Back to Crochet and Crafting...

With all the initial stress of this pandemic, I didn't feel like crafting for a while. Until recently, that is. Now I feel I'm back to my crochet and crafting mojo! 

First I decided to finish this ancient project of mine, started in 2011. This was the prototype of my design published on Interweave Crochet Summer 2013. The pattern is available here.

A beach-ready outfit waiting for the opportunity.

Next, my newest crochet/sewing project...its granny squares and recycled denim! First time I enjoyed making granny squares! 

This started as a wearable project for a child, based on this pattern ...thinking it would be for my granddaughter. But having made the squares using local size 8 threads, I realized its not going to be comfy to wear in our warm weather, its also a bit scratchy on the skin, and most of all will take too much time. 

Now, as I admire the squares I made so far, I thought of what I could make with it. I imagined a bag, a child's bag...and its going to be combined with denim for that modern, and edgy vibes.

And now, its finished! I like it a lot...will my granddaughter like it too? I'll save it for her next birthday.

I'm currently working on two crochet thread projects. One of which I intend to submit as a design proposal...I need to work faster now as the deadline is near. 

Thanks for looking, and please keep on following my posts...I will try not to disappoint 😀

You can also follow me on IG at crochet.denim.me and on FB at Mimi Alelis Designs.

Crochet Stuff in 2016

Hello! Another year has passed....and as usual I blog about the past year's projects...even though there wasn't much :p I'm thankful there's Ravelry and Instagram, where I can post projects as they happen and review them anytime ;)

So here goes a summary of my crochet in 2016 -

The only original pattern I was able to share is the Open Weave Rattan Stitch Poncho. Since I had promised to make one each for a group of friends, it became my major project for the past year (that extended a bit this year...).

Rattan-stitch Poncho

Next on my list, is my most memorable design - made in 2015, but came out and got published in 2016. Its called Limpet Lace Top and its featured in Interweave Crochet Summer 2016.

Limpet Lace Top

On other crafting projects - these recycled denim placemats and coasters for Papa Diddi's ice cream restaurant. I enjoyed making these :)

 

Next is my favorite crochet project - the mini Hobbes amigurumi for my son, based on a free pattern by miahandcrafter. I wasn't able to take the actual measurement, but I estimate it at 5" tall.

Mini Hobbes

I also made several baby booties since I got excited for the arrival of my first grandchild last July and the birth of more babies in our clan.

Lastly, and this is also one of my favorite project - a crochet scarf for Jackie Lou Blanco. She liked a scarf I posted on IG, and inquired on how to order one. I took it as an opportunity to make her one as a fan gift, since I believe she's one of our best actress of all time, and I'd love to see a celebrity wear my creation :)

Happy New Year!!

Me and my sister-in-law

My design in Interweave Crochet Summer 2016!!!

Hello, pardon my excitement...I have a design in the latest issue of Interweave Crochet! Yay! Go see it, go get a copy now!...Take a look at the lovely patterns of the Summer issue here on Ravelry, or here on the Interweave site.

And here's my very own top-down construction pullover, cap-sleeve top, made using size 10 cotton thread. Here is a photo of my design featured on the contents page! [photo credit: Interweave/Harper Point Photography]

Limpet Lace Top

If you are thinking of making this...here are some notes I can share.
I don't know if there will be other minor issues, but I see that my finished size, and gauge numbers had been edited a bit. I think the difference lies in the kind of hook used and not blocking the fabric before measuring. The stitch pattern is stretchy and the finished top is meant to be worn with 2-4" negative ease.
Because of the nature of the design, the yoke is the same for the first three sizes, and the same but bigger (with two more pineapples), for the last two sizes as written in the pattern.
The yoke is very pretty! Working on it is both enjoyable and challenging because every round is different. (I really found it hard to take breaks while making this, it is so engaging.)

Here's my original pattern notes and gauge swatch:

Finished Size: 30 ½  (32 ½ , 34 ½ , 37, 39 ½ )” to fit bust sizes up to 32 (34, 36, 39, 42)”; Finished length 25”. Sample made in size 32 ½ .

