l'atelier

J'adore

2012-01-28T00:21:00.000+02:00

Getting my daily dose at Deluxe Coffeeworks

My Creative Space

2012-01-26T00:52:00.000+02:00

I finished last weeks Shawl... details can be found here.
Now I am back onto the last clue of my January Mystery Socks and then the famous men-socks are waiting....
I have been plotting to start huge new project ---will tell you about it later

For more creative spaces visit here

J'adore

2012-01-20T23:15:00.000+02:00

At the Thursday Market in St.Georges Mall

My Creative Space

2012-01-19T00:20:00.000+02:00

I did it again... I cast on another shawl... and yes I cast on before finishing those socks- again. BUT for my defense I should say I committed to this first before deciding I should finish all my unfinished knitting projects... Because this is a Nurturing Fibres Babymoon Knit-a-long... the idea was that we all cast on after Carle had her baby boy and we knit anything we desire with Nurturing Fibres Wool.
I naturally ended up choosing a shawl - really I am getting very predictable aren't I? More details can be found on my project page.

For more creative spaces visit here

Review of my week

2012-01-17T00:03:00.003+02:00

Summer is finally in full swing around here! And I wish I could just spend it on the amazing beaches around the cape.. but instead I have been busy with a couple of new projects, lots of admin and research. Still, quite a few iced coffees have been sipped over interesting and promising meetings, so I can't complain much. The weekend was all about socialising: braais (South African: barbecues), craft meeting, coffees, dinners and simply enjoying the company of wonderful friends. A good summer week
Happy Monday, xo

J'adore

2012-01-13T11:17:00.000+02:00

Monochrome taken on Sunday in Camps Bay

My creative Space

2012-01-11T22:00:00.000+02:00

The very first day of New Year I bent one of my sort-of resolutions... no I really didn't break it, let me explain....
I had been thinking of resolutions, came up with rather little- I never really do them- instead I set myself some goals for 2012. One of the things I had though decided was to finish those socks remember? Well, I am still knitting those cursed men socks... but one day a week I knit these . You see its a mystery knit along-- and I just couldn't resist! Hence I cast-on with the promise to myself to knit only one day a week.
So you see : not a broken but slightly bent resolution. And the men socks are so much more bearable now...

For more visit Our Creative Spaces

Food Love

2012-01-10T21:00:00.000+02:00

I love food. I love making food, too. Really I do.
I like having time to prepare scrumptious meals. Taking time only concentrating on making the best with good ingredients is somehow meditative for me. It starts with getting good ingredients (the best I can afford always), getting my recipes together then chopping, stirring, cooking or what ever needs to be done. And lastly sitting down with loved ones and enjoying it.
I have been making sourdough bread for the last month again- it has been quite an adventure actually- getting the bread just right is not as easy as I thought it would be... but I more or less have worked out how to get a pleasing result (I should mention: I am quite fussy about my own cooking/baking)
Maybe due to that I have been looking at a lot of food photography and food blogs ... there is a whole world of amazing goodies to be discovered out there..

Here are some of my favorites:

Canelle et Vanille : love Aran's food photography and styling and her recipes are gluten free yummies!
City of Dionne: Dionne has a wonderful mix of fashion, girl things, gorgeousness and good food. Its a good read to your recipe...She shares her most scrumptious recipes on fb
What Katie ate: a foodie photography blog is what it describes itself as... beautiful photography that leaves me always hungry and craving but also inspired and excited about the recipes...

Any foodie blogs you love visiting?

Photo of last Week

2012-01-09T22:41:00.001+02:00

one

It has been nearly a year that I finished my 365 and as 2011 came to a close I was finding myself considering doing another one. I found that I have become much more reluctant to take my camera along and hadn't really done much photography in December. But a 365 is a rather big commitment- and I still haven't done anything with the one I finished. {which brings me to the question; What do people do with their finished 365?} I did consider for a brief moment to do a 365 on my iPhone-- but as much as I love iphoneography, I think of it as a fun toy...and felt I would spoil my fun by putting pressure onto it. So I kind of forgot the subject. Until after New Year I looked at some of the finished 365 Projects some flickr friends had done... which gave me the idea to take a photo a week! And it turns out I am not the only one.. there is a group on flickr. And Cindy is joining in too! {I am especially looking forward to hers!}. Why don't you join us?!

So here is the first of hopefully 52 photos.
I think it does actually describe my week perfectly- pretty good but nothing specific

Wanderlust

2012-01-06T21:30:00.000+02:00

Source: cupcakekatieb-eyecandy.tumblr.com via Asiye on Pinterest

Source: photodonuts.com via Asiye on Pinterest

If there would be three place you could visit in 2012, which ones would you chose?

I would choose Paris, New York...and wavering between Mumbai, South Pacific, Sardinia, Marrakesh, Patagonia... oh so many places..3 is a mighty small number actually. (Note: Heidiland doesn't count as a destination because going home does not count as traveling)

Realistically I am hoping to visit Paris sometime in the next couple of years... it's been a long time since my last visit {and I am saving for a trip to New York--it's called positive thinking}

Well..let's see what 2012 brings...

11 in 2011

2012-01-04T23:22:00.001+02:00

Last Year I decided to join in with the 11 Shawls in 2011 Ravelry Group. And I am quite proud to say I did knit the 11 Shawls. [Details can be found here]. While some of them ended up far away (hopefully reminding their wearers of me) others have become real favorites in my wardrobe. I should admit that most stayed with me... I think a girl can't have too many shawls...I admit: I love shawls...
This year I decided to first finish the two projects I had started in 2010 (I know its totally embarrassing! AND I made it one of my new years resolutions to finish ALL my knitting projects BEFORE starting a new one) that are laying in my stash basket - They both are socks which feel victim to the famous single-sock-syndrome.
I was considering to do the 12 Shawls in 2012. But as much as I love shawls I decided against it- first I wanna be able to just knit what I feel like and second it's really a case of been there done that, since I do love shawls....
I decided to do my own little 12 in 2012, instead - meaning I will try to finish 12 knitting projects this year. You see, I like little challenges like that....
So I have been looking at patterns--just to see what I could knit once I have finished those socks... ---I got to admit however; I seem to always end up looking at shawls...
Well; have I mentioned that I love shawls?

