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!

Star Wars Crochet

Aww...

It's also available in Spanish: Star Wars Crochet Kit by Lucy Collin

The Crochet Book, a lovely crochet kit...

The Crochet Book

Saw this on The Book Depository and thought I'd share...this can be a lovely gift for yourself or for a fellow crocheter (especially for beginners) :)
The package includes all of the above, and shipping is included as well...since its free worldwide delivery as always on The Book Depository.

Crochet Kits for the young and young-at-heart

I've just discovered these crochet kits - all the goodness of your favorite characters, materials and patterns, all in one package!

Are you a fan of Peanuts cartoons? Want to have your own Charlie Brown, Sally, and the rest of the gang come alive in crochet? Here they are in this crochet kit/book package that you can now order from The Book Depository!

more details on The Book Depository

And this caught my eye - Disney Frozen Crochet Kit, includes all the materials for two projects and pattern book for 12 characters! Available now for pre-order at The Book Depository.

Disney Frozen Crochet

Another irresistible set of characters come alive in Disney Classic Crochet. Materials for two characters are included in the package.

All that and more from The Book Depository.

Hello Kitty Crochet Amigurumi...

Hello Kitty Crochet Book is on sale at the Book Depository - free shipping anywhere! (click on image to get to site)

It Girl Crochet, the book

This book is now out and available to order online or maybe you can find it in bookstores or craft stores. I just got my order from the Book Depository, I ordered this last May 30. (ETA: I also got my contributor's copy in the mail, a few weeks after...)

It Girl Crochet

I'm grateful to be part of this published book by Interweave ;)

Let me tell you more about my design in this book. Starting back in the middle of August, 2012, the editor Sharon Zientara, sent a call for submissions of crochet designs in line with the theme concepts for her upcoming book. I was really inspired with the email she sent to her so-called designer crush list. So I did my best to come up with a submission. At that time I was intent on making a short lacy top inspired by a top worn by a celebrity. I made up my own pattern stitch to achieve the look using mostly triple crochet stitches. I was pleased with the sample I made, and got excited when my design was accepted ;)

Lacy Crochet Top

However, when I got the yarn for the book project, I was not sure it would match since it wasn't as soft and fine as the bamboo thread I had initially worked with. The color was also a bit dark for my preference. But upon working with the yarn and finishing the project, I did appreciate it somewhat. Linen yarn looks and feels natural and is nice to wear...it becomes softer and silkier as you use it.

Sienna Top

Sienna Top

There are also several projects in the book (view on Ravelry) that I would be interested in making...I'm liking the Edie Clutch, the Hippie Belt and the Gypsy slouch hat, to name a few. What are your favorites?

Crocheting Irish Motifs - wall decor :)

After painting my project table white, I was thinking of a way to add a touch of crochet to my crafting space. I already had a picture frame that fits the wall that needed a makeover. Then just in time, I got the Irish motifs crochet book I ordered...I had an aha moment when I flipped on its pages ;)
I then picked 5 motifs to make. Each one took about 20-40 mins... I wasn't sure since I was working on it on and off. And it took me about a week to finally get it all done and ready for display.

Irish Crochet Motifs

...can't wait to finish my crafting space makeover :)

I was supposed to get it all done today, but I had an attack of gastritis again, woe is me! This is what happens when I'm not too careful what I eat...

Irish Crochet Motifs Book

My new books!

I already have several resource books...that sometimes I feel guilty buying another one, when I haven't used the others in my bookshelf. But, once in a while I stumble upon another good book :p
And, I just have to share here this one - The Go-to Book for Irish Crochet Motifs by Kathryn White.
I've always wanted to learn more about Irish crochet. There are lots of free patterns online, and the vintage ones look very interesting. But when I look closer, I find that I don't have enough time and patience to dig into the details of the patterns. As I see it, those were written in a different crochet language, even though its in English.
When I saw this book by Kathy White, I knew its what I needed to get into Irish crochet. Not only does it teach, it inspires creation and produces satisfying results. You will not get intimidated with padding cords ever again and will learn the techniques of Irish crochet from this book, from the best teacher. Btw, I learned the bullion stitch a few years ago, when I made the Bullion Stitch pincushion from Kathy's pattern ;)
The Go-to Book for Irish Crochet Motifs certainly lives up to its name. Its an informative, practical, and useful resource book I'll go to more often than all my other crochet books.

