My Crochet News

Hello! Back here again to share some of my recent crochet-related stuff!

1. My Crochet Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/MimiAlelis

Might be quite late for me to join in on youtube - since I intend to monetize my channel... (Google will only evaluate a channel when it reaches 10,000 views.) It is a long long way to go, but... Thanks to my friends, crochet buddies. and followers for their support - I am inspired! 😊
So far, I have 8 crochet-related videos...I guess I need to make a hundred more!..haha

2. Crochet Books, The Book Depository

This came today, with free and fast international shipping from The Book Depository! I also timed my purchase when these books were discounted. 😉
I'm planning to make gifts for babies and kids in my family...I'm so happy how the family has grown - more nephews, nieces (includes grandnieces/nephews), and of course my very own granddaughter!

3. Crochet Design Submissions
Though my designs are few and far between, I'm still into it - wanting to get published again. I've just mailed a proposal for a top I made two years ago...goodluck to me 😀

By the way, I have contributed a pattern (Shells and Flowers Shrug) to the 2018 Crochet Calendar and have just received my complimentary copy. I submitted late and had to take my own photo...and I didn't really like it 😛. (This made me determined to take better photos next time!)

4. Modeling my Crochet
I really like wearing the crochet clothes I make - as for modeling it, I just had to...I seldom have someone else to model it for me, or even to take the photos - so I had to learn to do both. I never mastered any of the things I do, but I'm content to be able to pull things through...😊
Here's the result of my latest "pictorial" and editing efforts:

Shell Halter Top

The Shell Halter Top crochet pattern is for sale on Ravelry and on Etsy.
That's all for now, thanks for looking!

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.

To knit or not...

I recently got a surprise in the mail from U.K., its this Let's Knit magazine.

Thanks so much Sis!!
I still haven't knitted anything for the past few years...and there are some yarns in my stash that are wanting to be knit ;) I just had to prioritize my crochet designs - with the limited crafting time I have. Besides, I have to relearn the basics of knitting. Good thing, this mag has very good knit instructions for beginners. Then again, it would have to wait :p
There's one adorable crochet project included though, its the Dionne tunisian crochet clutch.

Oh, and this magazine includes 2 skeins of designer yarn called Cookie!

 Actually, that's what made my sister decide to buy this issue for me :)

Creative Crochet Jewelry, part 2

Creating your own crochet jewelry, even if you're not so inclined - is much easier when you have the right materials, tools, tricks and inspiration. That's why picking the right book that will inspire is important. I'm  grateful for this book and consider it a blessing to receive. (See previous post.)

Now for my first inspired project here's my Flowers and Pearls bracelet.

I used: Cannon thread with metallic
Crochet hook size 1.75
The pattern I followed is the bracelet on p. 29. I wanted to make it all silver, but I didn't have the right material, so I used a partial ball of white cotton thread with silver metallic. The flowers turned out a bit bigger than the model in the book. So I made only 6 flowers, instead of 7. 
My pearls were also bigger. 
I did not attach a clasp, but sewed the flowers together and sewed it onto a white garter. I'm glad it came out the right size and just stretches a little to slip in and out of my hand.

Creative Crochet Jewelry

More than a month ago I got an email asking if I’d like a copy of a new crochet book for review. I didn’t get excited yet until I clicked on the link and saw the cover:

Just from seeing this, I knew I would be thrilled to have the book.
I have enjoyed making crochet jewelry ever since I got on the internet, and have made several designs of my own. I couldn’t wait to get the book and to try some of the patterns there and to get inspired to create more.
Now that I finally got the book, I could say it was even more thrilling than I expected. Every project is presented with beautiful photos and clear instructions. I instantly became a fan of the designer/artist, Esther Zadock. For me, the best aspect of her book is that it inspires creativity and sparks up one’s imagination.
I know I’ll be spending some hours just scouring through my stuff looking for beads, jewels, stones; colorful and metallic yarns; and whatever other materials that I could use for crochet jewelry. I would love to make the bangles, multistrand necklaces, cluster rings and earrings.
The only materials in the book that I probably would just dream about for now are the elastic gold or silver thread and the dead-soft gold-filled or silver wire...aaahhh! Other than that I guess I’ll be able to find most of the supplies here. I’ll be showing my inspired projects from this book, soon!

More Crochet Stuff...

Crochet Pattern

I just finished my scarf pattern collection and now have it available for sale in Ravelry.

These are smart-looking, practical and comfortable fashion accessories made for summer season or for tropical climate.
The stitches and design of these scarves were chosen for its soft and lovely drape effect.
Scarf can be made in a regular size using two balls thread, or skinny version, requiring only one ball of thread.
Gauge is not so important for this project, but the use of a large hook (4mm) than recommended for the thread, makes for a lighter, softer fabric.

This pattern collection is available for only $3.50.
Here is the link to purchase the pattern: Trio of Tropical Scarves

Crochet Magazines

As if I needed some more materials...I got me these magazines at the Booksale store in the mall. I had several knitting mags and a few crochet mags to choose from with prices from P65. to 110. They had Crochet World August 2009, Crochet Today Jul/Aug 2009, Crochet Today Sep/Oct 2009, all of which I wasn't interested in :p
I would have wanted to get more of the knitting mags, but I was trying to "save" so I got only two:









The Knitter, issue 4 (P65.)
Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer 2009 (P65.)...Is that the same model on the cover?