For more creative spaces visit here!

Looking...

2012-01-04T00:32:00.001+02:00

I found myself looking to the past and the future the last few days. Evaluating what I have done and what I want to do. Writing (mental) lists, pondering over what I ticked off on previous ones. Assessing my work, planning new projects.
I guess it comes with the time- but all this thinking about the past and the future made me forget about THIS moment- I have been thinking all day where to start blogging again- so I stopped and started 'spring' cleaning my house. (one of the things on my to-do list non the less)
Tomorrow I shall write reviews and finally write down a list of resolutions... for now I am tired from the window cleaning and I am going to relax.

Happy New Year!
xo

2011-12-24T19:34:00.000+02:00

Happy Holidays!

See you in the new Year

J'adore

2011-12-20T18:06:00.001+02:00

Discovering bits of colour on a Summer morning in Cape Town

It's a boy!

2011-12-16T16:05:00.000+02:00

There is a lot of baby knitting going on around here lately. As mentioned before.
And I am really into making money-buttons! {will blog about it later}

Top Cardigan is for Carle's Baby boy {details here}
It's a simple top down cardigan {make the pattern up as you go}
I used the old RSA 20cents buttons - since she gave me the idea of money-buttons anyhow

Second Cardigan is going to England. A dear friend had just her first baby {details here}
I followed this pattern
I used old RSA 2cents from 1985 -which is the birth year of the mummy

I am all done with the baby boys...moved on to the baby girls now....so watch this space...

Spectacularly Ugly

2011-12-13T19:14:00.000+02:00

There are some buildings around Cape Town which are quite ugly, but I somehow really love them...{don't ask me why..}

I think they are so ugly.... they end up being SPECTACULAR!

My Creative Space

2011-12-07T22:00:00.000+02:00

There is a lot of baby surprise knitting going on at the moment.... {it honestly seems like most of my friends are either pregnant or getting married!}

This one is for a little boy - which one could guess from the blue..no surprise there-

I made the buttons from old South African 20cents coins {Please excuse the big grin- I am rather smirking at my cleverness there}

I only got one little bit to finish, before it will leave Cape Town in a little packet (hopefully) by this weekend...

For more creativity visit Our Creative Spaces.

Lavender

2011-12-06T16:00:00.001+02:00

First Lavender Blossoms

I heart everything about Lavender- the colours, the smell, the taste... the way they are so spiky and messy but so delicate and pretty. The way lavender sways in the wind and it's scent comes to greet you from a far. But most of all I appreciate the first flowers that tell you summer is finally here!

Lazy Day

2011-12-05T08:54:00.001+02:00

Fridays is usually a day of socialising round here. I always go for lunch with some girlfriends, have either dinner with friends at home or out and over the course of the there are lots of coffee drunk.

This Friday however was slightly different; since O had just come back from an extended business trip we were planning on spending the day together. We were thinking of going to places and doing lots of things...but instead we ended up just relaxing at and around home.

I felt like a being a domestic goddess so while O was sleeping in I made some organic sourdough bread. We had a lovely brunch. I went for a stroll in Company Gardens taking a few photos, we enjoyed a couple of coffees at Deluxe Coffeeworks and I made a indulgent dinner. Rib-eye Steak with truffles (you see one of his stops was France), Cafe de Paris Sauce, steamed potatoes, asparagus and a huge mixed salad. For desert we had fresh berries and cream. It was all in all a lovely lazy day.

I meant to blog about it on Friday- but I ended up being too lazy....

Hope you had a great weekend!

Happy Monday, xo

My Creative Space

2011-12-01T11:15:00.001+02:00

It's done.
My Namaqualand Shawl
I ended up doing the border 4 times- because I wanted some yellow in it- but not too much and also wanted to in cooperate the 10g of luxury yarn that comes with the Sock Club
What I learned doing this shawl:

Loopy picot cast off
4.25mm needles with the Nurturing Fibres Super Twist Sock Yarn works the best for me for shawls
And patience and perseverance will be rewarded. I was after the 3rd time rather disheartened... it just didn't come out like i wanted it too-- then after a few days break of it I did a fourth time with the perfect (for me) colour choices. I am glad I did.

More details can be found on my project page

I know I will wear it often-- when Autumn comes along that is- for now I am packing it away and enjoy summer

For more Creative Spaces visit Our Creative Spaces and Natural Suburbia.

My Creative Space

2011-11-23T22:57:00.000+02:00

Currently I am ....
....On the last row of the Shawl I was busy with last week --- and yes! sadly, I am one of those dreadful people who put their knitting down in the middle of a row..especially if there are hundreds of stitches and I am casting of for several hours..
....Sketching a lot for a new project
....Finishing some Jewellery pieces

For more creativity visit our creative spaces

Wanderlust

2011-11-21T23:23:00.001+02:00

Thinking of Summer in Istanbul

A city so ancient and so utterly modern.
Chaotic and yet so surprisingly organised.
So foreign but also familiar
Beautiful and sometimes really ugly
Colourful and but there is still so much grey
Huge but still somehow really intimate
The city where two continents meet

A place where opposites meet and co-exist
The city where worlds collide and form something new.

My Creative Space

2011-11-17T00:57:00.001+02:00

I have abandoned the lace shawl i started a few of weeks back...in favour of this one.

I simply couldn't resist casting on the new Sock Club Yarn from Nurturing Fibres.. its called Namaqualand and inspired by the thousands of daisy that bloom here in spring in the meadows all over the Western Cape.

For more creative spaces visit Our Creative Spaces

Reflections

2011-11-14T18:00:00.001+02:00

Last week I noticed that to my utter shock I had no obsession for months- no creative ones anyhow... well, I also haven't been very productive for the last 3 months. Sure I have been knitting a bit here and there, but I done no sketching, no jewellery design and not even much photography.
So I have been thinking on my may walks along the Promenade what the reason could be....

It has been a rather taxing time for me- lots of social engagements and evens attended and organised, a miscarriage and being rather sick took their toll on me physically but also emotionally. In fact much more than I would care to admit. And my recovery of it all took what seems a life time.
Pondering upon those months I also noticed my lack of creativity-- and promptly started questioning my abilities in this field... at this I am still grinning- since I think that it is a sign that I am back to being my good old self again. And I think that isn't too bad, actually.
So was it just the difficulties that blocked me? Honestly , I don't think so, because usually I find solace in being creative. While I do thin that it certainly didn't help me- I am aware that there were other issues too...namely I feel creatively scattered-- Being a jack of all trades has gotten to me. And while thinking on what I should focus-- I seem to be unable to do things.
There I found myself blocked by myself again- not really sure how to get our of this rut... and then I stumbled upon this book at The Book Lounge on Saturday-- oh it is so wonderful so inspiring so-{sigh}... just amazing and on top of my wish list!-- and I realised that that's it! All I really want is to make beautiful things- be an Artisan, do the best I can do, learn and discover while doing it!

So I set myself back on this discovery journey of creativity - and suddenly I am thinking of things to do and planing new projects...but I do still wonder: Is it possible to somehow bring those different aspects of my creative doings together under one umbrella? Or is it possible to be this diverse Artisan and still be of interest to others?
I guess this is the food of my thoughts for this weeks--- since those questions got me started on pondering about my blog....should it be more structured or limited? Meaning should I blog only about a certain things on a certain day? Or chose one subject and just blog about that? ...Oh there are so many question in my head now - I shall ponder over them on my walk...

So tell me..... what do you think?

My Creative Space

2011-11-09T23:24:00.000+02:00

Shawl #10

Another finished Project this week.

Pattern: Andrea's Shawl by Kirsten Kapur
Wool: Elements Club 2011 Fire by Nurturing Fibres
Needles: 4mm
more details here

I really love the pattern, its really easy and so very effective. I would however do the large shawl - was worried I wouldn't have enough yarn so opted for the medium size.
The yarn- {oh the yarn! are there words for that colourway?} - is just exquisite! This club came as two self striping colourways. Carle dyed them inspired by a wood fire - so one colour way is the reds of the flames and the other the glow of the coals. Just genius!
This my 10th Shawl in 2011 - still busy with the border of my 11th. I have to say that the progress is rather slow..and I am considering putting it aside for a bit and knitting something else....
More Creative Spaces here

Wanderlust

2011-11-04T22:20:00.001+02:00

While dreaming of very exotic and far destinations- I took advantage of some of the good spring weather and went for hikes, walks and road trips...

Where would you like to go this Friday?
Happy Weekend
xo

My Creative Space

2011-11-02T23:00:00.000+02:00

all the threads have been secured and cut...

the 121 squares have been joined...

a pretty boarder was added...

It's done!

Maryam's Blanket is ready! ---She was born on October 24th (I am a wee bit late)

For more details visit my Project Page
For more creative spaces visit here

and one last link-- check Aimee's creativness out! She is doing the Art Every Day Month, just really amazing!

Review of my Week

2011-10-31T22:38:00.000+02:00

It was a week of many social outings and dinners
Lots of fabulous eating, laughing and times spent with friends
But also of many very long walks - lovely time for solitdue.
Sunday however was spent just reading (it was a very very good book..over 500pages of 650 were consumed)... simple bliss!

My Creative Space

2011-10-26T23:52:00.001+02:00

Just cast on...

A shawl

another one....

This time Rock Island by Jared Flood in Lace Merino I got last year in Zurich...

What's happening in your Creative Space?

For more visit Our Creative Spaces

The Promenade and the GetFitChallenge

2011-10-25T22:20:00.001+02:00

The Promenade in Cape Town is not just pretty ...

It's a good place...

...for a run

..to play some putt-putt with friends

...for relaxing walks

.. to enjoy the vistas

..to relax

..to do some people watching

..to take the dogs

..drive to and sit in your car (o.k. Seriously. While this amuses me most- it also is the thing I everyday wonder about: why not get out of the car?!)

And it is a place I've been spending more and more time... That's since Maryam has started the GetFitChallenge. It's really a simple; we set our goal -a set number of one hour work out each month- and then we tweet about it. It has been so much fun to work out with gals and guys all over the world and I am looking forward to November already. Why don't you join in?

Visit My Marrakesh for more details

Review of my Week

2011-10-25T00:41:00.002+02:00

It was a week of recuperation and lots of girls times. Guest have left, new ones arrived ..summer came and left again-- hopefully to be back sooner than later. A week of rest, renewal and changes.

2011-10-21T17:38:00.000+02:00

A few photos from my walk up Table Mountain with the mega talented and gorgeous H. It was one of those glorious spring days and the light was just incredible. Doing one of my photo sessions with someone else was really fun and very inspiring.. as we were walking back down we were already planning our next photo adventure together.... so watch this space!

Happy Weekend,

My Creative Space

2011-10-20T19:35:00.001+02:00

All the squares of the baby blanket are done and layed out-- now I just have to crochet them together and make a border...

For more creativity visit our creative spaces

Monochrome Wanderlust

2011-10-19T12:50:00.002+02:00

Istanbul

The enjoyment of pottering around the city and snapping monochrome moments was a discovery I made during the Soccer World Cup last year... and while traveling I rediscovered my passion for it.

The stripping of colour makes it easier - at least it seem like that to me- to try and depict an essence of something- a scene, a moment or whatever I discover in the movement of the big city. There is just something defining and deep when one switches off the colour -- and captures the moment (or at least tries to). Suddenly I don't only see colours and details-- I sees events (we speaking about second long ones) . I think that's what makes my monochrome photography different to my 'normal' photography.

In the anonymity behind the lens watching life unfolding in a city, one discovers a lot about a place and I feel I connect with the momentary happenings much more.

AND every time I take monochromes I find myself desiring to be a better photographer-- which I guess is a really good thing!

Colourful

2011-10-18T19:17:00.000+02:00

15

Colours seen during my hike on the Pipe Track on Table Mountain
Just love the orange with the earthy tones
What yummy colour combos did you discover lately?

Review of my week

2011-10-18T00:09:00.001+02:00

I've been going through some odd times lately..

