Knitting Warmth

I started knitting again yesterday. It’s been quite a while since I busted out my knitting needles as I have been hooked on crochet for months now. Anyway, the cabin fever has caused me to return to knitting.

I love using these Furls knitting needles because they are handsomely crafted and they do feel good to touch. They make my Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn glide seamlessly with every stitch. The knitting experience with these tools is absolutely meditative.

Instead of feeling helpless with the extent of the corona virus, I am continuing my hobbies at home. There is joy in these simple crafts. Someday, I will look back on this quarantine as a time of enjoyment and self-assurance.

Stitch and Sponsor

There are simple ways for me to truly feel blessed. One of them is child sponsorship. I have been sponsoring this girl’s education for twelve years now. It feels amazing that I get to change one life’s trajectory, even in my own small way. 

I also feel blessed whenever I knit. I am thankful for the yarn that I turn into scarves, such as this chunky cowl that I made while attending meetings and focus group discussions this past week. I keep my hands busy by knitting while showing up to discussions that not only sustain me, but also enrich my life. 

When I keep myself going and thriving, I feel as if I can embrace my true self after all and conquer each day with a gratitude mindset.  

By stitching and sponsoring, I get to share my blessings and skill while living my best life. It is up to me to continue doing so, and these two passions inspire me to continue working and simply showing up everyday. 

Barbie Style

Yesterday, I spent time with my family. We had lunch at Via Mare, where I had the corned beef sauté breakfast meal.  

I was able to buy doll clothes and shoes for my Made to Move Barbie doll at Landmark Department Store. 

I got this burgundy gown which was too long for my doll.  

The pack of shoes were delightful, though. The jelly heels match her existing Hello Kitty outfit perfectly.  

I shortened her gown and turned it into a dress to showcase her new pairs of shoes.  

With a little creativity and imagination, life can be so much better! I’m never too old to enjoy the simple joys of play.  

Knitting Warmth

My family may be facing challenges with a sick parent, but I am still on fight mode! 

I am staying strong, and I keep myself cheerful by knitting.  

I also keep myself awake with coffee.  

I managed to finish this mini blanket for me my cinema runs. My legs always get chilly during my frequent movie nights so this is a real treat for me. 

Since I finished my cinema blanket, it’s time to begin knitting a new scarf!

I may be feeling cold in the hospital room, but I am with my family and I get to knit my own warmth and joy. I am certain that each challenge can be handled better with some balancing tactics such as hobbies. I am grateful that knitting has become an integral part of my self-care routine, and I hope that it could help you too in case you’re interested to take it up as a pastime!

Tapsilog and Motivation

Yesterday, I went out for a workout and breakfast. I had tapsilog at Max’s. I used to have this when I was a kid, and it’s still so good! The servings are generous and still homey. 

After getting some work done, I decided to finish the infinity scarf I’ve been knitting for the past two months. 

It was time to bind off, and for that, I am one of those knitters who prefer using a crochet hook. It simply makes the whole process faster. 

It was a joy to release my circular knitting needles after being “stuck” for months!

I am proud of my prism scarf! It was entirely knitted by hand and made with love. I’ll keep this for myself. 

Before I knew it, I was grabbing another ball of yarn to begin again. This is enough for two beanies. I started with one yesterday as I listened to some podcasts. 

Having a daily workout routine and a love for breakfast really help in motivating me to keep going. In addition, my handmade lifestyle keeps me hungry to create, whether it’s through knitting, crocheting, or creative journaling. Here’s to more productive days ahead!

Rainy Day Knitting

I always knew that living the handmade lifestyle will be beneficial in the long run. Yesterday was no exception. I was stuck at home due to the rain, so I finished the novel I was reading. When I realized that I needed a short break from books, I picked up my knitting needles and continued working on the scarf I began a fortnight ago. 

This project was actually painful to finish. I was knitting this scarf while having a particularly difficult conversation with a friend, and yes, it helped me calm down. Knitting does that to me- it eases me through pain and helps me clear my mind. Picking my needles up again was my cue to carry on with life. For every stitch, I become a stronger version of myself. Just like the scarves I make, I become warmer and more resilient because I was made to withstand tough times. 

I look forward to knitting, going back to reading, and yes, living a handmade lifestyle during this rainy season and beyond. Life may throw some challenges along my way, but I was built to handle them with a couple of needles and a bunch of books. I hope that you will also find your own handmade lifestyle, so that you will see the difference it can make! 

Pasta and Yarn

Yesterday, I was able to enjoy knitting while eating delicious Italian food at one of my usual restaurants, Cibo. This time, I tried something I’ve never had before- the penne al’amado with burrata. 

The braised beef beautifully complemented the cheese, resulting in a flavorful meal that brightened up my Monday. 

My red grape shake and coffee made lunch- and knitting- relaxing.  

After finishing my meal, I proceeded to a store I have never been to before: Dreams Yarnshoppe. I was looking forward to it, and I was not disappointed.  

The store had a killer inventory for such a small space! 

Prices were reasonable for the thrifty crafter.  

I ended up with a variegated ball of yarn and a pair of oversized needles to go with it. I also got some extra point protectors.

I was definitely happy, and I carried on with my shopping. I got a 90’s pair of sunnies to update my look.  

It was similar to my old pairs of sunnies during my childhood. I am happy that skinny frames are back because I can be my 90’s self again somehow! 

I am lucky to have been able to enjoy my Monday with delicious food, a memorable retail experience, and some crafting along the way. I hope to discover more stores to inspire me create, write, and explore!

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! 

Knitting x Tapsilog x Ice Cream

Yesterday was another fun day of knitting, shopping, and eating! I began with tapsilog brunch at Rodic’s. 

