Crochet and Other Stuff in 2019

Hello 2020! To whom it may concern, this year will be my 15th year in Blogger, and my 60th year in this world. I'm really looking forward... But wait! this year everything was put on hold, and our lives changed. Lucky are we if we didn't get infected, or none of our loved ones did...So just staying healthy and sane this year is an accomplishment worth mentioning.

This blogpost came very late for the topic, but I still need to finish it...just to complete my yearly compilation of crochet-related stuff.
So, here's my crafting for 2019.
(Btw, if you are on IG, please view @crochet.denim.me. You're welcome to follow me, and I'll follow back if you have a crochet/craft account too. 😇)

Crochet Projects

These are most of my projects for the year as posted on Ravelry...

Projects with details on Ravelry

The wonderful part of being able to crochet is making gifts that delight kids. Here's my granddaughter when she got the little mermaid doll https://www.instagram.com/p/BwdEH5nB1cO/

The Little Mermaid

Then there's also the satisfaction one gets from being able to customize something that would help other people...like this crochet boobies to be used to teach moms how to breastfeed.

Crochet Boobs

And these tiny booties for the preemies at the hospital. I made several pairs, mostly in white.

Preemie Baby Booties

And here's a gift I made for a friend visiting from abroad, January 2019.

Crochet Dreamcatcher

Patterns

I only published one free pattern on my blog, though I made up several small patterns that we used when I was teaching crochet to some moms at a local children's hospital.

Crochet Flounder Amigurumi

Flounder Amigurumi - free crochet pattern

(Disclaimer: Pardon the ads appearing on the pattern.)

Also in 2019, I submitted a tote bag pattern for the WeCrochet Magazine Spring 2020 issue.

Other Stuff

At the Philippine Children's Medical Center, July 2019...crochet session that ended with fruit-eating session 😍

More crafting soon...I hope, and may I come up with some more crochet designs.

Thanks for looking! Here's my end-of-the-year 2019 pic. See you in 2020! 😎

Latest Crochet Projects - and a kitchen project ;)

Here are some recent projects I have not shown here. I keep my Ravelry project page updated, but have missed showing these on my blog.

Another flower accent from my free pattern, to complete the look of the cute little bag :)

Another scarf from my pattern Striped Scarf with Knotted Fringe

Another coin bracelet made from my free pattern.

And here's my kitchen WIP, you'll find the details here in my food blog ;)

Mix and Match Crochet Patterns

Have you used Ravelry's pattern browser to search for crochet patterns/projects to make or just to admire?
I was going to make a simple crocheted kitchen towel, since I was inspired by Fats' latest design. I wanted it easier to finish, so instead of making the flower motif, I picked a simple square motif - the Butterfly Garden Square, from the pattern database:

I chose from free crochet patterns, with photos, worked in square motifs. The search is almost instant, and I found what I liked from the first page of my search. Btw, search can include not just patterns found online, free or for sale, but also printed patterns in books and magazines that are included in the Ravelry database.
I worked on the chosen square, and added the main part of the towel from Fat's pattern. Its just so easy to mix and match patterns - can't imagine how its like to go back to those days when we can't find the project we want, or spend way too much time just looking even if we have tons of resources. Hooray for Ravelry!

This is the kitchen towel I quickly finished for instant gratification. Its good enough for display and light use:

And here's another towel quickly finished. This started as a Crazy Dishcloth, but I needed a hand towel this time, so I made this.

Ravelry's Help for Haiti

This last week of January, I sold a few more patterns included in Ravelry's Help for Haiti patterns. From this I was able to donate $10. more to Hope for Haiti. Even though it was a small amount, it's still good to know it added up to the huge contribution which came from the whole Ravelry community going to different organizations helping Haiti.

Crochet Update, January 2010

Crochet for charity
Help for Haiti patterns are still up for sale on Ravelry.
About 10 Ravelers purchased patterns from me from Jan.16-24, and because of this I was able to make a small donation to Hope for Haiti.



It is heartbreaking to see in the news what has happened due to the earthquake. Let's continue to pray for them, and pray for ourselves too - to ask for protection from earthquakes and other calamities.

Crochet for yarn
Once in a while, I need to feed my curiosity for yarn. For those who don't understand a crocheter or knitter's need for a variety of yarns, I could liken it to a chef's need to have different kinds and the best of ingredients that could be had. I also love to cook and occasionally seek out a variety of ingredients. I'm only limited by budget, of course. As with yarn, I have to restrain myself :p
I saw Deneen's yarns for destashing here. I'm sure treating myself to a new skein of yarn won't hurt anyone. I picked a skein of cotton-hemp yarn, and I'll be patiently waiting for it in the mail ;)

Crochet for gift


My only crochet project as of this past week is this baby hat. This will fit my one-year-old grandniece. Can't wait to see her wearing it ;)

Help for Haiti patterns

This morning, I saw the Help for Haiti patterns over at Ravelry. The sales for these patterns were pledged for donation to organizations helping Haiti Earthquake victims. In line with this, I have pledged the net sales of some of my patterns in Ravelry for donation to Hope for Haiti, until January 23.

Update (Jan. 19): So far 8 ravelers have purchased my patterns in response to this in the first two days; however, due to there being so many patterns offered now, its much harder for my patterns to be seen, so I changed the above pledge to take effect up to Jan. 23 instead of 31.

Crochet Pattern giveaway

If you're a member of our Ravelry group, Crochet in the Philippines, here's your chance to get two crochet patterns for free. See the details here, on how you can join the promo.

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.

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

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.

Catania Shrug, crochet FO

Same striped effect as the Simply Striped Shrug, but made with Catania cotton yarn and size 2.5mm hook. This surely works up faster than the thread version, and its warmer too.
The pattern is called Simply Striped Catania Shrug and its available here on Ravelry ;)
I'm wearing the green sleeveless top with crochet trim, which I bought in 2006 in HK. (almost forgot I had it...) I love green and I admire the finely crocheted motif edging.

Where to find Free Crochet Patterns

Maybe some of you stumbled upon this blog in search of free crochet patterns. You can scroll down the sidebar to see my very own free patterns. But if you're looking for more, you can easily find the links to almost all the free crochet patterns available online, on these two websites:







Crochet Pattern Central - a directory of free crochet patterns found throughout the web.



Ravelry - an interactive website for all knitters and crocheters. You can easily search for crochet patterns, whether free or for sale. If you only want to see the free patterns just enter it into the search filter - while you are on the pattern browser page. If you can't view the page, you may need to sign-in or join. Its easy to join, and its free.

Crochet and Knit buddies!

This week I was lucky to have two meetings! One with Bheng of All Stitch Bright and Beautiful and the other with Mona of Knittipina.
I met up with Bheng several times already since last year, and Mona for the first time. We shared some crochet and knit stuff of course, and a bit of normal stuff ;) It was fun to know them in person!


I would like to think that Bheng got inspired with my crochet designs (since she have purchased most of it) and now she has a lot of WIPs going on ;) I saw her finished pink Shells and Flowers shrug and a half-finished yellow romantic shrug - both lovely! Though I forgot to take pictures of those when we were at Jollibee...

Isn't this so cool - handknitted socks made from Cannon threads!
This lovely pair was made especially for me by Mona. I met her on Ravelry several months ago. We agreed on a swap - knitted socks for me, and crochet slippers for her. Of course I was thrilled about it! I don't know when I'll ever get to learn how to knit socks like she does... Here's a close-up of her superb workmanship:



Thanks again, Mona!