Inhoudsopgave van May/June 2022 - Ideas

Even when I am sitting here in my home office working on beautiful, creative magazines, I can’t help but notice how the world around me is changing. Who can? While Covid-19 has stripped so many people of their loved ones, their work and their businesses, those who were already unemployed and homeless before new hardship hit now seem so much more noticeable. The only good thing about this is that it forces us to be aware of what is happening around us. Closer to home, we also see the effect in our sales as readers need to focus more on necessities or are saving every cent in fear of where the petrol price is going and the impact it will have on the cost of living. So in December when…

DIFFICULTY: easy (medium if you are not familiar with 'join as you go' technique) TIME: week and a half SIZE Crochet squares scarf: 22cm x 150cm YOU WILL NEED ♥ mix of yarns, but the main ones are:– Scheepjes Ombré, Murderous Mint (hold inside and outside ends together for a lovely variegated green)– African Expressions Soul, Neon Coral to use in the 'join as you go'– Greta 45– Loopy #6 Chloe, Mint Green– Scheepjes Colour Cake, Wild Strawberry (start from outside yarn end)– African Expressions, Freedom 5024 x 2♥ The others are: – Nurturing Fibres, Durable, Scheepjes and Vinnis mini balls– African Expressions, Desire and Vinnis black held together– African Expressions Soul, Neon Yellow– Our Tribe, Old Bewick– Scheepjes Cotton, Sapling♥ 10 tassels made from Cowgirl Blues Aran, Ruby Grapefruit♥…

DIFFICULTY: easy, beginner friendly TIME: couple of days YOU WILL NEED ♥ 1 ball each Vinnis cotton in Lime 509, Raspberry 559, Violet 585, Turquoise 564, Lavender 551, Sunshine 535♥ 3,5mm crochet hook♥ darning needle♥ 4–6 buttons♥ stitch markers ABBREVIATIONS beg – begin(ning) ch – chain dc – double crochet rep – repeat rnd – round sl st – slip stitch sp – space st(s) – stitch(es) tr – treble NOTE We used a 3,5mm crochet hook so our blocks are a bit smaller; that way the panels fit nicely over the hot water bottle. If you feel your panels are too big when you have sewn them together, only crochet 1 rnd in dc around and then check your size before finishing off. TO CROCHET BASIC GRANNY SQUARE Ch…

DIFFICULTY: adventurous beginner/intermediate TIME: 12-15 hours YOU WILL NEED ♥ 1 ball African Expressions Harmony in each of the following colours: A – 2029 (Sand), B – 2281 (Watermelon), C – 2126 (Teal Blue), D – 2131 (Cherry Red), E – 2132 (Plum), F – 2011 (Fresh)♥ Nurturing Fibres Eco Lush in Lime♥ Fibra Natura Papyrus – 229-26 (Black)♥ scissors♥ darning needle for sewing and working yarn ends away♥ crochet hooks in the following sizes: 3mm, 3,5mm and 4mm♥ 2 x 9mm safety eyes♥ polyester toy stuffing♥ stitch marker♥ bamboo skewer, about 15cm TENSION Tension is not important for this project, but the tighter the crochet fabric of Rosa’s body, the better. So if you tend to crochet loosely, rather drop down a hook size. ABBREVIATIONS (US crochet terms) beg…

DIFFICULTY: medium (a lot of time and patience) TIME: at least a week YOU WILL NEED ♥ paper patterns (according to diagram you choose and enlarging and measuring out to scale; remember seam allowances)♥ quilt fabrics in chosen colours, patterns and shades♥ 4m unbleached linen (calico) for inner lining♥ 2m plain fabric for outer back (eg bull denim or suede)♥ cotton thread in a neutral colour to stitch blocks and sleeping bag together♥ 4m batting (the thick type)♥ fabric scissors or roller cutter♥ long quilting pins♥ marker pen♥ sewing needle with large eye and sharp point for hand quilting♥ thick upholstery thread in contrasting colour♥ 3m zip fastener♥ double sliders♥ 1,5m cotton fabric in contrasting colour for binding and carry-bag♥ 1,2m cord♥ 1 stopper TO MAKE 1 Choose the colours/shades/patterns…