Yarn: Coats and Clark Aunt Lydia’s crochet thread Classic 10 (100% Mercerized cotton; 350 yd [320 m]; # [antique white], 4 (4, 5, 6, 7) balls.
Hook: size B (2.2mm). Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Notions: Stitch markers (m); yarn needle.
Gauge: 34 sts and 15 rows = 4” in main pattern stitch

Notes
Construction starts with a bruges lace neck band, onto the lace yoke worked continuously in joined rounds, then separated into front and back at the chest, then worked in joined rnds from the underarm. Main body shaping and length can be custom-fit, up to bottom lace section. Bottom lace pattern repeats every 30 sts.
Ch 3 at the beg of each rnd/row, counts as dc, ch 4 at the beg of rnd counts as tr.

Stitch Guide
dc2tog: Double crochet 2 together—[Yarn over, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 lps] twice, yo and draw through 3 lps on hook.
dc3tog: Double crochet 3 together—[Yarn over, insert hook in next st and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 lps] 3x, yo and draw through 4 lps on hook.

Gauge Swatch
Row 1: (RS) Ch 42, dc in 4th ch from hook and on each ch across, turn. (40 dc)

Row 2: Ch 3, working in front loops only, dc in each dc across, turn.
Rows 3 to 16: Rep row 2. 

Fasten off, block and measure.

Additional Notes:

The lace yoke part is about 5 inches from neck edge to the beginning of the solid stitch part.
Here's my test project for the bigger-size range (the last two sizes in the pattern). The yoke is 2 pineapple patterns more than the yoke for the first three sizes in the pattern.

The yoke is quite stretchy too...and the last two sizes in the pattern will be quite huge compared to the sample project in the magazine, which is the second size in the pattern. The dressform here is a size 34" bust, and the project comes to approx. 37" at the bust (unstretched).

By the way, here's the first sample I made, shown here as my design proposal submitted to Interweave. Its closest to the first size in the pattern. Worn here with 1 1/2" negative ease.

Lace-yoke Top

Please let me know if you have a question or comment about this design. I'll be adding notes here as needed for clarification.

Crochet and Other Stuff in 2013

Hello, Happy New Year everyone! Starting off this year with my usual year-ender post ;)
First of all, a big THANK YOU to all my friends, crochet buddies and followers, for the inspiration and support the past year! Hopefully a lot of new stuff and surprises will be seen here in 2014. Meanwhile, please take a look at what crafty stuff I managed in 2013 :)

Projects
I started with 524 crochet projects in my Ravelry notebook this year, and ended with 554. Not really content with the additional 30 projects...I have to catch up in 2014! However, not much crafting time was lost since I was able to finish a custom order for a total of 70 handcrafted placemats (for The Breakfast Table) made from recycled denims. And I've yet to make some more for them... I also made other small recycled denim projects, mostly coasters :) I'm so looking forward to creating more projects using scrap denim fabrics :)
Here are some of my projects in 2013 (view on Ravelry):

2013 projects

Patterns
I just realized that I added only 4 new designs on my Ravelry page. Hmm...other designs have remained unfinished or unpublished as of now. I vow to release more designs in 2014!
And I've got no excuse now, since my son bought me my own computer! And with a Starbucks planner, I should really be on my way to organizing everything (positively thinking!)

Dell Inspiron 14

So here are the 4 designs added in 2013:

2013 designs

Going around in circles scarf - free pattern here in my blog.
Hemp Tote - free pattern
Hibiscus Tunic - pattern published in Interweave Crochet Summer 2013.
In-a-jiffy belt - free pattern.

