Travel Souvenirs

Hi! I just want to show-and-tell the souvenirs me and my sons got from Mom and sis' travel to Europe.
The photo of the Brussels t-shirt is most of all presented in honor of my online pal, Kimberly, who is an American currently living in Brussels.

The Belgian chocolates were at once devoured after the picture was taken. The t-shirt has a lot to say about Brussels...hehe...
Here's a better view.




A hooded sweatshirt and a cap for my older son.








A t-shirt, cap and newspaper for my younger son.





For me, a pretty pink top, pens and keychain from London. And...

a mannekin pis pendant. Thanks so much mom and sis!

(They wouldnt know how to shop for yarns and craft materials and didnt have time to look for a LYS, so no luck on lovely yarns, threads, hooks...)

Travel pics will be up soon!

Secret Pal Goodies (part 2)

My secret pal sent me these last Aug.26 and Sept. 1. I got it yesterday from the post office. I was so thrilled she's sending me all these, I thought it was already the reveal package but its not! She's really pampering me with many gifts and she knows what I will like. Of course, we do have a lot in common so maybe its easier. THANKS SO MUCH, my secret pal!!! I really like everything!!!

EDITED TO ADD:
I forgot to mention the bubblegum packs my SP sent were not in the photo as those were snatched by two known suspects whose identities will be kept secret...hehe...

Flower Motif Top - Pattern

Here are the flower motifs.
And, I have already written my pattern interpretation for the top, see here.
Update: Garnstudio has already provided us with the english pattern :)

Flower Motif Top

I made this several months ago from a pattern from Garnstudio. I used 2 strands of Cannon cotton thread. I chose this pattern because the flower motifs were fairly easy to do. Its also a nice project for using up left over threads.
I thought it was just one of my projects that will stay in the closet, because I know I'm not going to wear it. Luckily, it looked good on my sis with the simple dress that she has.
Edited to add: The flower motif pattern is now available here.

Twisted Wrap - my latest creation!

I always admire the shrugs, capes and wraps that is in fashion now but have not gotten around into making one. I saw this at lionbrand free patterns and thought that's something that I can do in crochet. So this is what I made using the cotton thread size 5 that has long been stashed in my closet... Thanks again to my wonderful sis who modeled it for me!
I've just submitted the pattern for this wrap to the crochet calendar and Annie said she likes it! Yay, I'm so thrilled!

Twisted Wrap Pattern Details

Prism Bag project

My latest crochet project is the prism bag, from Lionbrand's free patterns. I used my local acrylic yarns and 5 mm. hook (which is as of now the biggest hook I have), so I crocheted it with two strands of 4-ply acrylic yarn to create a sturdy fabric. I also had to adjust the pattern, adding more rows as required to achieve the right size.

Here are some photos of what I did.


These are the plastic lids for the handles. I don't have coffee can lids so I used the lids of disposable containers. I cut out the inner part to make a ring.


I made 110 sc's on the ring to make the handle.
Before I crocheted, I inserted a nylon cord inside the rim to prevent the plastic from cracking and also to have a softer grip.

This is the finished bag without any closure and lining. I added a butterfly embellishment from this pattern. I also added flowers which I made from my own pattern. But looking at it again, I think the butterfly decor is enough to make the bag interesting! I think I'll remove the flowers.


I like the design of this bag, it is stylish and practical. It doesn't even need to have a lining and closure. I'm sure the lionbrand yarn used in the pattern will make a much more fashionable bag. But since I used my local acrylic yarns and I'm very satisfied with the result, I would also recommend it! I used up almost 18 skeins of yarns, crocheting with two strands held together.