tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44344913078338483792024-03-13T10:52:24.461+08:00Needles & Brushes 2About my life and what inspires my hobbies and my original designs and patterns.Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.comBlogger87125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-70666899390342394992015-11-19T13:24:00.001+08:002015-11-19T13:24:58.904+08:00Business in Perth Western AustraliaOut of context but....if you are in Perth Western Australia and in need of a reliable carpet cleaning or ultrasonic blinds cleaning business head on to this <a href="http://www.starcleaningsolutions.com.au/cleaning-services-perth/" target="_blank">website</a> or just google <a href="http://www.starcleaningsolutions.com.au/" target="_blank">Star Cleaning Solutions Perth</a><br />
You will not be disappointed! Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.comPerth WA, Australia-31.9535132 115.85704710000005-33.6775717 113.27526010000004 -30.229454699999998 118.43883410000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-63715725605767361332009-12-23T16:34:00.002+08:002009-12-23T16:47:43.897+08:00Happy holidays!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SzHWn5yLmrI/AAAAAAAABf0/ACuooHdf1fQ/s1600-h/christmas.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SzHWn5yLmrI/AAAAAAAABf0/ACuooHdf1fQ/s400/christmas.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418347807717956274" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is it really Christmas?<br />It seems like it was yesterday, I was back from visiting my family in Australia last year just a few weeks before the holidays and suddenly it's Christmas again....<br />I am almost frightened by how quickly the past twelve months have gone but I guess it means that life hasn't been boring for me lately.<br /><br />Anyway, I want to wish all my readers a peaceful Christmas with their loved ones and a new year of good things!<br /><br />Enjoy the festivities!<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-24492533494037421132009-12-08T22:21:00.006+08:002009-12-08T22:40:47.006+08:00Scarborough Fair Crochet Shawl Pattern<span style="font-family:verdana;">Finally ready and available in <a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/myoriginalpatterns">My Original Designs</a></span>, <span style="font-family:verdana;">on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/scarborough-fair-crochet-shawl">Ravelry page</a></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/patternfairy?page=1&section_id=&order=">Etsy</a></span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sx5kojTvm6I/AAAAAAAABfo/LhnKMx6Qwk8/s1600-h/scarborough+fair+stole.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sx5kojTvm6I/AAAAAAAABfo/LhnKMx6Qwk8/s400/scarborough+fair+stole.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412874449981512610" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sx5jG0jqUXI/AAAAAAAABfY/gnqCt4iUVDI/s1600-h/Scarborough+Fair+Shawl+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sx5jG0jqUXI/AAAAAAAABfY/gnqCt4iUVDI/s400/Scarborough+Fair+Shawl+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412872770984497522" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sx5j9R-FL-I/AAAAAAAABfg/qAzKevmrjlQ/s1600-h/Scarborough+Fair+Shawl.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sx5j9R-FL-I/AAAAAAAABfg/qAzKevmrjlQ/s400/Scarborough+Fair+Shawl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412873706592874466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Materials needed for a rectangular shawl that measures cm45 x cm170 -<br /><br />approximately 150gr (1100 - 1200 yds) 2ply laceweight yarn,<br />1.6mm ( US 6 ) crochet hook.<br /><br />Pattern includes written instructions and chart.<br /><br /><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-38573137182125716402009-12-01T22:26:00.009+08:002009-12-01T23:02:54.542+08:00Scarborough Fair Shawl sneak peak<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUoGqiLwOI/AAAAAAAABeg/oztgE_BxQwU/s1600/Scarborough+Fair+Shawl.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 335px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUoGqiLwOI/AAAAAAAABeg/oztgE_BxQwU/s400/Scarborough+Fair+Shawl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410274622317510882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">And here it is finally blocked</span>!<br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Just over 120gr. of my favourite Lana Gatto laceweight wool in a lovely shade of sage green and less than one week of work at night time in front of tv.<br />The pattern is being tested by some lovely ladies from the Ravelry Testing Pool and will be available early next week.<br /><br />On the knitting front, my favourite pastime has been designing and knitting scarves and neckwarmers, some of which can be found on <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com/">ETSY</a> such as Capuccino Scarf with pompoms-<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUr03K7SwI/AAAAAAAABew/Vurp_HrmND4/s1600/cappuccino+scarf+pompom.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUr03K7SwI/AAAAAAAABew/Vurp_HrmND4/s400/cappuccino+scarf+pompom.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410278714518489858" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Persimmon</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Neckwarmer</span>-<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUsvuIIW1I/AAAAAAAABe4/OFllgcRG_vo/s1600/persimmon+drop+stitch+cowl+neckwarmer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 287px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUsvuIIW1I/AAAAAAAABe4/OFllgcRG_vo/s400/persimmon+drop+stitch+cowl+neckwarmer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410279725703125842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">A very versatile Mohair Scarflette - Neckwarmer</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">- Shoulderette - that can be worn in different ways-</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUtqpXOevI/AAAAAAAABfA/J-4iCFc6ABc/s1600/Mohair+knitted+scarflette+neckwarmer.