Random stuff -

Hi everyone, Happy New Year! 
I have yet to round-up my 2014 crochety and yarny stuff...Meantime, please have a look at these random stuff I came up with.

My new favorite crochet bag - this beautiful bag was crocheted by my friend Cat Yanna. I just sewed in the lining and handles. (Pattern details). I really love the texture of the Abaca yarn and the flower motif used in this project :)

Favorite Projects
My favorite projects in 2014, were of course mostly the ones made using my patterns.
Here's some from my crochet buddies:
From Yolanda: Romantic Shrug projects

Romantic Shrugs

From Bheng - Lacey Top projects from Sienna Top pattern in It Girl Crochet book from Interweave

Sienna Top projects

From Ravelers - some recently finished Flower Accent projects.This is the all-time most popular free pattern in my portfolio :)
More projects can be viewed in this search result on Ravelry.

2015 is the year of the Sheep!
And this only means lots of fiber and yarn for us :)
How about making some sheep amigurumi or any sheep themed project?...there's so many to choose from, check out Ravelry Pattern Search

Humpty Dumpty Crochet Puzzle Toy

I stumbled upon this free pattern from Book People Studio (details on Ravelry).
I had so much fun with this project! (details here.) I'll be giving this to my 17-mo-old nephew, and will be making another one for my 2 yr old nephew ;)

humpty dumpty crochet

I followed the pattern except for the arms and legs which got a total makeover.

Arms (make 2)
Rnd 1: (Hand) With white, 6 sc in magic ring Rnd 2: dec 1 sc (5) Rnd 3: Change color to red, sl st in next sc, ch 13, sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in each ch, sl st in next 2 sc of hand, turn. (12) Rnd 4: Sc in each sc across, ch 1 turn (12), Rnd 5: Sc in each sc across, sl st in next 2 sc of hand (12) Rnd 6: join edge of rnd 3 with edge of rnd 5 with sl st on each st. FO, leaving enough tail for sewing.

Legs (make 2)
Rnd 1: (shoe) Ch 5, sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in next 2 chs, 3 sc in last ch, on the other side of foundation ch, sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in last st (10) Rnd 2: 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next 3 sc, sc in next 2 sc, 2 sc in next 2 sc (16) Rnd 3: working in back loops only, sc in each sc (16) Rnd 4: sc in next 6 sc, sc2tog, 2 times, sc in next 6 sc (14)Rnd 5: sc in next 4 sc, sc3tog, 2 times, sc in next 4 sc (10) Rnd 6: sc in each sc (10) Rnd 7: working in front loops only, sc in each sc (10)stuff shoe Rnd 8: working in back loops of rnd 6, sc 5 times skipping every other sc (5) Change color to blue, sl st in next sc, Rnd 9: ch 19, sc in 2nd ch from hk, sc in each ch, sl st in next 2 sc of shoe, turn. (18)Rnd 10: Sc in each sc across, ch 1 turn (18), Rnd 11: Sc in each sc across, sl st in next 2 sc of shoe (18) Rnd 12: join edge of rnd 9 with edge of rnd 11 with sl st on each st. FO, leaving enough tail for sewing.

Art in simple things...

Here are the simple things I'd like to share for those looking for simple but fresh stuff ;)

Sweet Potato Flower
I got a surprise one day when I cut up a sweet potato and it revealed a small flower design! I don't know if this is a rare occurrence, but this is the first time I saw one...even if I was only intending to cut up the sweet potato into pieces, I at once realized that there was a flower print on the inside. It is so distinct and so pretty. I had to take a picture...

sweet potato flower print

No-Twinkle Denim Star

While most christmas stars would have a twinkle or light on it, this one made from used denim fabric - doesn't twinkle but it has a charm of its own.

and here's where the stars were hung to brighten up the place.

The Breakfast Table

Apple keychain ornaments

I recently bought an artificial Christmas Tree - because it was affordable and looked good. I wanted to keep the decoration simple...and picked red as the main color. I already have some of the apple keychains I made a long time ago, and thought I needed to make some more.

Crocheted Mini Apples

Free pattern is published here.