Here's the first motif I made. It has a padding cord (PC). Some of the patterns have a no-padding cord version, but I find its really worth the extra effort when using a PC :)

I plan on finishing a total of 5 different motifs as soon as I can...can't wait to show how I'll use the motifs ;)

Crochet and Blog updates

Old Blog

This blog has indeed grown old and needed a makeover :p I was just afraid to let go of the links and other edits I made before...but maybe those are already outdated anyway...I still need more time to organize the links and arrange them in pages. For now, I just have to try a new template and see. It probably won't hurt, and I guess no one would mind. I think this blog has survived almost 9 years now because of the free crochet patterns. Only a few friends and some followers read my ramblings...and I would like to thank them ever so much!
I hope this blog will continue to evolve as well as the crochet projects that I will be sharing :)

Incidentally, I've just received via Fedex the sample project I made for the upcoming book It Girl Crochet :) Its a bonus for a designer to get back the sample which was modeled in the book. They don't give the same benefit before, for designs that made it to the IC magazines.
Here's a preview of the design...you can also take a look inside the book at Amazon. You can pre-order here with free shipping worldwide :)

Crochet Submissions

If you're looking to submit your original crochet design, you have till August 15 for the Crochet Calendar 2013. Check out the details here on their website.

I have a couple of designs I'm considering to submit. I still enjoy getting the calendar in the mail, and flipping the pages to see what others have made.
Here's my collection of crochet calendars :)

And the winner is... and, some Blogger issues...

Or so I thought...Blogger made some changes in its features, and it appeared I lost access to my main blog. Turned out I only needed to uncheck a box, and the dashboard reverted to its old self :p

Now I can tell you that the winner of the Crochet! book giveaway is M of daperfectmix, congratulations! Please reply immediately to my Ravelry message so I can forward your address to Soho Publishing.
Thanks again to everyone who joined the contest :)

Crochet! - A book review and a book giveaway contest!

Crochet continues to gain popularity as a craft or hobby. We can see it everywhere on the internet as we search for anything crochet-related. There are also plenty of magazines and books on this particular craft and there are still more in the making. For those who are beginners in crochet or for those wanting to start it as a hobby, there is an enormous amount of resources for free or available for sale. But there is one book that has just been published and I definitely recommend it to a beginner or any skill level crocheter. A must-have book, Crochet! by Marie-Noȅlle Bayard is brimming with techniques, stitch tutorials and patterns for projects and inspiration. You'd want to keep coming back to this book for reference, as it is full of color photos, clear instructions and up-to-date patterns.
The author, textile designer Marie-Noëlle Bayard, has worked for haute couture designers and for women's magazines. She has written for Marie-Claire Idées and Elle Décoration and is the author of Embroidery: Techniques and Patterns and Sewing: Techniques and Patterns. She lives in France.

Here's a preview:

Open publication - Free publishing - More home

Conclusion: I was actually thrilled to have this book, and it was a long wait considering how far it has traveled. It exceeded my expectations too, from the quality of the book and its content full of color photos, to its easy to understand instructions. I highly recommend you add it to your collection. I find it better than a lot of the other crochet encyclopedias, dummy-books and such. For the most part, its the techniques and pattern stitches that would keep me coming back to the pages of this book.

Disclaimer: This book was received from Soho Publishing as a review copy.

Book Giveaway Contest
Yay! Now its time for some action here in my blog. There's one copy of the book Crochet! by Marie-Noȅlle Bayard that will be given to the lucky winner of this contest I made up. The rules of the contest are as follows:
1. To qualify for an entry you must be a crocheter of any skill level.
2. Post a comment here and let us know your Ravelry name, or share the link to your blog, or a link to your FB page.
3. I will take a peek at your projects and immediately add your name in the contest drawing.
4. To qualify for another entry, like my FB page and make a comment on the post where I share this blog post.
Now that's as easy as 1-2-3 :) Contest ends on July 12. I will assign a number to each entry, and use the random number generator to determine the winner. Winner will be notified immediately. She must be able to give her mailing address, which I will give to Soho Publishing for them to mail the book to.
Lastly, I will also be giving away at least 3 consolation prizes of a pattern gift via Ravelry.

That's all, thank you! Please email me if you have questions.

2010 Crochet Calendar

Yesterday, I was surprised to receive my contributor's copy of Accord Publishing's Crochet Calendar. I wasn't expecting it this early.