BOOK EMBROIDERY BOX We found a lovely vintage embroidery book and decided that its next lease of life should be to house embroidery items. DIFFICULTY: challenging TIME: two hours We started by carefully removing the pages of the book (called the book block) and cutting the back cover from the spine with a sharp craft knife. Keep the front cover and spine joined together. Find a ready-made box roughly the same size as the book and glue the spine of the book to the side of the box with hot glue, to create a lid with the front cover. Use some of the pages from the book to line the box. Cut the back cover into 4 lengths, slightly narrower than the depth of the box, to create partitions. Cut…

DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: two hours To make the board, paint a piece of wood with blackboard paint so you can write notes on it with chalk, and you can use movable tags as well. The idea is to list your family members, charity organisations, what you can do to help, days of the week and months of the year. The board should be designed in such a way that it is interactive and adjustable. It works like this: STEP 1 ORGANISATIONS: Decide which organisations you would like to donate to and write these on separate tags. A good idea is to contact the organisations to find out what they need most. STEP 2 DONATIONS: Remember that a ‘donation’ can include time and skills. So, it could be walking dogs at…

CHURCH DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: half a day YOU WILL NEED ♥ wire (it must be strong, but still easy enough to work with)♥ long-nose pliers♥ side cutter of diagonal pliers♥ black spray paint♥ paper♥ masking tape♥ small bell TO MAKE 1 Draw a basic church shape on a piece of paper and bend your wire according to the design – stick it onto the paper with masking tape as you go along. Bend two outlines – one for the front and one for the back of the church. 2 Cut nine pieces of wire in equal lengths to make the roof of the church. Use these wires to fasten the two church shapes to each other – one for the peak of the roof and four evenly spaced for the…

REIMAGINE THE WORLD Decorex Africa is the design authority for the décor, interior design and lifestyle industries, with a long history of bringing world-class exhibitors to the public while showcasing lifestyle trends and design highlights that are not to be missed. This year, Decorex Africa is being reimagined with a refreshed brand identity and enhanced virtual features, combining the digital and the physical. One-day summits, functioning as platforms for sharing and connection to serve the local design community, will be held as part of the main Decorex event. Decorex Africa and 100% Design South Africa are on at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 June 2022 and at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 28 to 31 July 2022. Go to decorex.co.za for details. RESURFACE…

HEALTHY VEGETABLE SOUP Turmeric is a much-loved spice that adds earthy flavour and a vibrant yellow colour to food. It has amazing health benefits because it is rich in antioxidants and also helps reduce inflammation in the body. This wholesome soup is full of flavour and will give your immune system a welcome boost during the cold winter months. Serves: 4-6 Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 1 hour ♥ 45ml canola oil♥ 1 onion, chopped♥ 3 stalks celery, chopped♥ 2 cloves garlic, crushed♥ 10ml grated fresh ginger♥ 30ml grated fresh or 15ml ground dried turmeric♥ 5-10ml dried crushed chillies (optional)♥ 1kg cubed butternut or pumpkin♥ 1 x 400ml can chickpeas, drained♥ 125ml red lentils♥ 1 litre prepared vegetable stock♥ 1 x 400ml can coconut milk♥ 1 small bunch kale…

DIFFICULTY Advanced beginner SIZE Approximately 9 x 9cm blocked YOU WILL NEED ♥ African Expressions Harmony, approximately 8g of yarn per square (colours used for samples: 2552, 2281, 2052, 2127, 2131, 2011, 2126, 2119)♥ 4,5mm crochet hook♥ scissors♥ darning needle or thinner crochet hook for joining and working ends away ABBREVIATIONS (American crochet terms) ch – chain dc – double crochet hdc – half double crochet rnd – round sc – single crochet sl st – slip stitch sp – space NOTE Break yarn = cut yarn and pull the end through the current slip knot to secure. BLOCK 1 Make a magic circle. Rnd 1: Work in magic circle ch3 and 11dc, sl st into 3rd ch to join. Break yarn. Rnd 2: Start rnd by working into a…

