Crochet your summer 'must-haves'

Those of us who can crochet, need not buy some of the staples for cool summer oufits. You only need to buy yarns or threads and sometimes you need to buy a crochet pattern.

Following are some of my suggestions from my own crochet designs. These have been around for several years, but I believe they won't go out of style.

Sea Star Cardi 

My latest design for a beach cover-up or a summer cardigan is published in crochet.com as Sea Star Cardi. You may visit their website to download the pattern for free.

Pattern and project details are here on Ravelry.

Le Tote

A yarny tote, that can carry your beach essentials, or your current project if you like to take it along with you anywhere. Another downloadable free pattern from crochet.com.  View the pattern and project details on Ravelry, and get inspired to make your own. I love my sample in blue. It is a practical everyday bag, soft and huggable too.

Hibiscus Tunic

A beach coverup I designed several years ago. If you love crocheting with thread, this will be quite doable for you. The pattern is available for sale at Interweave.com The price varies, and sometimes it is greatly discounted.

View this design on Ravelry.

Sienna Top

This is the Sienna Top from the book "It Girl Crochet". I used size 10 thread for my own top. I added a thin cotton fabric for lining. 

The pattern for this top is available for sale on interweave.com. It can also be found in the book and magazine where its published.

Thanks for looking, happy crocheting! 

Crochet and Knitted wearables from online shopping

I've been Shopeeing a lot these days, since late last year when I got the hang of online shopping (at Shopee.ph) Its quite addictive! Discounts, freebies, promos...and I end up spending more than I planned.

I have a weakness for items that are crocheted and knitted...even if I can crochet one for myself...they come branded, at very low price, and still in good condition at thrift shops. Though some pretty items got grabbed by other buyers quickly, I still got some nice ones.

Here are my favorites:

I'll share in my next post how I would wear some of these pieces. 

I happened to have two basic tank dresses that I found worked well to be able to wear the crochet and knit tops.

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.

Summer Crochet

Here in Quezon City, summer heat is almost unbearable...as a crocheter I produce the least amount of projects at this time and only focus on necessary and enjoyable projects...such as my recently finished Ariel Mermaid Doll and Flounder Amigurumi for my granddaughter...(more on that on my next post).

Summer also makes me obsess over crochet lace garments! I have one I need to finish and luckily I have one already in my wardrobe...these kind of crochet never goes out of style - like this cover-up I made 13 years ago, and its still good as new.

crochet cover-up

So here I found reason to try out my new swimsuit, use the tripod, and take pics of myself wearing my crochet cover-up...then simply edited the pics on the Photo Lab app on my phone. It was fun!

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!

Cotton Twine Mesh Bag - free crochet pattern

Another version of the mesh bag, this time made with 2 balls cotton twine. This is suitable as a beach bag to contain a beach towel and a few essentials. If using for heavier stuff, it is best to line the bag with non-stretchable fabric.

Cotton Twine Mesh Bag
by Mimi Alelis, March 2017
https://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/03/cotton-twine-mesh-bag-free-crochet.html

Materials: 2 balls cotton twine
4.5mm/G or 8/0 crochet hook
Yarn needle for weaving ends and sewing the strap
Gauge: Gauge is not so important, but for the model shown, rounds 1-4 is approximately 5 inches in diameter
Finished Measurement: bag is approx. 13 inches wide, when layed flat
Stitches Used: ch = chain, ss = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, tr = treble crochet, st = stitch, rnd = round

