Princess Leia, welcome!

Good morning and happy Friday, Lovelies!

How are you all managing so far with your various Lockdown regulations? I know that every time I feel isolated and frustrated it helps to know that we are all in this together, in one way or the other. Troubles shared and all that. And a common thread connects us, which of course, is Crochet!
TGFC ( = Thank Goodness For Crochet/Craft ).

Last time, I promised I'd introduce you all to Princess Leia ( aka Lally ). First, her bandages and stitches had to be removed and some of her scars properly healed. I'm sure she didn't want anyone seeing her not looking her best! She's a rescue who's been through the mill judging by old scars but you wouldn't know it by how sweet, playful and smart she is. We've had so much fun getting to know her little peculiarities of character. She loves playing with her ball ( she's frequently stocked up seeing as they regularly disappear to Ball Heaven ), she ADORES Roxy and Roxy has been an absolute angel with her new sister. It's as if Roxy knows she herself is very privileged and generously shares her time, her toys, blankets, space in the car, walks, river splashes and treats with a very deserving little soul. Leia looks a lot like an Alsation but she's half the size ( if not smaller ) possibly a result of malnutrition in her puppy years. A MAJOR bonus: she loves the Cats ( even if it's not reciprocated...yet ). She has amazing hearing...can you tell?

Also, I promised I'd share images of the snow-capped mountains that enclose the beautiful Riebeek Valley where we have our little off-grid "retirement" cottage on the outskirts of one of the villages. I'll be spending ten days there, in August ( a birthday present to myself ), and will make an effort to snap more gorgeous scenes from this lovely part of South Africa. Thing is, once you arrive, it's as if the air and pastoral scenes of vineyards, olive and fruit groves, surrounded by mountains like a warm and welcoming hug intoxicate you, and you are properly enchanted! A day feels like a week there! It's always a rude awakening to arrive back in fast-paced noisy Cape Town which truly is a city that never sleeps ( not even in lockdown ). And so it happened. I did not capture one single scene on my weekend away but gazed at the clouds drifting overhead while lying on a blanket under the Almond trees. You could say I was away with the Fairies but in a good way.  Thankfully, and no surprise, the Valley is home to artists galore and I've taken advantage ( once again ) of Mary Walker's keen eye and professional skills as a Photographer of the area.

I wish you all a very peaceful and relaxing weekend with lots of fun crochet projects at hand. I'm finishing off another large cushion block pattern! I wonder when I'll ever get tired and/or bored of making them? THANK YOU so much to all of you who have been sharing your gorgeous finished pieces. I never get tired of seeing an Amanzi through new eyes or a new colourway for the Mandalas. I say this often, many of you Lovelies are AMAZING colourists!

                                           Botanica made by Vassiliki-Vicki Geordiadou

Wildflower made by Nieke Ruhulessen

Thank you so much to all of you who commented on the last post. It's always like chatting with old friends. I really enjoy your comments! For those of you whose names were picked out of the Hat for last Friday's GIVEAWAY pattern by Rosina Plane...you'll find your free pattern at Ravelry! 😊

I'll be giving away 10 x FREE patterns for the new cushion block ( actually not a square but a cushion round ) so be sure to leave your Ravelry name if you do pop in to comment. I'm not exactly sure of the release date but definitely soon!

Take care, stay well, stay safe, stay calm and happy crocheting!

💛 Jen