DIFFICULTY: easy – basic knitting and crochet stitches are used; medium if you are not used to 'join as you go' technique TIME: a week SIZE Scarf measures 145cm x 30cm YOU WILL NEED ♥ vintage tray cloth of 30cm x 43cm♥ yarns used:– Be Inspired, Floofie, Lilac– Our Tribe, Old Bewick– Loopy #6 – Eris: Vanilla with Neon Speckles and Chloe: Mint Green and Adventure #3– Miss La Motte – Twist Sock, Frosted Plum– The Alpaca Yarn Co – Mariquita Handdyed: Baby Alpaca & Tencel Yarn, Spring Peepers # 554– Loopy #6 – Blended Delight: Merino, Silk, Mohair & Polyamide Sock Yarn, Experiment 101– Scheepjes, Organic Cotton, Sapling– Assortment colours of mini yarn balls from Scheepjes and Durable– Cowgirlblues, Aran, Lilac– Scheepjes, Colour Cake, Wild Strawberry, held double– Scheepjes,…

DIFFICULTY: easy TIME: about eight hours FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Width: 12cm Length: 23cm YOU WILL NEED ♥ 1 x 100g ball of double knitting yarn in each colour (we used Elle Gold Double Knit, colour Blossom, for the main colour, Silver for the second colour and Glamour for the embroidery)♥ 3,5mm and 4mm knitting needles♥ embroidery template on page overleaf♥ darning needle♥ scissors TENSION 19 sts x 24 rows = 10 x 10cm using 4mm needles and working in stocking stitch ABBREVIATIONS k – knit p – purl rep – repeat RS – right side st(s) – stitch(es) WS – wrong side TO KNIT Using 3,5mm needles and second colour, cast on 42 sts. Row 1: Work in double rib st (k 2, p 2) to end of row. Row 2:…

DIFFICULTY: easy TIME: two days YOU WILL NEED ♥ pattern on page overleaf♥ fabric – calico or cotton works well♥ dressmaker’s pen♥ embroidery hoop♥ embroidery cotton in pink 602, 347; green 906, 905; blue 334; yellow 743; black 310♥ embroidery needle♥ matching sewing thread♥ polyester toy stuffing TO MAKE 1 Using the dressmaker’s pen, trace the pattern and the flower design onto your fabric for the front panel and cut out – remember to add 1cm seam allowances all around. If your fabric is very sheer, you can iron interfacing to the back to stabilise it. Stretch your fabric in the embroidery hoop. 2 Embroider with 6 strands of embroidery cotton, using the following stitches: For the large flower a straight stitch to fill up the petals; for the rose…

CRUNCHIES THAT CARE These biscuits are perfectly balanced to curb any craving for something sweet, without tons of sugar. And perfect to drop off or hand out as an unexpected gift. Makes: about 80 Preparation time: 30 minutes Oven temperature: 180 °C Baking time: 8-10 minutes ♥ 4 x 250ml (400g) rolled oats♥ 180ml (60g) desiccated coconut♥ 250ml (230g) baking margarine or butter, softened♥ 250ml (350g) golden syrup♥ 250ml (140g) cake flour♥ 10ml baking powder♥ 10ml vanilla essence♥ 1ml salt♥ 80g milk chocolate, chopped 1 Combine all the ingredients except the chocolate in a food processor. Pulse to combine. For finer oats, pulse a few more times. If you don’t have a food processor, simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl. 2 Roll a teaspoonful of the…

