this, that and the other

46 Replies

The stepping stones have had their first layer of grout, and now that it’s dry they get one more layer and then a slick of sealer. (I know I was aiming for Finished Object Friday – but I didn’t say which Friday, did I?)

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Alex’s knitting continues. She’s finished the rib and is on the stocking stitch rows, and this evening we’ll change colour. Excitement!

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I’ve been making some beanies for Cupcake Mummy’s Pay it Forward idea. I pledged 5 but I’ve already nearly finished the fifth one and I’m enjoying them so much I should probably be able to get a couple more finished in time.

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Just as well they can be all different sizes – all of these were done with the same size hook but I used different thicknesses of wool. The turquoise one would fit Conan the Barbarian!

I’ve also been busy with my cotton house slippers. I’ve come up with the incredibly brilliant idea (at least I think so) of sewing on a non-slip undersole.  It’s easy to slip on tiles or wood, which so many people have in their homes, and I would be horrified if my slippers were the cause of anyone’s accident.

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At our last Kirstenbosch Market on 31 March, the slippers were a really hot item so I’m going to be making loads more and am also thinking it might be a good idea to list them on etsy as well.

Even better, Jam Tarts has just been made a permanent vendor at this particular craft market, which is completely wonderful and fabulous for us.  It has been running for over 20 years, and really offers an incredible and comprehensive range of art and craft, all handmade South African stuff – no imports, nothing mass-produced! The market is on the last Sunday of every month, excluding June, July and August, so the next one is on 28 April. Try not to miss it.  Unless you live in Wichita or Perth, obviously…

Back soon x

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46 thoughts on “this, that and the other”

  1. tgonzales

    Oh Jill!

    I love the stepping stones and it doesn’t even matter if it’s Friday or not. :) And I bet you are soooo excited about Alexs’ knitting. What a wonderful feeling it is when you know you are passing down such a fun and rewarding craft to your offspring. It helps to know that the younger generation will keep the craft alive. THOSE HATS are so stinking cute all lined up there!!!!! Who won last months challenge? OMG those slippers are so darned cute all stacked in that bag and what a great idea to sew the non-skid sole on them. I always hate thinking about anyone slipping on the wood or tiled floors too. Congratulations to Jam Tarts for being chosen to be a permanent vendor at the market and of course you know I was going to say I would love to be able to be there if I didn’t live so darned far away. It was so good to hear about what you have been up to and the mention of Wichita was just so sweet and made me smile very BIG! :)

    Love and Hugs,Tamara

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  2. crochetcricket

    I love your stepping stones. Great job! And I think it is a brilliant idea to add non-slip soles to the slippers. I have made some slippers for myself but I am afraid to wear them in my house with the hardwood. Do you find that kind of non-slip material at places like Michaels?

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    1. Nice piece of work Post author

      I have to say, it was the non-slip stuff that made them such a hit at the market. One pair was bought by an elderly lady and the first thing she said, before she turned them over, was I can’t wear these, I’ll slip. When she saw the soles, she just had to buy them. I’m not sure what craft shops in your part of the world will have, and I don’t know what Michaels is (this is Cape Town, we ain’t got any of the real biggies down here!) but I got mine from the persian carpet shop :-) It’s about 3mm thick and comes in pink or a light brown, and it’s got a spongy feel to it. They sell it by the metre but the very nice woman in the shop let me have some offcuts.

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  4. rainbowjunkiecorner

    Making slippers non-stick is a good idea. For the ones I am making I am going to try using some stuff I bought that gives a finish like that you find on slipper socks.
    Love the stepping stones and the hats.

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    1. Nice piece of work Post author

      You’re going to need to tell us exactly what you bought and where, Jane! (Crochet cricket is also curious). I’ll post a pic of what I’ve used for the two of you to compare. x

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    2. Nice piece of work

      Jane, this is FABULOUS. Thanks so much for the info – I’m looking at their website now, I doubt very much whether anyone in South Africa imports their products, although I could be wrong. If I’m not, I’ll have to arrange something else. I REALLY WANT THIS STUFF. I am indebted to you for showing it to me :-)

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    3. Linne

      Thanks for the catalogue link; it’s great! I used to be a manager at Lewiscraft (Canadian craft chain, now sadly defunct). We used the fabric paint that is thick and textured to make no-slip slippers (works well on kids’ footies, too). We just squeezed it on the sole in little Hershey Kiss shapes, fairly close together. In looking at the catalogue, I can see that another way to use the paint would be to sew a felt sole on the slipper first, then add the no-slip dots. Do you have a blog? I didn’t see a link to one. Would be nice if you did! ~ Linne

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  5. cuteasabutton82

    Loving the stepping stones! So pretty!! I saw somewhere recently (although I’m not sure where) that you can add puff fabric paint to act as a non-slip grippy bit for slipper socks – I think I’m going to try this version on the slippers I make this week :)
    And congratulations on being chosen as a permanent vendor – very exciting news! If only I didn’t live so far away…

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    1. Nice piece of work Post author

      wow, THAT’S a jolly useful tip! I’m going to try that on a test pair – and if I go flying over the parquet, then I’ll blame you!!! :-)
      Yes, if only – then you too could be a vendor with all your lovely goodies.

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  8. Gail

    Lovely news about Kirstenbosch, Jill, I’m so happy for the tarts. Well done to Alex for persevering. Love the slippers. xxxx

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  9. Linne

    Reblogged this on A Random Harvest and commented:
    For those of you entering spring and getting into outdoor beautification (between bouts of planting and all); also for those of you entering autumn; once the harvest is over, you will not know what to do with yourselves, so here’s an interesting project for you to make your own . . . ~ Linne

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  11. gentlestitches

    Love the slippers. Love the beanies.The stepping stones are going to a lucky recipient.
    I would like to send a huge Aussie 3 cheers to Alex for doing that rib. Rib isn’t easy at first. I am looking forward to seeing the color change which I know will be great!. Congrats on your permanent post at the Kirstenbosch Market. It sounds like a place I would enjoy very much. :)

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  12. onoodlesstitchcraft

    I love posts like this which show a range of ideas, all of which are fabulous! Non slip slippers, hats and stepping stones- gorgeous crafting.

    Reply ↓
  14. Maryanne

    You have been an incedibly busy lady!!! WOW, where do I start…just how bloody talented are you hmmm??!!!! The slippers are sublime, the hats are adorable, Alex knitting? – High Five MOM!!!! ….AND mosaics!!! #blownaway.com

    Reply ↓

  18. Pingback: Thank Goodness it’s Friday! A Little Something for a Friend and another Pair of Crocodile Stitch Baby Booties | Crochet with Tamara

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