The French Concession Area in Shanghai

This area of Shanghai was lined with plane trees (Platanus X acerifolia). The leaves look like maple. It does not shed its leaves and they had to prune the branches before winter set in. Unlike the rest of Shanghai this part of the city is relaxing with fewer people and many old heritage houses, some converted into restaurants and small businesses. There are lots of small shops along the roads and side lanes to explore. You will never get bored. We had tea at Paul’s, lunch at an Italian restaurant, lunch at a French restaurant, teppanyaki at a beautiful Japanese restaurant, Szechuan food at Pin Chuan and Shanghainese food at another restaurant. All were good and at reasonable prices.

Shanghai Skyline

This is the view from the Vue Bar at Hyatt on the Bund, Shanghai. I was told that the hotel is brand new. The view of the bund and the two areas Pudong and Puxi divided by the Hwangpu river is fantastic. It was a cold and windy night with temperatures below 5 degrees C and yes I got to use my beautiful Sasha collar. We had a fantastic time in Shanghai thanks to our friend MC who brought us to many of her favourite restaurants and shopping haunts. I had shirts and a cashmere winter coat tailored. Bought a few silk pieces and leather handbags but most of all we had great company and lots of fun bargaining. Okay I was exaggerating a bit, bargaining was not fun. I will post more photos and the restaurants we ate at in the coming week. I must say I have not used my camera for night shots and I probably did not get the right setting or it was too cold and my hands were shaking. The photos aren't great but the view was.

I'm back

One of my ikebana-style flower arrangement. I just love the green chrysanthemum.
If you had noticed that I have not been answering my e-mails or comments, that is because I have not been checking my blog or e-mail. I should be back online tomorrow. If you did not notice, that's fine also. I hope I have photos to share of what I have been doing.

Another Japanese tatting design

Okay if this looks familiar, it is the same design as the November giveaway but in variegated green and peach Flora 20 cotton threads. I did not have time to block it so it looks a little warped. It should straighten out once its blocked. This pattern is also found in the Tatting Lace book. It looks different in this colour scheme.

House cleaning

I am so lazy when it comes to cleaning house. I love a clean house but the work I have to do to get it clean is tremendous and in a week’s time it’s all dusty again. Perhaps I should get the iRobot Roomba which vacuums the house without you ever leaving the sofa. I can tat while the vacuuming is done. Do share whether you love to clean house or it is just a chore you have to get done?

Japanese Tatting designs

I decided to use two different colour threads for this design, I love the little rings on the outer most circle.

The patterns in this Japanese book are a little different than the usual tatting patterns that I have come across, but once you get the hang of it, it is quite easy to follow. I just had to guess how it should be tatted with the help of the photos and diagrams in the book. It would be useful to try out the design in the photo tutorial in the book first. It is a nice change. This is actually my one and only tatting book.

Getting ready for winter

I am going to Shanghai to visit a friend who has been working there since July 2008. My first trip to China and I hope it will be an eventful one. This is what I am bringing her as a present. I hope she will like it and I hope when she wears it, it will be the talk of Shanghai.

I got this from Kerrera Skye on Etsy. I listed her Etsy shop because it had some of my favourite items. I sent Kerrera a convo about the purchase and before I could complete the transaction, someone else had bought it. Kerrera knew I needed it quite urgently and she offered to knit another for me right away. She spent one weekend on it and I just love it. It is called Rita Ruffle. What I like about it is the ruffle around the collar, the tweed buttons and of course the detachable brooch. Do check out her Etsy shop. She has some great designs. I wish it was autumn or winter in Singapore and I could wear her designs 4-5 months of the year. We dream. . . .

The second piece is called Sasha collar. I love the grey colour with the contrasting fringe and mohair ribbon. I think it can be worn tied in the centre or at the side. Look at the detail of the brooch. I hope it's cool enough that I have to use it in Shanghai. I can wish and dream, can't I.

Singapore sunset

This is sunset in my neighbourhood. Not the prettiest of views but the colours of sunset are still beautiful. Sometimes when we're driving home at about this time on the expressway, you get a good view of the sunset too. I love those times but it is not often.

Christmas Tatting

Holly leaves and berries are tatted in Marilee's Forest and Pizzazz HDTs in Size 30. Below that is Ellen's tree bookmark. Ellen shared her tree pattern on her blog. Do have a look. I used a Flora variegated thread in light green Size 20. Thanks so much Ellen.

Treasures from Pat Part II

To continue on what I received from Pat. She must have heard I love to make things and I love brooches/pins. She included this DIY beaded pin kit which I am itching to do. I may bring it on my vacation. Isn’t the design just lovely? Another item is this lace studded with Swarovski crystals. It could be made into a lovely choker or bracelet or used in a CQ project. I have yet to decide. With this, in the little pack, was 3 pairs or beautiful toggle clasps. That would also go into either necklaces or bracelets.

Gorgeous silk ribbons in purple and green, hand dyed by Pat. Loads to stitch with and to practice my silk ribbon embroidery flowers and leaves on a lovely background of Thai silk.

Last but not least, two packets of cocoa raspberry for me and AAA to enjoy.