Nan's Cottage

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Homespun Alpaca Mittens Destined for the UK and Apple Cider

Well it has been a busy few months and very quiet from me on this site.  Had an order for mittens for Christmas gifts in the UK.  Well you can imagine the spinning wheel and the needles have been cranked up.  Even managed to take some time out from work to head north to Tauranga Bay to help with a working bee on what was Nana’s Bach.  Took my fleece, spinning wheel and knitting needles for the night times.  Needless to say the bach looks loved again.  It is amazing what can be achieved when family gather together, uniting skills and have a purpose in mind.  We had a good time all together.  My spinning was a source of intrigue and family were grateful for a massage  from me at the end of each day to relieve tired muscles.

Since returning home I have finished the order.  Just working on some sharp business cards now to accompany these items to the UK.

Decided to have a crack at making Apple Cider using water Kefir grains and apple juice.  Not sure what it is supposed to taste like which is a bit funny.  Fun having a go anyway.  I’m using apple juice pre bottled.  Gets a great fizz but I am just figuring out when I should halt the initial ferment and whip the cider into a bottle for a secondary ferment.  At least I think that is what happens when you bottle it, the secondary ferment that is.  Will endeavour to record my developments.

Have cranked up the Kombucha brewing again too.  Winter saw the demand for this drop right off.  Getting the Scoby to produce a fizz has been a challenge however I think it is just because it has spent a while in a dormant state in my fridge.  I seem to remember that when I first ever began brewing, it took a few brews before the end product became carbonated.

Yes it certainly is a case of living and learning and having fun in the process.


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Cambridge Trash n Treasure Market to feature hand-spun and hand-knitted Namaste Socks in Alpaca fibre

These socks are ideal for people to wear while practicing yoga. The open toe and heal style of the Namaste sock, enable the wearer to remain connected to the mat while benefiting from the delicate insulating softness of the Alpaca fibre.  

I decided my first pair would be a perfect gift for a friend who both practices and teaches Ashtanga and General Yoga in her beautiful studio, Sun Salute Yoga, Grey Street Studio,  Hamilton East.  

The process of this creation was really exciting as I had never made this style of sock before.  The joy for me is that they are so comfortable to wear. Namaste Socks will have a place at the Cambridge Trash n Treasure Market in September for sure.


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Homespun handknitted Kimono slippers for Cambridge Trash n Treasure Market

I started with spinning more fleece for the Adult Kimono slippers and then away I went. I am using a half-breed fleece for this. My knitting needles at the ready, I began my first slipper. I decided to use the first size as the wool was thick and I was using 5mm needles instead of 4mm. I chose the 2nd size for the foot length. It looked a bit strange being a “T” shape but on I went and getting to the end of the first slipper was quick.

I was pretty excited about sewing up this new style and trying it on.

What a disaster!! The foot section was too narrow. I had miscalculated the row counting on the cross-over and heel/upper section and this was very evident in the first part of the assembly process. Because the foot length and the cross-over length differed so much, no way could I get them to line up to join together and form the side of the foot section. Undoing was inevitable. Determined to get this right, I started on a baby size guessing the stitches but following the pattern on a much smaller scale. Much better this time round and very encouraging. It pays to stick to the directions lol!! I have made a practice pair for myself. The slipper has a slight curled up toe lending itself to a bit of an ‘Aladdin’ style instead of Japanese.

In future, I will increase the number of stitches I cast on for the cross-over section so that part is longer and does not pull the toe up. Now I’m spinning some black alpaca fleece to try some Namaste socks next so will keep you posted on that progress.


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Cambridge Trash n Treasure

The day unfolded with a brisk frost.  I set up my stall at the Cambridge Trash n Treasure Market and settled in for a very cold morning on the shady side of the main street.  Equipped with a couple of hotties and lots of layers, I began preparing some wool for spinning on my wheel.  The art of carding and spinning fibre into yarn, proved to be an attraction to many. Children were fascinated and their parents explained. Elderly reminisced and others observed the therapeutic motion of the wheel and all of its parts.  It was truely “warming” to be able to demonstrate the process from scratch and maybe plant a seed with someone to pick up the craft. Even though the temperature was bone chilling on the shaded side of the street, I felt inspired and contentment was my friend.

The Kombucha tea was very well received. Their beautiful colours reflecting the light. Some people remembered it from their home country and were very pleased with the find.  Others had been learning of the benefits of fermented foods and they too were excited to be able to take some home. Wildberry was the hot flavour of the day with Apricot, close behind.  The fingerless gloves were also a hit as were the 100% cotton hand knitted dishcloths.

I took the opportunity, while at my stall, to begin work on my next projects which will be a knitted Kimono Slipper and Namaste Socks. The socks will be especially good for those who practice yoga.  I will keep you posted on their progress.

Thank you folks for your support.


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Fingerless Mittens for the Cambridge Trash ‘n’ Treasure Market

Busily making Home Spun Fingerless Mittens for my stall at the next Cambridge Trash ‘n’ Treasure Market. I’m using natural colours in various fibres including: Alpaca and also a couple of Crossbreeds, creating mittens so soft and warm.


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Hi my name is Rose

I make kombucha, offer massage, spin and knit and make herbal remedies. I live in Leamington which is the southern half of Cambridge (on the western banks of the Waikato River) in Waipa District in the Waikato region of Aotearoa’s North Island (Te Ika A Maui).