Thrift store finds for my crochet hobby

I love crocheting, and I also love buying/collecting crochet wearables...at least those that I could afford and be able to wear. I do have a simple and practical taste for crochet or regular clothing, so its mostly affordable. I buy some in bazaars or at the malls. When I see someone's thrift store finds though, I'm quite envious...when will I ever get as lucky? Here in the Philippines, thrift stores (ukay-ukay shops) are everywhere, but I'm not really eager to get inside the shops. Its kind of smelly and its hard to find interesting stuff in the racks stacked with used, worn clothes. Well, I think I got lucky one day in one shop, and another day in another shop ;)
I got these several weeks ago, when I was scouting thrift stores to buy denim pants to make the recycled denim placemats. As I said, I don't like going to those shops...and whatever I bought I immediately wash it and dry in under the sun.

These two shawls still look new, they're easy to wash too...

This one looks like a machine-knitted shawl

This is a motif-based crocheted shawl, most probably cotton

This crochet sweater is made of very nice yarn, rayon with metallic. Its a bit heavy and big sized, and I immediately saw the potential of recycling the yarn...

 This hand-knitted pullover is a Karen Millen product made of 100% viscose ribbon yarn. I also got it for the yarn...

I think they're all wonderful finds. The shawls i got for P90. each, the sweaters I got for P40. each at another shop.

Rainy days crafting...

The rainfall was heavy these past 3-4 days, for some here in Metro Manila or other provinces of Luzon its disastrous...

Luckily our area is safe from flooding. And its good I can choose to stay home when the weather gets bad...and I have an excuse to just craft all day :p

I need to finish first the order of placemats made from recycled denim. But I have to take a break at times, since I'm not an avid sewer... (Besides, I do get tired cutting and ripping off the denim pants.) 
I've been thinking of more ways to use the denim scraps...Meanwhile, with the idea I got from the internet a while back, I gathered the inseams to make coasters. I just sewed it on as I rolled it into a circle. The different shades of denim and colors of thread, make each coaster a unique creation ;)

denim coasters

I made three coasters, and now I have a centerpiece! This way everyone will remember to use the coasters and not harm the wooden table :)

In-a-jiffy Crochet Belt

In-a-jiffy belt

I whipped up the belt at the last minute to complete the look and to match the crocheted bag and the wooden button pendant (purchased a while back, here on Etsy). I rarely use a belt, but after watching Project Accessory many times, I was inspired. My old clothes just got a new look!

A pattern isn't really necessary, but here's how I made the belt. I chose the hemp cord for its color and texture. Other thick or textured yarn can be used. Change hook size and/or add more stitches per row as desired.

In-a-jiffy Belt
by Mimi Alelis,  © 2013

Materials
Hemp cord
Crochet hook size 4mm
Button for closure
Yarn needle

Row 1: Leave enough tail of yarn for sewing-in the button later. Ch 4, dc in 4th ch from hook, turn.
Row 2 onwards: (Ch 3, dc on top of ch 3 of previous row, turn) repeat up to desired length of belt, then ch 5 or 6 (or chain just enough to fit the button), sl st on same row, fasten off.
Finishing: Sew button at the 1st row. Weave in ends securely.

Crochet Belt

Custom-made Crochet Items

I don't usually take orders for crochet items since I'd like to take the time to just sit down, do some research and use my imagination to create something new. Also, I tend to be stressed-out if I have to finish on a deadline.
However if the order is for an item I have already made before and especially if its made from my own pattern, I feel confident in doing it. Right now I'm working on an order for recycled denim and crochet coasters. Surprisingly, I find it fun to do this same item many times over ;)
Thanks to the breakfast table for their order of placemats and coasters. They will be opening here in Quezon City in September :)
Here are some of the coasters I finished:

I've also agreed to do another Romantic Shrug for a friend. This time she wants it in red. I think I'm taking too long to finish it, since there's no deadline. 

Romantic Shrug

But now I realize I have to finish this soon. Its time to come up with new designs for next year's crochet ;)

To Iloilo and back home in one day...

