Crocheting a Pierrot pattern...

While looking for design inspirations... I'm also on the lookout for patterns that I can make into finished projects. I usually zoom in on designs I can crochet with our locally available threads. Moreover I look for patterns that are quite interesting, yet relatively simple to make.

I know the yarn companies are promoting their yarns, so they come up with free patterns. I would like to thank them for offering the patterns to everyone. Sure, I would like to try the yarns they made the pattern for (I did so a few times)...but due to horrendous shipping and taxes involved, I rarely venture into it.

So for this project I would like to thank Pierrot Gosyo co. in Japan for the lovely pattern :)

Crochet Tanktop

Wait, this is just half of the top! Back and front sides are crocheted separately and then seamed on shoulders and sides. This is the back part, with the neckline higher than that for the front.
I will be making the front part these next two few days, and hopefully I can wear this top on Sunday next week ;)

Crochet strapped Flip-flops

How about a simple crochet makeover for an ordinary pair of flipflops? This is easy and neat :)

Materials:
Pair of rubber flipflops or sandals
Crochet yarn or thread, I used 4-ply yarn (may be substituted with 2 strands of size 10 thread)
Crochet hook to match your yarn, I used size 3mm
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Fabric glue, a good-quality one will be durable, flexible and waterproof when it has dried - I used Bostik "Tacky" craft glue
Finished measurement: approximately 5 1/2" on each side

Instructions:
Note: Work sl sts in back loop only.

With main color yarn and 3mm hook, ch 66,
Row 1: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and on the next 7 chs, sc in the next 24 chs, 3 sc in the next ch (place marker in the middle st, move the marker up as you go), sc in next 24 chs, sl st in the last 8 chs, turn.
Row 2, Sl st in the first 8 sts, sc in each sc across, with 3 sc in the middle st (where marker is placed), sl st in the last 8 sts, turn.
Rows 3-6: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.
Top edging: With contrasting color yarn, attach yarn on the 1st sc of the last row, sc in each sc across, fasten off and weave in ends.
Bottom edging: With right side facing, attach contrasting color yarn on the opposite side of the 1st sc of row 1, sl st on each st across (except on the last 8 sts), fasten off and weave in ends.

Assembly:
Secure the middle of the crochet piece by sewing around the center joint of the flipflop strap. Do the same with the ends of the straps using the tail ends of the crochet (you may skip this, since the glue will be strong enough to hold the straps in place). Apply glue on the top of the flip flop straps and position the crochet piece. The tacky glue will be completely dry after 12 hrs.

Denim Fringe Necklace

This is quite easy to do, just a bit of craftiness is needed. No sewing required, just some patience working with fine denim threads.
This sample looks wacky, but I'm posting it here to demonstrate the process of reclaiming the threads from used denim fabrics and making fringes ;)

Denim Fringe Necklace

Materials needed:
Necklace cord - I used a 17" long leather necklace cord, (I think a longer cord is better for wearing with low neckline outfit)
Denim fabric - approximately 8 1/2" x 3 1/2"

denim fringe tutorial

How-to:
1. Cut the fabric straight along the line of the blue thread. Carefully unweave the blue threads and group them into 12 strands for each fringe.
2. Fold the grouped strands in half, place the fold under the cord. Insert all the strands inside the loop made from the fold. Pull to finish the fringe.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have enough fringes desired for the look of your necklace.

Gardening hobby...

I conclude, is not for me. I definitely want to fill my balcony with plants...but now I think I'm not going to take up gardening further...I don't want to spend time studying about plants - the what, how and why... I  just want to have sturdy plants that need minimal care :p
My tomato plant died :(
The few herbs I got are not flourishing....
On the other hand, the aloe plants are multiplying at a steady rate and I just repot it.

Aloe vera plants

The peace lily is looking good too. I'm going to add several more sturdy plants when I find time and as the budget permits ;)

Peace Lily

Some recycled denim projects

While I'm not crocheting, I like making easy and quick projects. I still have plenty of used, good-quality denims and enjoy making these cute and easy projects.

The 4" diameter coasters were made from the inseams of denim jeans. The only other material needed is fabric glue. I used a special craft glue called tacky glue by Bostik. It has a very strong adhesion, yet it doesn't get stiff when dry.

For the bags I used mostly the leg parts of the denim. The bigger bag is two leg parts sewn together. One pocket is cut from the pants and sewn in front of the bag, the other pocket sewn inside. The handles came from the waistband, carefully ripped out, folded and sewn.
The smaller bag is one leg part, with a built-in outside pocket...What I love about making these bags is that the design comes naturally as the denim already has its own style ;)

Just an update: I am able to take pictures now since one of my dear sisters-in-law lent me her new camera, until I get my own :)