This year, it contained 117 patterns. Although there are less patterns than in previous years, I can see that the quality of the designs and photos has greatly increased. I love the box design, its color and layout. Moreover, I am so pleased that the paper now is much thicker and one can remove a page and return it easily.
I haven't had the chance to look at the patterns one by one...I will be picking my favorites soon ;)

New Crochet Book!

It's now available!!!
Yes, the book by crocheters for crocheters is now out!


Oh, haven't you heard about it? Its the Crochet Liberation Front First Ever Book - and its the first ever book that I got published in! No wonder I'm excited, huh?... But more than that it is really something to look forward to with all the unique and lovely designs and informative articles in it - as unique and varied as the contributors.


Here's a picture of the full cover of the book, which gives you a glimpse into some of the patterns in it:

This book is 194 pages of full color patterns and articles. You will find 36 patterns and 13 useful and touching articles. There is not a "how to crochet" section in this book. It was written by crocheters for crocheters who have been itching for something more.

Laurie Wheeler has a sneak peek here in the CLF Official Blog. Hope you check it out and you'll see a few of the designs....including one of mine ;)

I'll show some more pics here soon...just haven't gotten to it yet (...and I'm out of batteries too :p)


So, don't miss having a copy of this historic book :)

You can go to this site to order a copy at $34.99. Please note, that's less than $1 per pattern plus articles! To see more designs in the book check it out here on Ravelry. I've already queued some patterns...really hoping I would be able to make it. I can't wait to get my copy!

Wait, there's more! If you are on Ravelry, you can go to the Crochet Liberation Front group, and get the discount code, so you can buy the book for $29.99. Or go to Amazon to avail of Super Saver Shipping.

Got my Crochet Calendar 2009!

Yay!! I received my crochet calendar today. Not one, but two copies :D
It was such a wonderful surprise - and promptly delivered by DHL! Last year in October, I was dismayed with the DHL delivery, and wrote about it on this post. This year, they surely made up for it ;)

I would like to thank Susan Ripley again, for being very helpful. I also think she did such a good job of compiling the patterns for this edition.

A careful look inside the calendar and I see these:
My designs, of course:
Multicolor sling purse, May 23-24
Poinsettia Coaster, December 7

My friends' designs:
Tina's Yo-yo key-ring critters, January 28
Tina's Piggy Bank, February 18-20
Deneen's Chunky-Brimmed Chapeau, February 28-March 1
Deneen's Mom's Favorite Scrubby Dishcloth, May 4
Deneen'sPerfectly Pretty Cotton Washcloth, December 1

Other designs that interest me:
Pamela Romeo's Baba Yaga's Bag, February 27
Paloma Parra's Lucky Lamb, March 4-5
Mette Buchreitz' Fancy Dishcloths, April 6
Jennie Lute's Bowling Set, April 9-10
Bernat's Tufted Floor Pillow , April 27
Mette Buchreitz' Friendship Bag, May 1-3
Tracie Barrett's Lanyard for ID or Keys, July 14-15
Bernat's Cool Poncho, August 17
Dorothy Hardy's Simple Ribbed Scarf, September 7
Paton's Brilliant Shawl, September 16
Bernat's Rib Bag, September 23-24
Mette Buchreitz' Santa, December 16-17

I noticed that the filler patterns in this calendar are from Lily, Bernat, Patons and Maggie's Crochet. I think I've seen most of it as free online patterns, except the ones from Bernat which look new.
All in all, I like this calendar more than the previous (2008) calendar.

For more information, to contribute designs or to purchase the calendar, please visit their website:
http://www.knittingpatternaday.com/crochet.htm

Congrats to the 2009 Crochet Calendar Contest Winners!

If you're interested in submitting to the 2010 calendar, go to the website for details.
If you want to know what patterns are in the 2009 calendar, there is a link there to the Table of Contents.
And yay, I have two patterns in the 2009 calendar:

Multicolor Sling Purse

Poinsettia Coaster

Don't DHL it!

