Rainy days crafting...

The rainfall was heavy these past 3-4 days, for some here in Metro Manila or other provinces of Luzon its disastrous...

Luckily our area is safe from flooding. And its good I can choose to stay home when the weather gets bad...and I have an excuse to just craft all day :p

I need to finish first the order of placemats made from recycled denim. But I have to take a break at times, since I'm not an avid sewer... (Besides, I do get tired cutting and ripping off the denim pants.) 
I've been thinking of more ways to use the denim scraps...Meanwhile, with the idea I got from the internet a while back, I gathered the inseams to make coasters. I just sewed it on as I rolled it into a circle. The different shades of denim and colors of thread, make each coaster a unique creation ;)

denim coasters

I made three coasters, and now I have a centerpiece! This way everyone will remember to use the coasters and not harm the wooden table :)

In-a-jiffy Crochet Belt

In-a-jiffy belt

I whipped up the belt at the last minute to complete the look and to match the crocheted bag and the wooden button pendant (purchased a while back, here on Etsy). I rarely use a belt, but after watching Project Accessory many times, I was inspired. My old clothes just got a new look!

A pattern isn't really necessary, but here's how I made the belt. I chose the hemp cord for its color and texture. Other thick or textured yarn can be used. Change hook size and/or add more stitches per row as desired.

In-a-jiffy Belt
by Mimi Alelis,  © 2013

Materials
Hemp cord
Crochet hook size 4mm
Button for closure
Yarn needle

Row 1: Leave enough tail of yarn for sewing-in the button later. Ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook, turn.
Row 2 onwards: (Ch 3, dc on top of ch 3 of previous row, turn) repeat up to desired length of belt, then ch 5 or 6 (or chain just enough to fit the button), sl st on same row, fasten off.
Finishing: Sew button at the 1st row. Weave in ends securely.

Crochet Belt