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUtqpXOevI/AAAAAAAABfA/J-4iCFc6ABc/s400/Mohair+knitted+scarflette+neckwarmer.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410280738036546290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUuDTeAWyI/AAAAAAAABfI/nCLnM-PUz1Y/s1600/Mohair+neckwarmer+scarflette.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUuDTeAWyI/AAAAAAAABfI/nCLnM-PUz1Y/s400/Mohair+neckwarmer+scarflette.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410281161656130338" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">just to mention a few, and lastly another knit shawl in soft and warm lilac mohair.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUvFdxa-OI/AAAAAAAABfQ/G_4q3wlESB0/s1600/lilac+lace+knots+mohair+shawl.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SxUvFdxa-OI/AAAAAAAABfQ/G_4q3wlESB0/s400/lilac+lace+knots+mohair+shawl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410282298293287138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-89142606041082722972009-11-23T22:01:00.001+08:002009-11-23T22:05:41.394+08:00Scarborough Fair Shawl<span style="font-family: verdana;">This is the suggestive name of my new crochet shawl pattern which will be ready just in time for Christmas. Curious? Sorry, you will have to wait for a few days. ;)<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-17295589605928916942009-10-28T17:00:00.003+08:002009-10-28T17:18:14.552+08:00Halloween and Pumpkin Risotto recipe.<div class="first_post forum_post_body markdown"> <p style="font-family: verdana;">Although Halloween does not belong to our tradition, it's not unusual to see it being celebrated here in Italy where on the 1st of November the catholic church celebrates All Saints, the following day it commemorates the dead and therefore the first two days of November are considered religious festivities. Nowdays our population is becoming more and more multicultural and influenced by culture and traditions of other countries. It is only natural, isn't it?</p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And Halloween means pumpkin. How about a delicious Pumpkin Risotto?</span><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ingredients for 3-4 servings </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 cups diced pumpkin </span><img style="font-family: verdana;" src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/emo/pumpkin.png" class="emo" /> <br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">1/2 small onion, finely chopped </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 tblsp olive oil </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">chopped parsley </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">1 1/2 cups short grain rice </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">stock ( chicken, meat, or made with your favourite stock cubes ) </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 tblsp grated parmesan cheese ( or your favourite mature cheese) </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">2 tsps butter ( optional) </span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">salt and pepper to taste. ( you will probably find that you will not need to add salt because the stock is already very sapid and the cheese will add extra salt to the dish)</span></p> <p style="font-family: verdana;">Sautee’ onion and pumpkin <img src="http://www.ravelry.com/images/emo/pumpkin.png" class="emo" /> with the parsley and the oil until cooked and soft, adding a little water when needed. Add rice, stir for a few minutes, add stock gradually until the rice is cooked (absorbtion method), stirring often. Turn off the heat, add the cheese and the butter, stir well and serve hot.<br />Enjoy!! :)</p> </div>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-32058250284982334902009-10-13T17:36:00.012+08:002009-10-13T18:19:57.661+08:00Recycle!<span style="font-family:verdana;">The "health" of our planet is compromised, there is no doubt about it and there is no turning back. How sad! But each one of us can play a very important part in reducing the amount of trash we generate by re-using as many products as possible. I have thought of a nice way of decorating my home at Christmas using "trash", which also means saving money. ;)<br /><br />Firstly, these crocheted Christmas tree ornaments made with cotton thread, beads and soda can tabs that I created for the Etsyhookers crochet challenge 7 -<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRO-se2oFI/AAAAAAAABdw/Hc-M4iM6Bn0/s1600-h/eco+friendly+Christmas+decorations+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRO-se2oFI/AAAAAAAABdw/Hc-M4iM6Bn0/s400/eco+friendly+Christmas+decorations+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392021492868751442" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRPUsx5cbI/AAAAAAAABd4/vaMCxYkfLP0/s1600-h/eco+friendly+Christmas+decorations+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 388px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRPUsx5cbI/AAAAAAAABd4/vaMCxYkfLP0/s400/eco+friendly+Christmas+decorations+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392021870905749938" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">It took me about four hours to complete both.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">And how about these candle holders made with green and yellow plastic soda bottles. Don't they look like glass?<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRQlzt47dI/AAAAAAAABeA/zI5kW0mSLDU/s1600-h/DSC01585.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRQlzt47dI/AAAAAAAABeA/zI5kW0mSLDU/s400/DSC01585.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392023264337391058" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRRInn8jxI/AAAAAAAABeI/UuLQcVsCgZ4/s1600-h/DSC01579.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 377px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRRInn8jxI/AAAAAAAABeI/UuLQcVsCgZ4/s400/DSC01579.