If you are sending packages overseas, try the postal service or other reliable service. I don't think DHL is one of them. Here's my story:
Yesterday, I got a knock on the door saying it was a delivery. I wasn't too thrilled since I was limping on the way, I needed to go downstairs since my house is on the 2nd floor. Then my left leg ached and cramped, due to prolonged abnormal walking. Anyways, I wasn't totally attentive to the DHL delivery guy, but I realized he was handing me a bill. I glanced upon the box that he held and read Andrews McMeel...before I could get excited about it, I examined the bill and it had some computations with the total amount being P1,585. That's about $35! I said, "I have to pay this to get the box???" He said, yes. (I don't remember him being courteous). I asked him for an explanation on the details of the amount stated there, and he said I better call the office and he pointed the phone no. on the bill. I didn't want to call the office since I know that they have a ready explanation for it. Besides, I think I'm not supposed to pay anything, being just a recipient.
I told him I wasn't going to pay. He asked me to sign and receive the paper. I said, "I'm not going to sign that. I'm not going to get the box." And I sent him off.
Darn. I would have been leafing through the pages of the crochet calendar by now :(... and I should have copied the details of the bill so I can file a formal complaint. There was even a customs tax there for about 265pesos...I wonder what law they based that tax on? I never experienced any problem or paid a tax on the items with the numerous packages I sent and claimed at the post office.
At first, I thought that the distributor of the calendar wanted me to pay for the delivery. But after I have received a reply from the publisher regarding the incident I narrated, I believe that the problem was the DHL service. They probably get away with charging the recipient even though the delivery has already been paid by the sender. I could guess how some people get fooled, and most don't file complaints, especially the Filipinos here who are eager to receive a package from abroad.
I will get my free copy of the calendar, I'm sure. I have to wait several weeks, but that's ok.

Baby Hat, pattern finished!

Remember this project?
I made this a couple of years ago, and posted it here on my blog. It is one of my designs included in the 2007 Crochet Pattern-a-day Calendar. But I didn't know for sure if it was accepted then, since I only submitted a photo of the project. So I was surprised that it was included, and they just repeated the instructions for the baby mittens pattern, which was also featured there. Here's how it looked in the CPAD:


Now at last, I finished writing the pattern! I had to find some inspiration in making another hat, so that I could write the pattern clearly. The inspiration came when a nice lady emailed and asked for the pattern, saying that she wanted to make it for a baby gift this September.
I also made some improvement on the pattern, and I think the sizing is more accurate now.
Then I decided to add something new to the hat I just made - a crocheted ribbon.



Ribbon pattern copyright by Mimi Alelis, 2007
Row 1: With the same size hook used for the hat, take the contrasting color (pink), ch 75. Sc in 2nd ch from hook and on each ch across. Cut off.
Row/rnd 2: Attach main color (white) at opposite end, ss on 1st st, (ch 1, ss on next st) repeat all around the top and bottom of sc row. Join to the 1st st of this round. Cut off.
Weave in ends.
Tie into a bow and sew it on the hat band.

*Baby Cotton Hat pattern is available for download on Ravelry, here*

Update: I just found a free pattern for a cute pair of maryjane booties by Liz, made from thread. It looks like a perfect match for this baby hat.

More baby items from previous posts:
Appliques
Baby Mittens
Baby Crochet

2008 and 2009 Crochet Pattern-a-Day Calendars

The 2008 Crochet Pattern-a-Day calendar is finished and I think will already be on its way to contributors. I can't wait to get my copy! Now I was able to find out which of my pattern submissions made it, since they've provided the Table of Contents. It was fun though to be in suspense like last time, when I found out only when the calendar was out and I had to ask those who had gotten their copy first...
Anyways...I have 3 small patterns in the upcoming calendar. Some of you have already seen it: Diagonal-Striped Coin Purse, Spiral Ruffled Scrunchie, and Radiant Coaster/Doily.


The 2008 calendar is not yet released but can now be ordered at Amazon.com.
Check out the TOC for the 2008 CPAD and call for pattern submissions for 2009, many pattern titles sound interesting...I wonder what else I could think up to submit for the next calendar...

Got my Crochet Pattern-a-day Calendar!

Finally, I received my copy from Accord Publishing! Thanks to the publisher and to whoever mailed it from Lenexa, Kansas ;)
Also, thanks again to Annie Modesitt.

I loved looking at all the projects in there, couldnt put it down until I've seen them all ;) I felt good seeing some of my online friends' patterns in there too, and then showing off my own patterns to my family :)
I think it is worth buying for all the cute patterns in there.

Here are my patterns if anyone is interested to look ;)

Matrix Bag - September 10
Twisted Wrap - September 12
Pumpkin Container with Lid - October 24
Baby Cotton Hat - November 5
Baby Cotton Mittens - November 6

For more info on the calendar, go to crochet pattern-a-day site.

A big thanks goes to Tina for sending me the crochet calendar which she ordered for me. I did buy a copy so I could lend it out here ;)