Time for change...with some crochet, some sewing, and probably some knitting ;)

Nowadays there are so many lovely free crochet patterns on the web. For me, there is not much need for more crochet patterns; on the other hand, there are so many opportunities for trying out patterns that are already available. I don't want to miss out on so many wonderful designs!
Btw, I highly recommend Pierrot Yarns patterns since local cotton thread can be used for most of their designs.
I also like Garnstudio patterns so much, but most of their patterns use yarns that would be difficult to substitute with cotton thread. If one can purchase the yarns stated in the pattern, so much better!

I still have a few surprising designs coming up, though ;)...
but for now here are some of my recent projects:

this bag from Pierrot Gosyo. I'm halfway on this, but I'm modifying the main bag pattern since it isn't working for the yarn substitution I made. But I liked the doily appliques so much, and followed the pattern.

This cellphone case I made to fit exactly the phone I'm using. The pattern by Lydia Busek is customizable. Details on this post.

My sewing project, T-shirt shrug with crochet insert.There's not much sewing here though...more details here on Ravelry.

And lastly, here's a quick and simple fashion makeover I made using yarn and upcycled T-shirt (the bottom part of the T-shirt shrug!), and a bit of crochet. More details here.

I'd rather have a craft room...

...than a bedroom. So I finally decided to get rid of the bed! It was such a relief to be able to walk around freely in my room, and be able to begin the task of restyling it to a craft room. Not that it would be marvelous or anything like that, but its one big step towards my goal. Hopefully, I'll be more productive than in previous years and I won't be leaving works in progress on the dining table, or on the sofa, or on the computer table ;) (at least not most of the time...hehe)
I have fantasized a while back about a room makeover, that I'd have to do on a shoestring budget. Nothing happened...so getting rid of the bed, which is too bulky for me anyway, is the kick-off for the much needed makeover. (I'll be sleeping on a folding mattress for now, and when things go well I'll be able to buy a sofa bed ;) I feel like I'm camping out, but its really not bad.
I was then able to give the bed to my brother who still has growing children. They are currently moving to their own place after having rented an apartment for so many years. (Yay!)

Lucky me, I was able to ask another brother for a table he's not using much anymore. I thought it would be perfect for my sewing projects! It just needs some finishing, but I think I'll just buy upholstery fabric to cover up the top. Oh, and I need to buy a comfy chair as well...haha.


Lastly, I'd like to show here on another corner of my room where I put the sewing machine that my sister-in-law gave me over a year ago. I think I'll be able to put it to use now that it has its own well-deserved place in my craft room :)))

More sewing and a free crochet pattern

Still into recycling denim, I have a pile of unwanted jeans waiting to become useful ;) ...Aside from the initial project that I made - the denim coasters, I also finished two wine gift bags. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a photo before sending it off :p
Other than that, I've collected lots of design inspirations from the web. One of which I based this sewing project - Denim jeans apron:



Btw, I uploaded this sewing project on Burda. If you're there too, let me know so I can add you as friend and view your projects ;)

Before taking a break this holy week, I'm sharing a crochet pattern - mini doily or jar topper. I got inspired to make this since I wanted a jar topper doily that fits right and looks dainty as well.

Some sewing...

How about some sewing?...one of these days I'll learn to use the electric sewing machine - for now its hand-sewing. I combined my current inclination, recycling denim fabrics, sewing and crocheting.

I think it turned out nicely with crochet too...it gets more interesting as I dream up other design possibilities!

Latest in Crochet and other Stuff...

Recently I've made a few interesting discoveries in crochet, aside from newspaper yarn mentioned in my previous post. For one, tapestry crochet. The technique is not new and I've also made a few projects and designs using tapestry crochet. But I'm not good with colors and prints, so I have been looking for nice designs to crochet. While browsing on Ravelry I found some wonderful bag designs using tapestry crochet technique.

These are from a talented artist in Australia, Anne Churches, who specializes in creating rugs and bags. I almost bought a bag, but it would be too expensive with the shipping cost. So I thought I should at least try out one of her patterns. I think it is on an introductory price at $2.50AUD.  I bought one bag pattern, and hope to start on that project soon...

Now for a look at some projects I finished this week. Since we revived the crochet livelihood program at Project Brave Kids, I got inspired to make small items we can possibly work on in the next few weeks.

I've made a couple new designs of small doilies (5 inches in diameter) that can also be used as topper for jar covers.

I also finished two sets of glass cozies using my pattern from a few years ago, Striped Shells Glass Cozy. I published the pattern here. One ball of Cannon or Monaco cotton thread, with partial balls for contrast color will make 4 cozies. This is one set of 4, in green color:

I hope to come up with samples of other small projects, including cellphone cases.

Last but not least, I finally finished the black tunic ordered from me!

Recycled Fabric Crochet Hook Case - free tutorial

I've been looking for recycled fabric projects, especially those wherein I can use old or discarded denim pants I've collected over the past several years.
Now I came up with a quick and easy project for our crochet group. I'm sharing it here as well.
Simple sewing and crocheting skills will be used for this project.

Materials:
Denim fabric or other thick fabric like felt, measuring at least 14 inches long by 1 1/2 inches wide,
1/4-inch garter, measuring 2 1/2 inches long, or,
Button, velcro or snaps for closure,
A few yards of crochet thread or yarn
Sewing needle, pins, measuring tape

Crochet Hook Case
1. Measure the fabric, 14 inches by 1 1/2 inches, and cut without allowance.

2. Measure 6 inches, fold up and pin into place.

If using garter for closure, position the garter at least 3/4 inch from the top of the opening, tuck in the end of the garter in between the fabric.

3. With crochet thread, sew blanket stitch across the sides and top flap.

Finished! You may now add your desired embellishments.

Here are two hook cases I made: