Mollie makes magazine and Malabrigo Rasta yarn

Oh so excited that I managed to get back orders on Mollie makes magazine. Have you all browsed through one of these delicious magazines yet??? Its a crafters feast! Have you ever found a magazine where absolutely every page holds your interest..Well, Mollie makes does. It truly is my kinda mag..My plans today are to sit at my bedroom window, sipping tea from my robbin mug, watching my garden and feeling the Sun on my back. Straight after that, its back to around the house chores~ Another exciting arrival this week was my stash of Malabrigo Rasta yarn. I know I am full of praise today but this truly is such wonderful super bulky yarn. Winter has not yet raised its head in my part of the world but when it does, I am sure going to throw this yarn at it. I have projects lined up and ones I am busy with and quite frankly, I am over loaded with knitting projects. If you have ever gone searching for this yarn on the net and wondered if the vibrant colors are those exact ones, THEY ARE! I was thrilled with the colors. The green, mauves, yellows and blues are 416 Indiecita and the Rust, mauve,purple, musk, greens, yellow and browns are 862 Piedras. We're all happy Down in the meadow. We harvested some bananas today too. Sweet wholesome bananas~ The kiddo's are schooling and coping, I am soaking in the warmth which is strange for this time of year and Mr Darcy seems just dandy. The Winter veg are well on their way and all the farmyard chickens are on strike. We all fight for that one egg that pops out every morning. Looking forward to Spring to see those eggs lining our fridge again~ Have a happy day Lots of love Suzanne X

A beautiful Capelet

Now I am very proud of my 'Elderflower' cape...reason...my first difficult pattern to complete. The pattern by Louisa harding,comes with three options a Collar, Cowl and Capelet. I started out with beautiful merino wool. I have added quite a few pics because the color is what impressed me most and it still doesn't show the true result. It is a teal of two shades and on closer look, they look like mother of pearl crossed between the darker and lighter shades of an ocean wave. Really pretty. The pattern also brought out such texture. Now my kiddo's were away with their aunty the whole weekend so I had no budding photographer to help with the pics. I am now about to embark on the 'tea leaves' cardi. The pattern brought from ravelry. Really excited about it as I just love a yolk neck. I suppose Cardi's are completely out of your mind with Summer on the way. All I see is wrapping myself in warmth. Autumn close to leaving and Winter is around the corner. Have a creative week Suzanne X

New knitting books, knitted scarf and a painting

I spent my morning having tea and breakfast with my friend and neighbor Linda. It was a lovely start to my day. Knitting and chatting is something I must make time for. I have started knitting myself a long narrow scarf which I will sew together at the ends to create a circle to wrap around my neck...forgotten the name of it but I will show you when I am done. I have chosen alpaca and merino. Nice and soft. Some of the yarn I have spun and dyed myself. Dinner tonight is completely organic and grown from our orchard. Beans, potato and pumpkin. It thrills me when I can make a whole meal from planting to harvesting to the table....

I too have been taking painting lessons and have produced quite a few works of art. This is my favorite...goes with my home and I have a spot waiting in my bedroom just for it. I find it romantic and have a passion for painting flowers in vases. The aim was to take the lessons and full my passage with my own art. It is cheaper.

These two new knitting books have sparked new ideas for Winter. I love them and can't wait to start on a new project. News around Say's this Winter is going to be a cold one and might come a little earlier. Every year I make these dreadful deals with myself that everyone will have a knitted beanie, scarf, blanket and cardigan..I have possibly 2 months to get all that right. Then I say to myself 'how can one prepare for Winter when your'e sipping lemonade in the sun!!'

The tale of Beatrix Potter

Once upon a time....~

Hilltop farm, Mrs Tiggy Winkle, Peter Rabbit , Jemima puddle-duck and friends have all made their way into my heart over the years of reading to my children. I have created a little basket of woolen friends for a special little someone.. These characters conjure up feelings of warmth, care and love~

"Now, my dears," said old Mrs. Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden." ~

Love to you~

Down in the Meadow Celebration Mares

I have just finished these two Meadow Mares for my shop. One for an Autumn nature table and one with the Festive Season on the way, these would be a treasure treat. They have been knitted with merino and alpaca wool. Have I told you all how much I LOVE knitting and creating . I find that when I need me time, the first thing I pick up is a gorgeous soft ball of pure wool. It is an instant relaxer for me. My Lovely "Joy" spinning wheel arrived yesterday. I have tried spinning on it and Oh my golish! What two left feet I have! I will photograph my spinning wheel tomorrow and share my Joy with you...

My creative few days

I thought I would share what I have been making over the last few days. This magical princess mare started off as a holiday project when we went to the coast. I just could not get it right. With the help of my Mom, she has turned out to be such a mystical beauty. This flower garland was inspired by my beautiful garden. When I walk out of my kitchen door every morning, I get greeted by beautiful smells and colors, butterflies, snails and bugs....

My First knitted Beanie

I thought I would just whip up a knitted hat. My very first. I could not find an easy pattern so I decided to make my own. We presented it to little Rebecca. Now what makes you think I have been knitting too many gnomes lately!

Whats been keeping me busy

I thought I would share with you a wonderful order I received that has been keeping me so busy. These little down in the meadow treasures have been shipped off to England. They will be displayed in an old little English village shop window, waiting for a treasure browser to snap them up. Knitting is truly my passion. I love the constant rhythm of my wooden knitting needles. I love the smell of the wool and the feeling I get as I settle down in my chair to cast on. I am indeed blessed having found such a comforting hobby.

My Ethnobongo organic Knysna sheep

Whilst on holiday, I did indeed take the ol' knitting needles with. Andrew thought I had left them but they came right on with me. I managed to find a lovely humble couple who sell organic wool. They only have a few sheep and their diet is Grass and Cape Bushes .That's Organic enough for me. The wool I knitted with was rough and had bits of grass still stuck on it. I just LOVE it! They have also offered some of their wool for me to sell and so I will be organising my skeins soon. They dye their wool with beetroot, cabbage, berries . The turquoise has not been naturally dyed but beautiful. What an adventure holiday!

knitted treasures

I have just added some new items to my Etsy shop. If you need a gift please pop over and browse. Thank you Carle' for that beautiful stinky weed indigo overdyed wool. It knits up beautifully. Just the right wool for the acorns.

Sunday's knitting spot

Sunday was one of those days where the world passed me by. I found a knitting spot and sat and knitted. Pj's and slippers still in place from the night before. I was just happy to stay there. The children played around me and the cat and dog kept close watch. Everyone knew to just leave the mama be....

The pear egg

Its been a frustrating week trying desperately to design a knitted Easter egg pattern. Some have come out miniature, some large , some elongated and today's try, popped out a perfect pear!

Citrus fruit gnomes

I have just added these cute little citrus fruit gnomes to my shop. Freshly picked from the fruit orchard are...lemon, orange, miss ruby grapefruit and lime.

Billy goat gruff

I have just added this cute family of goats to my shop.

flower gnomes "lilac bell"

I spent a little time in my garden taking photo's today . This flower cap gave me an idea to add to my little gnomes hat. She is for sale at down in the meadow market.

toadstool gnomes

I have just added these adorable toadstool gnomes to my shop. Please take a browse...

Cutest cuddly gnomes

I have spent many hours knitting these cute little fellas. My mom and I have been knitting some brothers and sisters to add to the family. Each one truly has a little character all of their own. I am trying to commit to an opening date for my online blog shop (possibly an Etsy one too). Please look out for it. http://downinthemeadowmarket.blogspot.com/ If I don't write about this, I am just never going to get there.