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392023862386659090" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRRyAdsa3I/AAAAAAAABeQ/aoIzqzfCz-M/s1600-h/DSC01584.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRRyAdsa3I/AAAAAAAABeQ/aoIzqzfCz-M/s400/DSC01584.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392024573429181298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRSNZBuN_I/AAAAAAAABeY/RVXmbh1PFJ0/s1600-h/DSC01582.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/StRSNZBuN_I/AAAAAAAABeY/RVXmbh1PFJ0/s400/DSC01582.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392025043879213042" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">There's a bit of work involved into making these but I think the result is worth it.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm thinking about making a few more with clear plastic water bottles.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Think about it... Together we can save our planet for our children!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-73873347753640197762009-09-22T18:19:00.008+08:002009-09-22T18:45:05.109+08:00New crocheted projects<span style="font-family:verdana;">The Deep Raspberry Shawl went <span style="font-style: italic;">fast! :), </span>and I quickly made this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31291700&ref=em">Pink Camellia Lace Shawl</a> to replace it on Etsy<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Srimsz-VJ1I/AAAAAAAABdI/d4OtrrwUlh4/s1600-h/pink+camellia+crochet+shawl.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Srimsz-VJ1I/AAAAAAAABdI/d4OtrrwUlh4/s400/pink+camellia+crochet+shawl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384236643317524306" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrimDzJnu8I/AAAAAAAABdA/X-WVpr6Tsbg/s1600-h/pink+camellia+crochet+shawl2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 309px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrimDzJnu8I/AAAAAAAABdA/X-WVpr6Tsbg/s400/pink+camellia+crochet+shawl2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384235938721807298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">And this romantic accessory<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=31292755"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Rose And Ruffles Scarf - Neckwarmer</span></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrinoWQhQNI/AAAAAAAABdQ/OW-eeqKixQI/s1600-h/rose+and+ruffles+scarf.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 343px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrinoWQhQNI/AAAAAAAABdQ/OW-eeqKixQI/s400/rose+and+ruffles+scarf.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384237666132902098" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SripC8B-7aI/AAAAAAAABdg/h6AwHdGcgs8/s1600-h/rose+and+ruffles+scarf+1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SripC8B-7aI/AAAAAAAABdg/h6AwHdGcgs8/s400/rose+and+ruffles+scarf+1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384239222460706210" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Srin_goOsYI/AAAAAAAABdY/XwVh8y7nf0Q/s1600-h/rose+and+ruffles+scarf+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Srin_goOsYI/AAAAAAAABdY/XwVh8y7nf0Q/s400/rose+and+ruffles+scarf+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384238064053694850" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Extra long, 200cm, it can be worn in many ways - wrapped many times around the neck or as a scarf. I made this without following a pattern using a wool/acrylic blend (80%wool, 20%acrylic) in black and light grey-brown.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">As far as knitting is concerned, stay tuned: free scarf pattern coming soon!</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-60722600478096440662009-09-18T16:39:00.007+08:002009-09-18T18:32:05.179+08:00Knit, crochet, cook.<span style="font-family:verdana;">One of the things I have neglected very much lately is cooking. I obviously cook every day, lunch and dinner, but nothing special. Being in Italy means eating pasta very often and I have plenty of personal recipes for tasty pasta sauces which are made in a jiffy. Which comes handy especially when it's hot or when I'm too taken by my work.<br />Although I like hot soup all year round, the rest of the family enjoys it only in the cold season with the exception of my "Peas and prawns pasta soup" which can be eaten hot or warm. It is delicious.<br />Here on the coast I can get the freshest seafood and I can assure you that using fresh prawns is the secret for making this dish a masterpiece!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrNKJN6cFQI/AAAAAAAABcw/XQERdBZRoz4/s1600-h/peas+%26+prawn+soup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 198px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrNKJN6cFQI/AAAAAAAABcw/XQERdBZRoz4/s400/peas+%26+prawn+soup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382727501851923714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Made it yesterday. And a banana - nut bread for which I didn't follow a recipe. I used my bread machine and the recipe for white bread with milk and one egg instead of water, a small piece of butter</span>, <span style="font-family:verdana;">a little honey, 2 mashed ripe bananas, raisins, chopped walnuts and hazelnuts, cinnamon.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrNMksz_NBI/AAAAAAAABc4/cXRgh8Gyw2M/s1600-h/banana+-+nut+loaf.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 188px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SrNMksz_NBI/AAAAAAAABc4/cXRgh8Gyw2M/s400/banana+-+nut+loaf.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382730173026087954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Quite good. Plan to make another one tomorrow, but I will add a couple of tbls of sugar to the mixture this time.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-270628762433123022009-09-11T23:02:00.008+08:002009-09-17T17:14:05.749+08:00Two new shawls on Etsy<span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Deep Raspberry crocheted triangular shawl<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SqpnR6-qaCI/AAAAAAAABcY/e7tEYAtpxcs/s1600-h/raspberry+pineapple+crochet+triangular+shawl.