Pattern
Rnd 1: Starting at the bottom, ch 4, join with a ss on 1st ch, to form a ring, ch 3 (counts as dc), 15 dc in ring, join with a ss on top of beg ch 3. (16 dc)
Rnd 2: (Ch 4, sc in next dc) 14 times, ch 2, dc in last dc. (15 loops)
Rnd 3: (Ch 4, sc in next loop) 14 times, ch 2, dc in dc of last loop. (15 loops)
Rnd 4: Repeat rnd 3.
Rnd 5: (Ch 4, sc in next loop, ch 4 sc in same loop) 14 times, ch 4, sc in last loop, ch 2, dc in dc. (30 loops)
Rnd 6: (Ch 4, sc in next loop) 29 times, ch 2, dc in dc of last loop. (30 loops)
Rnd 7-30: Repeat rnd 6.
Rnd 31: Ch 3, sc in next loop, (ch 4, sc in next loop) 12 times, ch 1, dc in next loop, turn. (14 loops)
Rnd 32: Ch 3, sc in next loop, (ch  4, sc in next loop) repeat across except on last loop, ch 1, dc in last loop, turn. (13 loops)
Rnds 33-40: Repeat rnd 32, at the end of rnd 40, 5 loops remain.
Rnd 41: Ch 4 (counts as 1st tr), tr in the next loop, 2 tr in next loop, tr in last two loops, turn. (6 tr)
Rnd 42: Ch 4, tr in each tr across (6 tr). Fasten off, leaving enough length for weaving in.
Shaping other end and finishing the strap
Attach thread on the next available loop at rnd 30. Repeat rnds 31 up to 42.
Rnd 43 onwards: Repeat rnd 42 up to desired length of strap (taking into consideration that strap will stretch a bit). Fasten off, leaving 10-inch tail for sewing. Sew to other end securely. Weave in ends.

Minnie Mouse Hat - free crochet pattern

Minnie Mouse Hat

Minnie Mouse Hat (see project on Ravelry)
by Mimi Alelis
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/02/minnie-mouse-hat-free-crochet-pattern.html

This is a beanie hat constructed from top to bottom, with increasing rounds done in dc, and the repeat rounds done in hdc. Rounds are joined with a slip stitch, and the beginning ch 1 or ch 2 of each round is not counted as a stitch. (The joining is hardly noticeable this way.)

Materials: Worsted weight yarn, 1 skein black and half-skein red. I used Premier Home Cotton yarn (85% cotton, 15 polyester), 128 meters/80gms
Aluminum Crochet Hook size: 5 mm. (use 4.5mm for smaller hat)

Gauge: Using 5 mm. hook, 15 hdc across = 4"; 10 hdc rows = 4"
Size: 1-3 yr old
Measurements: Length, 6 1/2"; Circumference, 19"

CROWN:
Note: Ch 1 or ch 2 at the beg of rnd does not count as a st.
Rnd 1: With black yarn, start with a magic ring, ch 1, work 12 hdc into ring, sl st in 1st hdc to join -- 12 hdc.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each hdc around, sl st in 1st dc to join -- 24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, (1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, sl st in 1st dc -- 36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 48 dc.
Rnd 5: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 60 dc.
Rnd 6: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 72 dc.

Rnds 7-11: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc, join -- 72 hdc. Fasten off black, attach red yarn.
Rnds 12-16: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc -- 72 hdc. Fasten off at the end of last rnd.

Ears (make 4)
Rnd 1: With black yarn, magic ring, ch 1, work 10 sc into ring, sl st in 1st sc to join -- 10 sc. 
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 hdc in each sc, join -- 20 hdc.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (1 hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) rep around, sl st in 1st hdc -- 30 hdc.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, (1 hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) 8 times, sc in the last 6 hdc -- 32 hdc, 6 sc.
Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.
Finishing: Join 2 pcs together as follows: with wrong sides facing, sl st both pieces on each hdc st, leave the sc sts open.

Bow
Make bow from fabric as shown in sample project (search youtube for fabric bow tutorial), or crochet one ....

Hat Assembly

Sew ears matching the sc sts, to the side of hat at rnds 4-7, sew back and front of ear with a little gap in-between, so that the ears will remain standing.
Sew bow in the middle of hat, facing front.
Make 6 white dots from felt cloth, using a button to trace the circles. Attach with glue. (I used hot-melt glue gun.)

