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!

Palm Sunday at Home

Celebrating Palm Sunday at home is a novelty for me. I am used to hearing mass on Sundays with my family, but for the meantime, it’s online mass while the city is on lockdown. I am thankful that the internet allows me to still be in communion with the church during this difficult time. It may not be ideal, but I feel close to the Lord when I am using technology to pray and be healed.

As I heard mass through Quiapo Church’s Facebook page, I realized that God has the power to use empty churches to bring people together while they are at home. It is through this unity with an unseen God that we can strengthen our faith. We can use the quarantine period to reflect on our lives and also look for ways to improve ourselves and our spiritual lives when things go back to normal.

We can also help others get back on their feet when the quarantine is over. Not everyone has the luxury of enjoying their hobbies at home. Many people are hungry and have insufficient resources. They need our help during and after the quarantine.

Our faith is only as good as the lives we live. We are not perfect, but if we try hard enough, then we can be good people in a very unkind world. It is up to us to be kind, and to pass on that grace to others. We could all use some light in these dark times.

Morning Mass

Yesterday, I attended mass at Our Lady of Consolation Parish. 

I attended the 7am mass, then I visited my late friend Diane at the columbary beneath the church. 

After mass, I visited my dad in the hospital and crocheted the day away. 

It is possible to combine faith, friendship, and crafting in one day! I find ways to pursue my interests even if my days can be busy and hectic. It’s all about planning and knowing which materials to bring with me. 

Life is too short to be bored! 

Sunday Paws

Yesterday, I crocheted while waiting for my lunch at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. I had the Bonnie Burger and a wintermelon milk tea. I missed this combo so much because food and milk tea are only available at the Sta. Lucia branch (I frequent the SM North Towers branch more because it’s closer to my house).  

I also missed the bigger doggos who are mainstays at Sta. Lucia. 

I also met Shadow, a rescued black Labrador who was abandoned at the vet. She was left behind after her original owners broke up. Now, she has a happy disposition at her new home.  

Another rescued dog is Potchi the pug, who has only one eye.  

All of their dogs are still so sweet and caring.  

I had some tokneneng (deep fried quail eggs) for snack...

...and some calamansi juice to perk me up.  

I ended my day with Sunday mass at St. Clare Monastery.  

Before driving home, I enjoyed a large cup of sour cheese fries from Potato Corner.  

Life is too short. We should make time to be with beings that cheer us up, for worship, and for cheat meals. Treat yourself within your means on weekends, and watch yourself take on the world during the workweek. 

Birthday Scarf

I received a ball of Lion Brand Mandala yarn from my favorite yarns and notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery during my birthday. I finally finished knitting an infinity scarf out of it, and it turned out to be quite lovely. 

I enjoyed knitting this piece in between my busy schedule, like before meetings, at the P2P, and at my go-to cafe. Knitting has become a fundamental part of my life, and I like keeping my hands busy especially when times are tough. 

I have already started knitting a new scarf, using yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s in-house brand. I can’t wait to keep going with life, and I know that with yarn and needles in my hands, I will be alright.  

The Active Foodie

Yesterday was all about simple joys such as food, fitness, and crafts. 

I had Potdog crab egg with garlic rice and sweet garlic sauce for lunch. Definitely worth the calories as this is one of my favorite supermarket fast food finds! 

After lunch, I walked to the newly-built SM North Towers to visit the newest Starbucks Reserve cafe. 

I was stunned! It honestly didn’t look like I was still in Quezon City.  

I had my coffee while knitting, and I was able to unwind.  

Then, I was able to buy these handmade polymer clay earrings from local brand The Baby Blue Bunny at The Craft Central.  

I ended my day with a sunset walk at UP and a simple dinner of cheese corn and Rodic’s tapsilog. 

Who says that I’m too complicated? I like food, coffee, crafting, buying handmade, and while it’s not pictured today, going to church. I burn everything I eat through fitness. And I keep the world updated through my blog. 

Here’s to balancing my life with each spoonful and step that I take! 

Mayown Workshop

I attended the crochet workshop hosted by Leen Van Dyck of Mayown, a social enterprise based in Manila. She has taught a team of poor moms to crochet, and the impact has been tremendous. They are able to make high-quality stuffed toys, and they are paid fairly for their crochet work. They are able to provide food for their families, and their confidence is also boosted by their skills trainings. 

I am down for some training in intermediate crochet. As Leen is a certified teacher in an international school in Makati, she’s very patient. I was assured that I will learn how to read patterns and improve my stitches.  

My three classmates were learning basic crochet, while I got a kit enough for two palm-sized stuffed animals- an owl and a snail.  

I had a fun five-hour class while sipping coffee and chatting with Leen. It was enjoyable and humbling at the same time to read a pattern and correctly form a stuffed animal. 

I finished my owl and snail at home. It was so fulfilling! 

I am more confident about my crochet skills after the workshop, and I am determined to continue crocheting- not necessarily make amigurumi stuffed toys, but to apply the skills when I crochet. I am thankful to have met Leen too as she is now a friend that I have gained during the class. I can’t wait to continue making!

Walking and Crocheting

Yesterday, I did some brisk walking at UP. It was nice to walk and jog as the oval was carless on a Sunday. I ended my workout with a burger and egg sandwich near Palma Hall. 

I stayed home afterwards to knit, crochet, and chill. 

I crocheted a new cozy for my Starbucks water bottle, this time made of sturdier combed cotton yarn. 

I also crocheted a cozy for my Romoss power bank. 

It was the perfect Sunday as I got to enjoy my yarn craft hobbies while listening to music and podcasts. I look forward to more relaxing weekends and chill crafternoons! 

Relaxing with Knitting

I am enjoying freestyle knitting. I realized that my initial yarn and needle stash was not enough, so I bought more yarns and a new pair of 5mm needles from Gantsilyo Guru. 

I immediately tried knitting one of my new yarns, and I brought it with me to the spa. I knitted while waiting for my turn...

 ...and I continued knitting while having my Thai foot massage! I chose the recliner beside the lamp, so I was able to knit. 

This tabletop yarn is a joy to work with. I simply cannot get enough of the color transition.  

Here’s to more relaxing moments while knitting!

Bless This Yarn

I learned how to knit during my recent Knitting Adventure at Uhaj, Banaue. I learned the basics and I prefer to work without a pattern.

By working as I go, knitting has become a meditative experience. It has done wonders to clear my mind and process the right thoughts. It is totally aligned with my goal to live life with mindfulness!

I purchased new yarns and a smaller set of knitting needles which are perfect for my small hands. I then proceeded to knit, and I enjoyed it! I ended up knitting for almost twelve hours yesterday.  

I am happy with my new hobby this year. I hope you will also discover a new craft that will bring you joy!