Frontline Encouragement

I recently finished my 1,000th earsaver, and I am still on a high! I would like to make more earsavers to donate to frontliners. I am inspired by their resilience and commitment to their duty. Lately, I have also been appreciating the photos sent by the frontliners who have received my earsavers in the past.

Special thanks to Ms. Janna for sending the first two pictures from San Lazaro Hospital, and Sir Yves of Adventist Medical Center Manila for the last photo. I am so happy to help from home, and there is no better time to step up for frontliners than today.

To help us donate more earsavers, please join our group Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. Thank you and God bless!

100 for San Lazaro

I donated 100 earsavers to the San Lazaro Hospital yesterday. My donations went to 50 Payward and 50 ER & Covid Triage frontliners. They are bravely caring for the sick and doing so amidst challenging circumstances. I am humbled to have helped them even in my own small way.

It makes me happy to help frontliners from home. If you can crochet, knit, sew, or donate materials or funds to support our cause to provide earsavers to health workers, please join our Earsavers for Lifesavers PH Facebook group. I hope to see you there!

100 For East Ave

I donated 100 earsavers to the Laboratory Department of the East Avenue Medical Center today. It is an honor for me to serve a hospital located near home. I am praying for all the frontliners who risk their lives everyday as we fight Covid-19. I consider this as my simple contribution to help ease the burden of our health care workers.

The photos (except for my selfie) were generously provided by Rita Sebastian, a medical technologist at East Ave. I am volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting crafters to frontliners who need earsavers made for them.

Let us help our frontliners flatten the curve by staying home, practicing social distancing when outside for necessary errands, and wearing face masks. And let us please find ways to give supplies to these brave workers because they are the ones who keep us safe from the virus.

God bless us all!

60 for QMMC

I dispatched 60 earsavers yesterday to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). I sent 50 to the Emergency Room frontliners and 10 to the OB OR frontliners. I am very proud to serve this hospital, as it is a public institution. I have high respect for healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to serving our country in this challenging time.

I am still volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH as a crocheter. We have recently reached the 10,000 earsavers donation mark, and I am very happy to be a part of this milestone. The team behind this nonprofit has migrated the organization to a Facebook Group where crafters, frontliners, and donors can DIY their requests using specific formats.

We hope to see you there, so that we will continue to craft earsavers for our brave lifesavers!

Photo provided by Dr. Riz Remulla of QMMC

Photo provided by Dr. Riz Remulla of QMMC

30 For Fabella

I dispatched 30 earsavers to the Department of Pediatrics of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital Department of Pediatrics today. It was heartwarming to receive this assignment because according to contact person Dr. Jillian Santiago, they have some recovered pediatric covid patients already. It is my hope that my simple earsavers will help them do their work with ease and comfort.

For this batch, I used hand-dyed cotton yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe. I am drawn to the blue and white hues of these earsavers, as it calming and pleasing to the eye.

I am still volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit committed to connecting crafters with frontliners who need earsavers during the pandemic. I find joy in staying at home and helping our brave frontliners heal the sick. The Covid-19 virus may be deadly, but our healthcare workers have proven to the world that there is a sense of humanity in this crisis. It is up to us backliners to support them in any way we can.

Pattern used for the earsavers I make is by AmiEriCrafts.

To volunteer as a crafter, delivery angel, or materials sponsor, please reach out to Earsavers for Lifesavers PH today! And let us continue to stay home and help our frontliners from a distance.

God bless us all!

Crocheting Discipline

I dispatched 50 earsavers to the Karangalan Health Center today. It is an important hub to contain the Covid-19 outbreak in Pasig City. My grade school friend, Tosca, is a nurse and frontliner at this health center. It is my hope that my earsavers will somehow bring comfort and joy to amidst the challenges that come with flattening the curve.