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It’s winter and time for clearing out and giving away. This may sound like a contradiction, but it’s a powerful tonic against the cold. The icy wind and rain keeps us indoors, encourages us to conserve and cocoon under cosy blankets… But I become anxious at the thought of being shut inside, of shorter days and longer nights between the walls of my house. Each year, winter takes my tangled heart on a journey of self-discovery. I am an outdoor person and long for summer days filled with activity, for walks in the early morning light and the evening’s colour show. Yes, there is the pleasure of snuggly jerseys, fires in the hearth and simmering bredies on the stove. It’s romantic, but there is also something different about this time…

Makes: 1 large focaccia Serves: 12-16 Preparation time: 30 minutes plus rising time Oven temperature: 180 °C YOU WILL NEED ♥ 3 x 250ml cake flour ♥ 2,5ml fine salt ♥ 5ml instant yeast (half a sachet) ♥ 350–450ml warm water ♥ 50ml olive oil, plus extra for drizzling TOPPINGS ♥ 4 baby leeks, halved lengthways and grilled in a hot pan for 1 minute ♥ fine asparagus ♥ Kalamata olives, halved ♥ feta cheese, crumbled ♥ herbs ♥ coarse salt Mix the flour, salt and yeast together in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and add the olive oil. Add threequarters of the warm water and mix the flour in from the sides. Add a little more water as necessary to form a soft dough. Knead…

DIFFICULTY: easy SIZE Approximately 7 x 7cm YOU WILL NEED ♥ African Expressions Harmony, 8 or more colours of your choice, approximately 5g of yarn per square (colours used for samples: 2552, 2281, 2052, 2127, 2131, 2011, 2126, 2119)♥ 4,5mm knitting needles♥ scissors♥ darning needle for joining and working ends away ABBREVIATIONS k – knit p – purl rep – repeat RS – right side st(s) – stitch(es) WS – wrong side TO KNITT Knit one of each of the following block patterns in each colour (that is, 5 blocks per colour). When finishing each block, leave at least a 20cm tail to sew the blocks together. BLOCK 1 GARTER STITCH Cast on 14 sts. Rows 1–24: k all sts. Cast off loosely. BLOCK 2 STOCKING STITCH Cast on 14…

DIFFICULTY: easy to medium TIME: three weeks SIZE Small (medium, large). Medium size measures 50cm wide and 40cm long. YOU WILL NEED ♥ yarns and colours used are:– African Expressions in Desire– Vinnis in Black– Scheepjes in Sapling, Cake, Wild Strawberry and Murderous Mint– African Expressions Neon in Coral, Yellow and Pink– Loopy #6 – The 170 DK: 100% Superfine Merino: Goddess Collection x 1 – Eris: Vanilla with Neon Speckles,– Adventure #3– Chloe: Mint Green– Malabrigo – Rios DK: 100% Superwash– Merino Yarn x 1 Hollyhock– Nurturing Fibres – SuperTwist Sock Yarn: Merino Wool x 1 Lavender– Miss La Motte – Twist Sock: 100%– Superwash Merino x 1 Frosted Plum– Adele’s Mohair – Magic Ball: Upcycled Yarns x 1 Strawberry Shortcake– The Alpaca Yarn Co – Mariquita Handdyed: Baby…

DIFFICULTY: easy TIME: about six hours FINISHED MEASUREMENTS Width: 54cm circumference Length: 24cm YOU WILL NEED ♥ 1 x 100g balls of chunky yarn in each colour (we used Elle Gold Chunky, colour Mist, as the main colour, and Elle Gold Chunky, colour Ivory, as the second colour)♥ a pair of 5,5mm knitting needles♥ darning needle♥ cardboard to make the pom-pom TENSION 13 sts x 17 rows = 10 x 10cm using 5,5mm needles and working in stocking stitch ABBREVIATIONS k – knit k2tog – knit two stitches together knitwise p – purl rep – repeat RS – right side st(s) – stitch(es) WS – wrong side TO KNIT Cast on 80 sts using the main colour yarn. Row 1: k to end. Row 2: p to end. Row 3:…

