So, because of my starting disease, and because so many of you suffer from the same discomfort, I am running a little game this year. It's called FINISHING. What you need to do is choose 9, if you have nine, if you don't then choose 3. If you only have one thing to finish then sorry, this game is not for you. It is for those polygamists out there. You know who you are. You find it hard being faithful to just one project. Anyway, take a photo of your chosen WIPS (9 is the maximum) at the point at which you are at today. So no cheating, the photos all need to be styled on the same day. In other words haul out your 9 and then photograph them with the same lighting and background on the same day. This is your baseline. Then post this photo in a collage (ask a youngster if lost at this point) on instagram and facebook, or just facebook if you are not on instagram (although that begs the question WHY NOT on instagram it is fabulous) and tag Be Inspired as a person ie. @be_inspiredtocreate as well as hashtag #beinspiredfinishme2020. On facebook it is more difficult, you need to be a person who follows Be Inspired to tag me, but you will somehow need to show me your picture. Maybe screenshot your post and then whats app it to me. It is always tricky making sure i have seen your collage - if I don't see it, it doesn't exist. Then, starting end of February, you post a photo of one of those items FINISHED with the same tag and hashtag. For each one that I see, you will be entered into a draw to win a R250 voucher from Be Inspired. Now the important rule is your items should 90% be made from yarn from Be Inspired. I say 90% because you may have added from your stash or from another yarn purchase however please appreciate that to invest in you, I need you to invest in Be Inspired!  I also want to share your finish's and then people always ask what yarn is that, where can i buy it, and I really really want to say at Be Inspired. I hope you will join in, I will do a post soon explaining the above. And I am also taking part so will do my pics and then show you what I am hoping to finish!

April is going to come upon us fast, and it is a BIG month for Be Inspired. Atty and Jose will be coming from the Netherlands to teach us free style crochet in the form of a portraiture that can be turned into a bag (they will show you how) or sewn onto a bag, or made into a picture, or an applique for a denim jacket or t shirt. We will be holding one day workshops around the country (one in JHB on 15th April, one in Kloof on 21st April and one in Stellenbosch on 25th April) as well as a retreat 17-19th April where we have a few spaces for day trippers on the Saturday 18th April. Please book asap, the retreat only has shared rooms left - doubles or two triple rooms - the price you see is for the room and not per person so do not be frightened! We have actually kept the cost way down, with a small kit, and bargaining at venues for best prices per person for teas/coffees and lunch. The actual tuition fee is what we will be using to travel around the country, for flights, accommodation and meals and in itself is about half what Atty and Jose charge for one day workshops in Europe. So we are extremely fortunate that Atty loves South Africa, and that Jose really wants to come here for the first time ever, and they have given us very special rates.

Please see the links below for the different venues and the retreat.

Atty van Norel is a renowned crochet designer and is especially well known for her quilt like crochet blocks. She is extremely creative, loves colour as much as I do, and is great fun to be around. She has nifty tricks up her sleeve, like weaving in ends whilst you crochet and No, it does not involve a needle!
You can have a look at her work here on instagram or here on facebook or even visit her blog where she often shares really awesome free crochet patterns.

Jose Dammers is also a crochet designer and artist, well known for her portraits of famous people and paintings. Jose brings a wealth of knowledge with respect to free form crochet and creating art with yarn and stitches. She is also a great laugh and I know you will enjoy meeting her and working under her tutorage. You can have a look at her work on instagram,  or on facebook

Together the pair have created and tested a workshop technique to ensure that EVERYONE, whether you can draw or not, whether you consider yourself artistic or not, because everyone is CREATIVE, can create the workshop portrait. It will combine structured and free form crochet and you will leave having been totally immersed in this craft for the day. It is unlike any other workshop you have or will attend in South Africa and has been especially created for Be Inspired. Please see the links below to book.

 

If you are local, and work hard all week, then why not pop in on the last Thursday of every month, from 6-9pm and come and sit on the deck awhile. There is always inspiration around, and like-minded knitting and crochet friends! Bring your wips, and snacks to share. Tea and coffee provided. 

Don't forget to bring your special late nite shoppers card to be stamped. 

Sue Stevenson is a remarkably talented lady. I first met Sue many years ago through quilting and was always fascinated by her Japanese styled quilts. Sue has a fascination for Japanese arts and was recently recognized at the 4th International Kumihimo conference in Japan for her contribution to the art of Kumihimo outside of Japan. We are privileged that she will be teaching this art at Be Inspired.
 

