Welcome to Nurturing Fibres, the home of hand dyed South Africa yarns.
Nurturing fibre yarns are exclusively dyed by me using methods that I have developed over the last 10 yrs. I am a passionate dyer and enjoy hand dyed skeins that have sublte variations.

My yarns are the best of South Africa merino, mohair and cotton. I am proud of the high quality fibres that South African farmers produce.
I am inspired by the nature in the beautiful Western Cape and the cultures of South Africa.

Happy knitting
Carlé

I am an advocator of circular needles, and not any circular needles, but good quality needles. Yes its true I’m a needle snob!

I have not used any needles other than my ROSEWOOD knitpro interchangeables or the occasional chiaogoo circular sock needle for many years. So imagine my uncertainty when I won a pair of chiagoo 4mm straights from Natural Yarns

Yes, sure, they are pretty, but I wondered if they would give me a wonderful knitting experience. My lack of appreciation of them was because I never took the time to read about them… I assumed that they are just pretty plastic needles. I WAS SO WRONG…

Let it be said… THESE NEEDLES ARE GLORIOUS!!!!!!

Firstly, they are bamboo – I have highlighted this because it is an incredible feature of these needles. They have a wonderful smooth white and blue coating on them.
Secondly, the stitches glide on these needles like I’ve become accustomed to from the top of the range needles I use. This was a delight!
Thirdly, they really are pretty, but pretty in a way that does not compromise on quality and functuality, for example, the print does not continue into the point of the needle. So it is easy to watch your stitches form.
Then lastly, I was using a singles yarn so was delighted that the tip was a perfect balance between tapered and round. No splitty bits in this project.

I have to say…

… I loved the knitting experience. Its such a shame that my next part of this project calls for circular needles, I will miss these pretty girls as I pack them away into the perfect box that they arrived in.

I will be using these needles again and again, I feel privileged to own a pair of them. thank you Gina Ross for sending me a pair of these lovely Chiaogoo Blue Flower Straights

Happy knitting everyone!

Carle’

PROJECT DETAILS:
Pattern: Liten by Yarn-Madness
YArn: Nurturing Fibres Merino DK singles
Needles: ChiagGoo Blue flower Straights 4mm needles.

I’ve been so busy recently that I have not taken much time out to spin, I love spinning and knitting with the yarns that I create. I always feel so proud of items knitted in my hand spun. I was inspired this weekend when I saw a friend wear a pair of fingerless gloves that I spun and knitted for her over 4 yrs ago. I spun camel silk and then plied it with baby alpaca. It was so special to see how she had treasured them all these years.

With the Tour de Fleece starting soon, it is a perfect time for me to set some goals and get spinning again. I want to set attainable goals, like spin 250g of bfl silk for a shawl, and maybe spin some fibre for a new hat for me.

Here is some general info about the event:

The Tour de Fleece starts on Saturday July 5 and runs until Sunday July 27th, 2014. The concept is simple, challenge yourself, spin and have fun.

The organisers on ravelry have set some guidelines and are clear that these are guidelines and not rules. Here the are:
Spin every day the Tour rides, if possible. Saturday July 5 through Sunday July 27th. Days of rest: Tuesday, July 15th and Monday July 21st. (Just like the actual tour.)
Spin something challenging on the challenge day (usually the toughest high mountain stage: this year, it’s Stage 14, on Saturday, July 19th, when they climb over 3,000m at grades from 4-6%).
Wear yellow on Sunday July 27th to announce victory. Why not wear yellow on any day you feel particularly successful? (Yellow is the colour of the race leader in the Tour) .

There are official teams and these are:
Peloton (the main group)
Rookies (first years)
Sprinters (fast and/or high mileage, like lace, sweater quantities, etc)
Climbers (conquer mountains, big personal challenges)
Breakaways (textured “art” yarns)
Lanterne Rouge (you will participate as much as possible but you may skip days here and there)
Maillot Blanc (This team is intended for our younger participants under the age of 18.)
Wildcards (This is for people who want to form their own team. )

Nurturing fibres will have its own ‘Wildcard’ team this year called Team NF 2014. I am hosting the thread on my Raverly group.
Our captain is MVI [Cheryl] and the Vice captain is Jennyvonsocks [Jenny] and they will be in charge of awarding prizes and keeping you motivated. So….Are you a spinner or aspiring spinner? Why not set yourself a goal, join our group and we will inspire you along the way xx

HAPPY SPINNING EVERYONE!