Backpack DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: eight hours YOU WILL NEED ♥ pattern on following pages♥ fabric of your choice (see notes alongside)♥ matching machine thread♥ 164cm strap for backpack♥ 2 D-rings♥ 8 eyelets♥ eyelet tool♥ 1m cord to close backpack with♥ button♥ sharp scissors NOTES • We used three types of fabric with different colours and textures. The width of the fabric you buy will determine how much you need. Our fabric was 150cm wide, thus half a metre of each did it. • Embroidery is done on panels B and F. • The pattern pieces all include a 1cm seam allowance. • Follow the pattern instructions to see how many of each panel you need. TO MAKE 1 Stitch together 1 each of panels B and C, to form the…

FROM DISHCLOTH TO TABLECLOTH DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: half a day From drying dishes to hosting dinners… this tablecloth is the perfect conversation piece. You’ll need an existing tablecloth for size and a selection of new and vintage tea towels. Lay out the tea towels on top of the existing tablecloth so you can work out your design and see where you might need to trim them here and there. Once you are happy with your design, pin them together, overlapping them to create a seam allowance as you go. Sew them together to create your unique new tablecloth. PILLOWCASES DIFFICULTY: medium TIME: a few hours Mix and match quirky tea towels in interesting patterns and designs to make these pillowcases. You’ll need two extra-large tea towels to make each pillowcase,…

FEEL-BETTER BOX Kids are very resilient and brave, but no one likes a stay in hospital, especially if your mom and dad can’t be with you. Here are a few things you can include in your donation box for a child in need in hospital: 💮 A soft blanket that gives them something safe and comforting to cling to. 💮 A stuffed toy, something to snuggle up with when they feel vulnerable and alone. 💮 Things to draw or colour with. Keep them occupied and distracted by appealing to their creative side. 💮 Games to play with other kids in the ward. 💮 Things to build. 💮 Books to read. 💮 Snacks to eat. 💮 Colouring-in books. 💮 Bubbles (make sure these are non-toxic). IDEA: Transform a plain cardboard box…

His first wire creation was a bicycle, followed by a VW Beetle, then a motorbike … Albert Kamupíra’s thoughts turn back to his hometown, Harare, where his brother taught him to do wire work. ‘We picked up scrap wire wherever we could,’ he says. Today his ‘office’ is the harbour. He listens to the waves breaking, smells the ocean, feels the sun on his back, watches the seals play in the water. His art, there in the open air, attracts local and international tourists. An American friend and I recently meandered through Kalk Bay. She left with a large bag full of Albert’s creations. I bought one of his fish. ‘People like buying my penguins. And they’re so easy to make,’ he laughs. But the lion, oh no, that one…

There was a little girl, Who had a little curl, Right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, She was very, very good, But when she was bad she was horrid. – Nursery rhyme attributed to Henry Wadsworth Longfellow How many times have these words flitted through my head as I have stood, hands in hair, tussling with my curly locks that have a will of their own? When my hair is ‘bad’, I feel ‘horrid’. When I lived in Johannesburg, the curls and frizz were restricted to rainy weather and humidity. Otherwise my hair was blow-dried straight. But now that I live at the coast, I have had to make peace with my curls. It remains a struggle. After a lifetime of trying everything to straighten…

@TINYDOLLHOUSE_ZA Johannesburg The talented Karen Kelly makes the loveliest doll’s houses filled with miniature furniture and accessories that will win any child’s heart. She shares her latest creations – which you can buy from her online shop – on her pretty Instagram page. @DAISIEJO Karoo When it comes to clothing that is also art, Daisie Jo’s outfits are top of the list. Each piece is unique, and painstakingly hand-painted and embroidered. Take a look at her amazing designs on her Instagram page – you are sure to love them as much as we do. @CHIARATURILLI Cape Town Few people in this world have as much passion for life and delicious food as Chiara Turilli. Her Instagram page shows her love for her Italian family and for cooking. She and her family recently opened…