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 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

Denim and Crochet

Hello! I haven't crocheted much lately....but I'm (slowly) working on some crochet for gifting. Aside from that, I got busy with another craft I love - recycled denim projects...I love working with cotton denim fabrics. Having to make projects as a custom order is a bonus!
I made placemats for an ice cream shop/restaurant, using denims that I've sourced from a used-clothing store. I choose good-quality denim pants and skirts, wash and dry them soon as I buy them. For a while my living and dining area became my production area :p ...

And here are some of my finished products (placemat photos in the restaurant were snatched on Instagram)

   

Now I'm thinking of combining crochet and denim crafts again...like what I did a few years ago. Hoping I'll have tutorials made for some projects like these:

denim and crochet

Handy Coin Purse - crochet pattern

I made these coin purses for some street kids I met last week.

I chose this design since it finishes up quickly and is suitable for both boys and girls. It is easy to hold, and with a finger inside the loop, it is secure in your hand.
I made the fabric ones from recycled denims, and the crocheted one from denim-like yarn. This project is quite simple, except for the sewing of the zipper. You can sew it by hand or by machine - I tried both, and there's not much difference...its not easy! Its a necessary part of the design though.

Here's a simple crafting tutorial to inspire. Any sturdy fabric, or any crochet stitch pattern can be used...I chose a mesh stitch pattern to make it quick and light...

Handy Coin Purse
Materials
     Cardboard pattern measuring 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"
     Zipper, approximately 4 1/2 inches (I used zipper from old denim jeans)
     Nylon cord, measuring 4 inches, or belt loop recycled from denims
     Yarn of your choice (I used 4-ply fingering yarn, a cotton/acrylic blend)
     Crochet hook 2.5mm (or 4/0), or hook to match your yarn.
Finished measurement: approx.4 1/2 " in height (excluding loop), and 3 1/4 " wide, measured at the bottom

Note: For crochet version, the cardboard pattern is just a guide to get the desired measurement.

Instructions:
Ch 2 at the beginning of row counts as 1st dc.

Row 1:Ch 54 (or chain an even number to an approximate length of 7 1/2"), dc in 3rd ch from hook, (ch 1, skip 1 ch, dc in next ch) repeat across, dc in last ch, turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in next dc,(ch 1, dc in next dc) repeat across, dc in last dc, turn.
Rows 3-17: Repeat row 2. Fasten off.

Crochet loop (optional): Chain to measure 4", sl st on 2nd ch from hook, sl st on each ch across, fasten off leaving enough tail for sewing.

Sewing and Finishing:
1. Fold the sides toward the center, leaving enough space for the zipper closure. With matching color thread, sew the zipper in place.

2. After attaching zipper, turn the project inside out, position the loop and sew it at the center top edge.

3. Fold one side towards the center and sew it across the top. Do the same on the other side.

4. Sew the bottom side across. Trim the excess length of the zipper.

5. Turn right side out and its done!

Denim coin purse
For denim version, trace the cardboard pattern on the wrong side of the fabric and add a sewing allowance on all sides before cutting.

Fold the sides along the seam allowance. Sew the zipper and finish up the same as instructed above.

Denim Fringe Necklace

This is quite easy to do, just a bit of craftiness is needed. No sewing required, just some patience working with fine denim threads.
This sample looks wacky, but I'm posting it here to demonstrate the process of reclaiming the threads from used denim fabrics and making fringes ;)

Denim Fringe Necklace

Materials needed:
Necklace cord - I used a 17" long leather necklace cord, (I think a longer cord is better for wearing with low neckline outfit)
Denim fabric - approximately 8 1/2" x 3 1/2"

denim fringe tutorial

How-to:
1. Cut the fabric straight along the line of the blue thread. Carefully unweave the blue threads and group them into 12 strands for each fringe.
2. Fold the grouped strands in half, place the fold under the cord. Insert all the strands inside the loop made from the fold. Pull to finish the fringe.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you have enough fringes desired for the look of your necklace.

Some recycled denim projects

While I'm not crocheting, I like making easy and quick projects. I still have plenty of used, good-quality denims and enjoy making these cute and easy projects.

The 4" diameter coasters were made from the inseams of denim jeans. The only other material needed is fabric glue. I used a special craft glue called tacky glue by Bostik. It has a very strong adhesion, yet it doesn't get stiff when dry.

For the bags I used mostly the leg parts of the denim. The bigger bag is two leg parts sewn together. One pocket is cut from the pants and sewn in front of the bag, the other pocket sewn inside. The handles came from the waistband, carefully ripped out, folded and sewn.
The smaller bag is one leg part, with a built-in outside pocket...What I love about making these bags is that the design comes naturally as the denim already has its own style ;)

Just an update: I am able to take pictures now since one of my dear sisters-in-law lent me her new camera, until I get my own :)

Art in simple things...

Here are the simple things I'd like to share for those looking for simple but fresh stuff ;)

Sweet Potato Flower
I got a surprise one day when I cut up a sweet potato and it revealed a small flower design! I don't know if this is a rare occurrence, but this is the first time I saw one...even if I was only intending to cut up the sweet potato into pieces, I at once realized that there was a flower print on the inside. It is so distinct and so pretty. I had to take a picture...

sweet potato flower print

No-Twinkle Denim Star

While most christmas stars would have a twinkle or light on it, this one made from used denim fabric - doesn't twinkle but it has a charm of its own.

and here's where the stars were hung to brighten up the place.

The Breakfast Table

Apple keychain ornaments

I recently bought an artificial Christmas Tree - because it was affordable and looked good. I wanted to keep the decoration simple...and picked red as the main color. I already have some of the apple keychains I made a long time ago, and thought I needed to make some more.

Crocheted Mini Apples

Free pattern is published here.

Here's my little christmas tree...in need of more mini apples ;)

Little Christmas Tree

Little Christmas Basket