Thursday, December 31, 2009

2010 New Year's Resolutions



Happy New Year to all!!!

Most of us have New Year's Resolutions, probably same as last year's. But I think it helps even to repeat it this year, and certainly better to have resolutions than none at all.
So I made my own list - just the first things that came to mind. Some of the healthy habits I already acquired the past years are not included anymore ;)



Meanwhile, some thoughts on what I'm hoping to blog about this year:

**Getting paid for my ads this month, and continue to earn more this year.

**More original crochet designs - attractive and practical...
**A bigger market for my patterns for sale.

**Some knitting projects.

**A possible publication in a U.S. crochet magazine.

**More interesting "other stuff" like the following (at least it would be interesting to several of my blog readers ;)

As usual, I eat fruits first thing in the morning. After that, it just depends on whether I want to cook breakfast with rice or just boil sweet potatoes or plantains.
Today I cut up a serving of papaya crosswise instead of the usual lengthwise. I was surprised to see art inside the papaya.



Nature is the best source of inspiration ;)

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Burn off holiday calories the fun way :)

The 2009 holidays aren't over yet - but here are some tips on getting ourselves back to normal after all the festivities. Whether you find yourself worn-out with all the crocheting/knitting of holiday gifts or tired from all the shopping and cooking; exhausted from partying, overeating and staying up late...maybe its time to go to the gym, or get back into a sport activity.
I thought of getting back to belly dancing.
I found some other free videos on youtube that are easy even for beginners to follow.
Right now I couldn't wait to try all of the basic moves videos. (However, I caught a flu virus and all I have the energy to do is to type this entry.)

Try this one if you're in the mood - I guarantee you'll have fun ;)

Part 1 (more on my belly dancing blog)

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas from my family!
Here;s our one minute video presentation :D



And here's the latest scarf I finished for gifting :)
Details on Ravelry

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

More Crochet Stuff...

Crochet Pattern

I just finished my scarf pattern collection and now have it available for sale in Ravelry.

These are smart-looking, practical and comfortable fashion accessories made for summer season or for tropical climate.
The stitches and design of these scarves were chosen for its soft and lovely drape effect.
Scarf can be made in a regular size using two balls thread, or skinny version, requiring only one ball of thread.
Gauge is not so important for this project, but the use of a large hook (4mm) than recommended for the thread, makes for a lighter, softer fabric.

This pattern collection is available for only $3.50.
Here is the link to purchase the pattern: Trio of Tropical Scarves

Crochet Magazines

As if I needed some more materials...I got me these magazines at the Booksale store in the mall. I had several knitting mags and a few crochet mags to choose from with prices from P65. to 110. They had Crochet World August 2009, Crochet Today Jul/Aug 2009, Crochet Today Sep/Oct 2009, all of which I wasn't interested in :p
I would have wanted to get more of the knitting mags, but I was trying to "save" so I got only two:









The Knitter, issue 4 (P65.)
Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009 (P65.)...Is that the same model on the cover?

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Taking it to the next level...

I mean my crochet hobby...
I've been blogging and writing my own crochet patterns a few years already. I may have taken it too slow, but I think now's the time to take my hobby to the next level :)




Blogging - The question is, to subscribe to blog ads or not. I've had this blog for 4 years already...but started to monetize just this year. I didn't do it earlier, because I didn't know how, or if, I will actually get paid :p
Now its all up and running - I might get my first payment in January next year :)


Crochet Designing - I had been wondering for so long what would happen if I submit a design to a magazine publisher? hmm...it probably won't use up a lot of time and effort, if its just one design.
I think its worth taking a risk for now - hope I do make it ;)

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Blogging...

I have been neglecting this blog (again)...I've been on Ravelry a lot, and post my projects there ;)
I have just grown older by another year, still 40+ :p Thanks to all who sent me greetings by text and email, greeted me on FB, and on Ravelry :)

I got a special gift, from my dear SIL - I'll be occupied with it, for sure.



Been working on several crochet projects too...some scarves, a shawl, a shrug.
I have recently finished this bag, and have been using it:



Here's one of my scarf designs (details here):

Monday, October 26, 2009

Eco-friendly crochet contest

Hi, I'm inviting everyone to take a look at the entries and vote on the etsyhookers creative challenge. Voting is open to all.



The theme of this Challenge is Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose. Members were asked to create items that are environmentally friendly. Items could be crocheted from eco friendly yarn, repurposed yarn (yarn made from plastic bags, fabric strips, or old garments, etc.) and also can include recycled items (such as CD's, plastic rings from can tops, etc.).
I didn't have any entry for this contest, but I already cast my vote :)

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Crochet Designs from Coats Manila Bay!