Things just don't fall in place...

I lost several important items...

had lots of difficulties on many aspects of my life...

and I've been sick twice in a short period of time...

BUT the week ended really well! Girls dinner on Saturday, a wonderful tea with friends and a great walk in blissful solitude on Sunday

So I wont dwell too much on the bad luck and hope for sunnier days ahead!

My creative space

2011-10-05T23:25:00.000+02:00

I've just cast on a new shawl as part of a Knit-a-Long for the Rugby World Cup. - Not that I have been or intend to watch many of the games... but Knit-A-Longs are rather fun so despite the fact that the World Cup is well on its way -- I have around 10days to finish (I hope) -- I bravely cast on
It's Kirsten Kapur's Andrea's Shawl Pattern, this is my second go....

my first one was knitted in August and I really enjoyed knitting it. Its a gorgeous and clever pattern, easy and really fun to knit.

For more creative spaces visit here

Istanbul

2011-10-05T23:07:00.000+02:00

Snapping around the Grand Bazaar

A place for discovering, people watching, haggling, eating, exploring and also shopping...

Review of my week(s)

2011-10-03T23:22:00.001+02:00

The promenade and I

The last few weeks I have been rather often on the Promenade walking or running... well, to be exact walking every single day for 45-75min and about 3times a week training to run 5km.

Until last Tuesday morning that is: the fateful day I managed to loose my car key during my run. It was the only key for the car, and a huge number to get a new one ( and not a small expense which my husband has managed to remind me more times than I would care to count!)

So while I have been busy with lots of admin work - really quite boring stuff the reason I never found time to blog was because I was running around - literally. You see my one hour walks have become like therapy- I discovered that while walking I somehow manage to empty my brain of thoughts that would usually still be there in the middle of the night stopping me from sleeping.

I got a new key today- and will be back at the Promenade tomorrow for my download walk... but I also have reshuffled my days so I should be able to posts around here again (oh and there is the fabulous pre-schedule-thing so I can guaranty there will be a post latest Wednesday ;) )

I hope that you had a wonderful time while I went on my walking holiday!

Colourful

2011-09-16T22:12:00.003+02:00

Winter Whites

The photos were taken a few weeks ago on one of my walks in Fernwood. The place was covered with a sea of white flowers and the air was laden with the scent of them.
As I looked at this incredible show of winter blooms , it struck me how different the winters here are to my native country Switzerland. The thing they have in common... they have both white winters, well I guess they are a slightly different kind of white.....
Happy Weekend
xo

My creative space

2011-09-15T19:20:00.002+02:00

This is a classic case of never-say-never. Because after my last baby blanket, I said that I won't crochet another one except for my own baby....
... And here I am, crocheting a baby blanket. It is a joint venture with my dear friend R. and a surprise for the expecting mum (I know she doesn't read blogs- definitely not mine, so this is completely safe from being a spoiler..)
While future mum is really into pink for her baby girl... I really didn''t wanna go the barbie route. So we decided on three pink/fuchsias (last pic) and added neutrals, green and blues. We chose 9 colours in total. I really like the deep colours and think that it is girly in a sophisticated way. We also decided to make tiny squares, for a more whimsical look - which in my opinion is totally girly.

For more visit our creative spaces

City Dwelling

2011-09-14T10:09:00.000+02:00

Monochrome in....

Cape Town

Istanbul

Zurich

Review

2011-09-12T08:56:00.002+02:00

While my computer was at the doctors for the last couple of weeks or so it looks like Spring has moved into the Cape. I have been busy with photo editing, lots of social events, taking part in an exhibition, reading several books and plenty more.. time seems to have flown by since July- I had a shock when I look at the date yesterday... nearly mid September?!

Being back in the digital age is both a bit overwhelming and a total relief. I've missed keeping up with blogs and their authors. it's amazing how much one gets to know about people round here and how one misses their 'company'... Hope all is back on track now and I will catch up on those blogs during the week -Which is rather a nice thing to look forward to

My creative space...

2011-08-18T11:45:00.000+02:00

I have been knitting quite a bit lately...
I got a shawl blocking and another one on my needles as we speak...
inbetween the two we had really cold and rainy weather so I decided a pair of these would be great

Yarn: Nurturing Fibres Classic Sock Wool, Passion for Purple

They are super easy to make:

Cast on 44 stitches on 3.5mm needles.
Knit 100row in the round.
Cast off....
e voila wonderful warm wrist warmers

it took me a couple of nights to make the pair...

I really like them - and should really mention that the wool did all the work...

Colourful

2011-08-18T01:26:00.004+02:00

Magnolias

The colours of the blooming magnolia trees have caught my eye this week! Just a magical colour treat especially during the winter months

Review of my Week

2011-08-16T06:00:00.002+02:00

While it was Swiss week over here, we had one of the coldest weeks in Cape Town this winter. Looking at my photos of summer, it seemed a life time away that I took them.
Despite the cold a few rather wonderful things happened last:
3 of my photos have been selected for an exhibition. Which I am rather excited about.
I managed to visit Jesse. Which was a wonderful and uplifting experience. She is a truly gifted and very inspiring artist. It's great to see people who have made not only a living with their art but also did it without compromising their art or their work, hence creating superb and unique pieces.
My iPhone camera stayed in my bag, while my lumix had the floor on several photo sessions.
I finished two knitting projects and baked up a storm
The only down side at the end of the week my Internet didn't work- and it stayed off until Monday. Hence I never posted the last post of my Swiss endeavours... shall do that another time. This week l'atelier is more or less going to be back in Cape Town.
Will be back a little later...
xo

Colours

2011-08-11T22:14:00.005+02:00

When I think of 'Swiss' Colour I think crisp colours - but mostly I think green. And every time I visit I am amazed by the lush green that is in an nearly overwhelming abundance every where....

All except three were taken in Zurich by the way...
For more Nature Photography of Switzerland visit Enchanted Gardens

See you tomorrow for another Swiss experience... (last for now)

On the lake

2011-08-10T20:04:00.005+02:00

A few years back O and I discovered that we both really like going on boat rides... so when in Switzerland we try and go on at least one.