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SqpnR6-qaCI/AAAAAAAABcY/e7tEYAtpxcs/s400/raspberry+pineapple+crochet+triangular+shawl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380226262434998306" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />100% pure new italian fingering weight wool in deep raspberry. What a lovely shade! And the crocheted floral pin with bead gives it that extra touch... :)<br />(From my original pattern available on Etsy or<a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/myoriginalpatterns"> here </a>)<br /><br />And.. Venezia Lace knitted wedding shawl<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sqpor8MtYNI/AAAAAAAABcg/SVdco2x8WT0/s1600-h/venezia+lace+wedding+shawl+4.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sqpor8MtYNI/AAAAAAAABcg/SVdco2x8WT0/s400/venezia+lace+wedding+shawl+4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380227808950575314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SqppVS83krI/AAAAAAAABco/RI4QbrzC4WI/s1600-h/venezia+lace+wedding+shawl+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SqppVS83krI/AAAAAAAABco/RI4QbrzC4WI/s400/venezia+lace+wedding+shawl+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380228519432786610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">in 2ply cream- white wool blend and 5.5mm needles. It blocked out rather large- 200cm x 95cm. It's amazing how "stretchy" this stitch is. (My original pattern for the Venezia Shawl is available on Etsy or <a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/myoriginalpatterns">here</a>)<br />I have always wanted to knit a wedding shawl. Probably because wedding shawls are not in the italian tradition, which is a pity.<br />Both listed in <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">my Etsy shop</span></a> - check them out!<br /><br />Finally the warm season seems to have come to an end and the rain these days is such a welcome change, finally. Which means inspiration for new winter designs and items. My hobbies room is such a mess at the moment, with yarn balls all over the place not to mention needles and hooks. No, no pictures!!!<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-45874405271509232892009-09-01T20:30:00.000+08:002009-09-01T20:35:49.949+08:00Pattern sale - one more week!<span style="font-family: verdana;">My buy-one get-another-for-free offer has gone quite well and so I have decided to extend it for one more week. It will end on the 6th of September 2009. Don't miss it!<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-53821780017346205192009-08-19T14:54:00.010+08:002009-08-19T15:44:39.106+08:00Too hot to work...<span style="font-family:verdana;">...but I still try. I have so much to do these days and a million things on my mind. Because I'm having a hard time going to sleep at night I do some knitting and I have almost completed a white <a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/venezialaceshawl">Venezia Lace shawl</a> and a very pretty cream-white scarf which might end up for sale on <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com/">Etsy</a>. Meanwhile I have listed a couple more items-<br />a cotton eyeglass or sunglass case, crocheted and lined for extra protection, closes with a pretty vintage button and I have decorated it using an unusual embroidery technique: the yarn is wrapped around a pencil then the flowers are formed and stitched on the item. Tricky but effective. I have then decorated each flower with a small pearl.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoumPOFmuYI/AAAAAAAABbo/kXIGMfo3JSc/s1600-h/eyeglasses+sunglasses+crochet+case+with+flowers+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoumPOFmuYI/AAAAAAAABbo/kXIGMfo3JSc/s400/eyeglasses+sunglasses+crochet+case+with+flowers+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371569760979302786" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soulh1AtJWI/AAAAAAAABbg/xtPxVYCDvks/s1600-h/eyeglasses+sunglasses+crochet+case+with+flowers+lining+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 317px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soulh1AtJWI/AAAAAAAABbg/xtPxVYCDvks/s400/eyeglasses+sunglasses+crochet+case+with+flowers+lining+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371568981153752418" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soum8NsTkbI/AAAAAAAABbw/xCl3kjpxiyQ/s1600-h/eyeglasses+sunglasses+crochet+case+with+flowers+vintage+button+detail.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soum8NsTkbI/AAAAAAAABbw/xCl3kjpxiyQ/s400/eyeglasses+sunglasses+crochet+case+with+flowers+vintage+button+detail.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371570533967303090" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">A couple more crocheted cell phone - iphone - ipod cases-<br />one in chocolate brown with pink Sarubobo doll and vintage button<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soun-CkIYmI/AAAAAAAABb4/KSMnZFrkw34/s1600-h/Sarubobo+chocolate+brown+iphone+ipod+cell+phone+crochet+case.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soun-CkIYmI/AAAAAAAABb4/KSMnZFrkw34/s400/Sarubobo+chocolate+brown+iphone+ipod+cell+phone+crochet+case.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371571664851591778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">and one cream - white with red Sarubobo doll and matching red vintage button<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SouovDIHq2I/AAAAAAAABcA/Pfx5v4c8DpU/s1600-h/cream-white+red+sarubobo+iphoe+ipod+cell+phone+mobile+crochet+case.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 308px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SouovDIHq2I/AAAAAAAABcA/Pfx5v4c8DpU/s400/cream-white+red+sarubobo+iphoe+ipod+cell+phone+mobile+crochet+case.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371572506816129890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">and because I really enjoy making them, a few more cute tiny Sarubobo dolls<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soup66wc7_I/AAAAAAAABcI/nobW_kKbbCE/s1600-h/red+and+blue+sarubobo+charm+dolls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Soup66wc7_I/AAAAAAAABcI/nobW_kKbbCE/s400/red+and+blue+sarubobo+charm+dolls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371573810239434738" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">don't you love to see mama and baby playing together? :)</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Souql5K_wEI/AAAAAAAABcQ/RtHB5XGYB8Y/s1600-h/mama+and+baby+sarubobo+playing+charm+dolls.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Souql5K_wEI/AAAAAAAABcQ/RtHB5XGYB8Y/s400/mama+and+baby+sarubobo+playing+charm+dolls.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371574548548272194" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">so sweet!! You will find more details <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com">here </a><br />And lastly, the <a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/myoriginalpatterns">buy-one and get-one-free pattern sale </a>is still on. Don't miss it!<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-45215881553865579102009-08-14T16:19:00.005+08:002009-08-14T16:31:55.015+08:00Pattern summer sale<span style="font-family: verdana;">From now to the 31st of August: buy one pattern, get another one for free.<br />How? Purchase one pattern normally then contact me with the name of the pattern you would like to receive for free. I will send it to your Paypal email address.<br />My patterns are available here:</span><a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/myoriginalpatterns">MyOrigDes</a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">or in my <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com">etsy</a><br />or on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/rita-nici">Ravelry</a><br /><br />Please note - offer does not apply to my crochet filet centerpieces- runners.<br /><br />Don't miss out!<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-70195634896790395932009-08-11T15:40:00.008+08:002009-08-11T16:56:47.425+08:00Changes<span style="font-family:verdana;">A lot has happened since my last post. My peaceful life has been upset by unespected events and the necessity of important and not easy decisions. I will not go into details, what I can say is that I will have to face some unespectedly and extraordinary expenses and since the economy is not at its best here, like everywhere else, I have been trying to fight the overwhelming feeling of powerelessness working as much as I can. Because I am definitely not up to getting into challenging projects I have been working on small, simple handmade items that I plan to sell, actually some are already listed in my <a href="http://patternfairy.etsy.com/">Etsy shop </a> - a crocheted shawl<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEpvH1928I/AAAAAAAABa4/iKHL1furATI/s1600-h/Emerald+lace+wrap+shawl+stole+crochet.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 307px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEpvH1928I/AAAAAAAABa4/iKHL1furATI/s400/Emerald+lace+wrap+shawl+stole+crochet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368618120338332610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> and two cell phone cases<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEq3TD1eLI/AAAAAAAABbA/BbTc5rdkXWU/s1600-h/black+Iphone+Ipod+cell+mobile+crochet+case+with+heart.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 370px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEq3TD1eLI/AAAAAAAABbA/BbTc5rdkXWU/s400/black+Iphone+Ipod+cell+mobile+crochet+case+with+heart.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368619360299874482" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEwDa0qIzI/AAAAAAAABbQ/oFKq17T00hM/s1600-h/lavander-purple-+white+sarubobo+cell+phone+ipod+mobile+crochet+case+vintage+button.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 371px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEwDa0qIzI/AAAAAAAABbQ/oFKq17T00hM/s400/lavander-purple-+white+sarubobo+cell+phone+ipod+mobile+crochet+case+vintage+button.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368625066100269874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEwdvRQB5I/AAAAAAAABbY/IiSNqdOWaqI/s1600-h/lavander-purple-+white+sarubobo+cell+phone+ipod+mobile+crochet+case+vintage+button+closeup.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 396px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SoEwdvRQB5I/AAAAAAAABbY/IiSNqdOWaqI/s400/lavander-purple-+white+sarubobo+cell+phone+ipod+mobile+crochet+case+vintage+button+closeup.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368625518265501586" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />and I will be adding gradually others. I have also decided that it's time to part with some things which I have cherished for a long time but have no real meaning to me at this point of my life. They are going to be listed in an Etsy vintage shop that I will be opening by the end of this week. Please check them out. I will add updates and more details soon.<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-28571303055563671392009-07-22T17:43:00.008+08:002009-07-22T18:12:02.194+08:00Sweet Tango Lace Shawl<span style="font-family:verdana;">Finally ready. The testing took longer than I expected but here it is, pattern ready and available. Why did I change its name? Simply because the original wasn't so original after all and someone had already used it.<br />I love the lacy transparencies of this shawl!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SmbgQi4DudI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Rz_jC_QZOJY/s1600-h/tango+6.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 231px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SmbgQi4DudI/AAAAAAAABaQ/Rz_jC_QZOJY/s400/tango+6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361218981275613650" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SmbgzrTQTYI/AAAAAAAABaY/myO0mpzHehY/s1600-h/tango+9.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SmbgzrTQTYI/AAAAAAAABaY/myO0mpzHehY/s400/tango+9.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361219584832589186" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Smbhas69FsI/AAAAAAAABag/gdj2av6Oy3g/s1600-h/tango+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 372px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Smbhas69FsI/AAAAAAAABag/gdj2av6Oy3g/s400/tango+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361220255282435778" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Two of my tes</span>t<span style="font-family:verdana;">ers have already sent me pictures: Wendy's Sweet Tango Shawl, beautiful in white...so light and lacy, makes me think of a wedding shawl!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SmbiGdXEdMI/AAAAAAAABao/1CBzf9z2ejo/s1600-h/Wendy%27s+shawl.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 294px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SmbiGdXEdMI/AAAAAAAABao/1CBzf9z2ejo/s400/Wendy%27s+shawl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361221007019635906" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;">And <a href="http://debi-doodles.blogspot.com/">Debi</a>'s in lovely pink</span>!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Smbj0qD3bpI/AAAAAAAABaw/2gSrpT7r3aE/s1600-h/Debi%27s+shawl.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Smbj0qD3bpI/AAAAAAAABaw/2gSrpT7r3aE/s400/Debi%27s+shawl.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361222900214361746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pattern can be found on <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com">Etsy</a> and on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-tango-shawl">Ravelry</a>. It includes written instructions and full charts.</span> <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-23494986505139783712009-07-06T21:37:00.015+08:002009-07-06T22:15:21.967+08:00Crochet Sarubobo dolls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlH-xFz1VTI/AAAAAAAABZg/dgTNXV1k_SY/s1600-h/sarubobo13.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 279px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlH-xFz1VTI/AAAAAAAABZg/dgTNXV1k_SY/s400/sarubobo13.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355341551246857522" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I'm sure that most of you know what Sarubobo means, but in case you don't know here's the definition from wikipedia:<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">" A </span><b style="font-style: italic;">sarubobo</b><span style="font-style: italic;"> is a Japanese amulet</span><span style="font-style: italic;">, particularly associated with the </span><span style="font-style: italic;">town</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> of Takayiama</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Sarubobos are red human shaped </span><span style="font-style: italic;">dolls, with no facial features, made in a variety of sizes. Traditionally, sarubobos are made by grandmothers for their grandchildren as dolls, </span><span style="font-style: italic;">and for their daughters as a charm for good marriage, good children and to ensure a well-rounded couple.</span>"<br />And...<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Sarubobo literally translated from the Japanese </span><span style="font-style: italic;">as "a baby monkey".</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">There are several reasons why the amulet has this name. The sarubobo is associated with three wishes-</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">protection from bad things, a happy home, a good match, having an easy delivery on birth</span>."<br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, I don't really believe in lucky charms, but I fell in love with Sarubobo dolls because they are so cute, and I have decided to create a crochet pattern.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">They are small enough to be considered amigurumi, size varies from 4.5cm to 6.5cm.</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" ><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">The pattern includes a step-by-step tutorial for making a sarubobo keychain,<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIEun_jXWI/AAAAAAAABZw/4wr6OvAJMyk/s1600-h/sarubobo+keychain.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 209px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIEun_jXWI/AAAAAAAABZw/4wr6OvAJMyk/s400/sarubobo+keychain.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355348105952976226" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> a sarubobo pincushion,<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIFQ1DcTJI/AAAAAAAABaI/cv24p7YlDGY/s1600-h/sarubobo10.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 252px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIFQ1DcTJI/AAAAAAAABaI/cv24p7YlDGY/s400/sarubobo10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355348693574503570" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> a sarubobo fridgie,<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIFFo0W4NI/AAAAAAAABaA/HSAMkhFkNgs/s1600-h/sarubobo+fridgie+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 242px; height: 180px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIFFo0W4NI/AAAAAAAABaA/HSAMkhFkNgs/s400/sarubobo+fridgie+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355348501311447250" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /> a flying sarubobo with ballons,<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIEhxvWMzI/AAAAAAAABZo/hdBlJROJhyE/s1600-h/sarubobo12.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 249px; height: 192px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIEhxvWMzI/AAAAAAAABZo/hdBlJROJhyE/s400/sarubobo12.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355347885231059762" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"> sarubobo mama and baby<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIE6bxiy0I/AAAAAAAABZ4/jd_6Y6MTdkg/s1600-h/saruobo+11.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 234px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SlIE6bxiy0I/AAAAAAAABZ4/jd_6Y6MTdkg/s400/saruobo+11.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355348308831423298" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I used left over yarn from shawls and I think it is a nice pattern for recycling wool and thread!</span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" ><br />Pattern is available on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/stores/rita-nici-designs">my Ravelry</a><br />and on <a href="http://www.patternfairy.etsy.com">ETSY </a><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-77545834866807776142009-06-23T22:41:00.007+08:002009-06-25T18:55:16.697+08:00Update on Tango Shawl<span style="font-family:verdana;">This has never happened to me before, two posts in the same day... but I have just finished pinning my Tango shawl and I really needed to tell somebody :).<br />I will begin working on the pattern tomorrow. Ok, here's a sneak peek.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SkDrjvSmkGI/AAAAAAAABZY/6_qxOT6wKBo/s1600-h/Tango+sneak+peak.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 370px; height: 209px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SkDrjvSmkGI/AAAAAAAABZY/6_qxOT6wKBo/s400/Tango+sneak+peak.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350535356538589282" border="0" /></a>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-38424828621078401792009-06-23T17:55:00.002+08:002009-06-23T18:01:32.755+08:00Someone is selling our free patterns!<span style="font-family: verdana;">Yep, that's right! I have just found a Blogger's Blog where a person from Singapore is actually selling several other people's free patterns. So much for copyright. How sad !?!<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-66604755806528491682009-06-11T16:35:00.006+08:002009-06-11T17:19:50.452+08:00Warm weather & satisfied customers<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Firstly, I want to thank </span><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://scottys-place.blogspot.com/2009/06/blue-pineapple-shawl.html">Pamela</a><span style="font-family:verdana;">, who bought one of my crochet patterns from my Etsy store and sent me photos of the finished shawl:</span><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SjDC7T2Y-VI/AAAAAAAABZE/Y98u45xIRkg/s1600-h/IMG_1614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SjDC7T2Y-VI/AAAAAAAABZE/Y98u45xIRkg/s400/IMG_1614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345987081885251922" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SjDDIeP61OI/AAAAAAAABZM/HsRLQwyZJtw/s1600-h/IMG_1618.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SjDDIeP61OI/AAAAAAAABZM/HsRLQwyZJtw/s400/IMG_1618.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345987308014982370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">It took her less than a week to finish, what a fast crocheter! :)<br />Not like me, that with the weather getting warmer and warmer I'm experiencing the usual change-of-season symptoms which include a slight loss of energy that makes any activity slow and rather difficult. At the same time, as a sort of compensation, my brain is working overtime and I have already planned the next 2-3 months workwise. I have set a deadline for finishing the ufos (at least the ones that are not going into the frog basket), including Tango shawl, for the end of June. Then I will take a break from shawls, well maybe not completely, for something new for me. As usual I will alternate crochet hooks and knitting needles: switching between these two "modes" keeps my brain always in full activity. More in the next post.;)<br /><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-83039452366911810252009-06-02T05:29:00.004+08:002009-06-27T23:28:15.900+08:00Lei wedding ring afghan pattern<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SiRJKHaCpsI/AAAAAAAABY8/ePq47J-xWcM/s1600-h/lei+afghan.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SiRJKHaCpsI/AAAAAAAABY8/ePq47J-xWcM/s400/lei+afghan.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342475496104044226" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Project details:<br /><br />size: 17"x 51"- cm90 x cm130<br />yarn: approx. 450gr fingering weight wool<br />2mm crochet hook<br /><br />Pattern is available on my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7403793">Etsy store</a> or as pdf download on Ravelry (I'm missrita).<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-61206904830369537062009-05-28T20:23:00.006+08:002009-05-28T22:38:07.961+08:00Afghans in spring<span style="font-family:verdana;">An afghan can take several months to finish, so it makes sense to start working on it perhaps in spring or in summer and have it ready for the following autumn-winter season. I was looking at some beautiful quilts on a magazine a couple of months ago and I decided to crochet a small blanket. I was pleasantly impressed by the double wedding ring motif in particular, which is so popular and at the same time I wanted to create a simple pattern, an alternative to the common granny square.<br />This is what I came up with.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sh6EuQvpa9I/AAAAAAAABY0/YLEM3El9LII/s1600-h/Lei+wedding+ring+afghan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 338px; height: 236px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sh6EuQvpa9I/AAAAAAAABY0/YLEM3El9LII/s400/Lei+wedding+ring+afghan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340852138411650002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">Isn't it pretty? It would make a lovely gift for a wedding or for Christmas.<br />I count on having the pattern ready by Monday and I will be posting more photos as well as details about the project.<br /><br />Next week will be a busy one. I need to get stuck into some <span style="font-style: italic;">serious </span>spring cleaning, which includes rearranging the bir's for the warm season, then I plan to finish the Tango shawl. That shouldn't take me more than 2-3 days, unless I get distracted by a new inspiration. You never know!<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-91064725645866210942009-05-21T18:25:00.002+08:002009-05-21T18:33:15.022+08:00Etsy? And why not!<span style="font-family: verdana;">So I have made the decision. I have set up my Etsy store and sold 2 patterns in 2 days. Not bad for a start!</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> I will be adding more patterns regularly</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> so what can I say... visit my Etsy store! Link is on sidebar --><br /><br />:)<br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-77233678581210823122009-05-15T16:19:00.007+08:002009-05-15T17:39:23.488+08:00It's that time of the year...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0uw1qgBlI/AAAAAAAABYc/8SvTnAZ_HUU/s1600-h/garden3.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0uw1qgBlI/AAAAAAAABYc/8SvTnAZ_HUU/s400/garden3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335972550077843026" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0zHdD5sEI/AAAAAAAABYs/qZnXjYNw5sY/s1600-h/garden2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0zHdD5sEI/AAAAAAAABYs/qZnXjYNw5sY/s400/garden2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335977336656998466" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0n1FGPFMI/AAAAAAAABYU/DBF08JnNTXc/s1600-h/garden.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0n1FGPFMI/AAAAAAAABYU/DBF08JnNTXc/s400/garden.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335964926358787266" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">There isn't a corner of the garden that is not in full bloom. Like every year it happens suddenly, one morning I step outside and..wow.. what I see takes away my breath. Anyone with a sane mind would be out there smelling, observing, enjoying... and what does yours truly do? <span style="font-style: italic;">Knit!</span> For some mysterious reason</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">I seem to be more interested</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> in the colour of yarn than in the colour of the gifts of mother nature</span>. <span style="font-family: verdana;">But that isn't entirely true. The deep red of my roses has given me inspiration for this shawl, which I have called "Tango".<br />Sneak peak...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0vJChRdsI/AAAAAAAABYk/wFvbMGbyXPg/s1600-h/Tango.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 254px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sg0vJChRdsI/AAAAAAAABYk/wFvbMGbyXPg/s400/Tango.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335972965845661378" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Those who know me know that red is not one of the colours I like to wear but I had this beautiful laceweight wool in my stash that kept blinking at me.</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">One thing I have learned about red is that there's no way you can work with it at night, not even with all the lights on. Or maybe it's just me?</span><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Anyway</span>, <span style="font-family: verdana;">I plan to have it ready for testing by the end of next week. Fingers crossed!</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-16043012689110884992009-05-04T17:55:00.009+08:002009-05-05T23:09:15.947+08:00Pavone Shawlette pattern ready!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sf68WO9wj-I/AAAAAAAABX0/wR9H972Zlgk/s1600-h/Pavone+ShawletteJPG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/Sf68WO9wj-I/AAAAAAAABX0/wR9H972Zlgk/s400/Pavone+ShawletteJPG.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331906099013521378" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;">This shawl is worked from the neck down in five panels, ending with a simple crochet edging.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Experience level: advanced beginner.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Size: Approx. 130cm wide at widest point, 65cm long at longest point (after blocking).</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Materials needed:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Approx. 300gr DK weight yarn</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">4mm (US 6) circular knitting needle</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">3.5mm (US 5) crochet hook</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Markers.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Gauge: 22sts and 30 rows = 10cm (4ins)</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Pattern and details on <a href="http://rnici57.googlepages.com/myoriginalpatterns">My Original Designs</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">This is for Katrin, Sara, and Carla, my volunteer test knitters: thank you ladies for your precious help!! :)</span><br /><br />Carla's Pavone<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SgBWPQNls3I/AAAAAAAABX8/2EpH63BIrZI/s1600-h/Carla%27s+Pavone.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SgBWPQNls3I/AAAAAAAABX8/2EpH63BIrZI/s400/Carla%27s+Pavone.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332356778856657778" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4434491307833848379.post-82125890617468643432009-04-25T17:37:00.003+08:002009-05-04T18:09:34.467+08:00Pavone Shawlette test update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SfLbT42PUOI/AAAAAAAABXs/GdkP6GfmTCI/s1600-h/PICT0526.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y1kMFI3N-pU/SfLbT42PUOI/AAAAAAAABXs/GdkP6GfmTCI/s400/PICT0526.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328562443856597218" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />My tester Sara is using Rowan RYC Silk Wool DK in purple! Isn't it fantastic? She's doing a great job. :)</span><img src="file:///C:/Users/KRYPTO%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg" alt="" />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00078232990483087599noreply@blogger.com1