Hello...long time no post :p

Several days ago, I took some time out and dropped everything for one day to attend my sister-in-law's funeral in Iloilo. I'm not one to go places by air or water, I sort of have phobias for those kind of trips. But now I felt like I really should go and be with relatives in Iloilo whom I've not seen for many years. Also, I was with my older son who is somewhat of a regular traveler, so I felt confident.
It was quite an experience for me first of all, to board the first early morning flight going there, and the last evening flight going back to Manila. Going there we were late (not my fault) and had to run fast to board the plane :p
It was good to be at the new Iloilo International Airport. I felt like a real tourist ;)

Iloilo International Airport

Upon arrival  we immediately felt at home. Though it was a sad occasion, everyone was happy to see each other since most of us don't normally see each other anymore. Some live abroad and the others outside the province or in Metro Manila.
The funeral rites went on smoothly. There's no band playing (which is common in other provinces). The wake was at their house. The funeral procession began a few blocks from the house to the Catholic church, where a solemn mass was held. They also normally had picture-taking there before proceeding to the cemetery. From the church is another few blocks walk to the cemetery - they chose a nice, quiet place overlooking hills and greenery...
After an early dinner at their house, it was time for us to go :( They drove us to the airport which was a bit of a long ride that I fell asleep :p

Farewell Manang Oliva

Back home, I almost can't believe I rode a plane twice in one day and I'm still feeling fine! I should be sleeping already but I remained sitting on the new sofa I bought a few days before, still in awe over my dream sofa set. It also works like a spa chair for me - quite relaxing and rejuvenating :)
Here's a peek at a fraction of the 5 pc. set. Even though its a bit big for our small house, the pieces could be arranged to fit the space nicely. Will show later after I fix the whole area ;)

Crochet a Hemp Tote - free pattern

This bag cost only about P80 for the yarn. It is hemp rope made in China and its available in Daiso or Japan Home shops here in Metro Manila. The hemp rope is rather coarse and hard on the hands, but I still like it for its natural qualities ;)

Hemp Tote
by Mimi Alelis

Materials 
Hemp rope, 60m/ball, 3 1/2 balls 
Crochet hook size 4.5mm 
Imitation leather handles 
magnetic snaps, one pair 
yarn needle 
stitch markers 
lining fabric (optional) 
Finished measurement: 15” L x 10” H (when laid flat and unwashed) Note: after washing, it shrank by about 3% and became less stiff. 
Gauge: 15 sts and 7 rows in dc = 4”

Bag
Note: Increase or decrease length, by adding or subtracting from the beginning chain. Increase or decrease height, by adding or subtracting dc rows on the main body. 
Rnd 1: Starting at the bottom, ch 34, sc in 2nd ch from hook and on each ch across, 3 more sc on the last ch, turn to work on opposite side of ch, sc in each ch across, 3 more sc on last ch, join with sl st on the 1st sc of this rnd (note: there are 5 scs in each ch at both ends, the 3 scs in the middle and the succeeding sts thereon will be refered to as the corner; place a marker at the 1st st of each corner and move the marker up as you go) -- 74 sc 
Rnd 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, 2 sc in each of the 3 sc at the corner, sc in each sc across, 2 sc in each of the 3 sc at the corner, join with sl st on the 1st sc of this rnd -- 80 sc 
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in each sc around with increase at the corners as follows: 2 sc on next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in each of the next 2 sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; join -- 88 sc 
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in each sc around with increase at the corners as follows: 2 sc on next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next 4 sc, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; join -- 96 sc 
Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in each sc around with increase at the corners as follows: 2 sc on next sc, sc in next sc, (2 sc in next sc, sc in next 2 sc) 3 times, 2 sc in next sc, sc in next sc, 2 sc in next sc; join -- 108 sc 
Rnd 6: Ch 3 (counts as dc), dc in each sc around, sl st on top of beg ch 3 to join, turn -- 108 dc 
Rnd 7: (WS) Ch 3, dc in each dc around, sl st on top of beg ch 3, turn -- 108 dc 
Rnds 8 to 19: Repeat rnd 7. (Note: Add more repeat rnds to increase height). 
Rnd 20: (RS) Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each dc around, sl st on 1st sc to join -- 108 sc 
Rnds 21 to 25: Ch 1, sc in same st, sc in each sc around, sl st on 1st sc to join -- 108 sc 
Edging rnd: Sl st on back loop only of each sc around, join. Fasten off and weave in ends. 

Finishing: Attach or sew handles. Line bag with fabric if desired. Attach magnetic snaps.
Tip: Crochet handles can be made using same yarn. 
Step 1: Measure the length of desired handles. 
Step 2: Make a starting chain in the measured length, less 4 chains. 
Step 3: Follow rounds 1 and 2 of bag. Fasten off.
Step 4: Sew handles in place.


Pattern and photos copyright by Mimi Alelis, 2013