Octopals!

I have been volunteering as a crocheter since the lockdown was imposed last March 2020. The corona virus has cancelled all my events and outside work, so I dedicated my energy and skills to donating earsavers to medical frontliners via Earsavers for Lifesavers PH. Since the project has already attracted numerous volunteer crocheters across the Philippines, I have joined another charity called Bayaniyarn. They donate crocheted and knitted beanies and octopus amigurumi dolls to premature babies at government hospital NICUs across the country. So far, I have already finished a box of Monaco mercerized cotton and crocheted 22 octopals for preemies.

I am enjoying this new project so far, and I have also crocheted a few beanies already. I hope to turn these over to Bayaniyarn in time for Christmas.

Please also consider volunteering for Bayaniyarn if you know how to knit or crochet! It will make your heart fuller and your quarantine more meaningful.

Mang Tae

I recently crocheted three amigurumis of the Mang Tae rag doll from the Netflix series It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. I used the pattern and materials from Oh My Yarn!, a local shop that sells yarns, notions, and essentials for knitters and crocheters. Since they are based at Divisoria, prices are guaranteed to be reasonable. They carry reputable brands of notions to ensure that crafters can enjoy their tools for many years to come.

I enjoyed the pattern which was originally designed by OMY (you may purchase the pattern here) because it was easy to follow and understand. The amigurumi kit (I got Kit A, which you may purchase here) was generous and I was able to make three dolls using three different hook sizes (3.5mm, 4.5mm, and 5.0mm). This project was the perfect weekend getaway for my mind, especially since staying at home for the past six months could get stifling at times.

Crochet has been therapeutic for me because I was able to get lost in the stitches of my projects. I highly recommend this craft for everyone. It is not just for old ladies anymore. With shops like OMY, it is easy to get access to quality tools and yarns to jumpstart your crafting journey at home.

Happy crocheting!

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!

Stuffed Dreams

I stayed home yesterday to spend time with family. While doing so, I also crocheted using red yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and I felt inspired to create using yarn that’s on-theme. 

I like surrounding myself with stuffed animals which were created by women in communities that provide them with better opportunities. My knitted dog Ella was named after my favorite dog from Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. She was knitted by a mama who also plants rice at the Ifugao province. I have traveled to the Banaue Rice Terraces last year because I was so inspired by the story of Knitting Expedition, the company that creates these knitted toys. This has since sparked my own crafting journey, and to this day, I still knit and crochet. I will forever treasure this trip. 

My crocheted unicorn is from Mayown, which is a brand that sells amigurumi dolls crocheted by underprivileged women in Manila. These dolls are designed by Leen Van Dyck, a Belgian expat who works as a teacher in an international school and also trains women to crochet so that they could provide for their families. I have joined her workshop last year, and it has also inspired me to create more! 

Lastly, my Tubbs cat doll is handmade by Pop Junk Love, a local brand that sells hand sewn dolls at indie store Commonroom. I admire the women behind this brand, whose growth I have witnessed ever since their bazaar days. I will always treasure this doll to remind me that it is possible to grow once passion is combined with hard work. 

I surround myself with these dolls to push me to continue creating and dreaming. Whenever times are challenging, it can be difficult to dream, but these dolls remind me that it is a must to continue aspiring for better days ahead. I’m sure that things will drastically improve in the coming days and weeks. All I have to do is dream, and carry on!