Hello Kitty Hat - free crochet pattern

Hello Kitty Hat

Hello Kitty Hat
by Mimi Alelis
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/02/hello-kitty-hat-free-crochet-pattern.html

This is a beanie hat constructed from top to bottom, with increasing rounds done in dc, and the repeat rounds done in hdc. Rounds are joined with a slip stitch, and the beginning ch 1 or ch 2 of each round is not counted as a stitch. (The joining is hardly noticeable this way.)

Materials: Worsted weight yarn, white, 1 skein; pink, half-skein; and small amounts of black and yellow. I used Premier Home Cotton yarn (85% cotton, 15 polyester), 128 meters/80gms
Aluminum Crochet Hook size: 4.5 mm (use 5mm hook for a bigger size)

Gauge: Using 4.5 mm. hook, 4 hdc across = 1"; 3 hdc rows = 1"
Size: 1 to 2 yr-old
Finished Measurements: Length, 6 1/4"; Circumference, 18"
Stitches used: ch- chain, sl st - slip stitch, sc - single crochet, hdc - half-double crochet, dc - double crochet

CROWN:
Note: Ch 1 or ch 2 at the beg of rnd does not count as a st. 
Rnd 1: With white yarn, start with a magic ring, ch 1, work 12 hdc into ring, sl st in 1st hdc to join -- 12 hdc.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in each hdc around, sl st in 1st dc to join -- 24 dc.
Rnd 3: Ch 2, (1 dc in next dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, sl st in 1st dc -- 36 dc.
Rnd 4: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 48 dc.
Rnd 5: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 60 dc.
Rnd 6: Ch 2, (1 dc in each of next 4 dc, 2 dc in next dc) rep around, join -- 72 dc.

Rnd 7: Ch 1, hdc in each dc, join -- 72 hdc.

Rnds 8-15: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc, join -- 72 hdc. Fasten off white, attach pink yarn.

Rnds 16-17: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc -- 72 hdc. Fasten off at the end of last rnd.

Ears (make 2)

Rnd 1: With white yarn, magic ring, ch 1, work 5 sc into ring, sl st in 1st sc to join -- 5 sc. 

Rnd 2: Ch 1, hdc in same st (1 hdc in next sc, 2 hdc in next sc) twice, join -- 7 hdc.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, (2 hdc in next hdc) rep around, sl st in 1st hdc -- 14 hdc.

Rnd 4: Ch 1, (1 hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc) 7 times, join -- 21 hdc.

Rnd 5: Ch 1, hdc in each hdc, join -- 21 hdc.

Fasten off, leaving a 12" tail for sewing.

Bow
With pink yarn, leave a 6" tail at the beginning, make 24 chs, sl st in 1st ch to form a circle (inc or dec chs to customize length of bow).

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in each ch, sl st in 1st sc to join -- 24 sc.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, (sc in 4 sc, hdc in next 4 sc, sc in 4 sc) twice, sl st to join -- 24 sts.
Rnd 3: Ch 1, (sc in 4 sc, hdc in next 4 hdc, sc in 4 sc) twice, sl st to join -- 24 sts.
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each st around, join -- 24 sc. Fasten off leaving a 12" tail for sewing.
Finishing: With the tail ends at the middle of bow, wrap and tie both ends tight, several times.

Eyes (make 2)
With black yarn, magic ring, ch 1, (2 sc, 1 hdc, 2 sc, 1 hdc) in ring, sl st on 1st sc to join, fasten off leaving 8" tail for sewing. Finishing: (optional) with white yarn, embroider dot on eyes.

Nose
With yellow yarn, repeat pattern for eyes.

Assembly
Sew ears at the side, along rnds 4-7. Sew bow just below one ear. Sew eyes on rnds 11-12. Sew nose on rnds 13-14. For the whiskers, use a black marker or embroider with black yarn, placing each whisker 3/4" away from the side of the eyes.

Hello Kitty Hat

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.

Circular Scarf - free pattern

Circular Scarf

Circular Scarf
A simple crochet project using only one ball of cotton thread. Made up of a repetitive pattern that is easy to do, and quite addicting. 
This design has two innovations: 1. no long starting chain, no  foundation single crochet (fsc) or double crochet (fdc), and 2. no need to add edging rounds, it begins with a neat edge.