This year my parents, my youngest sister, Orhan and I chose to go from:

Zurich
to
Rapperswil

(again I should say we have done it quite a few times)

After standing in the queue

on pier no 3

we boarded and the siren signaled the beginning of our trip

The ship stopped on several different places

until arriving at Au - a lovely peninsula

We went on land

for a little walk and some iced coffees right on top of the hill overlooking the lake.

an hour later we were back on the next ship

enjoying the rest of our journey.

(too) soon we arrived in Rapperswil.

We disembarked and a whole new crowd of passengers got on

while the ship sailed on to Zurich

we went to enjoy some Ice Cream and the lovely old town of Rapperswil

Details

2011-08-09T23:17:00.003+02:00

as promised it's Swiss Week around here

Details of Zurich

Review of my Week

2011-08-09T00:05:00.002+02:00

The week where I finally arrived in Cape Town rather than being mentally still over there..
A huge amount could be amounted to the Girls coffees held at the Taj. Getting together with the girls chatting laughing equals fun and (i feel so blessed!)normalcy.
I have, after moaning and moping about life and such, decided to just go with the flow for this month. Work on my photography and Jewellery and get back into the daily grind. Hoping I can squeeze in a road trip or any kind of trip - maybe a couple?- in September.
Also after being busy with my Swiss photos for the last week- I am so over it- I decided this should be the Week of all things Heidiland around here... expect lots of photos!
xo

Did you ever...

2011-08-05T11:56:00.000+02:00

.....wonder where the irritating no parking sign came from ?

- I discovered that they are from Switzerland

...go to Vienna?
- Here is your chance to have join an Artist on her visit

...write a travel journal?
- Aimee did a fabulous one.

...take part in a fitness challenge?
-For Capetoneans: 360 TT Challenge is definitely the way to go
-For all of us Tweeters: join Maryam's 21day fitness challenge

Happy Weekend
xo

My creative space

2011-08-04T04:54:00.000+02:00

While I have been editing my nearly 2.5 thousand photos, doing my travel journal and sketching new jewellery I needed a 'brainless' but fun knitting project. The choice was Andrea's Shawl, the only bit one has to concentrate was the edge and that was done in two evenings watching Luther. Now I am enjoying the unfolding of the Noro Colours.

Around 1 1/2 years ago I had seen many gorgeous project on Ravelry and was very keen to get my hands on a ball of that magical yarn. I did buy one (Silk Garden Sock Colourway :S264 [Fall 2008]) in Switzerland. But was a bit disappointed with the yarn quality- it was a bit bitty and rather nylony. (I should mention I have been extremely spoiled by Nurturing Fibres hand dyed super washmerino sock wool - it is just so soft has great drape and knits up a beautifully) So it ended up in my then newly acquired stash basket. And was forgotten.
My stash basket in the meantime got fuller and fuller until a few month ago- it had no more space. My yarn buying exceeded my yarn usage buy thousands... so I decided to slow down on the buying and knit as many projects from my stash basket as possible.
By the way, the natural coloured fingering yarn is from Nurturing Fibres and was also in my stash.

Now that I am knitting with the Noro I can totally see what the hype is all about! The colours are totally amazing. Watching the colours change row after row is so exciting!!
I love it so much I might even buy another colour way some time in the future....

For more Creative Fun visit HERE

Food for Thought

2011-08-03T11:33:00.002+02:00

Lately I have been ponder over this space and my creative doings.

It all started with my Ravelry account, actually. At that time one did ask for an invited and it took a few weeks till one got an email of acceptance- I got mine on my birthday three years ago. I stated reading several knitting blogs- and upon advice of several knitters I stared my own. It so happened that I just got totally inspired by the rock pools in False Bay. To document this I used my little Nikon Coolpix- which was the beginning of my discovery journey of photography.
So here I am three years later. I started knitting since then, bought a better camera, taken thousands of photos, still making jewellery and finding my inspirations from my surroundings. But also I am wondering where to go from here....
My biggest problem I always encountered is that I am fairly alright in many things but not exceedingly good in anything. Since I can think I have been searching for the thing I am good in- until a few years ago that is. I had told a friend about my dilemma and she laughed and said- but we all like that it is only the very few who are exceedingly good at one thing, they called geniuses.... So I just went with the flow.
The flow brought me amazingly new skills and discoveries. And left me with some question marks.
Is it ok not to have a completely marked out carrier? Where do I go next? Can one somehow unite all these different skills or bring the somehow together?
For now I have decided to make a little list with some resolutions and goals. And more importantly to simply accept the fact that I am a little jack-of-all-trades and enjoy my creative goings not matter what.
Now coming to the subject of my blog... it is a total reflection of me creatively. So a jack-of-all-trades. I tried to bring some more structure into it...but every time I do, I feel rather stuck. My question: is it interesting that I blog about photos, food, colours,knitting, jewellery and who knows what?! A blog with the only aim to document what inspires me and what is happening creatively at the moment? Still pondering about the blogging thing... let me know what you think!
xo

Colourful

2011-08-02T10:07:00.001+02:00

Summer Berries

A splash of Swiss Red
Red is not only the Colour of the National Swiss Flag it is definitely a colour that features often everywhere in Switzerland. I love the colour and being brought up in Switzerland this is what I would call a pure red....

I spy....

2011-08-02T00:16:00.002+02:00

Glimpses of Summer in Zurich

2011-07-29T19:27:00.002+02:00

Hello there!

I have been travelling for a while...

[ hence I was off the net for a bit
While I managed to blog for the first bit of my journey, not having my own laptop anymore proved a bit disastrous to the life of this blog-- and at the end I couldn't even connect to the Internet with my phone.. so I was forcefully i-detoxed.]