The first class will be to make a braided pen (or enclose a pen within a braid) using the Kumihimo technique, that is a basis for many of Sue’s beautiful bracelet designs.
 
The workshop will include a detailed information/pattern booklet, the Kumihimo disc, the pen, clip and charm as well as two mini nikkim cotton yarns. And inspiration and teachings by Sue. Tea/coffee and cake will also be served.
Saturday 8th February, 9.30-1pm
on the deck at Be Inspired

Having spoken about books, and never wanting a good book to end, I must point out all the beautiful pattern books and inspirational technique books I have in the studio. Pattern books are probably the best investment because not only do they have beautiful photographs and the patterns themselves but often they explain and illustrate the techniques used in the patterns. I find books invaluable, and sometimes they are just good friends to enjoy in a quiet moment with a cup of tea.

On Friday I had occasion to look through my bookshelf and pulled out Interpretations, volume 4, by Joji Locatelli and Veera Valimaki. I flicked through the pages and was entranced by the 12 patterns. It is a little book (A5) yet it is packed with beautiful shawls, cowls, and sweaters. My Friday's Choice (see pic below) - save Chantal from starting a new project - kit was based on one of these patterns. It's always exciting to find you have the EXACT same colour yarn as a project but alas, I was saved and by friday night someone who NEEDed it more than I did had bought the kit I put together!

You can buy your very own copy here. I am still lusting after that shawl on page 90 and may just have the right colours for it.....

Everyone who knows me, either personally, or through Be Inspired, in real life or through my instagram and facebook posts, knows how devastated I was to lose my Peeka, my persian boy and constant companion for close on 15 years. Mr Be Inspired always said I was crazy about that cat, but then again so was he. And actually so were most of the workshop attendees that ever had the pleasure of sharing space with him. 

I have worked with Persian Cat Rescue Durban and Sylvia, the amazing founder and cat lover, for over a year now. Raising funds where I can, and Be inspired is also a monthly donor as I believe every little bit helps. The running costs of a sanctuary like Persian Cat Rescue, with over 30 cats that need good food, grooming and more often than not specialised vet care is HUGE and GIGANTIC and SCARY for just one person to handle. And Sylvia does not receive any grants or help from the government, she relies on people like me, and you. 

A little way you can help is by adding Persian Cat Rescue Durban as your beneficiary on your My School Card, by contributing even R100 a month, or by supporting my drives when you can. The work that Sylvia does in rehabilitating persian cats is incredible and that is evident in my Molly.

Enter Miss Molly. I was not expecting nor looking for another persian cat. No one could replace my boy, and she hasn't done that either. He will always hold the biggest part of my heart, my special boy. But Miss Molly has grabbed a chunk for herself. She has put together some pieces that were broken, like her. The amount of love that this little girl gives out to her new family is remarkable, to think that she was "thrown away" by her owners, at 4 years old. She is now 5, having lived with Sylvia at the Sanctuary for a year. She has overcome many obstacles, and is a special needs girl, which is why I will slowly be introducing her to studio and deck life. Some of you have met her, but if you haven't I have indulged my new mommy status and put some pics here for you. She isn't Peeka who only ever knew love and this home, so she will take a little bit more time to become accustomed to lots of people but when there is just one or two she has ventured out to say hello. I have to say though she has the right idea and only gets out of bed in the afternoon!

Thank you to those who have contributed to teas and raffles in raising funds, and to those who indulge me with my instagram and facebook cat photo's. Miss Molly and all the other beautiful fluffs thank you too.

In closing, Be Inspired will have new stock arriving soon from Durable, new habby, more Scheepjes stock to restock sold outs, CocoKnits will be replenished in February, and the new MUUD leather accessories will be here in the next two weeks! Keep an eye out for posts, and don't forget your 9 WIPS to finish - first draw will be 1st March and you need to be in it to win the voucher!

Don't miss out on Retreat or Workshops - every year there are late comers who are so disappointed. Please share the events on my facebook page, and let all your crochet friends know! For those not attending workshops, JHB and Stellenbosch will also feature THE Be inspired Pop Up Shop!!

with much yarnie love and thank you for your support,
Chantal xxx