Here's my little christmas tree...in need of more mini apples ;)

Little Christmas Tree

Little Christmas Basket

Crafty stuff update

Denim projects

Aside from crochet, I also enjoy sewing projects, especially when using recyclable materials such as used denims. There's a good supply of this material from thrift shops nearby. However, not all are cheap. To maximize the cost and minimize waste, recycled denim projects are up on my crafting list...and fortunately I got another custom order to make use of denims.
This time around I'm using what is left from the jeans after I have cut off the legs for the placemats. The placemats are the main products ordered from me for a small restaurant which opened a year ago here in Quezon City (see previous post). They were quite successful in their venture, now they need more placemats! They're also ordering Christmas ornaments in the form of denim stars ;)

This looks simple to make, but if you're making a hundred pieces with just one pair of hands, it takes more than patience to finish. With a deadline to meet...I should be working on it double-time now. But wait! Halloween is near and I just got the urge to crochet a spider!

Spider charm

Occasionally, I'd crochet small projects using cotton thread...I try to make it detailed as much as my hands and eyes can manage. This is the first spider that I made, and I quite liked it though it needs some improvement...maybe I'll post a pattern soon... :)

Thanks for stopping by, hope you have a blessed All Soul's Day celebration.

Hello Kitty Crochet

Hello Kitty Crochet

My order is on its way! I can't wait to tell you about this cute little amigurumi crochet book, which I pre-ordered from The Book Depository several weeks ago. Its now available and my copy will soon arrive in the mail. Remember, the price on The Book Depository site already includes shipping worldwide, so I guess its the best place to order books.
Hello Kitty Crochet is all about Hello Kitty and her Sanrio friends depicted in the art of amigurumi (Japanese for crocheted dolls). Whether you’re an experienced crocheter or just a beginner, you’ll find helpful tips and how-tos for creating the dolls and its accessories. If you're into amigurumi and love Hello Kitty characters, you'll love this book. It was released in time to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Japan’s most famous kitty.

Random Crochet Stuff

Catching up post on some recent crochet stuff...

Here's a little teddy souvenir item I made for my nephew's 1st birthday last July. It is made from a Ravelry designer's pattern (details here)
I made up the number 1 figure and the scarf. This is only 2 inches tall ;)

Little Teddy Souvenir

Some simple bracelets made to use up leftover yarns and materials. The first one using coins with holes...the pattern is free and can be found on my FB page.

The next one is just a simple ch and sl st bangle - using a garter cord...project details on Ravelry

Since halloween is near...and if you're looking for a simple halloween accessory, there's a free pattern I made a few years ago - Just Got Stitched-up Choker, pattern here. I'll be making a few more of these to sell on my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/mimicrochet

Lastly, I've just picked up my order from Bergere de France yesterday, though the package was marked received at the P.O. on Aug 26 (12 days after they shipped it), I only got the Postal notice this week...and as if they purposely delayed it - since the Postal/Customs fee is now P100., which is a 100% increase effective this week :p. Hello Postmaster General :/

Bergere de France

The yarn is Bigarelle - very nice!! I love the natural texture of cotton and linen combined...and it has a fresh outdoor scent ;) The items are reasonably priced...though the shipping for this cost me around $25., flat rate for international shipping....so I should have ordered more yarns :p Then again it was so hard to choose which yarns I would actually end up making a project. These two skeins are enough to knit the top on the cover of the magazine. Hope to be able to make it!

Pinwheel flower - free crochet pattern

I got the inspiration for this flower from a pattern in an old Japanese book. It is quick and easy to make, and a bit unusual ;) Hope you enjoy making these like I did! (Photos edited on PicMonkey.)

Pinwheel Flowers

Pinwheel Flower
original pattern and photos copyright  by Mimi Alelis, 2014 
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2014/08/pinwheel-flower-free-crochet-pattern.html

Make several of these for fashion accessories or to decorate your home.  

Materials:
Cotton thread, size 10 (for the small sample)
Lightweight yarn (for the medium sample)
Worsted weight yarn (for the large sample)
Crochet hook size 1.5 for small, 3mm for medium, 3.5mm for large

Note: Finished size will vary with yarn and hook used. Most any yarn can be used for this pattern.