After my hearty meal, I dropped by Hey Kessy to buy yarns. 

I then proceeded to Manila Creamery for dessert. I chose the carrot cake gelato. 

It was delicious!

I had coffee and continued knitting...

...then I picked up one of my new yarns to crochet... 

 ...this white beret inspired by Meghan Markle’s style!

I enjoyed being creative while eating and buying new yarns. I hope to have more food trips to inspire me to make more, whether it is through knitting, crocheting, or even art journaling!

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!

I Knitted An Infinity Scarf!

I have been knitting an infinity scarf for the past few days. I brought my needles and yarn with me to coffee, lunch, dinner, the mall, and even to bed. 

Knitting has been a relaxing process, and I prefer freestyle knitting because I do not want to depend on patterns. I want knitting to be a fluid and zen experience to clear my mind and encourage thought processing. 

I finished my infinity scarf this morning, and I can say that it was a rewarding experience. I used yarn which is ideal for our tropical climate. I intend to use it while hanging out in air-conditioned locations. 

True to form, I chose a neutral color combination which will work with any outfit. I am happy to finish something tangible using the skill I acquired from my Banaue Knitting Adventure.  

I intend to continue knitting because it makes me happy! Scarves will always be in style, so I think I will make more in my free time. For now, I look forward to casting on new yarn on my needles and beginning again. 

Black Coffee and Knitting

Yesterday was a laid back time for knitting. I stayed at SGD Coffee for my favorite SGD black. It was the perfect drink for some freestyle knitting. 

I love their full-bodied coffee and unpretentious ambience. They also have fast internet connection! 

I attempted to read while knitting too.  

After my solo coffee x knitting time, I met my Banaue Knitting Adventure tour mate-turned-friend Tricia (and her husband Cholo!) over coffee and pie at Pi Breakfast and Pies. I got the smash pie and brewed coffee. 

It was their yema pie and it was delicious! It was also lovely to catch-up with Tricia while knitting. 

I look forward to more afternoons for crafting, bonding with friends, and amazing coffee! 

Banaue Day 2 Part 2: Rice Planting and Cultural Night

After exploring the hot springs, we then proceeded to a plot of land owned by one of the nanay (mom) knitters. We were there to try planting rice, and in order to get there, we had to hike down a mountain. 

We were not forced to plant rice, and some people in our group did not feel like doing so because it would entail having to step on mud. I respect their choice, but I was there for the full experience. 

Planting rice is one of my bucket list items, so it was natural for me to be the first to volunteer.  

The mud was soft and mushy, but it was manageable to walk on.  

Photo by Rocelle 

A few of my groupmates eventually joined me.  

It was so much fun! However, I also realized that it was hard work. I finally had respect for farmers who plant rice for a living. It is definitely not easy.  

Photo by Knitting Expedition 

We wrapped up our farming experience with a hike upwards. After a jeepney ride to our inn, we were all starving. I had delicious vegetable curry and beer by the best view. 

To be exact, it was beer and coffee. I had this combo all throughout our trip that my friends dubbed it “The Sam”.

I also continued knitting while waiting for the cultural dancers to arrive. 

We then had our cultural night, featuring talented Ifugao dancers and percussionists. Some of them were our knitting nanay’s kids! They let the children dance and perform for visitors in order to preserve their culture and to educate us about their tribal heritage. 

We danced the night away with them and I really enjoyed myself.  

Photo by Knitting Expedition

We chose to have our group shot with the kids. 

Photo by Knitting Expedition

I ended the night by trying on their traditional skirt and a photo op with these talented ladies.  

It was an unforgettable day with new friends and magical experiences. I will never forget this day.  

Banaue Day 2: Pilapil Walk and Hot Springs

Our second day of the Knitting Adventure consisted of exploring the Rice Terraces and hot springs. It was guaranteed to be an action-packed day, so I made sure to enjoy a hearty breakfast while watching the sunrise. 

Our inn’s restaurant has only one Filipino breakfast, and I did not mind that the only viand for that was corned beef. I love corned beef, eggs, and brown rice!  

I also had two cups of coffee with this killer view. 

We then rode the private jeep to the terraces, and of course I had to top load again. 

This time, I toploaded with more people from my group! 

During a stop to pay the environmental fees, I relaxed on the jeep and knitted. It was a priceless moment. 

A few minutes later, we have reached the start of our journey. 

It was so beautiful. 

I grabbed one of the walking sticks and walked to paradise.

I was giddy to actually be walking on pilapil or rice field dike along the rice terraces. It was a childhood dream come true!

I am actually scared of heights, so I found ways to entertain myself during the day. 

I surprised myself by actually thriving during that pilapil walk. It helped that I workout everyday. 

Also, there were steep steps and narrow passageways.

But no one was complaining because it was breathtaking.

Finally, we started seeing some streams and it was a good sign as we were on our way to hot springs. 

We also reached a bridge and I just had to do this.

At last, we reached the hot springs! 

This was the colder portion. Alternating cold and hot water in the springs was a delightful experience.

The chilly mountain air added to the mystique of the place.

The hot springs was a relaxing treat after a long walk. 

The location is actually sacred ground so modest swimwear is required. I managed to have a bikini selfie at the entrance though. 

Our local nanays (moms) cooked us sticky rice using heritage purple rice.

IT WAS DELICIOUS. 

Our tour’s social entrepreneur, Candy Reyes, also did a quick photo shoot of Knitting Expedition’s latest toys. 

It was a fun morning with my new friends and local guides. The afternoon was reserved for another childhood dream come true. Stay tuned!