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.

Lacey crochet design and a slouch hat coming soon...

Another new week, and I really couldn't wait to show my latest shrug. Its finished, but my camera is out of power... Actually, I couldn't charge the battery since I can't find the cord! So I have to use my old camera, and I bought AA batteries for it :p
I am not totally finished with writing the pattern yet, so the modeled pics would come a little later...
Meanwhile, I'm making a hat. A while back, I had been thinking about coming up with my own pattern for a slouch cap, since its currently in fashion. Just look at all the crochet slouch caps over at Ravelry. (Btw, congrats to Zu for making it on the top list!)

Here's a peek at my hat design:


I used Catania cotton (thanks again to a dear crochet buddy for it). I would probably use up to 2 1/2 skeins of Catania...
The size of the hook is 3mm.
I can't wait to finish and show you this hat!

Got distracted again - crochet mesh bags

I have a tendency to start on new projects, when I need to finish something that is more important. It actually helps me, since I'm able to accomplish both...after sometime :p
My current distraction: mesh bags. I love crocheted bags and in particular, sack style bags. So I thought of making a mesh sack. It looks cool, and you can save from using a lot of disposable shopping bags. This bag would help save the environment, no?
Furthermore, they are easy to make.
I tried some free patterns online, but I ended up starting over and making my own pattern instead. A flat bottom just wouldn't look good when it is filled with stuff. So as much as possible, I try to make the bottom hold up the stuff and maintain that cool look. Also, I prefer a shoulder strap instead of handles, as I find it more practical.
I used 2 skeins of Catania, and 1 1/2 balls of Cannon thread and 4mm. hook for this bag.
Are you beginning to see a trend here? Catania cotton and Cannon cotton thread, works so nice together! I'm able to maximize the Catania by adding the Cannon, which is more affordable and readily available to me. The result is comparable but better than when I used 3 strands of the Cannon, since the Catania has more bulk and yet feels soft. I find this combination great for bags and maybe other accessories as well. I thought this bag could carry two dozen of my Cannon threads, but when I rearranged it at the bottom, it could hold 3 dozens! Its heavy, but its comfortable to carry around.
Then I decided I wanted a smaller mesh bag, so I made one. This time I used 3 strands of Cannon threads. I used up exactly 3 balls to make this bright pink bag:

Pattern for sale here ;)

Japanese pattern Tote Bag - FO

Finished the tote bag! This was a WIP few days ago.
I failed to take photos while in progress...But it was a very easy and quick project.
Here are the materials I used: one ball of Cannon thread and 1 1/2 skein of Catania cotton yarn. I used size 6/0 (3.5mm) hook with one strand of Cannon and Catania held together throughout. But i used 7/0 (4mm) hook for the edging of the straps



It turned out smaller than the original, but its big enough to carry essentials plus a one-skein project, when you don't want to bring a big bag ;)


I still plan to line it, and also sew a cellphone pocket. I already attached a magnetic snap (thanks to Su), but I'm thinking of sewing a zipper instead, so I can toss the bag in the car, when I'm in a hurry.
(You may email me for the link to the pattern, though I've already linked to it on Ravelry)