Faith and Crafting

Yesterday, I carried on with my auditing duties. I went to Pasig City Hall, and I stopped by their chapel after completing my tasks.  

It was fun to say hello to images of my patron saints, St. Clare and Padre Pio. 

They also had a beautiful image of St. Joseph.  

I also had to pose with their summery entrance! 

Then, I revived my old planner and jazzed it up with fresh kikki.K inserts, and various sticky notes, stickers, and washi tapes. 

Then, I took my paints out and sketched some food I recently had.  

I stamped the wrong date. It was supposed to be the 12th of July already. Handmade does have its imperfections! 

I was also able to finish this cowl using cotton yarn from Dreams Yarnshoppe and my Furls hook purchased from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

And just like my status quo, I ended my productive day on a high note- by beginning again, with fresh yarn in a fresh aqua green shade.  

Scheduling Joy

I dealt with errands yesterday morning, and I must say that I adulted with only good vibes in mind. 

I crocheted again in between my meetings. I am beginning to understand why so many people are hooked on crocheting, pun intended! It is a time warp, and it feels good to hold the yarn in my hands while stitching this scarf.  

Then, I had lunch at Yoshinoya. Their Go Solo meal was a delicious combo consisting of their beef bowl, coffee jelly, and iced tea. 

After accomplishing another round of errands, I went crazy at the stationery section of Landmark Department Store. They have so many cute and affordable stuff for planner girls like me!

They have washi tapes and sticky notes! 

Van Gogh notebooks were available in various prints and sizes.  

Thankfully, I exercised some restraint and just bought three washi tapes and three books of sticky notes.  

Then, I went to The Craft Central.  

I bought more planner essentials: two washi tape holders, one frosted divider, and a ruler divider.  

I am so excited to fill my planner with new schedules! For now, I am buying the basics. 

I am reviving my planner journey with washi tape!

I wrapped-up my day with dinner at Ok Street, the new Korean food court at Vertis North. 

I ordered their kimchi fried rice. It was tasty and filling! I’ll definitely go back.  

I am building my planner because even if I am constantly blogging on the go, I still prefer using pen and paper to organize my life. By buying these bits and pieces, I am giving myself room to customize my agenda. Having a planner lets me enjoy a tangible experience of “fixing” my day. In the next few weeks and months, I will be going through changes which will surely make me learn, improve, and grow. For now, I am planning, hooking, and scheduling things. 

There will always be room for happiness, one day at a time.  

Hooking, Burning, and Yearning

I started my day by crocheting while waiting for my workout to start. 

Then, I satisfied my craving for cheap pares by having it for breakfast.  

I continued hooking while having cofeenut.  

I later rode the BGC bus (which was efficient and comfortable) to Net Park.  

I took a few selfies  (using self-timer!) at the lobby. I was wearing a scarf that I quickly knitted using chunky yarn and 10mm needles from Dreams Yarnshoppe. 

Then, I proceeded to Manila House...

...for the Katutubo Pop-Up Market!  I bought a woodland garland for my mom from Knitting Expedition, one of my favorite social enterprises. Their stuffed animals and home trimmings were handknit in Ifugao. I also joined their Knitting Adventure at Banaue last February!

I caught up with some of my mom’s friends from the fashion industry (she used to be a ramp model).

I also saw Candy Reyes, Knitting Expedition’s girl boss and master knitter! 

I also looked around the fair. Everything was beautiful. I saw this wallpaper in the premises, and I loved it because it was somewhat related to my crocheting and knitting. 

I sat down for a cuppa. 

And I transferred to Fully Booked to enjoy their sale.

I wrapped up my Sunday with a visit to the PAWS Pet Cafe. My favorite shelter dog Ruff was there! If you want to adopt him, please contact PAWS!

I also saw other PAWS dogs in the cafe.  

I ordered my favorite tapa from The Craft Central Cafe. 