I have been on three continents over the last months - sounds great doesn't it?-
taken over 2000 photos - which I am busy editing -
visited my family - whom I am missing already -
thought about life - my own in particular
seen amazing things
eaten great food - have also +1.5kg on my waistline from it-
made new travel plans already -while traveling actually...hopeless I know-
met and spend time with interesting and inspiring people
been from winter to summer and back -southern and northern hemisphere-
spoke many different languages
have my head filled with colours, shapes and details

It has been a good month and I am still taking stock... somehow we ended up at crossroads and we will have to make a few decisions in the next months that will change our life.
For me personally I discovered that I actually want to get better in photography and start selling my photos. To be honest my dream would be to become a travel photographer... - I am investigating how to achieve it, any tips would be welcomed!-

How was your months? Been reading up on my favorite blogs- honestly its mind blowing after my Internet break! There are some super talented and wonderful people round the blog world
!
Enjoy your weekend
xo

Searching.....

2011-07-06T12:48:00.000+02:00

A shawl soft and drapey
Made with the same pattern as one before
The pattern my own design, double tested , being written up now and soon given to test knitters
But there is NO name!

Do you have any ideas for a name for this shawl pattern?

Colours

2011-07-05T02:47:00.001+02:00

Gold & Blues

Sometimes I am honestly amazed to discover how different project seem to be made to match.... I guess my love for details and colour effects me much more than I am aware of.
What's your colour inspiration this week?

City Dwelling

2011-07-01T01:09:00.002+02:00

Seen around Town

My creative space...

2011-06-30T00:50:00.002+02:00

Remember yesterdays Colours? Some of them are being knit up...

Carle from Nurturing Fibres has outdone herself once again. For the Seasonal Sock Club she asked the Club members what inspires us about autumn... and we all came up with different ideas. Which she took and combined into a mosaic and then dyed her fabulous super twist sock yarn accordingly.

I was planning on making a shawl (yes another one..) but she warned me that it is meant to be stripey sock yarn and wasn't sure how the stripes will look once the shawl got larger... she also mentioned that she might do a Baktus...

Well, what can I say - sometimes being a copy cat is rather a clever thing...

Wouldn't you agree?

Visit Our Creative Spaces for more

Colours

2011-06-29T13:40:00.006+02:00

Rooibos

Some West Coast Autumn Colours
The two small photos on the side were used by Carle from Nurturing Fibres as part of her Mosaic for the Autumn of her Seasonal Sock Club. Shall share photos of the yarn tomorrow...

What's your colour of choice today?
xo

PS: Wednesdays is Monochrome day on Instagram.... in case you get tired of colour

Review of my Week

2011-06-27T11:00:00.003+02:00

Week #25

Just sitting here thinking what I have done the past week... and it seems like it flew by like lightning...again
I had flu for first 3 days of the week, so there was a lot of tissues used and knitting done.
The rest of the week I got back to hammering - aka making jewellery and trying to catch up with everything that was left aside while being sick
Sunday was O's Birthday - so croissants at the Taj and a lovely dinner were on the menu
Hope you had a great week
Happy Monday
xo

J'adore

2011-06-25T16:34:00.002+02:00

Some Architectural Details seen around the City - and a few reminders for myself why I love Cape Town
Why do you love the City you live in?

Happy Weekend!
xo

My creative space...

2011-06-23T12:08:00.004+02:00

Patina

In the Studio it's all about Patina at the moment.
I have been playing around with it for a while, but I never been completely satisfied with the results until finally I got the above result.
It's a brass ring, pieced and forged and then patinated and polished.

Here is how to:

Clean piece from all fats and oils
Dip into diluted Nitric acid (H2O: HNO3 - 2:1) for a few minutes
Rinse with water
Put in a airtight plastic container with a cotton ball that has been soaked with Ammonia -leave overnight or at least a few hours
Remove carefully and let it dry for 48hours or more if need - putting it in the sun (if you can find any) does speed and help the process
Seal with beeswax

I am pleased with this result but I am still enjoying my discovery journey of patinas. There are still many different processes to sass out. So hopefully more good results but definitely a few more failures on the way.

For more creativity visit here

Colourful

2011-06-22T21:25:00.002+02:00

ODS Entrance

My colour inspiration this week: a door.
Just love the different shades of teal and greys with touch of wood together.
Which colours are you favorites at the moment?

Review of my Week

2011-06-20T21:51:00.001+02:00

#24

My creative space...

2011-06-16T23:33:00.002+02:00

At the moment I am finishing up projects and planning new ones.
The shawl I was knitting last week is blocking, while I am doing a gauge and calculations for a new one
I am adding the last finishing touches to some jewellery pieces I have been working on and sketching new ones
I edited most of my photo material and while planning my next photo session (hopefully next week)
For more creativeness visit Our Creative Spaces

Colourful

2011-06-15T10:53:00.002+02:00

Golden Light

The lovely winter weather we had -up until today- inspired me get out there and enjoy the amazing surroundings of the City. One day it was the sea shore the next the mountain... whatever I just fancied. The thing that every year strikes me... winter is rather colourful. (Quite unlike Heidiland) There are amazing Proteas blooming and other flowers whose names I sadly don't know. The other thing that is just amazing is the light. At this time of the year I often switch to monochrome - the low angle of the sun produces beautiful shadows and reflections without the starkness that we have during summer. But it also gives everything a wonderful golden glow- especially in the afternoon....

Night Sky

2011-06-14T10:56:00.001+02:00

Another Shawl...

The yarn...
was a gift.
It always made me think of the night sky.
A work of art by Carle from Nurturing Fibres.
A one of a kind skein.
Simply beautiful.
I admired it for a long time before I finally cast on

The pattern...
is the now famous Ishbel from Isolda.
This pattern is in fact the reason I decided to learn how to knit lace...
and a good while later I finally did it.
It's a simple yet effective pattern and I really enjoyed knitting it.

The project...
a success!
I love the combo of the two, they bring out the best of each other.
I am already wearing the shawl often... and know it will be used for a long time to come

What's on your needles these days?

Review of my Week

2011-06-13T12:54:00.002+02:00

# W23

It was the week of Girl Power. I spent most of my free time with my girlfriends, which is exactly what I needed.
I also managed to get a few long (5-8km) walks in. They are my insomnia remedy! Now I discovered it, I simply can't believe how easy the remedy is and wonder what took me so long to find it.
On the other hand lots of hammering and patinating was done. And I got the hands to show for it! - cuts, bruises and yellow finger nails (from nitric acid) - and all in one day... I promised myself I shall take more care of my fingers this week.
I actually printed some of my instragram pics- and am really amazed how nice they actually look - decided they would look gorgeous mounted on wood..... guess this week I am trying to work out how i could do that - any tips?