Pinwheel flower in progress

Flower pattern
Ch 5, join with sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, 10 sc in ring, sl st in 1st sc to join. (10 sts)

Rnd 2: Ch 6 (counts as dc and ch 3), (dc, ch 3 on next sc) repeat around, sl st on top of beg ch 3 to join. (10 dc, 10 ch-3 spaces)

Rnd 3: [Work the next sts on the post of dc of previous rnd - (sc, ch 3, 5 dc), then sc on the ch-3 space] repeat around, join. (10 petals)

Fasten off and weave in ends. For a better pinwheel effect, take the tip of each petal with your thumb and forefinger and twist petal to the left.

Free crochet patterns previously published in the crochet calendars...

I'm finally doing something about the crochet patterns that got published in the crochet calendars of not so long ago. I'll be putting it here on my blog for those who'd like to make these projects :)

Meanwhile, these patterns are now available as pdf downloads on Ravelry:

A little Pumpkin with lid

Baby Cotton Hat

Radiant Coaster

Spiral-ruffled Scrunchie

These are the patterns that will be published in subsequent posts:

Diagonal-striped coin purse

Multicolor Sling Purse

Oval Basket

Going around in circles bracelet

Throwback free crochet patterns

These are the free patterns that I previously published in my other blog titled My Patterns...(haha, don't know what I was thinking back in 2005, but it was the in thing to have blogs, so I got several :p)

flower frame souvenir

 
Flower Frame Souvenir
Designed by: Mimi Alelis @2002
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com
Note: Pattern and photos are original, all rights reserved by designer.
Materials:
10 gms. cotton or rayon crochet thread, in ecru or other color
1.75mm. steel hook
small length 1/8 " satin ribbon
small flowers for decoration
white glue
Instructions
Frame
Rnd 1: Ch 5, 14 dc in 4th ch from hook (Ch 3 counts as 1st st). Join with sl st on top of ch 3 (15 sts).
Rnd 2: Ch 4, * dc on next dc, ch 1. rep. from * around. Join on ch 3.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2 dc in ch-1 space, dc on dc. rep. from * around. Join. (45 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in back loops only on every dc. Join.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, * skip one sc, hdc on next sc, ch 1. rep. from * around. Join on ch 2 of starting ch. fasten off.
Edging: With front facing, join thread on remaining loop of rnd 4. * Ch 3, 2 dc on same st, skip 2 sts, sl st on next st. rep. from * around.
Join (15 shells) Fasten off.
Stand
Row 1: Ch 7, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each sc across. (6 sc) turn
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across (6 sc). turn
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in each 2 sc, 1 sc over the next 2 sc (dec), sc in next 2 sc.(5 sc). turn
Row 4 - 5: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. turn.
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, sc over the next 2 sc (dec), sc in each of next 2 sc. (4sc) turn
Row 7 - 8: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. turn.
Row 9: Ch 1, sc in 1st sc, sc over the next 2 sc (dec), sc in last sc (3 sc). turn.
Row 10: Ch 1, sc in each sc across. Fasten off leaving an 8" length for sewing.
Finishing
Sew the stand at the back of frame. Stiffen the frame with white glue mixed with equal amount of water. Do not put stiffener on round 5 of frame. Leave to dry and shape as necessary. Dry completely. Weave a 1/8" ribbon on round 5.
Tie to a bow and trim ends. Decorate with flowers.

hat souvenir

Hat SouvenirDesigned and copyrighted by: Mimi Alelis @2002
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com
Note: Pattern and photos are original, all rights reserved by designer.