Most people know me as a dyer of super fine wools but I am also a knitter, spinner, weaver, crocheter and occasional felter. In fact, any fibre craft excites me, so what am I then, a Fibrer? But let me not distract myself into writing about other wonderful crafts, I really want to chat about my relationship with crochet and the hook.

I have crocheted since December 1998. I suppose you wonder how I can recall the date? Well I learnt on my honeymoon, I was taught by my Mother-in-law. Oh, no! Hahaha, she did not go with us on honeymoon!!! She was in Graaf Reinet at the ‘Basson familie huis’ and we were passing through. In the 1970’s Oumas Basson had covered her couches in mustard, brown and avocado green crochet, while the colours were, erm… interesting, I was fascinated with the texture created by hooking. My Mom-in-law, like any loyal crocheter, did not hesitate and found a 3,5mm hook and Double Knit yarn and immediately taught me the granny square. I left with these 2 life changing items and as Karl and I toured around South Africa I crocheted my squares and joined them as I went. I still have the blanket, somewhere.

It was this event that lead to me immersing myself in the fibre world.

King size Mohair Blanket – By Carle’ Dehning

So am I skilled enough to call myself a crocheter? Until this week this is not something I had ever questioned. I assumed, that since I could hold the hook and make the stitches, I was a crocheter. I never realised that there is a HUGE variance in crochet knowledge, with me close to the bottom of the skills pile. But what I noticed, in class presented by Beatrix, is that quite a few of the participants were apologetic [or was is shy?] of the level of their skills. I watched the most skilled and the absolute beginners all in the same space. All with an equal amount of enjoyment for what they were learning. All with unadulterated delight at the cleverness that can be achieved with a yarn and hook.

So YES I am a crocheter, I became a crocheter the day that my Mom-in-law sat with me on the crocheted couch and taught me that very same skill that her Mom taught her many years before. She passed down her families ‘woman’ knowledge to me so that I can pass it on to whomever crosses my path.

Yesterday I saw new crocheters being ‘born’ and I have a message for them…
Please don’t doubt your skill level, don’t undermine your achievements. You are now a part of the warm and caring community of crochet sisterhood. You now are a crocheter, so pack a hook and yarn in your handbag, it is a wonderful way to enjoy your time while your husband is playing golf/surfing/braaing. It fills the gaps of time that we have at the school car-park, at extra curricula activities or even on the bus! The more you crochet in public, the more like minded friends you will make.

Happy Crocheting Everyone!

xx
Carle’

We had a vision…

…to grow an organic vegetable garden as a remedy to the shortage of green leafy vegetables available in the countryside, for our staff.

When we moved our dye house to the new building, it was a perfect opportunity for us to start the garden. It has taken sometime but, today, was the harvest day.

Russell Harvesting Spinach for his supper

We strongly believe in recycling and responsible environmental decisions, so we we are using the clean water from the dye preparation station to irrigate this garden.

Look at the size of the leaves! Surely this because of the love that it grows with…

Russell, delighted with his first harvest from the garden.

Our new colours palette for Merino Wool yarn are now available, aren’t these colours glorious…

Quince

Marmalade

Odette

Oumas Quilt

Vintage Rose

Brambles

Aged Leather

Satchel

Driftwood

Shipwrecked

Smokey Nights

Roxy’s Cafe’

Monette

Coquette

Sea Glass

Venice

Cedar

Massy

Straw

Summer Meadow

Vanilla

Humbug

Candy

What will you make?

Hello, Dotty!

This beautiful stitch pattern is suitable for wherever a soft fabric with excellent drape is required. Paired with Eco-Fusion (a bamboo-cotton blend), this simple eyelet pattern will pop. (For stockists, click here)

If you want to be adventurous, try this stitch pattern with 4.50mm needles. This will create a very stretchy fabric, with larger eyelets and fabulous drape.

The sample was done over 27 sts, with Eco-Fusion in Bessy and 3.50mm needles.