Yarn: Coats and Clark, Anchor Lifestyles mercerized cotton, size 10 (40 g), Color, 1 ball
Hook: Size 2.5 mm (C or 4/0), adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge
Notions: yarn needle for weaving ends
Gauge: 5 pattern repeats and 9 rows = 4" in pattern stitch
Finished measurement: approx. 35 " (89 cm) circumference, 5 3/4" (14 1/2 cm) wide

Notes: Pattern is worked in rounds, turned after every round.
To customize length, increase or decrease pattern repeats on the 1st round. To customize width, increase or decrease rnds.

Stitches used
ch - chain
sl st - slip stitch
dc - double crochet
tr - treble crochet
Special stitch
2-tr Cluster – [Yarn over hook (yo) twice, insert hook in stitch, yo, draw yarn through stitch, (yo hook, draw yarn through 2 loops on hook) twice] 2 times, yo, draw yarn through 3 loops on hook.

Scarf

Rnd 1: Ch 5, tr in 4th ch from hook, (ch 6, tr in 4th ch from hook) repeat 43 times, ch 1, sl st in the 1st ch of this rnd — 44 pattern repeats Rnd 2: Ch 4, tr in the same st, (skip the tr and ch-3 in 1st rnd, 2-tr cluster in the next ch, ch 3, dc in 3rd ch from hook, 2-tr cluster in the next ch) repeat around, sl st on the 1st tr of this rnd to join, turn. Rnd 3: Ch 4, tr in same st, (2-tr cluster in the next tr, ch 3, dc in 3rd ch from hook, 2-tr cluster in the next st) repeat around, join, turn. Rnds 4-12 (or desired width): Repeat rnd 3.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Cluster Stitch Pattern

Two lovely shawls, ten years ago...

Looking back at my projects posted on Ravelry, I reviewed these two shawls made 10 years ago!
These two shawls remind me of the beginning of a new age of crochet (at least for me...), since these were made from among the first patterns I found on the web. Oh, those were the days when we crocheters were so eager to blog and love looking at each others finished projects...appreciated most anything crochet, and amazed that we could instantly share to anyone around world ;) We still do now, but at that time we were so excited...now it seems to be a given and there's just too much out there to see, we hardly take the time to admire each and every project...

My lovely (and much younger) sister used to model for me, and these also remind me of that time she's about to take off... (she's now settled in the UK with her hubby and kid).

Project details on Ravelry

Project details on Ravelry

I printed the patterns at once, for I guessed it wont be there forever. I was right. The first pattern though, is still available on the Internet archives (pattern). The other one became a for sale pattern at the Mani di Fata website.

Crochet a Tank top

I love how this project turned out. It was relatively easy to make, though it looked like a complicated design. 

Pattern: Neox Tanktop, Pierrot Gosyo Co., Japan

Crochet Tank Top

 It came out a size small (32-34" bust)...which is just right for me. The color of the thread looks different in the photos as it actually looks closer to skin color. 

Crochet tanktop

Project details on Ravelry.

Crocheting a Pierrot pattern...

While looking for design inspirations... I'm also on the lookout for patterns that I can make into finished projects. I usually zoom in on designs I can crochet with our locally available threads. Moreover I look for patterns that are quite interesting, yet relatively simple to make.

I know the yarn companies are promoting their yarns, so they come up with free patterns. I would like to thank them for offering the patterns to everyone. Sure, I would like to try the yarns they made the pattern for (I did so a few times)...but due to horrendous shipping and taxes involved, I rarely venture into it.

So for this project I would like to thank Pierrot Gosyo co. in Japan for the lovely pattern :)

Crochet Tanktop

Wait, this is just half of the top! Back and front sides are crocheted separately and then seamed on shoulders and sides. This is the back part, with the neckline higher than that for the front.
I will be making the front part these next two few days, and hopefully I can wear this top on Sunday next week ;)