Materials:
10 gms. cotton or rayon crochet thread, in ecru or other color
1.75mm. steel hook
small length 1/8 " satin ribbon
small flowers for decoration
white glue
Instructions
Starting at the top, ch 4
Rnd 1: 14 dc in 4th ch from hook, sl st on starting ch.
Rnd 2: ch 4, *dc in next dc, ch 1; rep. from * around, ending w/ ch 1, sl st in 3rd st of ch 4 (15 sps)
Rnd 3: ch 3, * 2 dc in next sp, dc in next dc, rep. from * around, ending with 2 dc in last sp. sl st on top st of ch 3. (45 dc)
Rnd 4: ch 1, sc in same space. * ch 3, skip 2 sc, sc in next sc; rep. from * around. join
Rnd 5: sl st in ch 3 sp. ch 1, * sc in same space, 3 dc in next sc, sc in next space, ch 3; rep. from * around. join.
Rnd 6: sl st to 2nd dc. ch 1, sc in same space, * ch 3, sc on ch 3 loop, ch 3 sc on 2nd dc; rep. from * around. join.
Rnd 7: ch 1, sc in same space *2 sc in ch 3 space, sc on sc, rep. from * around. join.
Rnd 8: ch 3, *skip 1 sc, hdc on next sc, ch 1; rep. from * around. join on ch 2 of starting ch.
Rnd 9: ch 1, sc in same space. ch 5, skip 1 sp and 1 hdc, sc on next sp, * ch 5, skip 2 hdc, sc on next sp; rep. from * around. join.
Rnd 10: ch 1, sc in same loop, * sc on next loop, 5 dc on next sc, sc on next loop, ch 5; rep. from * around ending with sc on last loop, ch 5, join.
Rnd 11: Sl st to the 3rd dc, ch 1, sc on same space, * ch 7, sc on next loop, ch 7, sc on 3rd dc of next shell; rep. from *around. ch 3, tr on starting sc.
Rnd 12: ch 1, sc in same space. * ch 7, sc on next loop, 5 dc in next sc, sc on next loop, rep. from * around ending with ch 7, sc in next loop. join.
Fasten off. Weave in ends with needle.
Finishing Stiffen wtih white glue mixed with equal amount of water. Shape and mold as necessary. Dry completely. Weave a 1/8" ribbon about 15" long on round 8. Tie to a bow and trim ends. decorate with flowers.

beaded scrunchie

Beaded Scrunchie
Designed and copyrighted by: Mimi Alelis @2005
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com
Note: Pattern and photos are original, all rights reserved by designer.

Materials:
1 ball crochet cotton (Cannon crochet cotton used in sample)
22 beads of your choice
Size 6/0 crochet hook (3.50mm)
Ponytail elastic
Yarn needle for finishing
Instructions:
Work with two strands of thread held together.
First string the beads onto the thread before starting to crochet. (I use white glue to stiffen the end of the threads to easily string the beads.



Knot the thread on the elastic
Rnd 1: Single crochet around elastic (44 sc). Sl st on 1st sc to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 4, (dc in next sc, ch 1) repeat around. Sl st on 3rd ch of beg. ch 4
Rnd 3: Sl st in 1st ch 1 space. (2dc, ch1, 2dc,ch 1 in same space. In the next ch 1 space, 3dc, ch1, take up one bead, ch 1, 3dc, ch1) repeat around. Sl st on beg. dc. Fasten off. Weave in ends with yarn needle.

More photos of beaded scrunchies here and here.

Fur scrunchies - photos and tips on making these.

All my designs in one page - thanks to Ravelry!


Appliques for Baby Items
Designed and copyrighted by: Mimi Alelis @2005
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com
Note: Pattern and photos are original, all rights reserved by designer.

Materials: Cotton thread, small amounts
Size 2 or 1.75mm steel hook

Flower : With white (contrasting color) , ch 2, 6 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc. Change to pink (main color), [ (ch 2, 3dc, ch 2, sl st) in the same sc, sl st to the next sc], 6 times, making 6 petals.

Star : With any color, ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Join with sl st to first sc.
[ (ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, dc, hdc, ch 1, sl st) in the same sc, sl st to the next sc], 5 times, making 5 points. (Note: this applique is reversible.)

Butterfly : With dk color (for body), ch 8, sl st on 2nd ch from hook, sc in the next 5 ch, 3 sc and sl st on the last ch. Fasten off.
Attach light color (for wings)on the 2nd sc from tail end, [(ch 2, dc, 2 tr, ch 3, sl st) in the same sc], skip 1 sc, sl st on the next sc, repeat [ ].
Ch 2, passing under the body, sl st on the opposite edge of the 2nd wing made, [(ch2, dc, 2 tr, ch 3, sl st) in same stitch], skip 1 stitch, sl st on the next stitch. repeat [ ]. Fasten off.

Balloons : With any color, leaving a 6” tail for sewing, ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. Do not join, work continuously around: 2 sc in next 6 sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in the next sc, sc and hdc in the next sc, sl st in next sc. Ch 1, turn, sl st on the next st. Ch 7, or more for the string. Fasten off.
Mitten pattern is here. All my designs in one page - thanks to Ravelry!

