An outdoor project - time to take up gardening!

I guess that at a certain stage in life many of us would take up gardening as a hobby, if we haven't already. Fortunately or unfortunately, I have reached that stage...haha! And thanks to a friend who inspired me with her beautiful green home and her vegetable garden in Antipolo, I might be on to something good.. :)

I have a big enough outdoor space which is all concrete - perfect for potted plants...though it is in dire need of a makeover...

I have privacy as well as aesthetic concerns...
With a limited budget and some kind of a plan, I began my outdoor project...

I bought inexpensive ready-made bamboo fences and set these up on one section of the balcony.

 Still a lot to do, but I'm pleased with what I've done so far ;)

Crochet Pineapple Square Dress - finished project

Finally finished this crochet wearable!

If you've seen the progress pics in my previous post, this looked like a sack, since it was made with 8 square motifs joined into a tube ...However, by adding the sleeves and yoke, it became this dress:

Crochet Pineapple Square Dress

I could have made the squares a little bit smaller for my figure (maybe next time around...), though this loose-fitting pullover dress can still adapt to a wide range of sizes and worn in different styles. It can be worn with or without a belt... It can be dressed up or down...it can be worn as a tunic top or a party dress, or a swimsuit cover-up :)

Alternate method for cap-sleeve:
(note: sleeve edging is crocheted directly on the underarm; always work on the right side; beginning ch 3 counts as dc)

1. Attach thread on the fan stitch to the left of the corner fan stitches at the underarm joining, ch 71, (be careful not to twist the chain, move to the opposite side of underarm joining), join with sl st to the fan st at the right of the corner fan stitches.
2. Make a double fan stitch (2dc, ch, 2dc, ch, 2dc) in same fan, ch 3, dc in the corner fan stitch joining, ch 3, double fan stitch in the next fan st, (ch 3, skip 5 chs, dc in next ch, ch 3, skip 5 chs, double fan st on the next ch) repeat across the ch stitches, sl st on the beg ch3. (7 double fan sts, 7 dc)
3. *Fan st (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in ch1 sp, ch 2, fan st on next ch1 sp, ch 1, dc on dc, ch 1, rep from * around, join.
4. *Fan st in ch1 sp, V st (dc, ch 1, dc) in ch 2 sp, fan st in next ch1 sp, ch 1, skip (ch1, dc, ch1), rep from * around, join. Fasten off.

Yoke tips:

1. Start on same st as the beginning of one sleeve.
2. Follow the pattern for the first rnd.
3. I made 13 rnds in all, with decreases just thought of as I crocheted each rnd.
4. The last rnd is all hdc.

Here's a close-up of the yoke: 

Crocheting a beach cover-up, progress...

Here is how the joined-as-you-go motifs look like. Its looks very neat and doesn't bunch up...

Joined-as-you-go crochet motifs

As mentioned before, this isn't my own pattern (see previous post)...I fell in love with this pattern at once, seeing that it could be done with cotton thread.
For the sleeves, I decided to make my own. I usually make cap-sleeves, since sleeveless isn't for me...and longer sleeves are warm for our weather here. So after finishing the main body of the garment, I came up with the idea of crocheting the sleeve directly on the underarm. You can see in the next two photos what I've done...those aren't straps, but the edging of the sleeves!
Now I will have to see this for myself if I can crochet the yoke from bottom to top...

8 pineapple square motifs

Edging of sleeves crocheted before the yoke

Crocheting a Beach Cover-up...

...just because its summer and I found this delightful pattern suitable for cotton thread.
I've introduced this project on my previous post. And you can also view the details here on Ravelry. I'm eager to finish this, and so far I'm done with the bottom-half!

crochet in-progress, bottom-half

This is made up of 4 square motifs (17 rnds), joined to form the skirt part. Then the rest of the bottom is crocheted in rounds (12 rnds). I followed most of the pattern, but I modified the last row and added the slightly scalloped edging. Here's a close-up:

crochet in-progress, bottom finishing

Pineapple Square Crochet Motif

This is from a pattern for a beach cover-up. I recently found this pattern on Ravelry...I think the diagram is from a Russian designer. I immediately decided to make this one and I'm determined to finish this as a beach cover-up.
This is exactly the kind of motif I'm looking for. First, it is very suitable to use thread for this. Second, it is a big lacy square that works up quickly. This can be joined as you go, without leaving too many ends to weave in. As a bonus, it can easily be made bigger or smaller by adding or subtracting rounds and rows. Lastly, I'm able to use our local size 8 threads (which is cheaper). Though this can also be made using any size 10 thread.
Because I can't wait to blog about this, here's the first square I just finished:
(Note: I worked up to rnd 18 here, but it became a bit big for me so I ended up with 17 rnds per motif.)

crochet pineapple square

Crochet a braided ball

Its summer vacation once again...kids and adults alike will need a lot of activities to learn and to enjoy. Lucky for some who are into books, there are plenty to choose from. I found one book that was on sale when I got it...aside from providing a list of actual things to do, I found this book entertaining.

If you want to find the right book for you, just go to The Book Depository, it is easy to search on their available books. and you will appreciate its fair price and free delivery worldwide!

With regards to crafting, there's a lot you can do with just a few craft supplies. If you're into crochet, here's one suggestion. Crochet a braided ball! I enjoyed making it...actually, I got a bit impatient with the crocheting part. The braiding is fun though, and a bit challenging :)

braided ball

Details of this project can be viewed here on Ravelry.