful and on a Friday I can taste the weekend. But what about a Tuesday? It’s so…. just there. Weekend memories are too far away and the upcoming weekend might as well be a year away.

What we need is a bit of colourful inspiration to get us going on a Tuesday, don’t you think? A pretty picture, beautiful scenery or colourful imagery. Yup, that’ll liven up Tuesdays and turn it into a terrific day!

From now on I will go through my photos and Pinterest likes every Tuesday and find us a pretty picture to add colour and joy to the day.

xxxxxx

Source: etsy.com via thevintagehandbag.com on Pinterest

 

For more flowery crochet shawls have a look at KnittedParadise’s Etsy shop. It’s crochet like this, that makes me love my craft even more.

Wishing you all a Terrific Tuesday!

Natasja

It’s a chain reaction

25 Monday Jun 2012

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, Other people's crochet

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

crochet, jewellery

Last week I did a bit of Etsy shopping… yes, I know. Again! But seriously, what I bought is just so perfect I couldn’t resist.

It all started with crocheted bows shoe clips that I saw in a treasury on Etsy’s front page, which led me to visit the Greek Etsy seller, sidirom’s shop.

I think it’s genius to make bows, especially in visa versa colours, to jazz up your pumps.

The colour scheme of grey and aqua appears a few times in sidirom’s shop. Like this reading glasses case

or this nautical inspired knot necklace

What I fell in love was, was this chain reaction necklace made up of crocheted chain links. It’s such a simple design, but the effect is so striking.

As I don’t wear any pink, I asked Mairi to custom make me one in charcoal, light grey and aqua. (I really like that about buying handmade on Etsy: you can’t go to Accessorize and say “Ooh I want that, but please replace the pink with aqua, and while you’re at it, add two shades of grey as well.”)

Two days later, this “reserved for Natasja” listing appeared in Mairi’s shop. My necklace. Absolutely perfect!!!  

On Friday my package arrived, with a hand written note from Mairi.

20120625-075343.jpg

And today, I’m wearing my chain reaction necklace with pride. The dress I’m wearing it with is the exact same colours as my necklace. I promise you, I didn’t have this dress in mind when I placed my order. Really. I just wanted something in shades of grey with a pop of colour – I must have had the same idea when I bought the dress 3 years ago. 

Custom made crochet necklace + old dress = match made in hooky heaven.

20120625-075408.jpg

Do yourself a favour and check out the 57 items in sidirom’s shop here. You can also follow her on Facebook here.

Thank you Mairi for making me the perfect necklace. I love it!

It’s all about The Hook

22 Friday Jun 2012

Posted by Natasja in Etsy

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

crochet, crochet hook, Etsy

Pick your favourite crochet hook, or crochet inspired stationery, as found on Etsy.


XXXL Crochet Hook

XXLHooks
$20.00

Ball of Yarn with Crochet Ho…

hoffeeandanuff…
$10.00

Crochet Letterpress Notecard…

greengrasspres…
$8.00

Antique Bone Fid Crochet Hoo…

AllVintageSewi…
$12.50

Crochet Hook – Ergonomic – …

emsyjane
$16.00

XL Hand-Carved Wooden Croche…

ArtYarnYummies
$10.00

Crochet Hook- Black and whit…

DotDotSmile
$10.00

Custom Rubber Stamp – Person…

modernartstamp…
$10.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Anne’s clock

20 Wednesday Jun 2012

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, Other people's crochet, Pattern

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

clock pattern, crochet, crochet clock, wall clock

Last week I got an email from Anne, who had purchased the pattern for my crocheted clocks on Etsy.

Anne said:

Really cute, easy and so much fun. My husband builds grandfather clocks, and I loved the fact I could incorporate our two crafts together; his love of timepieces and my love of crochet.

…your patterns are extremely easy to read and a pleasure to create from!!!

I just love that the clock could combine her and her husband’s hobby into one crafty item. Isn’t it sweet?

Anne also sent me this picture of her clock. Lovely and colourful isn’t it? Great job Anne!

My Peter Pan removable collar

15 Sunday Apr 2012

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, My crochet, Pattern, Ta-daah!

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

crochet

Peter Pan collars are all around the High Street these days. 

I’m drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I can’t put my finger on exactely why I like them, but I really, really do.  They’re so sweet and girly without being pink or frilly.

A Peter Pan collar is a flat, round-cornered clothing collar. It is named after the collar of the costume worn in 1905 by actress Maude Adams in her role as Peter Pan. Since then, it has become a women’s fashion item several times, and is particularly associated with little girls’ dresses.

The collars seem to add that something extra to any top. The thing is, Peter Pan collars may go out of fashion again…. 

Luckily for me, there are wonderfully crafty people like Keysha from LaineDesign who writes crochet patterns for removable Peter Pan Collars! Genius!!!!

I bought Keysha’s pattern on Etsy for $5 and hooked the collar over the weekend while the Whispers Cardigan was drying out on the blocking board. I used DK Stylecraft Cotton Classique and a 4mm crochet hook. It was super quick and easy to do.

I really love how it turned out.

20120415-111054.jpg20120415-130943.jpg

20120415-142325.jpg

Only problem is, I don’t have many crew neck tops to wear it with.

I’ll just have to rectify that this weekend: S H O P P I N G S P R E E!

Terrific Tuesday

28 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by Natasja in Etsy, My ramblings, Terrific Tuesdays

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

blanket, crochet, hexagon, mannequin, Terrific Tuesday

On a Monday I can still remember the fun I had over the weekend, Wednesday is the middle of the work week, on Thursday I start getting hopeful and on a Friday I can taste the weekend. But what about a Tuesday? It’s so…. just there. Weekend memories are too far away and the upcoming weekend might as well be a year away.

What we need is a bit of colourful inspiration to get us going on a Tuesday, don’t you think? A pretty picture, beautiful scenery or colourful imagery. Yup, that’ll liven up Tuesdays and turn it into a terrific day!

From now on I will go through my photos and Pinterest likes every Tuesday and find us a pretty picture to add colour and joy to the day.

xxxxxx

Source: etsy.com via Natasja on Pinterest

 

I love everything about this image. The granny square fabric covered mannequin (which you can buy  here, on CorsetLacedMannequin’s Etsy shop), the sky blue chair, the white wood panelling, the mirror, the Attic24 style hexagon blanket: everything is gorgeous!

Surely this is enough to turn Tuesday into Terrific Tuesday.

Have a good one!

Natasja

 

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