Yarns
I did purchase a bit more yarn than I was able to unload from my stash by selling or using it. Hmm...I should be taking an inventory of my stocks soon! I do remember mistakenly buying a few acrylic yarns from Dreams shop in Makati when we had a crochet group meet-up, because I was in a hurry and thought it was cotton :p Anyways, more about yarns later ;)

Meet-ups
The group meet-up in Makati was the only one we had last year. Thanks to our crochet buddy, Gerry, from Cebu. She took the time to see us last April 9, while here in Manila on a short visit :)

We also had some random meet-ups with Bheng (handmade by Bheng), which includes yarn and pattern sales/exchanges. And I've met-up several times with my crafting buddy, Catyanna, here in Quezon City. We all hope to have more meetups and vow to be more crafty and productive in 2014 :)

My latest published design on Interweave Crochet

Have you seen the projects on Interweave Crochet Summer 2013? Its packed with lots of lace designs and one of it is my own creation, yay! :)

I started to work on this design about two years ago...using size 8 cotton thread, and I wasn't able to finish the sample since it was a bit big and I realized I had to change some design features. I saved it for submission to Interweave.

I guess it really had to be in the summer issue, not just because its lacy, and lightweight...but also because its pretty and relatively simple to make. Only a bit more patience is needed compared to making a lace shawl ;)
Initially I was going to make the sample using Bamboo thread size 10...but I couldn't work as fast with the softer material so I was sent the cotton thread. They chose a nice peach color for the model.

Interweave Crochet Summer 2013

This beach cover-up or tunic is made from Aunt Lydia's classic cotton thread, size 10. This can also be made using any brand of size 10 thread (or our local Monaco or Cannon size 8 thread), or any similar thread.

For those who are used to making shawls and a bit intimidated with bigger projects or those with shaping - this might just be the project for you to start making wearables. This is worked straight (with no shaping), and the resulting design includes horizontal mesh bands and vertical rows of small flowers. This is worked continuously from bottom going up, and is split evenly to form the neck opening, then it is joined again at the back and worked straight to the bottom. Only the sides are seamed, and there's no need to crochet edgings, since it is built-in on the main pattern :)

Interweave Crochet 2013

I was delighted to receive the digital edition of Interweave Crochet Spring 2013 in my Zinio library! This issue is full of lovely designs that I could see myself wearing. I have yet to pick one to actually work on. The motif top on the cover is one of my favorites, though its a big project... I'll most probably be able to make a jewelry piece or use the patterns for inspiration.
These are just some of the lovely projects I wish I could make:

On another note, my Lauren sweater (2012) design was shown again in the Crochet Me blog in the topic of crochet ribbing. I just would like to mention that the ribbing I used was half-double crochet ribbing and not single crochet ribbing. The uses of hdc ribbing are much the same as sc ribbing (though in this design the sc cannot substitute for the hdc). For practice, just use hdc in place of the sc in the instructions provided in the post :)

Crochet and Other Stuff in 2012

Goodbye 2012! I look back and am thankful for all the good things that happened, and though there were bad things too, it just leaves so much room for improvement :)

So now crochet lives on to 2013!...talking about my kind of crochet, alive in this blog ;)
Hopefully I will have many more to offer in terms of new designs, for sale and free patterns, and projects to share.
But first here's a rundown of what came in 2012.

Yarns!
- came from different sources and some were surprises :)

In January, I received Manos del Uruguay Serena yarns for my design submission to Interweave Crochet Summer 2012.

I ordered more Cannon threads this year to stock-up on threads, mostly blue shades for my consignment projects...though the project went well, I didn't have time to make items on a regular basis...I'd rather focus on my designs and creating personal accessories to use instead of buying at stores.

Some of the cotton and bamboo threads I bought from Crochetgal on Etsy. I want to have more of these threads since its the practical choice for wearables for our tropical climate.

Southmaid Cotton 8, a sportweight cotton yarn from HandmadebyBheng. I've bought some of these to try, then I also swapped some of my Anchor size 10 threads for some more ;)

These yarns and more, I got from crochet buddies when we met up last Nov. 23. More details here.

A surprise yarn package from my son when he came home from Baguio. These are simply called Baguio yarns by our crochet group, since these are unlabled, unbranded, and made of assorted materials.

These luxurious silk/cotton/bamboo yarns are my first order from Fe (The Pinklady's Closet) in Singapore. I'm surely tempted to buy more high quality yarns from her.