Recommended needle size: 3.50mm

Stitch count: 8 + 3 (your total stitch count should be divisible by 8, then add 3)

Recommended projects: 

• Poncho’s
• As a decorative border on pullovers, cardigans
• As a decorative border on baby dresses
• Baby blanket

Pattern:

Abbreviations:

• k – knit
• k2tog – knit two together
• m1 – make 1
• p – purl
• rep – repeat
• st – stitch

Cast on the required number of stitches.

Row 1: k3, *m1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, m1, k3*, rep from * to end.

Row 2: P.

Row 3: k4, *with right needle, lift the 3rd st on the left needle over the 1st and 2nd st, k1, m1, k6*, rep from * to end, ending the last rep with k5, instead of k6.

Row 4: P

Row 5: K

Row 6: P

Row 7: k7, *m1, k2tog, k1, k2tog, m1, k3*, rep from * to end, ending the last rep with k7, instead of k3.

Row 8: P

Row 9: k8, *with right needle, lift the 3rd st on the left needle over the 1st and 2nd st, k1, m1, k6*, rep from * to end, ending the last rep with k9, instead of k6.

Row 10: P

Row 11: K

Row 12: P

The above 12 rows form the stitch pattern, simply keep repeating row 1 – 12.

Happy knitting!

We have another awesome group of entries for the April Maker Of The Month.

Cast your vote by clicking here. (Subject: Maker Of The Month – and add the name of the entrant you’d like to vote for)

If you’re curious about the yarns used, simply click on the photo of the specific entry, to see all the available colours. Where possible, we linked to the pattern used by the maker.

Voting closes on Sunday, 6 May and the winner will be announced on Monday, 7 May.

Good luck to all of you!

Hanlie Fourie via Facebook

Beautiful shawl made with Eco-Bamboo.

Anlin Zanoli

Anlin made these ‘Heart Of Remembrance’ squares for all her family members, to remember loved ones lost.

@flamingo.at.the.window via Instagram

These beauties are made with Eco-Fusion.

@gillianreay via Instagram

Gill made this for her grandbaby; Georgie’s blanket.

Gina Selmic Shepherd via Facebook

Meet Mo the Monkey. The pattern is Mike the Monkey via Sugaridoo on Etsy.

@heidiseebach via Instagram

Flint the Bunny.

@lienielief via Instagram

A cool scarf for chilly days.

Linda Van Loggerenberg Vermaak via Facebook

Linda has a very happy bed now!

@lomalovescrochet via Instagram

Loma made our City Of Roses pattern with SingleSpun Lace.

@mamamea_crochet via Instagram

Elmien made a blanket for her daughter with Eco-Cotton.

@happy_hooking via instagram

Sue finished the Blanoncho Cal and gifted the blanket to her son’s girlfriend.

@tracyd2408 via Instagram

Tracy made the cowl with Eco-Cotton in Fawn.

We are constantly surprised by the beautiful things our makers enter.

And we have a winner….

Congratulations, Sam Van Wyk!! You are our April Maker Of The Month!

Sam made these cuties with Eco-Cotton.

Sam posts over at Instagram as @flamingo.at.the.window and is from Cape Town. Her feed is filled to the brim with beautiful amigurumi makes.

Remember to enter our May Maker competition by tagging your makes on Instagram with #NFMakerOfTheMonth0518 or post on our Facebook page, using the same tag.

The winner will receive a limited edition Maker Of The Month bag, including a pattern with all the yarn needed to complete the project. Nurturing Fibres reserves the right to decide on the project and the yarn included in the bag.

Please note that our May Maker Of The Month will be extended this month and only end on the 7th of June, with the finalists announced (and voting opened) shortly thereafter.

Sam, kindly contact us via social media with your contact details.

We have another awesome group of entries for the May Maker Of The Month.

Cast your vote by clicking here. (Subject: Maker Of The Month – and add the name of the entrant you’d like to vote for – in the case of entrants with multiple entries, please mark clearly which entry you’re voting for)

If you’re curious about the yarns used, simply click on the photo of the specific entry, to see all the available colours.

The entries are listed in alphabetical order.

Voting closes on Tuesday, 12 June and the winner will be announced on Thursday, 14 June.

Good luck to all of you!

