Wednesday, June 6, 2012

knitting related

this post is not about africa. although i'm not quite finished sharing (oh boy is there more!)
this post is about knitting and a few things, kind of knitting related, things found along the way on our journey, that came home with me!


you met the giraffe and ellie in a previous post. the lovely orange beads were a gift from chuck for mother's day. and two porcupine quills, he found one and gave it to me, and the other was a gift from okonjima for being return guests. for knitting, i bought a new bag for double point needles, and one for stitch markers. and i found...


buttons!! i could not believe it when i found these. they were at the visitors center at twyfelfontein in damaraland. makalani nut hand carved buttons! and with the artists name written on the cardboard! i swooned.  honestly i did. the giraffe and zebra jumped into my hands and then the ostrich egg ones did too. chuck was not at all surprised that i would find such a thing (winking and saying of course you did). i was so happy to support the local women in the area and come home with such treasures.


 i found these oil paintings, only 120.00 namibian! (that is about 12.00 u.s. dollars apiece)


 for my husband, from me


 books and magazines, i'm reading safari right now, LOVE tony park (and wilbur smith)



 more, too hard to resist


my journal, filled, sigh.


and the knitting, before i left i'd decided on a traveling pattern to bring on our trip. i had to redecide. needing to conserve on space, so i made this instead...





 the seashore cowl


 it can be worn two ways


 but not right now, it's too warm!


it was a pleasure to knit, and it took very little room. i had a bit of trouble explaining what i was making though, a cowl? around your shoulders? what? hee hee. i like it, it's soft, light and easy to wear.

pattern : seashore cowl by milja uimonen
wool : madeline tosh, in colorways logwood and gossamer
ravelry notes here

joining with ginny here

                                                                                 

53 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness - those goodies you found are heavenly! The factt that you helped support those families makes them even more beautiful. <3

    ReplyDelete
  2. wow wow on those buttons - just gorgeous.

    You made that entire cowl on this trip? I'm astounded - and it's gorgeous.

    And the books...I would just love to sit and read thru them. Really, I'm a very comfortable guest. I require not much more than books and morning coffee.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Such beautiful buttons! And the cowl is lovely especially worn either way.

    ReplyDelete
  4. such beautiful treasures! And the cowl...wow!
    xxxx Alessandra

    ReplyDelete
  5. Now that is a cowl. I love the colors, perfect even if the beach is days away. (I must just say, your treasures look like the presents from my sweet sister. sigh, I miss her and I am so lucky to have a steady supply :) And Wilbur Smith was the only books my farmer brother read voluntarily.) Cannot wait for Etosha!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh wow, of course you've seen these emma! the buttons are so lovely! and wilbur smith, we have every one of his books, i can see how your brother would be partial to them. oh etosha! right in your own backyard!

      Delete
  6. Such lovely treasures. And your cowl is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love it SO much. Well, everything. The cowl and your colors are so perfect. Oh, and the buttons!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oh the buttons, I'm green with envy!. The cowl is just so beautiful. I read so much Wilbur Smith so many years ago. Just loved them all.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your cowl is gorgeous Lori, I love the patterned blue bands with the simple grey ones, it gives a beautiful effect.
    And didn't you bring back some lovely treasures! have you any plans for the buttons yet?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the buttons..... and then the cowl.... it took my breath away! so beautiful, the colours and pattern! Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Yikes Lori, I missed your previous post! (We have a few more weeks left of school in France and things are crazy in a good way with ballet/guitar/choir/theatre rehearsals, exams, concerts, etc.)

    I digress.

    Oh those buttons would have jumped into my bag! There are amazing! They are simply touching and move me strangely. But Lori, really, really when I saw your cowl I gasped. It is absolutely, oh, words fail me here. The colours are perfect the simplicity of the design (still way above my league for the time being) is awesome. You look so very, very beautiful in it.

    And breathe.

    I am already a fan of Madelinetosh - knitting with it as we speak - but this has won me over.

    Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh Lori, I love everything about this post!

    The buttons are a treasure and how wonderful to support the local community, this is so important. The paintings are beautiful...

    Richard loves wilbur Smith and Tony Park books too.

    and

    The Seashore Cowl is just so gorgeous, I love it!

    Take care
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
  13. They are such great treasures to have. You'll think of your trip every time you go to get a stitch marker out! Your cowl is divine, and made the perfect traveling companion I bet.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh Lori, the buttons... little works of art they are for sure; what a treasure to bring home.
    Your seashell cowl is another masterpiece, this one created by your hands, but with the air of Africa blowing thru the loops. Soon the weather will be cool enough and you can wear it and think of your trip! :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lori, I have gone back to look at the rest of your photos of Africa...how wonderful! I am sure you feel different having had that experience, as all great events leave an indelible mark on our souls.

    Your cowl is lovely, too!

    ReplyDelete
  16. These buttons are so special, I like them very much. But your cowl is gorgeous! The violet lace with the basic grey knit - what a wonderful combination. Congrats!

    P.S.: I love your photos from Africa!!

    enim sou.

    ReplyDelete
  17. It amazes me how buttons are so coveted by the knitter. I have a very difficult time finding buttons where I live. I am always on the lookout. Lucky you to have found them!! I love your journal that is bursting at the seams with memories. The cowl is beautiful and I bet you will be able to wear it in no time at all :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Lori, you are such an amazing person.
    Thank you for sharing your big heart.

    Greetings from Germany!

    Natalie

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lori your cowl is stunning. I actually purchased yarn to make that! Yours came out beautiful I love the colors. Your buttons are so much fun as well as the rest of your treasures.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great cowl!!!!! Love it. Love the colors. Love all your great finds.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love all the treasures you found.I was eyeing those buttons on the previous posts. And your seaside cowl, so very beautiful. I am using logwood right now for my stripe study shawl. Such a pretty color.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh that is beautiful Lori and so neatly knitted.