Birthday presents

In the month of November, there are several of us in the family celebrating our birthdays. My father in the 1st week, me in the third week, and a brother and a sister in the 4th week.
But first, today (Oct. 31) is my brother's sweetheart's birthday. She is a pastry chef, so I thought to give her something she can display on her kitchen.
I saw a ceramic figurine of a baker, half kneeling and ready to serve something on a platter. It is cute and only cost me not more than $4. (I bet she doesn't look at my blog...)
As I always want to add something handmade to my gifts, I thought its about time I crocheted a dessert. I searched for cake patterns on ravelry, and I chose this cake from Melissa Mall. I also adapted Sanguine's creation of whipped cream and cherry on top of the cake.

Presenting my gift:




Hmm...don't you wish you could eat that cake?


I would also like to show you what my sister sent me from the U.K. - her birthday gift to me. Its a crochet book, not a popular one - but I chose it myself on Amazon U.K. It seems like a very handy and useful book for designing.



She also sent me some cute little kitty (text) highlighters. As usual, my son got interested and will borrow it for school ;)

Crochet Liberation Front First Ever Book

The Crochet Liberation front first ever book is now $27.75 on Amazon and eligible for Super Saver Shipping. Sounds like a good deal to me...if I live in the U.S. ;)
Here are just some of the goodies you'll get in the book:




The most favorited Phoenix Mitts by Julia Vaconsin



Another popular design - Cabled Slouch Hat by Zuleika Lamb



Yogini Carryall by Yavanna Coulter Reynolds


So many more wonderful designs and interesting articles...

And also, here are two of my designs in there.
I couldn't get better pictures...but here they are:


Little Cotton Shrug


and...


Yin Yang Keychain Ball

See Ravelry for more details.

A new, old crochet book

I bought a crochet book today...I saw it on a used book sale and it was only P190. ($4.40)... I asked myself, do I really need another book, especially one from 1975? Oh, but this is Anne Halliday's book - the projects and photos look wonderful! And when was the last time I posted about buying a book? Must have been a long while ago since I can't remember...so this isn't a syndrome or anything bad at all now, is it??
Anyway, what I like about this book is, not only does it encourage the crocheter to be creative on one's own, but the patterns in it are still current. I might not be making a project from it soon, but I feel lucky to have found it to add to my collection :)

Mother's Day

ETA: Oops, I just realized it isnt the 2nd Sunday of May yet and mother's day is on next Sunday. No wonder I wasnt thinking about it, until my son greeted me and presented me a gift. Oh well, I already wrote this post, so its nice anyway I'm the first to greet everyone :p

I forgot its Mother's Day today (so my son made me think), and I really dont have any plans for this day. I did greet my Mom and wish I had made something for her...but she already has a cell phone tote and several scrunchies I made. Anyway, Mom knows I'm just here when she needs me and if she likes any of the stuff I make, she can easily request it ;)
To all the mothers out there, especially the crocheting moms I know: Happy Mother's Day!

Now I really wasnt going to post about mother's day, but my dear son together with his g.f. picked a special gift for me: (I realized later that it was an advance gift coz dear g.f. will be going abroad on vacation)



It's awesome! I told my son, it is a great inspiration and a lovely addition to my collection...But I pointed out, I've had some of those same ideas used in my creations before. And our crochet here has always been lacy, since thread is mostly used. My son agrees and said we should look at the possibility of publishing my own book of designs...hehe...who knows?
First, I must learn more about Doris Chan and try to emulate her :)

Some surprises I got!

I just received my swap package from Donna of NJ. This was our dishcloth swap at Simply Crochet. Look at the lovely thick and big dishcloths she sent me, plus some other goodies Again, thanks so much, Donna!

And look here I have another magazine. I did not buy it, nor did it come from anyone from the mail. My mom surprised me with it! Now even my mom is on the lookout for some bargain craft magazines for me. She got this for only P75. ($1.60) !
I certainly have tons of magazines now :)

Another surprise, these lovely colors of Red Heart Yarns:

I just got my color card and I'm pleased with the new colors. Btw, the RH yarns we have here is similar to the Red Heart Super Saver yarns in U.S., but here it is only 3-ply, while the RHSS is 4-ply.

Two Knitting Mags and a Crochet Book

I went to the nearest mall last Saturday, looking for crochet magazines. I didnt find any, but I found a knitting magazine at a price I couldnt resist :p

I enjoyed looking at the projects especially since its a summer issue. Maybe next summer I will be knitting...

Yesterday, I received what my sister sent me, another knitting magazine :D This one is perfect for when I start to pick up my needles again. The projects here are cute and simple. It has a crocheted bag in there too, with crocheted flowers :) Thanks again, sis!

Not content with the knitting magazine I found at the bargain bookstore, I looked at all the craft books in there and the only crochet book I found was this. The price is about the equivalent of $4., yes! I have not made an afghan yet, and maybe one day I'll make one from this book. It has so many designs that appeal to me ;)

Crochet! magazines!

I almost forgot to mention this magazine that I found at the mall two weeks ago. I bought it for about the equivalent of $2.50 :D

_____________________________________________

Joann in CT sent me these two months ago, I'm so happy it finally made it to my door.

I'm thrilled to have it, thanks again Joann!
Btw, Chie's pattern is in there. Its the Snowflake Bag in the January issue :)