I'm Tweeting now ;)

...Personally, I still like (and will continue) to blog and I still like to read blogs that I have chosen to follow. I do check out my favorite blogs once in while, and sometimes leave a comment. And I still appreciate people reading and leaving a comment in my posts. I still like blogging and bloggers. How about you?
Someday I might catch up on tweeting and tweeters too. So for now, here's a tweet ;)

Now available at National Bookstore #ItGirlCrochet book. I have one design in it, can't wait to see ;)
— Mimi Alelis (@cata_mimi) July 24, 2014

Hello July!

Crochet and Other Stuff

Hello, are you having a wonderful year of crafting so far?...I guess I haven't done much in the first half of this year. Hope you'll join me in catching up with designs and projects in the next half :)

Cheers!

It Girl Crochet, the book

This book is now out and available to order online or maybe you can find it in bookstores or craft stores. I just got my order from the Book Depository, I ordered this last May 30. (ETA: I also got my contributor's copy in the mail, a few weeks after...)

It Girl Crochet

I'm grateful to be part of this published book by Interweave ;)

Let me tell you more about my design in this book. Starting back in the middle of August, 2012, the editor Sharon Zientara, sent a call for submissions of crochet designs in line with the theme concepts for her upcoming book. I was really inspired with the email she sent to her so-called designer crush list. So I did my best to come up with a submission. At that time I was intent on making a short lacy top inspired by a top worn by a celebrity. I made up my own pattern stitch to achieve the look using mostly triple crochet stitches. I was pleased with the sample I made, and got excited when my design was accepted ;)

Lacy Crochet Top

However, when I got the yarn for the book project, I was not sure it would match since it wasn't as soft and fine as the bamboo thread I had initially worked with. The color was also a bit dark for my preference. But upon working with the yarn and finishing the project, I did appreciate it somewhat. Linen yarn looks and feels natural and is nice to wear...it becomes softer and silkier as you use it.

Sienna Top

Sienna Top

There are also several projects in the book (view on Ravelry) that I would be interested in making...I'm liking the Edie Clutch, the Hippie Belt and the Gypsy slouch hat, to name a few. What are your favorites?

Bits and pieces of my crafting space

Here are some items I picked for my crafting space. Its not much, but I like for now ;)

The Essentials

These are the handy 'must-have' accessories. The corkboard, glued permanently on the wall...The office table lamp which works just fine, even for thread crochet....The scissors, ruler, pen and pencil, are contained in a crocheted cozy (which used to be a camera cozy, stiff enough to stand on its own) ;)

Irish Crochet Motifs

The five Irish crochet motifs set in a frame and hung on the wall...

Butterfly motif

A butterfly motif made from this pattern by Chinami Horiba

Doll with crocheted dress

Lastly, this doll wearing a crocheted dress - a Japan Surplus Store find. The doll is just a bust with a head. It has no arms, only hands. Its propped up on an empty thread cone. It stands 10 inches tall on my table ;)

Taking a break from it all...

...at the hospital,

unfortunately. I underwent an urgent laparoscopy operation last Saturday (May 31) for a swollen appendix and pelvic infection...Back home, I'm recovering well. Thank you to my relatives, friends and crafting buddies for the get-well wishes, and of course to my family for bearing with me.

Crocheting Irish Motifs - wall decor :)

After painting my project table white, I was thinking of a way to add a touch of crochet to my crafting space. I already had a picture frame that fits the wall that needed a makeover. Then just in time, I got the Irish motifs crochet book I ordered...I had an aha moment when I flipped on its pages ;)
I then picked 5 motifs to make. Each one took about 20-40 mins... I wasn't sure since I was working on it on and off. And it took me about a week to finally get it all done and ready for display.

Irish Crochet Motifs

...can't wait to finish my crafting space makeover :)

I was supposed to get it all done today, but I had an attack of gastritis again, woe is me! This is what happens when I'm not too careful what I eat...

Bullion Stitch Flower - crocheting Irish motifs

As mentioned in previous post, I'm currently into irish crochet with the help of Kathryn White's The Go-to Book for Irish Crochet Motifs ;) I'm planning on making several different motifs.
Here's the 2nd one I finished. I think I made it in less than 1 hour last night...I really wasn't aware of the time as this pattern is very interesting. I had a hard time getting the bullion stitches right, though, but I was determined to finish this little flower motif :)