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.

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! 😎

Crochet for kids

When I saw my granddaughter delighted with a dolphin designed candle-holder (that she didn't hold for she knows its breakable), I thought of making her this pair of dolphins, a mama and a baby dolphin that she can easily hold and play with. I was right, she loved playing with it.

amigurumi dolphins

Little kids are easy to please - make them a toy and they will surely be delighted. However, they also get easily attracted to new toys and after a short while get bored with their old toys. This doesn't discourage me from making toys for my granddaughter...I just make sure she'll like what I make, and she won't find anything else like it. Hopefully she will remember how much she enjoyed what I made for her when she's grown up.

nana made me toy dolphins

When my sons make a request for me to make them something, I really try my best to do so...since they don't often make requests. So, recently my son wanted a hand-puppet animal for him and my granddaughter to play with. They both liked watching the Madagascar movies and so he asked if I could make the 4 animals who starred in the movie. Ok I said, not knowing how to go about it. What is the most loved animal there - the lion, of course. I could first make that and see how it goes. After a lot of experimenting, I was happy with the final result. Everyone thinks its good...my granddaughter will be so surprised when she sees it for the first time.

Crocheted Lion of Madagascar Handpuppet

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.

Hearts Flower - free crochet pattern

Just in time for Valentines, I saw a fabric flower with heart-shaped petals, and got inspired to make a crochet version. So here is the simple crochet design that I came up with as a Valentine treat for my fellow crocheters. Most any yarn and corresponding hook can be used for this pattern.

Hearts Flower
by Mimi Alelis copyright 2017
Note: This pattern is for personal use only, not for distribution and not to be posted on any other site. 
Original link: http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2017/02/hearts-flower-free-crochet-pattern.html

Materials:
Worsted weight yarn, I used Premier Cotton yarn
Crochet Hook size 4mm
Finished size: 2.5 inches in diameter

Flower
Rnd 1: Start with magic ring, ch 1, 5 sc in  ring, join with sl st to first sc. 
Rnd 2: (Ch 1, sc in sc, turn, ch 2, 4 dc in sc, turn, ch 2, dc2tog, ch 1, sl st in next dc, ch 2, dc2tog, ch 1 sl st on top of turning ch 2 of previous row, 2 sl st at the side of dc row, sl st at the base of petal, sl st on the next sc) rep 5 times, making 5 petals. Fasten off, leaving 6" tail for sewing, if making this as an embellishment.
Center (optional - you may instead sew a button in the center of the flower)
With contrasting color yarn, make a magic ring, ch 2, 4-dc cluster in ring, fasten off leaving a 6" tail for sewing. Pull both ends tight, knot together, sew in center of flower. Weave in loose ends.

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

Star Wars Crochet

Aww...

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

Getting to the finish line...

Still crocheting this project...it is taking too long!... and I do have some excuses :p... 1. Summer here is too hot...crocheting easily gives me a headache and stiff neck. 2. I'd rather work on my outdoor garden project, and enjoy the cool breeze while its there. 3. When it gets too hot outside, we go to the mall :p 4. It is a good time to catch up on the laundry, since a new shop opened and its still on half-price promo. (I even  brought my project there, but only able to do a few rows...)

Thank you Quicklean, laundry isn't horrible now! https://www.facebook.com/QuickleanPhilippines

Picking up the pieces...

I thought it was going to be a simple DIY bamboo fence...but these bamboo slats are mostly poor quality, I was fooled by the packaging :p Anyways...I just have to make the most of it to cover the wall overlooking the street.

Btw, I got the 3rd tomato from my lone tomato plant!...hehe

Crochet WIP

My Hibiscus tunic project is about 70% done...its a slow-going pattern, but its worth it ;)

Finished project coming soon!

Crochet and Other Stuff in 2014

Patterns

Only a few to list down...when it comes to writing crochet patterns and publishing it, though this coming year looks promising :)

Here are three designs that got published in 2014:

1. Pinwheel Flower - free pattern here in my blog.

2. Sienna Top - published in the book It Girl Crochet by Interweave Press. 

3. Pinya Glass Cozy - a free pattern published here.

Projects
Started with 554 projects and added 28 for a total of 582...(my Ravelry projects)
Some of my favorite projects are those for the babies in my extended family -

Another favorite of mine is the irish crochet motifs I made to be framed and hung in my workspace.

Yarns

There are now even more choices and more opportunities to buy yarns. One of which is having a crafty friend in another country, where quality yarns are available...and affordable too ;) Our Cebuana friend, Fe of Knitwerks and Crafts Boutique, retails yarns she buys mostly in Singapore.

Here's a recent purchase from Fe:

I even got more of the cotton yarns, since the colors are so nice and the yarn is smooth and would be a good choice for amigurumi toys and other accessories.

I also decided to order a bit from a big yarn company, Bergere de France, just for the experience. I love their yarns, patterns and customer service. I might order again, but need to order more yarns to maximize on the shipping cost...However, I'm reluctant to order more than $50. worth of items...for I have yet to ascertain if I will be taxed heavily upon customs inspection at the P.O.

Bergere de France

Other Crafts 

I love sewing too...some simple wardrobe repair or upcycling here and there. No serious sewing yet, though I was able to make some recycled denim stuff, including denim star ornaments and reordered denim placemats for The Breakfast Table; and denim picture-frame souvenirs for my nephew's Christening.

My Working Space

I've completed my working space - thanks to the Surplus shop nearby. I kept on checking their items for several months until I got the big, and spacious shelves...

Most of what I have here I had for several years already...Again I thank my sis-in-law for the sewing machine, my brother for the working table, and my son for my computer and the size small dressform :)

More patterns and projects in the coming year, I guess ;)

Thanks for looking! And by the way, there's this blog featuring each week an interview with knit and crochet designers from around the world. I got included and you can find the article here.

Random Crochet Stuff

Catching up post on some recent crochet stuff...

Here's a little teddy souvenir item I made for my nephew's 1st birthday last July. It is made from a Ravelry designer's pattern (details here)
I made up the number 1 figure and the scarf. This is only 2 inches tall ;)

Little Teddy Souvenir

Some simple bracelets made to use up leftover yarns and materials. The first one using coins with holes...the pattern is free and can be found on my FB page.

The next one is just a simple ch and sl st bangle - using a garter cord...project details on Ravelry

Since halloween is near...and if you're looking for a simple halloween accessory, there's a free pattern I made a few years ago - Just Got Stitched-up Choker, pattern here. I'll be making a few more of these to sell on my Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/mimicrochet

Lastly, I've just picked up my order from Bergere de France yesterday, though the package was marked received at the P.O. on Aug 26 (12 days after they shipped it), I only got the Postal notice this week...and as if they purposely delayed it - since the Postal/Customs fee is now P100., which is a 100% increase effective this week :p. Hello Postmaster General :/

Bergere de France

The yarn is Bigarelle - very nice!! I love the natural texture of cotton and linen combined...and it has a fresh outdoor scent ;) The items are reasonably priced...though the shipping for this cost me around $25., flat rate for international shipping....so I should have ordered more yarns :p Then again it was so hard to choose which yarns I would actually end up making a project. These two skeins are enough to knit the top on the cover of the magazine. Hope to be able to make it!