    ReplyDelete
  23. i love your treasures, especially the buttons! what will you do with the porcupine quills?

    and your cowl is lovely, just like everything you knit. i love the color combo you chose!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. they sit in a bottle i found on a previous trip (we were on a walking safari and i found an antique bottle, the land had been a farm many years before, now a reserve). i have been lucky to have one or more from each trip there. a bouquet of quills!

      Delete
  24. Beautiful...beautiful treasures, beautiful knitting.

    Thanks for stopping by the world of wiedz, I think I like your suggestion on the buttonholes and can just figure out their spacing and make a note to myself and I'd be in business, no missing buttonholes (I think that's what I'm worried about, forgetting one and having to rip back or having a sweater with a big gap where a button should be)!

    ReplyDelete
  25. As a somewhat button hoarder myself...these are beautiful along with your other treasures. I love the cowl and have a great pattern for one; the last time I made it was for our daughter who loved to wear it when she taught. I also have several shrugs that my sister made me that just gives that cozy feeling of love. XOXO

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Lori,
    What a beautiful shawl! And the pictures of you are beautiful wearing it! :) Sounds like you had an amazing time in Africa.

    Love, Taryn

    ReplyDelete
  27. I don't think I will ever tire reading about your time in Africa. You completely inspire me and I just want to say thank you. Love the buttons you found and your knitting project? Oh, that cowl is just stunning! xo

    ReplyDelete
  28. Lovely post again, Lori! I love your new shawl/scarf! x Teje

    ReplyDelete
  29. Lori you know you just don't see things all that often that are so completely regional. But the paintings (those earthy colors, african gourd and pottery?)
    the quills , and especially the buttons. Even the way they are sewn on the rough paper card is unique. I can't wait to see what you do with them.
    The cowl is heavenly!
    xx
    julie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh how I love to visit your blog, I hope you never run out of pictures from your trip! Lovely buttons, and lovely cowl. You chose beautiful colours.

    ReplyDelete
  31. So lovely to see your knitting and treasures again on Yarn Along day :-)

    ReplyDelete
  32. I smile when I see your beautiful face - you light up the puter screen. Lovely shawl Lori...looks fabby on you, perfect pattern.Awesome tresures from a far away place...I have looked at all your images from your trip...what an experience, I think few are lucky enought to enjoy in a life time and am so glad to see all the colorful knitted necklaces brought so much joy.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I don't even know where to start. I just had the most beautiful time catching up on your blog. It's like we just caught up over coffee and I like that. A lot. Your cowl is totally great, with endless possibilities, just like your trip. And, oh the baby elephant. Sweetness with sunsets and smile. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a beautiful cowl! I love it. Thank you so much for sharing your GORGEOUS pictures from your trip. I just looked through your posts. Seems like a trip of a lifetime!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Lori, Beautiful! Everything. I love the cowl, wonderful colors.xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  36. Lovely, just lovely, all of it. And I always like your clothing, when you model your knits. Such pretty, casual, bohemian blouses and dresses...you always look cool and comfortable. Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  37. i love those buttons and your cowl is lovely. i like the contrasting colors, although i am not sure i would like mohair around my neck(mohair silk, maybe). I think your choice was wiser....with Madelinetosh you can't go wrong...

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lori, you came home with so many beautiful treasures from your trip. Those buttons are fantastic! And the paintings just gorgeous. So many wonderful things. And that cowl! Wow! Stunning! Always nice to see your smiling face. You truly exude so much joy and gratitude. Hugs and blessings, Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  39. Forgot to mention your travel journal. I know without a doubt it is filled to the brim with fabulous memories and memorabilia. :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. The knitted cowl is beautiful. I particularly like the purple lace work. I hope to learn how to do that. My little cardigan that I am in the middle of making has a collar that can be added. I may still have just enough to make it and then I will get a little experience with lacier work. My pattern requires on button and I have a handmade ceramic button that I have saved since high school. I LOVE buttons. The buttons you found in Africa are beautiful. Have you been thinking of how to use them?

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh, and don't do look wonderful in lavendar!
    The butons are just so special. Have you a project in mind for using them yet? I expect it won't be long!

    ReplyDelete
  42. ha,,,look what happens when I don't proof read

    ReplyDelete
  43. Beautiful buttons, such craftsmanship! I can't believe you whipped up that cowl in such short time, those colors look great together!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Oh Lori, your cowl is beautiful, as are you! I love the little gifts you and Chuck gave each other...... and I am completely with you on your exciting find of buttons!! I'd have been squealing with joy too!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Glad you had a wonderful time. That cowl looks so good on you! You look well rested and vibrant. And what buttons are they...beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  46. You really picked the best and truest treasures Africa has to offer, handcraftet goods. Soooooooo beautiful! I wonder when we will see the buttons on one of your knittings ;-)
    The cowl is genius Lori!
    xxx Gesche

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi i have just found your lovely blog. Firstly I love your collection of african treasures, secondly the cowl you knitted is beautiful and it looks gorgeous on you. Thirdly, thankyou for sharing your photographs of your safari! I always wondered about this kind of a trip and now after seeing your pics, i will research it more. I love to travel, I love to create and collect. I have almost completed a renovation of an old fibro beach shack. Pop on pver sometime and say hello. I've joined your blog. X Roberta

    ReplyDelete
  48. treasures indeed! great buttons! and your cowl is simply lovely! a perfect travel souvenir, too!

    ReplyDelete
  49. oooh! i love it. sorry it took so long for me to check in here.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Lovely treasures you found! And indeed such a nice idea you are supporting the local women there, double luck!
    The scarf is lovely and so functional.

    ReplyDelete

xoxo lori