Crochet and Other Stuff Update

First of all, I am relieved all my files were safe! About 10 days ago, my computer totally broke down, and I tried not to worry about it since my brother takes care of all our computer problems. But if I lost my files, I might not be able to write up again or continue some of the patterns that I was working on. Also, some digital pics and other data might be lost forever. Fortunately, my brother is able to fix the problem. Unfortunately, I'd have to make do with his OLD back-up computer until I am able to upgrade the parts. This one is so sloooooow...

I haven't been crocheting much the past few weeks. Lately, I got busy rearranging furnitures, decluttering tables, organizing stuff and decorating a little.
Here is one thing I bought at only P100, which I positioned on an ugly spot on the wall:


a hanging plant pot...I just put in cut-off pineapple leaves.

And here's my dining table centerpiece:

I "found" this green vase with artificial flowers put aside and collecting dust in my parents' house. With some washing and scrubbing, it looked lovely again :)

After a lot of moving stuff around, I finally settled on a workstation outside my bedroom, between the living area and dining area. It doesn't look so crowded as I thought it would be. Its still comfortable with enough space for day-to-day activities. Not sure if it makes for a more conducive atmosphere for creating art and crochet designs - we'll see ;)

Now for some update on crochet. I think I'm getting back in the groove again, inspired by two reasons. First, I got my Crochet Calendar 2010 issue, and it was a pleasant surprise! Not only because it came very early, but because of the new look and the improved quality of designs and material.

I have two patterns in there:
Flower Tawashi - April 19
Happy Handy Tawashi - March 10

Second, I was told that my three patterns with Coats were already released - at last! I just haven't seen the printed patterns yet...I will post as soon as I have it :)

More projects!
These are already posted in Ravelry, but shown here only now.
Metallic Butterfly pin

The width of this butterfly is 1 1/4". I used DMC silver metallic thread and 1.25mm hook. The pattern is Lisa's Butterfly...and I just made up the body and head.

Hippie Headband/Belt

My brother's g.f. has thick long hair and this headband really looks good on her :)

Knitted Scarf

I mailed this one to my sis...and she sent me this pic ;)
I used this pattern, since it was simple enough.

Lastly, some of my favorite projects made from my designs:

Claire's Shells and Flowers Shrug

TurtleKnitta's Shells and Flowers Shrug


Bheng's Romantic Shrug

Tin's Romantic Shrug


Tina's Romantic Shrug


Claire's Simply Striped Shrug


Grace's Stylish Sack Bag

Ceola's Sack Bag


Deneen's Sack Bag

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 ;)

Crocheters in the Philippines!

OMG! I can't believe this - when I looked at the people page this morning on Ravelry I see this:



so after they've featured knitters in Estonia, now they feature crocheters in the Philippines - Yay!...thank you Ravelry!!

Here are just some of the unique projects that are in my favorites:

Gyi's freeform Tunisian Crochet Purse



Susy's Spiral Table Runner



Super Mario Doll by Deadcraft



Bheng's Tapestry Crochet Kitty Bag



Jinky's Spiral Doily



Claire's Clara cameo setting



Tin's Rose of Erin doily



Gene's Shell Bag



...and many more inspiring projects you can see here.

Just blogging...

The weather seemed very pleasant today, until this afternoon when rain suddenly poured. Good thing I'm home since I hate getting my feet wet outside :p
But the bad thing here in our place, is that water supply is limited. There's only water from the faucet a few hours in the morning and a few hours late in the afternoon...even in this very rainy season! There are just too many people living in this area, that they have to conserve the water from the dam. It is quite a bummer, on a rainy day like this, when its nice to cook or bake a treat and there's no running water - sometimes I don't bother anymore...
Anyways, I just didn't have any crochet-related topic in mind today, but just wanted to blog...(I do have some crochet projects to show on my next post)


Today is also a significant day because a former president and well-respected Filipino died. So the whole day I've been watching the live coverage of the wake, the masses, the tributes and interviews regarding our former president Corazon Aquino.

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.

Can't get enough of crochet shrugs...

Actually, just about had enough...

these were ordered from me by my son's gf.
Here's the navy blue SSS:

And here's the purple SSS (picture taken before I finished the sleeve):


after having finished 5 of the same design, now I'm doing the 6th in lavender:

This should be the last one of the Simply Striped Shrug I'll make, so I can move on to other projects I haven't tried.
Oops...there's one more: I've already done a Catania yarn version of the striped shrug (its here on Ravelry). As usual, I got stuck doing the diagram, so I haven't listed the pattern yet...