This lockdown has been full of surprises for me so far. I am religiously posting my flute covers on my Instagram account on a daily basis. I have finished a couple of scarves while at home, including this crocheted scarf which I am particularly fond of because I stitched it while watching Crash Landing On You. My Human Nature online store (please buy and support my business!) has been doing well as I still ship orders via LBC during the enhanced community quarantine. I have even completed a t-shirt yarn basket to hold my works-in-progress or as we fondly call them in the crafting world, WIPs. Most of all, I finished crocheting an amigurumi Frontline Hero Bear (pattern can be downloaded for free here).

However, the biggest quarantine surprise for me is Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. I never imagined that I would still be able to help flatten the curve from home, but I managed to do my share. So far, I have already crocheted 343 earsavers to 7 partner institutions that are fighting Covid-19. I am one with the frontliners in their selfless service to caring for the sick.

Making earsavers (pattern is from crochet entrepreneur and teacher AmiEriCrafts) has instilled in me the discipline to create during an uncertain time. It has empowered me to help our frontliners in the comfort of my own home. This has given meaning and substance to a seemingly endless quarantine period.

I must say that I have also improved my multitasking skills because I was able to finish batches of earsavers while watching educational webinars, listening to podcasts, joining meetings via Zoom, watching movies, and get this- enjoying concerts from my favorite artists such as Ebe Dancel and Lea Salonga via livestream.

Crocheting earsavers has also been an application of design thinking. The problem of ear pain from wearing medical-grade masks has motivated crafters to make earsavers. I personally applied a pattern which I saw on YouTube, and continued making them using materials which I already own.

The best part is knowing that I am able to help alleviate pain. I was able to chat with some of the frontliners who received my earsavers. I was relieved that my handmade earsavers are working fine, and that they no longer experience having rashes or blisters on their ears.

It is really rewarding to know that my small contributions have helped our frontliners cure the sick.

I reward myself after completing each batch of earsavers (a batch consists of 30-50 pieces) by knitting scarves. Knitting after crocheting is similar to programming using a different language after coding with another one. It is like a massage to my mind and a comfort to my hands.

I am thankful that I found this group of crocheters who simply want to help our frontliners through earsavers and crochet (or knitting and sewing). I am continuing the practice of making earsavers for as long as my yarn supply permits.

For now, let us all stay home and try to do our share to help flatten the curve!

50 for JRRMMC

I donated 30 earsavers to our brave frontliners at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) Internal Medicine department. The last photo was provided for me by Dr. Kim Acosta, one of JRRMMC’s frontline heroes.

It was fun to crochet this batch while listening to podcasts. The quarantine and Covid-19 pandemic has caused me to feel anxious and insomniac, so the crocheting definitely helped provide a sense of calm. I am hoping and praying that a cure and a vaccine will be discovered soon.

For now, I will continue crocheting earsavers for frontliners! If you also crochet, knit, or sew, please connect with Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. They also accept sponsors for deliveries and notions such as yarns and buttons.

God bless the Philippines!

50 More For VMMC

I dispatched 50 earsavers yesteday to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Department. They kindly shared to me the last photo in this post. I feel fulfilled that I am doing my share in helping our frontliners even while at home. I volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit that aims to connect crocheters, knitters, and sewers so that we can make earsavers for our frontline heroes. The process may be tedious because everything is handmade, but the rewarding feeling is unlike any other. This project is truly the highlight of my quarantine.

If you are a crafter, or if you can sponsor deliveries of earsavers, please visit Earsavers for Lifesavers PH! Help frontliners feel more comfortable while battling Covid-19 today!

Earsavers for VMMC

I sent 50 earsavers yesterday to the dialysis unit of Veterans Memorial Medical Center. My high school friend Helen is a frontliner there. As a nurse, she explained to me that they are already using band aids to relieve the pain caused by the garter in face masks. It made me happy that this batch of earsavers went to her team, and that I was able to serve a hospital in my neighborhood.

I am still volunteering as a crocheter for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. If you can crochet, knit or sew, please consider making earsavers for our frontline heroes. You may also sponsor deliveries to hospitals.

May God bless all our frontliners and may we find a vaccine and cure to Covid-19 soon!