Anneline Miller:

@by_bronwen

Eleanor Katzeff:

Esme Swanepoel:

Fabienne Jardim (1):

Fabienne Jardim (2):

@hesterkriel:

Kathleen Sundby:

@lienielief:

@mammavol (1):

@mammavol (2):

Monique:

@scvanwyk:

Yvonne Van Wyk:

We had an absolute avalanche of votes this month! All the entries were super good, we don’t know how you guys managed to pick a favourite. We sat with bated breath with each email received… it was a close race! Each and every entrant should feel super proud of her work.

But… we have a winner….

Congratulations, Fabienne Jardim!! You are our May Maker Of The Month!

Fabienne made this beautiful blanket with Eco-Cotton. We love it! Fabienne will receive a limited edition Maker Of The Month bag, a printed pattern and enough yarn to make the pattern. Nurturing Fibres reserves the right to decide on the content of the bag.

Remember to enter our June Maker competition by tagging your makes on Instagram with #NFMakerOfTheMonth0618 or post on our Facebook page, using the same tag.

Fabienne, kindly contact us via social media with your contact details.

Lots of love,

Carlé and the NF Crew

xx

The success of a completed item depends on a few factors.

The correct yarn, the correct hook or needle size and the correct gauge.

Sometimes though, even when using the correct yarn and hook/needle size, completed items may not fit, or fit poorly or end up being a completely different size.

This usually happens when the gauge (sometimes called ‘tension’) has been ignored. A lot of experienced knitters and crocheters often skim over this section in the pattern, and newbie knitters and crocheters simply don’t know what it means.

So what is gauge? Gauge is the amount of stitches used over a section of 10cmx10cm, over a stitch pattern or over a block or motif, both in width and height. When it comes to blocks (for instance blocks used in blankets or garments) the gauge of the item will be the size of the block in width and height. The same principles apply for both knitting and crochet and both mediums are measured in exactly the same way. Gauge samples are made according to the guidelines supplied on the given pattern.

Let’s start with blocks: (remember – it doesn’t matter whether the block is knitted or crocheted; the same principles apply)

The following blocks have been crocheted with the same yarn (Eco-Cotton in Orchid), the one on the left was done with a 4.00mm hook and the one on the right with a 4.50mm hook. The size difference is almost negligible.

The smaller one measures 6.50cm and the bigger one measures 7.20 cm. It is a difference of 0.7mm. That is certainly not a lot! But unfortunately there is an accumulative effect when these blocks are used in a large project.  If the pattern called for a 4.00mm hook size and a 4.50mm hook were used (resulting in the slightly larger block) and 20 blocks were required in a row, the marginal difference of 0.7mm would’ve resulted in the item being a whopping 14cm larger than it should be.

What if it is a flat piece of work?: (once again remember – it doesn’t matter whether the block is knitted or crocheted; the same principles apply)

The designer will stipulate what the recommended gauge will be including how to get to that gauge.

For example:

Gauge: 17sts x 10 rows = 10x10cm using garter stitch and 4.50mm knitting needles.

To make this sample, cast on at least 10 sts more (in crochet, chain at least 10chs more). Work double the amount of rows required and then measure the piece both in length and width and count the amount of stitches in length and the amount of rows in height. Do not measure from the sides or top and bottom, but work on a section in the middle of the sample.

If the required sample is across a certain stitch count (for more intricate stitch patterns) and the stitch count is 20, do the sample over 60 sts/chs (twice as much as the stitch count given). Repeat the stitch pattern three times.

For example:

Gauge: 1x stitch pattern repeat = 14×14 cm. The amount of stitches for a specific stitch pattern will also be stipulated somewhere on the pattern.

In this case, if the stitch pattern were 10 sts, cast on or chain an amount of stitches that is three times that much. So you’ll be chaining or casting on 30 sts, then working three repeats of the entire stitch pattern. Once complete, measure the section in the middle.

Don’t ever measure a gauge sample from the sides, bottom or top of the work. The most accurate measurements will be in the middle of a piece (see picture below) as the sides, bottom or top sometimes either pull or pucker, thereby messing with the measurement.

So what do you do if you simply can’t get to the correct gauge supplied in the pattern?

