Mabel Van Niekerk: 67 books

The thought of Ireland, often called the “Emerald Isle”, triggers off many visions in one’s mind; the first thought is “green” as there are few places on earth as green as Ireland in the summer. The next thought is St. Patrick’s Day, followed by green beer, four leaf clovers and Leprechauns....

Granny squares are among the most popular crochet patterns crochet addicts love to collect. They can be used to make numerous decorative household and clothing items. Crochet granny squares with animal faces for a difference. This little waistcoat and scarf can be made for the little girl in your...

If you have a stash of discarded neckties lying about your home, then I’ve got great ideas for you to give them a new lease on life. Turn them into beautiful lampshades or patchwork cushion covers or tiebacks for curtains. Full instructions to cover a lampshade and make a patchwork cushion cover included.

Crocheting with wire is a little different from using thread or yarn and does take practice getting used to. If a project does not turn out to be perfect the first time you will soon learn that wire can be very forgiving as you can pinch the loops together with your fingertips where it looks untidy,...

Handbags and purses are quick and easy to make for the little girl in your life. They make fabulous gifts and will never fail to delight the receiver. The patterns are all provided in this book, and whether you are an enthusiastic sewer or prefer to crochet you will find a purse to suit your taste...

Cushions make a home look cozy and can add color to a dull uninteresting décor. It’s so easy to run up a few cushion covers to brighten up a room whether you are an experienced seamstress or not. A room can get a whole new look just by changing the cushion covers and throws.

Make beautiful jewelry keepers to store your jewelry and for keeping them together when traveling. They are easy to make, and make great gifts for your friends and family. Jewelry organizers will always be well received for any gifting occasion. This book contains full instructions for making seven jewelry pouches to suit all tastes..

Make your retirement years a time of relaxation and enjoyment. Gardening, a hobby that interests many retirees can be made even more interesting by planting by the phases of the moon.It seems to be an accepted fact that all elderly ladies knit. This is in fact not the case as many women were...

The step-by-step instructions to make your own decorative Christmas stockings are easy to follow and a joy to make. Start making them ahead of time so that they will be ready for Christmas. At Christmas-time there are so many things to do, planning the big day, shopping and visiting friends and family,...

Embroider on printed fabrics with basic embroidery stitches to enhance the design by adding texture and embellishments to it. The embroidery can also be used to define the outlines of motifs and colors can be subtly darkened or lightened in certain spots to better suit your color choices. This type of embroidery work is usually done on cushion covers or on crazy patchwork.

South Africans love their tradional food and love to try out new recipes as well. As a tribute to their beautiful sunny climate a lot of their entertaining is done outdoors. The traditional “Braai” – a barbeque – is the South Africans favorite way of entertaining. Any excuse is good enough...

If you, like me have family and friends who all seem to have birthdays and anniversaries in the same months of the year, gifting can become a financial problem especially if the gift list is larger than your budget. In order to make gifting a pleasure instead of a constant headache, I have devised a list of suggestions that could help with the budget.

Learn to cast on stitches and knit with ease if you are left-handed and have in the past struggled to get a grip on it from a right-handed tutor. I have found that right-handed knitters are favored far above us Lefties. I have yet to find a commercial pattern created especially for us left-handed...

Charity bazaars and flea markets have much in common, as they mostly offer goods not always available in the local stores. If you enjoy working for your favorite charity then make the annual charity bazaar a huge success by sourcing ideas and products all year round. Keep working at it and you will have a successful bazaar as well as a fun-filled day.