Remember this tunic?



This cropped cardigan:



And, this skirt?





Its been ages ago, now finally the printed patterns are out!


You can find these 3 patterns available in your local craft store. But you can also order it from me...(please email me if you're interested.)

This is the sample tunic which I submitted to Coats:

(the black one I made is at least 4 inches longer at the bottom...)

Here is a close-up of the sleeve...I made this in contrasting color just to show the unique sleeve construction. I like it so much! Its also relatively easy to do, since it is crocheted directly to the armhole. And you don't have to do all the trial and error that I made, since you can just follow my instructions ;)


Here's what Riohnna made for herself in large size:

She finished this in October 2008. She did such a good job of testing the pattern... this is the first wearable she made ;)

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Back to nature...


Calamity or not - we Filipinos have a lot to learn, or unlearn. Some of us are aware, but some have to be constantly reminded of this. We need to get back to the basics especially in times of crisis.
This is urgent! In the wake of this recent typhoon calamity in our metropolis, we come face-to-face with this problem. My family was not directly affected, thank God! But I know people who were.
And now I see what effect it has on people around me, particularly Filipinos in general. Things are not going to change and will only get worse if we continue on with our destructive habits! We cannot expect nature to be kind to us, after all the harm we do to it.
Apart from the emotional and physical trauma this calamity has brought about, I immediately thought - this recent turn of events is further hastening the destructive cycle. More plastics, more cans, more trash = more flooding and devastation on the next typhoon.
What are the people's initial reaction - hoard food and supplies! Food - meaning canned goods, mami noodles, yeast breads, other instant foods, bottled water. All these will produced more trash and illness! I say go to the market (and bring your recyclable bag!) buy real, nutritious foods that can be stock up. Kamote, saba banana, kalabasa, potatoes, peanuts, corn, and there's a lot more, including fruits that can last from 3-5 days without refrigeration.
Use of plastics cannot be eliminated at this time, but it can easily be minimized. If we look at our own personal contribution to plastic and paper waste, and our dependence on packaging stuff, we can probably see where we can make our contribution to helping out save our resources and our lives.



I'll share here some grim statistics, from http://www.realfoods.net/. This is in U.S., but lifestyle here in the city is quite similar to theirs.

* Everyday 1,000 Americans are operated on for gallstones. In Africa, only 2 cases have been reported in the last 25 years.
* The incidence of kidney stones in the U.S. has doubled in the past 25 years. The cause, in 75% of the cases is thought to be related to a high sucrose (white sugar) consumption.
* About 70% of American men over the age 60 have prostate problems.
* 30 million Americans have hypertension and are medicated with drugs costing billions. Thirty years ago hypertension was an uncommon problem.
* Cardiovascular disease affects 80% of all Americans.
* 33% of Americans develop cancer.
* Cancer rate is up in America 225% since 1960.
* 77% of the population suffers from arthritic & rheumatoid disorders.
* 25 million suffer with asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.
* 16 million ulcers and 10 million are migraine headache sufferers.
* Over 50% of Americans suffer with chronic digestive disorders.
* 80 million of us suffer from allergies.
* 22 million citizens of the U.S.A. with mental illness.
* 98.5% of our population have bad teeth and 31 million have no teeth at all. Bad teeth has been related to diabetes.
* 70-80% of our population are overweight and 80 million are classified as obese. Obesity leads to stress on the heart.
* Colon cancer affects more than 20% of American families.
* Heart disease, stroke, hypertension, circulatory problems, arthritis, diabetes, colon, breast, prostate, uterine and other cancers are thought to be caused primarily by animal products, excess protein & fats in the diet.

The answer to many of these the health problems listed above is in eating 'Real Foods'.

What do we mean by 'real foods'? A diet of mainly raw uncooked foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, whole grains, fresh foods (foods that are still alive). Prepared properly, these foods are delicious and nutritious.
Seriously think about this, if you haven't yet. It might save your life.

Friday, September 18, 2009

A celebrity in an awful crocheted dress


WHY would she wear something like this???

Is she mocking or patronizing crochet?
If she tried she could have found some beautiful crochet dresses to wear.
Something like this:



or this:


there are plenty of sexy crochet clothes out there...I really wonder why she wore that thing.

Friday, September 11, 2009

New Crochet Group over at Ravelry...