I had a productive Sunday! I worked out, crocheted, and supported my favorite advocacies. The way I see it, is that I get to hope and yearn for a brighter future for myself by sharing my blessings with social enterprises and causes I believe in. I am claiming that more blessings will pour into my life in the coming days, weeks, and months! 

Crafting My Love Story

Yesterday, I started my Saturday with a workout...

...pancit and lumpia for breakfast...

 ...and coffeenut (coffee brewed in coconut water and served with coconut milk and coco sugar) and crocheting. 

Then, I bought a new project bag from the weekend bazaar at my local park. The smallest pouch bag for my crochet projects costs only P35. 

I got one in this cheery pineapple print. 

I strolled around the tropical garden inside the park. 

After lunch, I proceeded to the Singles Recollection hosted by The Feast Quezon City community. 

I enjoyed worshipping...

 ...and knitting!

I was impressed with the effort and love that went into the food prep. I mean, look at those handwritten post-its!

I got this one, because it is so me. I believe that each day is a new opportunity!

I discovered my love for crocheting and knitting while I became single a few months ago. I have also been doing creative journaling through food illustration.

My handmade lifestyle has cultivated self-love, and I have never looked back. Crafting my love story starts in affirming and validating myself, one creative output at a time. I know I am ready to love again because I know how to make myself happy in the first place. For now, I am focusing on being myself, and sharing my story to you all. 

Crocheting Inspo

Yesterday, I took my Furls handmade crochet hook for a spin. I was delighted with the lack of drag and its comfortable grip. The wood was warm on my hand, and my yarn just seemed to flow along with each stitch. 

I am definitely a Furls fan and I am glad that I finally bought one of their crochet hooks. Their cult following is definitely telling the truth about these babies.  

I finished this short cowl in a day using my new hook. I hold my Furls with a pen grip, and my hand never felt any strain or discomfort. I am floored! And I can’t wait to crochet again. 

Investing in quality tools will get you far. Read reviews first if you are unsure before investing on notions and materials. I make it a point to choose quality over quantity whether it’s for my knitting needles, crochet hooks, or watercolors. Choose tools that inspire you and craft what’s in your heart. You will definitely be motivated to create more! 

Stitching Time

Yesterday, I had lunch at Bonchon. I wore my crocheted infinity scarf like this as the air conditioning was more chilly than usual. 

I had my go-to order, the creamy curry bibimbowl.  

Then, I did some knitting while having coffee. 

By the time I got home, I received my new stash of yarn. I purchased my new fiberarts tools online from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. 

I appreciate loyalty cards, so I’m all for The Attic’s funATTIC Circle card. 

Also, check out all these freebies!  

I was so happy with my new yarns and Furls hook. 

Yes, I finally bought my first handmade Furls crochet hook!  I got one in 4mm blackwood. It is completely made by hand. I have also tried crocheting with it last night, and its ergonomic design is perfect for pen grip crocheters like myself. The hype is real!

I encourage myself to be creative by continuously investing in quality fiberarts yarns and notions. I am happy with my supplies for now, and they will surely tide me over until I have a regular income again. For now, I am knitting, crocheting, and journaling my life as I know it. 

Friday at Home

Yesterday, I spent the whole day at home. I still woke up at 5am, and immediately got down to knitting. It effectively got me awake. 

Then, I finished crocheting this infinity scarf.  

I also reflected on the day’s Didicahe Youth entry.  

I got some work done, and had coffee at our pocket garden. 

I took some of my watercolors out to play.  

And I painted some of my mom’s plants.  

My mom happened to cook lunch, and I sketched my meal as well. 

After finishing my work tasks, I returned to my knitting and finished my beanie.  

I had a productive Friday at home. Just because I spent the day inside my comfort zone doesn’t mean that I slept all day. I accomplished all my tasks, and even had time for leisure. I look forward to waking up early again in the coming days and managing my time effectively along the way. 

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. 

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!