Carrying On

I just finished crocheting a batch of fifty earsavers for World Citi Medical Center. I volunteer for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit focused on bringing crocheters and knitters together to craft earsavers for frontliners. Just like my first batch of donations, I used the pattern by the talented AmiEriCrafts.

I learned through crocheting several earsavers that establishing good habits has prepared me for the pandemic. Even before the lockdown, I was used to crocheting while in a meeting, commuting, or watching movies. I was never idle. Now that I am under quarantine, I am still crocheting both to help our frontliners and to decompress in between completed batches of earsavers.

I am also used to multitasking. I am still able to squeeze in some work in between crocheting for my Human Nature online shop (please support by clicking here!) and freelance writing job. I am also an avid listener of podcasts while working and crafting. Indeed, I am trained for the quarantine.

I do look forward to the day that this lockdown will be lifted. For now, I am enjoying the privilege to serve our frontliners from home.

May we all thrive during this difficult but educational time!

Battle Crafter

I decided to make more earsavers. I do not know for sure how many I can finish with my limited yarn supply, but I am trying to make more. Our frontliners need them to prevent their ears from becoming irritated by the garters in medical-grade masks. I am amazed that something so small works wonders to boost the morale of our tired doctors and nurses. If I can make more earsavers to cheer up our heroic frontliners, then i will do so.

It is interesting that crocheting and knitting for our frontliners in the age of Covid-19 is similar to Knitting for Victory during World War !!. We are battling an unseen virus now, so we must all do our share to ease the burden that our frontliners are carrying. We can all do more good if we will work together.

Now is not the time to stay negative and fight amongst each other. Instead, let us all help our frontliners win the war against Covid-19. To be a delivery sponsor or crafter of earsavers, please message Earsavers for Lifesavers.

God bless us all!

Hooking for Frontliners

Yesterday, I delivered 113 earsavers to frontliners. I crocheted these bands to prevent ears from being irritated by the garter of medical-grade face masks. Our health care workers on the frontline are already overburdened as it is. Little things such as these earsavers can go a long way in providing comfort and cheer during this pandemic.

I am working with Earsavers for Lifesavers PH, a nonprofit that aims to pool together crocheters and knitters to make earsavers for our frontline heroes. There are knit and crochet patterns written by the talented fiber artist Amiericrafts on her Facebook page. She also has a pattern for buttons to close the loop on these bands.

Please help us make more earsavers for our modern-day heroes as they fight Covid-19! Visit Earsavers for Lifesavers PH today to volunteer as a crocheter/knitter, delivery angel, or to request for earsavers if you work at a hospital.

God bless us all!

Frontline Hero Bear

I finished crocheting this Frontline Hero bear the other day. The pattern is by Aixan Legasto, a Filipina crochet pattern writer who is better known as Yarn It, Darn It. The design has since gone viral around the world, and crocheters are enjoying this amigurumi while under quarantine.

I personally loved the challenge of stitching this bear together in a span of two days. Like all crocheters at the moment, I made do with what I had at home. I used some leftover yarn from previous projects. Luckily, it was enough for me to finish this project.

I am rooting for all frontliners who bravely put their lives at risk to keep us all safe! To crochet your own Frontline Hero bear, please download the free pattern here and tag Yarn it, Darn It when posting photos of your finished dolls online. Stay safe, everyone!

Basket of Happiness

I just finished crocheting this basket made out of fabric yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 9mm hook, and I hooked this together in a span of two days.

Being under quarantine can have its ups and downs. The highlight of my day is crocheting, because it is honestly relaxing and soothing. The low point of being at home the whole day is the solitude. I am an only child with a few real friends, so I really miss seeing other people. I have also come to realize that I am an outdoor person after all. I love commuting and walking around the busy streets of Manila.

I simply miss the outside world.

Since I finished this basket, I realized that I am lucky to be safe at home. I am fortunate to be able to work on four different knit and crochet projects while in my room. This basket was not exactly kind to my hands, as the fabric yarn and metal hook caused my hands to ache. Thus, this is a one-off project. I am using it to hold the other works-in-progress that I have on my needles and hooks.