Hi all, I'm still here and working on my latest and longest in-the-making design...my very own motif bolero. I have made a lot of restructuring to improve the design - I want it to be awesome ;)
Crochet garments sometimes come cheap around here (crochet headbands at P10. or boleros at P100. makes me sad). Some people hardly, if ever, give credit to the time, patience and skill that goes into each crocheted piece. On the other hand, some crochet workers don't even improve on their skill and just go on and on repeating stitches without paying attention to the design or fit...There are lots of skilled crocheters here who wouldn't care about patterns or to learn new stitches and techniques. I am one of those who'd rather use the techniques I already know, and don't have much patience to try to learn like broomstick lace or tunisian lace crochet (as of now)...but I'm interested in what and how others use their crochet skills. I'm particularly interested in what crocheters here in the Philippines are up to. Sometimes, I feel my designs (being sold by Coats Manila Bay) can only be appreciated by a few crocheters. Honestly, I don't know exactly why I picked those styles, but it was what I had the inspiration to do at that time.
Anyways, watch out for my latest 3 designs out in your local craft stores.
Meantime, I invite you to join us in our new Crochet group at Ravelry so you can share your ideas as well. I hope we can elevate crochet here in the Philippines to the best of our abilities ;) Lets promote crochet and make it appealing, not only in the form of bikinis and see-through tops, but also in fashionable, stylish garments and accessories.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Crochet and Other Stuff Update

First of all, I am relieved all my files were safe! About 10 days ago, my computer totally broke down, and I tried not to worry about it since my brother takes care of all our computer problems. But if I lost my files, I might not be able to write up again or continue some of the patterns that I was working on. Also, some digital pics and other data might be lost forever. Fortunately, my brother is able to fix the problem. Unfortunately, I'd have to make do with his OLD back-up computer until I am able to upgrade the parts. This one is so sloooooow...

I haven't been crocheting much the past few weeks. Lately, I got busy rearranging furnitures, decluttering tables, organizing stuff and decorating a little.
Here is one thing I bought at only P100, which I positioned on an ugly spot on the wall:


a hanging plant pot...I just put in cut-off pineapple leaves.

And here's my dining table centerpiece:

I "found" this green vase with artificial flowers put aside and collecting dust in my parents' house. With some washing and scrubbing, it looked lovely again :)

After a lot of moving stuff around, I finally settled on a workstation outside my bedroom, between the living area and dining area. It doesn't look so crowded as I thought it would be. Its still comfortable with enough space for day-to-day activities. Not sure if it makes for a more conducive atmosphere for creating art and crochet designs - we'll see ;)

Now for some update on crochet. I think I'm getting back in the groove again, inspired by two reasons. First, I got my Crochet Calendar 2010 issue, and it was a pleasant surprise! Not only because it came very early, but because of the new look and the improved quality of designs and material.

I have two patterns in there:
Flower Tawashi - April 19
Happy Handy Tawashi - March 10

Second, I was told that my three patterns with Coats were already released - at last! I just haven't seen the printed patterns yet...I will post as soon as I have it :)

More projects!
These are already posted in Ravelry, but shown here only now.
Metallic Butterfly pin

The width of this butterfly is 1 1/4". I used DMC silver metallic thread and 1.25mm hook. The pattern is Lisa's Butterfly...and I just made up the body and head.

Hippie Headband/Belt

My brother's g.f. has thick long hair and this headband really looks good on her :)

Knitted Scarf

I mailed this one to my sis...and she sent me this pic ;)
I used this pattern, since it was simple enough.

Lastly, some of my favorite projects made from my designs:

Claire's Shells and Flowers Shrug

TurtleKnitta's Shells and Flowers Shrug


Bheng's Romantic Shrug

Tin's Romantic Shrug


Tina's Romantic Shrug


Claire's Simply Striped Shrug


Grace's Stylish Sack Bag

Ceola's Sack Bag


Deneen's Sack Bag

Saturday, August 15, 2009

2010 Crochet Calendar

Yesterday, I was surprised to receive my contributor's copy of Accord Publishing's Crochet Calendar. I wasn't expecting it this early.

This year, it contained 117 patterns. Although there are less patterns than in previous years, I can see that the quality of the designs and photos has greatly increased. I love the box design, its color and layout. Moreover, I am so pleased that the paper now is much thicker and one can remove a page and return it easily.
I haven't had the chance to look at the patterns one by one...I will be picking my favorites soon ;)

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Crocheters in the Philippines!

OMG! I can't believe this - when I looked at the people page this morning on Ravelry I see this:



so after they've featured knitters in Estonia, now they feature crocheters in the Philippines - Yay!...thank you Ravelry!!

Here are just some of the unique projects that are in my favorites:

Gyi's freeform Tunisian Crochet Purse



Susy's Spiral Table Runner



Super Mario Doll by Deadcraft



Bheng's Tapestry Crochet Kitty Bag



Jinky's Spiral Doily



Claire's Clara cameo setting



Tin's Rose of Erin doily



Gene's Shell Bag



...and many more inspiring projects you can see here.