Projects!
- I started the year with 458 projects in my Rav notebook and ended with 524. Here are some of my favorites:

Cotton thread scrunchies made from Moira's pattern...interesting stitch pattern.

 Puppy Cellphone cases...hope to be able to finish the pattern.

Coin Purse made from my cellphone purse pattern...planning to make more in assorted colors and sizes :p

 This custom-made tunic took a while to finish...is also my size so I got to try it on ;)

Experimented with a crochet insert...would like to practice more and improve on this technique.

 My best bag project so far! Just had to whip up this celebrity style bag...inspired also by our crochet group's crochet-along. (more details here)

This top, and more projects in my Nov. 2012 post.

This and more in my Dec. 2012 post.

Patterns!

- 10 patterns were added to my designer's page on Ravelry:

Teeny Tiny Heart - free pattern

Striped Shells Glass Cozy - free pattern

Jar topper/doily - free pattern

T-shirt shrug with crochet insert - free instruction

Lauren Sweater - published in Interweave Crochet Summer 2012

Oval Basket - published in Crochet Calendar 2013

Pineapple Motif Earring - free crochet chart

Going Around in Circles Bracelet - published in Crochet Calendar 2013

Flower doily/jar topper - free pattern

Jellyfish Earrings - free pattern

Crochet Buddies!

- a  much-anticipated meetup of crochet friends...

 This year we've experienced more interaction and support for each other, thanks to Ravelry and Facebook.

Year-end Stats

Lastly, some end of year comparisons...though no dramatic changes occurred, I'm so thankful for the positive feedback from sales, increased income from Ads, and increased followers in my blog and Facebook page.

Thank you family, friends and followers, for helping me continue to do what I love to do :)

Thank you Google, Inc.and Interweave Crochet!

Interweave Crochet Summer 2012...

It has taken me a while to come up with another wearable design since I got published in Interweave Crochet Summer 2010 issue....so I thought of taking a shot at it again. When I saw their call for submission for Spring 2012 issue last year, I prepared and submitted the proposal for a tunic I was working on. They got it middle of June last year. After a couple of months waiting, I didn't get any response from the editor. I waited some more, and after four months I had to ask! They said it was for consideration for the Summer issue. So there, I needed to wait some more. Towards the end of November I got a letter from the editor with an offer to include my design in the Summer issue. Yay!
Then I had to wait for the yarns....I received it only in the middle of January 2012 (probably got delayed because of the holiday season).
I had to work on the sample right away. I also didn't have time to make changes on my original design and pattern since there wasn't much time. I was fairly confident, but I almost didn't make it to the deadline. By the time I finished, it only had 3 days to fly and arrive to its destination in the U.S. I mailed it via Express Mail Service at the Post Office. (I trust Philpost more than Fedex, and its less expensive too..)

Now I present here my latest published design, but before that some behind the scenes pics and some notes.
Last February 2011, I blogged about crochet ribbing.in this post. I showed a project using a hdc ribbing. That project was to become a tunic. I don't know exactly how yet, but I started with a bottom edge of hdc ribbing. The inspiration for the design came from this knitted tunic (my son suggested this while he was looking for design ideas for me):

After I decided to use the hdc ribbing, I thought the main stitch should be a bit interesting, but easy. I recalled the stitch pattern in my old project...so I based the main stitch pattern on it:

After repeating the sleeve edging twice and collar three times to get it right, I was finally happy with the design. This is the first sample I made using Cannon cotton threads:

I was excited to make the sample for Interweave, but unfortunately the yarns arrived a bit late...

Got the yarns on january 17, 2012

Soft, cuddly yarn

Winding the yarn....

When I began crocheting, I didn't have time to take progress pics as I was already running after the deadline. But when I finished it, I still have a bit of time left to try it on and have my son take pics ;)

Finally, here is the professional model on the magazine :)

Btw, while you were not looking the Lauren Sweater was on the Top 5 patterns on Ravelry...hehe

Interweave Crochet Summer 2012 details can be seen here on Crochet Me.
My design was also mentioned on Fairmount Fibers Blog here. They are the distributors of Manos del Uruguay yarns. (More details here.)