Firstly, make sure you’re using the recommended yarn and hook/needle size. Also keep in mind that every crocheter and knitter has her own unique tension. Some people knit and crocheter tighter than the median, others crochet and knit a lot looser. This is luckily easily remedied.

If your gauge sample is smaller than stipulated, use a bigger hook/needles. If the gauge sample is bigger, use a smaller hook/needles. Keep experimenting until you get to the recommended sample size.

This may seem like a lot of work, but for items that require perfect sizing (like garments) it is crucial to get to the correct gauge size. If you’re going to spend a couple of days/weeks on a project it is well worth it to know that the finished product will fit and drape well.

We have another awesome group of entries for the June Maker Of The Month.

Cast your vote by clicking here. (Subject: Maker Of The Month – and add the name of the entrant you’d like to vote for – in the case of entrants with multiple entries, please mark clearly which entry you’re voting for)

To see all our beautiful yarns click here: Nurturing Fibres Yarn

The entries are listed in alphabetical order.

Voting closes on Sunday, 8 July and the winner will be announced on Monday, 9 July.

Good luck to all of you!

Ananda Van Dyk Russ (1)

Made with Eco-Fusion

Ananda Van Dyk Russ (2)

Made with SingleSpun Lace

Ananda Van Dyk Russ (3)

Made with Eco-Bamboo

@crochetquaver

Made with Eco-Cotton

@elechamuller

Made with Eco-Cotton

@handmade_by_celiahann

Made with Eco-Fusion

@heidi_wareing

Made with Eco-Cotton

@koginaidoo_

Made with Eco-Cotton

@mamamea_crochet

Made with Eco-Cotton

@nitalopz

Made with Eco-Cotton

Sougnet Barkhuizen

Made with Eco-Fusion

@the_wooden_sheep

Made with SingleSpun Lace

@weavingheart

Made with Eco-Cotton

What an awesome round-up of entries for May! From weaving, to crochet, blankets, clothing and really super items made with a variety of our yarns, June had it all!

And the winner is….

Heidi Wareing!!

Congratulations Heidi! Heidi made this gorgeous blanket with Eco-Cotton. She used the Sprinkles pattern that was in an old issue of Ideas Magazine.

Heidi will receive a limited edition Maker Of The Month bag, a printed pattern and enough yarn to make the pattern. Nurturing Fibres reserves the right to decide on the content of the bag.

Remember to enter our July Maker competition by tagging your makes on Instagram with #NFMakerOfTheMonth0718 or post on our Facebook page, using the same tag.

Heidi, kindly contact us via social media with your contact details.

Lots of love,

Carlé and the NF Crew

xx

We have another awesome group of entries for the July Maker Of The Month.

Cast your vote by clicking here. (Subject: Maker Of The Month – and add the name of the entrant you’d like to vote for – in the case of entrants with multiple entries, please mark clearly which entry you’re voting for)

To see all our beautiful yarns click here: Nurturing Fibres Yarn

The entries are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that the name of the entrant is followed by their photo.

Voting closes on Sunday, 5 August and the winner will be announced on Monday, 6 August.

Good luck to all of you!

**********************

Anelia Koortzen made these baby photo props with Eco-Fusion:

Caroline Engelke made this bedspread as a wedding gift with Eco-Cotton:

Charmaine Goddard made this double bed blanket with Eco-Cotton:

Danie Teresa De Villiers made this blanket with Eco-Cotton:

@dieoranje_skaap (via Instagram) is working on this with SuperTwist Sock Yarn:

Fay Gordon made this bedspread with Eco-Cotton:

@foxesmakesandbakes (via Instagram) made this little cardigan with Eco-Cotton:

@helene.jvr (via Instagram) made this baby blanket, holding two strands of Eco-Cotton together:

@hook_and_sparkles Entry 1, made this cushion with Eco-Fusion:

@hook_and_sparkles Entry 2, made this cushion with Eco-Fusion:

@mandym000k (via Instagram) made Harvey Bear with Eco-Cotton:

Monique Holman made this baby gift with Eco-Fusion:

Rize Kruger crocheted the borders with Eco-Bamboo:

@runnerbean66 made this little guy with Eco-Fusion:

Santie Snyman made Harvey Bear with Eco-Cotton:

@storievansusan (via Instagram) made Robyn with Eco-Cotton:

@the_glass_pearl made this shawl with SuperTwist Sock Yarn:

@tracyd2408 (via Instagram) made the Kyla Cardigan with Eco-Cotton:

Vanessa Vock Macfarlane made these coasters with Eco-Cotton:

@weavingheart Entry 1, made this baby blanket with Eco-Fusion:

@weavingheart Entry 2, made the Whispers Of Serenity with Eco-Fusion:

Good  luck to all the entrants!

