31 July 2016

YOP - Crochet - & - Cafe's

Sorry I've been missing for a week or more from here, we've been off gallivanting on our travels again, and having fun while also helping our dd. It was a great catch-up and a very productive time with her.

Stitching had to take a bit of a backseat while I was away, but I did manage to 'almost' finish this little purse/bag during the evenings. 
It just needs blocking, a little fringe on the bottom I think, and I'm on the lookout for a nice button to close it, and also put a lining in it before I can add it to my FO list.
I can't remember where I got the pattern from as it's been in my 'files' a long time.



Summers End Mandala

Since arriving back home on Thursday I have added the ecru thread to the outside edge (two rounds), and now
 I have completed Part 13 of Mandala Madness cal - Summers End.
'Only' 5 more Parts to go.


Here is how the full piece looks so far.


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A couple of cafe recommendations for you if you are ever travelling around New Zealand.



41 Moa St.
Piopio

Such a lovely variety of freshly home-baked foods, and a top quality barista.
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The Wooden Heart Cafe
28-30 Ellis Rd SH 30
Benneydale

We had a delicious meal here. The home cooked pies are heartily packed full, and so tasty. The meats used are all processed locally and therefore very fresh.
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This was a Year of Projects Post



23 comments:

  1. That is a great bag!!!! Your mandala is beyond awesome!!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!

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    1. Thank you Dianna, I love the bag too.

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  2. Love the name 'Fat Pigeon Cafe'! As always, I'm fascinated by your mandala - out of curiosity, how big is it now? And the purse is perfect!

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    1. Thanks MA. Summers End mandala is now (roughly) 30 inches across.

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  3. Gorgeous bag and that Mandala is absolutely awesome. I will tuck away your recommendations if ever I am in that area.

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    1. Thanks Sharon, Benneydale is a bit off the beaten track, but Piopio is on the main highway to Taranaki from Hamilton or Cambridge.

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  4. What a cute little bag - hope we get to see a picture when the lining and button is done. The mandala is awesome and I also am wondering how big it is?

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    1. Thank you Dorothy, I'll be sure to post finished photos when all is done. Mandala is roughly 30 inches (76cm) now, and will grow a few more inches yet.

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  5. The bag is beautiful. Fringe will finish it off perfectly! And your Summers End Mandala Madness is still stunning. :) Isn't it fun to see how it changes? Your travels make me want to take a road trip. I think we need to schedule one!

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    1. Thanks Becki. Going on trips is always fun when you stop for meals at nice cafe's. We stayed at a Motel near my daughters new home (we've just bought the house for her so that she can stop flatting and have a place to call her own. She hasn't moved in yet). Exciting times ahead.

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  6. Love that bag, Cy! Reminds me of a crocheted bag I had in the late 60's (OMG I'm how old??!!) with a long dangly fringe. I loved that bag and had it for years. Slung the strap over my shoulder and the fringe hung to my knees. Your mandala is absolutely stunning! A beautiful burst of summer crochet. I love it, too.

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    1. Thanks Suz. I know the exact bag you had in mind, lol, I had one similar too, all those years ago. This bag is smaller tho. Just big enough for phone, wallet and a pack of tissues.

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  7. Every time I see these mandalas I want to start one.....God help me....I still have to finish the never ending sockyarn blanket.

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    1. Thanks Mary-Anne, I might start another one when this one is finished. It's a lovely pattern but needs a lot of concentration with lots of counting within the rounds.

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  8. I love your bag and your mandala is just stunning, I'm really looking forward to seeing the next few parts get added to it!

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    1. Thank you Ruth. This was part 13, and there are 18 parts altogether.

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  9. New Zealand is on my bucket list. Someday I hope to get there. I have several 'foreign' countries I want to go to yet. Anyway.............your mandala....how big is it? Your purse is adorable and will be so special once you add all your lovely finishing touches to it.

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    1. Thank you Marsha. I've been in NZ for 16 years, and it's been just one big holiday (grin).

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  10. Your mandala is amazing!!

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  11. I love seeing these mandalas coming together and your bag is gorgeous - I see a bag in my future!

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    1. Thanks Lucy, there are a few more bags in my future too.

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  12. I am behind in my reading too. I know people understand that you are traveling so no worries. I love that you shared the cafe's. I am always taking pictures and sharing about little coffee shops I go to when I'm traveling. I fell in love with a tiny coffee shop in Denali, Alaska when I was there. There sign was an old acoustic guitar on the wall with their name on it. I always love the updates on your mandala. It is spectacular.

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