Joy in the Bag

I recently purchased this yarn bag from local brand Gantsilyo Guru. It is a collab with another local brand, Beyond Stitched, which is known for sturdy canvas bags and personalized purses. This is not a sponsored post- I just love supporting local craft brands and what better way to do it than to buy something that I can tote around while knitting on the go!

I got the medium yarn bag in midnight.  

It snugly fits a cake of Lion Brand Mandala Yarn purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

While my knitting needles don’t exactly fit inside the bag, they sort of protrude outside the sling and this makes it easier for me to whip out my project for easy knitting in transit. 

I roadtested it at my neighborhood cafe. I must say that using it while having coffee makes knitting a breeze. I just sling the bag on my wrist and stitch my day away. (Yes, I had lunch and dinner at the same cafe).  

I would recommend this yarn bag because it is important that we support Philipppine-made craft tools! Also, it is convenient to use. The minimalist design matches well with any outfit. Overall, it’s a great product and I would certainly use it a lot.  

Morning Person

I have been waking up at 5am for the past few days, and I should say that I am proud of my transition into being a morning person. I am still committed to my workouts, and lately, Zumba has been my secret weapon against sluggishness. 

I even wake up refreshed and more confident to face the day ahead.  

I have been eating heavy breakfasts such as this breakfast burger steak from Tropical Hut.  

I have also gone back to sketching my food!

I have also found time for crochet. My Pony bamboo hook and yarn were purchased from Gantsilyo Guru. 

So far, the bamboo hook has been kind to my hand. It is weightless and comfortable to use. 

For lunch, I had chorizo and olives pasta and an americano from Mary Grace. I also sketched my food and knitting. 

Since I had extra time, I squeezed in some yarn shopping at The Craft Central. Buying yarns in person allows me to be inspired with the possibilities I can create with my hands. It cannot replace the tactile shopping experience which online shopping can never offer. 

I am fueling my imagination by sketching, knitting, crocheting, and working out! I get to accomplish more now that I am back to being a morning person.

If you also want to finish more tasks during the day, wake up earlier than usual! Before you know it, you are already committed to becoming the morning person you never knew you could be. 

Gantsilyo Guru

Yesterday, I finally got to visit Gantsilyo Guru’s yarn shop at Pasig City. It is located along Shaw Boulevard, and it is best to search for it via Waze or Google Maps. 

I have already ordered from Gantsilyo Guru online, but being surrounded by her yarns is still better than the virtual store!

I was overwhelmed with her inventory and dreamy store. 

I went there for plastic knitting needles in 6mm, and I was not disappointed as Trey (Gantsilyo Guru herself) has them on-hand. 

Part of my knitting journey is the purchasing of yarns and notions. Being able to visit yarn and craft stores across Manila is thrilling and inspiring. I hope that you will also find a craft to commit to, and while you’re at it, visit stores which sell materials and handmade items. It will truly enrich your life and develop discipline which you never knew you had. 

Here’s to more stitches and yarn options!

Prism Scarf

I finished knitting this prism scarf for a close high school friend of mine. It is made of self-striping yarn called Shawl in a Ball purchased from Gantsilyo Guru. In true branding form, I was able to complete a whole scarf using only one ball of yarn. 

I enjoyed knitting this baby as it was fun to watch the colors change from one color to another. It was magical to see the transition from my needles. It was also easy to work with despite having tinsel woven through the yarn.  

This won’t be my last time to knit using this kind of yarn. It was a joy to complete. I hope to knit in more interesting places and see colors pass through my needles again! 

Magic Wands

Yesterday, I knitted at Cafe Mary Grace while eating lunch. I had my favorite chorizo and olives pasta, which was a delightfully hearty meal. 

I also had coffee after my meal. 

By the time I got home, I was greeted by my online shopping from Gantsilyo Guru.  

I bought yarns and notions, which included a pair of 4.5mm knitting needles in PINK! 

Opening the needles felt like a Harry Potter moment.  

In addition to that, I also got point protectors so my knitting won’t slip from my needles when stored inside my handbag. I also got a bamboo crochet hook in 5.5mm, which is perfect for my usual yarn. 

I am happy to have discovered yarn crafts, and I am also glad that my tools are affordable and accessible. I hope to enjoy more opportunities to knit, crochet, and create.