There is something magical about finishing a project and setting a hook or a pair of needles free. Now that I am done with this basket, I can live in the moment and appreciate the projects that I can make at home. This may be a lockdown, but I have every reason to be happy where I am safe and sound.

Crocheting Mood

I just finished crocheting this infinity scarf using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It was satisfying to work on this while I am on quarantine.

I watched movies and listened to podcasts while working on it. It was uplifting to get information while I am stuck at home. Or rather, safe at home.

Crochet has helped me maintain a cheerful mood while being alone in my room. Having a scarf to hook together kept me optimistic. I have a new project to work on next, and I know that I will approach it with the same fervor. Until this quarantine period is over, you will find me making scarves that make me happy.

Quarantine Shawl

I just finished crocheting this shaw using Crocheted by Carisse ombré yarn. The hook used for this project was a 4mm Susan Bates one from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The pattern followed for the shawl was the Snowy Sky Shawl by Highland Hickory Designs.

The quarantine period was the ideal time to crochet this shawl. It took me two months to finish it, but the past fortnight at home made me focus on my stitches. I usually watched movies while making it, so I was still productive while indulging in my passion for film.

I will forever keep this shawl as it will always remind me of how I kept going while on quarantine. May it inspire me to continue crafting and stitching along, no matter what life may bring!

River Beer

Yesterday, I decided to do three of my usual relaxation rituals. I went to Fred’s Revolucion Escolta for some Boondocks Brewing dubbel. It’s my favorite dark beer, and it really is worth the trip to Manila. Not to mention that Escolta has an assortment of heritage architecture and history for those who want to add some culture to their day.

Then, I crocheted inside the Pasig River Ferry. It’s safe, clean, and efficient. There’s just something about river commuting that calms my mind.

I capped off my day with a sausage dinner at UP. It was a warm night, so I bought a scrunchie from a street vendor. I used it to tie my hair in a ponytail, and it freaked me out because it was my first time to do so in six years.

So if I can start river commuting and growing out my pixie, then I am indeed ready for big changes and better things to come. Bring it on, universe!

Coffee with Clapton

Yesterday was my second visit to Old Congress Coffee. My first visit was a memorable quiet afternoon with Bread, so I savored this visit for another peaceful solo date.

Again, I crocheted while having my delicious americano. This time, I paired it with a slice of their New York cheesecake, which was yummy! I will definitely have this combo again.

This visit was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time that I listened to Eric Clapton’s Unplugged album on vinyl. I finally got to listen to his track Layla for the first time on this medium, and it was a surreal experience. I love this song, and hearing it on a different way was magical.

This cafe has soul and vintage records. I will definitely be a regular here.

Old Congress Coffee

I recently visited Old Congress Coffee along Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. I went there for the coffee and vinyl records, and I was not disappointed.

The cafe has an extensive coffee menu that happens to include light food pairings

The cafe also has cakes to go with your coffee

They serve Yardstick Coffee, and I got a taste of this smooth blend when I ordered my americano. My sardines pasta was deliciously al dente. It was a pairing that I will definitely enjoy again as it was flavorful and awakening.

The cafe plays vinyl records on their Pioneer sound system

As for the vinyl records, I enjoyed the Bread and Coldplay songs that I heard during my stay. It was quite an experience to listen to songs which happen to be my style on HiFi.

The author’s crochet project with her sardines pasta and americano

I will definitely go back to this magical place!

Sunnies Clarity

I spent my holiday Tuesday at Cup Point SM Megamall. I ordered their bestselling honey latte, crocheted, and had some custom Peggy specs made in rose taupe.

I like having different pairs of specs because it makes me feel like I’m in control of my look. Glasses for me are a style statement. They’re an easy way for me to highlight my features without spending a fortune or putting on a ton of makeup. They’re also risk-free and functional, as it corrects my low-grade astigmatism.

I am glad that Sunnies Specs at Megamall has Cup Point as it makes the 20-minute wait for my specs sweeter. I got to crochet and people watch. Before I knew it, my glasses were done and I already had another pair to use.

I will definitely be back for more clarity and coffee!