My creative space...

2011-06-09T08:49:00.002+02:00

Oh I started it ages ago
I have to admit the wing-it approach did not really work
It was not really bad. I was on the last row.
But it was not really it either. So I started over...

This time I went for the triangular shape, I used the fluffy kid mohair only for the lace and planned it before hand, I even wrote a chart.
I got about 6more rows left... Hope it will work out this time around

Visit Our Creative Spaces for more creativity or .....join in!

Review of my Week

2011-06-06T17:30:00.003+02:00

W #22

Another week flew by. It was a week that offered many opposites on many levels. Sunshine and rain, a little quiet time and lots of social times, times on the shores of the ocean and on the mountains. Managed to do quite a bit of admin but also creative work.
At the weekend was the wedding of much loved friends and I am still buzzing from it! It was simply wonderful!!
How was your week?
You might have noticed that I decided to use my iphone photos to make the mosaic, I still got the instagram bug... and since these days one always carries ones cell phone where ever one goes, it's always handy.

xo

J'adore

2011-06-02T21:24:00.002+02:00

Monochrome Cityliving

Reviewing

2011-05-24T22:42:00.002+02:00

Looks like my Internet is finally working again. PHEW!
While I missed the whole online world- I would have had total withdrawal symptoms were it not for the handy invention of smart phones...instagram, twitter and the new phone app for pinterest!- I desperately needed some time to focus on me. I have been a wee bit in the rain lately. Not quite sure why, and not quite sure what can do about it. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on many aspects of my life and started to list a few new (small) goals. I think for the first time in my life I don't know what I want. Being in a 'not so sure' bubble is rather a new and very odd experience to me. So it is one step at the time for now, one mini goal after the other-- and hopefully back into the sun.

2011-05-11T22:09:00.000+02:00

Hello!
I am still here! Battling with a terrible internet connection for the last 3-4days...
so until I manage to solve it, I shall take some offline time. Thinking and working a wee bit more.
xo

My creative space...

2011-05-05T23:46:00.002+02:00

I am 'playing' chemistry at the moment....

... The other day I went to the Jeweller Suppliers and bought a whole bunch of chemicals.
Whith the intention is to treat different metals and get exciting, interesting and beautiful effects.
I have been playing with patination- oh so fun. ( I will share another time)

But today I pulled all the stops!
Today I did some etching.

Now according to most people (the jewellery designers I spoke to) : it's not easy, but the chemicals - oh the chemicals! what dread! ----- I thought to myself; Acids are daily bread for a chemist, it surely cant be too bad..., went to library and got a book out. (its how I deal with something I wanna learn)

So Today - Today was the day:
I encountered no problems at all, it's really simple chemistry...
The pieces came out great- and I am so excited to do more- and once I find some Stop-out-fluid the sky is the limit

So Today:
The scientist in me feels totally professional and I am totally enjoying it.
The artisan in me is pleased with the effects and I am thinking up a thousand and one things I can do...

for more creativity visit Kirsty

Join me....

2011-05-05T00:33:00.002+02:00

....on my walk through Green Point Park!

Colourful Tuesdays

2011-05-03T21:53:00.002+02:00

WILD

I am still working on my West Coast Colours- but this will be the last one I am going to post here for a while. For more visit a splash of colours... all the West Coast palettes will be featured there for the next week or so.

Visit Cindy for some gorgeous Spring YELLOW
What is your colour of choice this Tuesday?

Next Weeks Colourful Tuesday theme: Rainbow

Review of my Week

2011-05-03T12:36:00.001+02:00

Week #17

A week of long walks in the rain, lots of public holidays, aating at many (new) restaurants, plenty of girl time and many rainbows

Hope you had a good week, too
xo

(ps: shall be back this evening with some wild colour!)

My creative space...

2011-04-28T00:37:00.003+02:00

Another shawl... but I am winging it at the moment- just cast-on and will see where it leads me. What I know for now it will be crescent shaped, swiss summer green and have some sparkles in it.
For more Creative Spaces visit Kirsty

Colourful Tuesdays

2011-04-26T22:28:00.002+02:00

Today as promised is all

Y E L L O W

I have to say: I adore the different West Coast Yellows...
What's your colour of the Week?

You wanna join in the colour fun? - post about colours and give me your link

Next Week: Wild Colours

Review of my Week

2011-04-25T23:00:00.002+02:00

Week 16

It was the week of iphonography- well at least as far as obsessions go. I got totally hooked on my iphone camera- hipstamatic and Instagram to be exact- oh if there are any other really good apps like that, please don't tell me at this point... tell me in a couple of months....- I have morphed into one of these horrid people, who can spend hours looking at their phone! I remember reading this post- and shrugging it off, thinking its not my kind of thing. Well, this week I discovered - It is!
On another note it was the week when Autumn seemingly stopped by for 5minutes to leave the Cape for Winter to step in. And (this is big for me!) I have been getting to terms with it. Oh even better I actually have been enjoying the rains and the freezing cold (15C at times!!) - my iphonography being an amazing help. (while looking at ones phone one does not realise how cold it is ;))
Are you on Instagram? I'm @ denizyildiz- pop by and say hi, so I can follow your photo journey too.
xo

Taking a bow

2011-04-21T17:37:00.003+02:00

Like everybody else -or at least is seems like it- I am in a holiday mood! The decision came easy: I am starting the weekend NOW. ---to this tune
No blogging here until Monday... in the meantime get some yellow love or interestingness (yes I am totally into micro blogging at the moment)
Shall be visiting all your lovely blogs. -That's a promise! so leave a comment if I haven't been at yours by Saturday evening!

HAPPY WEEKEND

Colourful Tuesdays

2011-04-19T18:54:00.004+02:00

PINK

I am still into the West Coast Colours... my choice this week- all the different shades of pinks. It's a hue that often surprises me. In all the greys, stones, beiges, greens and blues it pops up every now and then. Often one has to take a good look before discovering it. But then one finds the tip of a leave dipped in deep burgundy or flamingos roaming in the turquoise lagoon.
Clicke here for a more detailed palette
Next Tuesday will be yellow...

What's your colour of choice today?

Review of my Week

2011-04-19T00:04:00.001+02:00

Week #15

A colourfull and eventfull week passed by way to quickly

J'adore

2011-04-15T01:33:00.003+02:00

Snapping gorgeousness around the Mother City

Colours

2011-04-13T22:22:00.007+02:00

Remember a while back I was telling you about my new muse? The West Coast and it's colours?
I am still obsessed with all things West Coast. And I have been making colour palettes over here- but let me warn you! its addictive... hence my "I will be back in a wee bit with some colour" takes more than 24hours...-

The Colour palette above represent the overall colours on the Peninsula Region of the West Coast. Very subtle and muted colours....
But when one takes a closer look: The palette becomes more complex and definitely has a few surprises in store.
I am loving this process and will be (trying) to post a palette every Tuesday.. taking that I am posting this one on a Wednesday, I will do my best not to get sucked into my new (now not so secret) obsession but actually post some colour love :)

This weeks selection is called Grass :

Any colours you really loving at the moment?
Hope you enjoy my colour love! (..I am off to make and admire some more colour palettes..)
xo

Review of my Week

2011-04-12T11:21:00.002+02:00

Week # 14

While the week started really great-a hike to lion head first thing Monday morning, girl brunch on Tuesday- Most of it was a bit of a drag, because I got some annoying tummy bug ...
I managed to ignore my illness for a bit, get on with some work and take advantage of the great weather to snap a few good pics walking round the city... so glad I did- with camera in hand I always discover fun and interesting new things I somehow overlooked before
Finally at the end of the week, I had to admit to being not well and took some time off to retreat and rejuvenate.
Now it's back to normal just as soon as I caught up with the tons of things I got to do..
Hope you had a better week - will be back a wee bit later again with some colour
xo

My creative space...

2011-04-08T11:58:00.005+02:00

Stripe Study

Just cast off last weeks shawl...will wash and block it later
about to start a new one (shawls are my thing at them moment!) -striping lovely raspberry with fleckeld grey....

for more creative fun visit the fabulous KooTooYoo

Mountain Lake

2011-04-05T21:48:00.002+02:00

A new shawl.
The yarn is from Nurturing Fibres.
The pattern called Whippoorwill.
The inspiration a photo of lake Lucerne in Switzerland.
The result a favorite used daily since it has been finished.

more detail here

Review of my Week

2011-04-05T01:00:00.002+02:00

On Thurday I thought it was Monday...

Which tells you how fast the week went by!
It was a week of lots of work, ideas, getting back to normal and sadly very few photos.

My creative space...

2011-03-31T21:35:00.009+02:00

On my needles...

..is a new shawl. I'm into them, I think.
The yarn was a gift and its from Nurturing Fibres. A one of a kind from the talented Carle (my favorite!). The pattern is from Ysolda,an Ishbel.

On my bench...

...is brass and copper.
A first for me. Thought I try it out....am not sure I like working with it. The results are not too bad.

On my Screen...

...West Coast photos.
I am editing slowly through the pics I took on my two road trips

On my mind....

...colour palettes inspired by the West Coast
and tons of possible ideas for future project

For more Creative Space visit Kootoyoo.

Inspirations

2011-03-29T21:16:00.004+02:00

I love the West Coast. Every time I return there I fall in love with it over and over again. In last couple of weeks I made two road trips to that region of the Western Cape (am planning my next trip there already!)
At the moment I am saturated with the impressions of it. Mostly of it's colours...
At first glance, there all neutrals- lots of grey and sand tones- but when one looks closer there is a huge number of very unexpected rich- yet also sun bleached- colours. I simply adore them!
... and I am dreaming of West Coast coloured crochet blankets and West Coast inspired jewellery at the moment...

(PS I really adore colour charts made from photos like this and this. Sadly I am totaly clueless on how to make them...Anyone got a tip?)

Review of my Week

2011-03-28T22:43:00.002+02:00

A week of long walks, hikes, road trips, colour inspirations - time just flew by (due to that a total lack of blogging)

Shall pick up the slack in the next couple of days.......and tell you more about my adventures on the road

Eiffel

2011-03-22T18:26:00.002+02:00

A shawl

Inspired by this

Source: acottageinthewoods.tumblr.com via Asiye on Pinterest

The Swiss cotton yarn was bought last year in Zurich...
the pattern always admired...
the result is practical light weight,soft draping with a light sheen and with a interesting structural feel - and it feels like a piece of home, so it makes me smile

For more details visit here

Review of my Week

2011-03-21T18:51:00.002+02:00

Week 11

A week full of gorgeous golden light, lots of snapping away, road trips, long hikes and at least 5 iced coffees to many!

Wandering

2011-03-18T19:24:00.002+02:00

....off the beaten path

....around the West Coast Nature Reserve

My creative space...

2011-03-17T19:17:00.003+02:00

There are still 3 (old) unfinished knitting projects laying around.

-For my defence I should mention that I brought the number down from 6....
ok there are no excuses!-

To finally get done with these I joined a ravelry group called One Day a week UFOs (ravelry link). The purpose of the group is in the name. One choses one day in the week where one only works on those oldies that havent been finished in ages. I chose Thursdays, because Fringe is on TV Thursday... Hopefully soon I will have only current projects on the go.

Let's go for a wallk

2011-03-15T18:42:00.003+02:00

With the cooler weather long walks up the mountains became a way to

take a break from the city life

enjoy the views

admire the plants

and discover that autumn is creeping in

every where one looks

autumn left its marks

and just in case there was any doubt... the temperatures dropped even more

and the fog settled in.

So all that was left to do is walk back to into the Town and enjoy a cup of cocoa with some lovely pistacio beignets...

Review of my Week

2011-03-15T09:16:00.002+02:00

W 10

It looks like this was the week when Autumn came to Cape Town. The temperatures dropped by 10C (crinch!) but the light is so amazing, one wants to just potter about with the camera and snap all day...
will be back shortly to share some of those photos
Enjoy your week!