Carle and team, xx

All the votes have been tallied and……

We have another awesome group of entries for the August Maker Of The Month.

Cast your vote by clicking here. (Subject: Maker Of The Month – and add the name of the entrant you’d like to vote for – in the case of entrants with multiple entries, please mark clearly which entry you’re voting for)

To see all our beautiful yarns click here: Nurturing Fibres Yarn

The entries are listed in alphabetical order.

Voting closes on Sunday,  9 September and the winner will be announced during the following week.

Good luck to all of you!

***********************************************

Ananda Van Dyk Russ made this poncho in Eco-Fusion, Violet:

Ann Thom made this throw with SuperTwist DK:

Chris Jones Boyd made this mandala with Eco-Cotton:

Crochetquaver made this top with Eco-Cotton:

Eatplaycreate_za made this throw with Eco-Cotton:

Fibreandclay’s mom made this throw with SuperTwist Sock:

Handwovebyelle wove this scarf with SingleSpun Lace and KidSilk:

Jane Verster made this mandala with Eco-Cotton:

Judy Ferguson George made this little waistcoat with Eco-Cotton:

Kim Lategan made this throw with Eco-Cotton:

Kim Lategan’s second entry was made with Eco-Fusion:

Linda Van Loggerenberg Vermaak’s first entry is with Eco-Cotton:

Linda’s second entry is also with Eco-Cotton:

Mammavol’s entry is made with Eco-Fusion:

Marilyn Quirke made her shawl with Eco-Fusion:

Michelle Mumford made this shawl with Eco-Bamboo:

Minnie Van Wyk made this shawl with KidSilk:

Nicole made this scarf with Eco-Fusion:

Nitalopz made this pullover with SingleSpun Lace in Candy.

The_Glass_Pearl made these socks with SuperTwist sock:

Theresa Nel made this scarf with Eco-Fusion:

Tracy Middlemiss made the mandala with Eco-Cotton:

Tracyd2408 made the beanie with SuperTwist DK in Shipwrecked:

All the votes have been tallied and……

We have another awesome group of entries for the September Maker Of The Month.

Cast your vote by clicking here. (Subject: Maker Of The Month – and add the name of the entrant you’d like to vote for)

To see all our beautiful yarns click here: Nurturing Fibres Yarn

The entries are listed in alphabetical order.

Voting closes on Sunday,  7 October and the winner will be announced during the following week.

Good luck to all of you!

***********************************************

@a.crooked.hook (via Instagram) made face scrubbies with Eco-Cotton:

Amelia Raath is knitting a baby blanket with Eco-Cotton:

Andrea Walker knitted socks with SuperTwist Sock:

Anlin Zanoli crocheted a blanket with Eco-Cotton:

@boomcbean (via Instagram) made a blanket with Eco-Cotton:

@christalandman (via Instagram) made a ripple with Eco-Cotton:

@crochet.love.happy (via Instagram) made a bobble-stitch pouch with Eco-Fusion:

Danielle Tetreault made a mandala with Eco-Cotton:

@denbighkaren made a snood with SuperTwist DK:

Dorette van Heerden made a scarf with KidSilk:

Elizabeth Pienaar made a blanket with Eco-Cotton:

@gjcreates (via Instagram) made a scarf/cowl with Eco-Fusion:

@handmade_by_celiahann (via Instagram) made a scarf with Eco-Fusion:

@isabelkol (via Instagram) knitted a top with Eco-Fusion:

@knittingbee_cpt crocheted her very first granny square with Eco-Fusion:

Morgan Humphries crocheted baby bibs with Eco-Fusion:

@tracyd2408 (via Instagram) knitted socks with SuperTwist Sock: