Just finished knitting this scarf using Bernat blanket yarn from @theatticyarnandcraftery and 6mm needles from @ohhmyyarn 🧶 #speakknitsam
Hibiscus Top
I recently finished crocheting the Hibiscus Top designed by Filipina crochet designer Mgypsy. For this project, I used milk cotton yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery, and a 4.00mm Tulip Sorbet hook from Oh My Yarn.
The top is supposed to mimic the hibiscus flower. The petals add textural dimension to the top, making it an instant conversation piece! I will definitely wear this out someday.
I highly recommend this to intermediate crocheters who are looking for a project to work on while on quarantine. It is satisfying to work on while watching movies and webinars.
Enjoy!
Reading Cozily
I enjoyed crocheting this gadget/book cozy using the crochet kit by The Attic Yarn and Craftery. This was a joy to create. I finished it in an afternoon, while listening to a podcast. It s such an easy pattern to follow, and after the foundation chain, it was practically mindless.
This is not a sponsored post. I just enjoyed my time making this, and I think you will too! It is exclusively available on The Craft Central.
Happy crafting!
60 for QMMC
I dispatched 60 earsavers yesterday to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC). I sent 50 to the Emergency Room frontliners and 10 to the OB OR frontliners. I am very proud to serve this hospital, as it is a public institution. I have high respect for healthcare workers who dedicate their lives to serving our country in this challenging time.
I am still volunteering for Earsavers for Lifesavers PH as a crocheter. We have recently reached the 10,000 earsavers donation mark, and I am very happy to be a part of this milestone. The team behind this nonprofit has migrated the organization to a Facebook Group where crafters, frontliners, and donors can DIY their requests using specific formats.
We hope to see you there, so that we will continue to craft earsavers for our brave lifesavers!
Photo provided by Dr. Riz Remulla of QMMC
Photo provided by Dr. Riz Remulla of QMMC
Basket of Happiness
I just finished crocheting this basket made out of fabric yarn from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 9mm hook, and I hooked this together in a span of two days.
Being under quarantine can have its ups and downs. The highlight of my day is crocheting, because it is honestly relaxing and soothing. The low point of being at home the whole day is the solitude. I am an only child with a few real friends, so I really miss seeing other people. I have also come to realize that I am an outdoor person after all. I love commuting and walking around the busy streets of Manila.
I simply miss the outside world.
Since I finished this basket, I realized that I am lucky to be safe at home. I am fortunate to be able to work on four different knit and crochet projects while in my room. This basket was not exactly kind to my hands, as the fabric yarn and metal hook caused my hands to ache. Thus, this is a one-off project. I am using it to hold the other works-in-progress that I have on my needles and hooks.
There is something magical about finishing a project and setting a hook or a pair of needles free. Now that I am done with this basket, I can live in the moment and appreciate the projects that I can make at home. This may be a lockdown, but I have every reason to be happy where I am safe and sound.
Crocheting Mood
I just finished crocheting this infinity scarf using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. It was satisfying to work on this while I am on quarantine.
I watched movies and listened to podcasts while working on it. It was uplifting to get information while I am stuck at home. Or rather, safe at home.
Crochet has helped me maintain a cheerful mood while being alone in my room. Having a scarf to hook together kept me optimistic. I have a new project to work on next, and I know that I will approach it with the same fervor. Until this quarantine period is over, you will find me making scarves that make me happy.
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.
Quarantine Shawl
I just finished crocheting this shaw using Crocheted by Carisse ombré yarn. The hook used for this project was a 4mm Susan Bates one from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The pattern followed for the shawl was the Snowy Sky Shawl by Highland Hickory Designs.
The quarantine period was the ideal time to crochet this shawl. It took me two months to finish it, but the past fortnight at home made me focus on my stitches. I usually watched movies while making it, so I was still productive while indulging in my passion for film.
I will forever keep this shawl as it will always remind me of how I kept going while on quarantine. May it inspire me to continue crafting and stitching along, no matter what life may bring!
Blessed Presents
I was surprised last Friday when I got home to a big package from my friends at The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind my favorite yarn store have recently been on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Egypt.
For Christmas, they sent me this care package filled with goodies from Jesus’ part of the world:
A magnet from Egypt, which is perfect since I collect magnets!
A papyrus scroll of the Ten Commandments
A box of dates
An olive wood rosary
A sterling silver cross necklace
A Mother of Perpetual Help keychain
Small crucifix with bottles of earthen elements from the Holy Land
The author poses with her gifts from the Holy Land
Religious items and sweets from the Holy Land
This present makes me feel so giddy. The religious articles have already been blessed, and they are ready to be used in prayer.
I can’t wait to have a more rewarding year ahead, knowing that I have friends who kept me in their hearts whilst they were in the Holy Land.
May we all be filled with blessings this year, and beyond!
Attic Support
Last week, I dropped by Common Room Power Plant to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s shelf. This local yarn and notions store has become my go-to dealer for my knitting and crochet needs. The ladies behind the brand have even become my friends in real life, and they even invited me to visit their HQ earlier this year. The brand has become a staple in my life, as knitting and crochet became my everyday hobbies.
I went to look at The Attic’s stock because I was nervous at that time. It was my first time to be in a crop top in quite a while, and being surrounded by my favorite things has greatly boosted my morale. The result? I was able to party in style and with confidence at the charity event of the year, Hotel Sunnies!
If you feel nervous before a big event, don’t fret! All you need are a few objects of comfort to ease you into your day. And if being fidgety has become a serious issue, get a hobby! Mine happens to involve yarn, and I have learned to be more patient and focused in the process.
Get your yarns and notions from The Attic Yarn and Craftery! Say hi to the owners, and who knows? They might end up becoming your friends too.
The Perfect Hook
I just received my new Susan Bates ergonomic hook from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I got a 4mm one to accommodate my Baguio yarns. My current hooks are snagging the threads, so I consulted with the ladies behind The Attic to know which one suits my needs. They told me about the Susan Bates ergonomic hook, and it really works well with my current project.
I buy almost all my notions from The Attic because they have helped me in my crafting journey by giving me tips on the right tools to use. Do check them out for all your knitting and crocheting needs!
Strong Hooker
I finished crocheting this shawl using yarns from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. I used a 4.00mm hook, which is by far my favorite size to work with. I love the simplicity of the Easy Breezy Shawl by Fiber Spider so much, and this is already my second shawl using that pattern. The first shawl was also a joy to hook together. I will definitely use this pattern again because it is simple and therapeutic to make.
I began this shawl after being rejected for a job that I was keen on. It was heartbreaking, since that job was aligned with my mission to serve those in need while earning a living. However, I realized that I have to move onward and stop dwelling on institutions and people that don’t believe in me. I realized that I believe in myself enough to start over again, and this shawl is a testament to my ability to keep calm and carry on.
Here’s to my next shawl, challenge, and opportunity!
Coral Shawl
I just finished crocheting this shawl using Lion Brand Shawl in a Ball Yarn in community coral. I purchased it from The Attic Yarn and Craftery.
I crocheted my first shawl earlier this month, and I did fulfill my promise to myself that I will make another one. This time, I followed a different pattern which was easier to follow. I think I will use it to create subsequent shawls as it is simply a two-row repeat pattern.
Crafting reinforces my confidence. I hope that you will also find a hobby that will give you joy and strength.
Pink and Blue
Yesterday, I finished crocheting this fluffy infinity scarf. I executed it in drunken granny scarf, which I learned from Youtube. It was fun to work on this project while eating at restaurants, having coffee, and in transit. Also, I read books while mindlessly hooking this scarf together. It was a productive time for me.
It was sheer bliss to use The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s acry-drops yarn and a Susan Bates ergonomic 5.5 crochet hook. I purchased the yarns and hook from the Attic during my birthday month. I am glad that I chose this pink and blue combination, which worked well together.
Freestyle crochet will always have a special place in my heart. I get to be creative while watching a movie, reading a book, or dining solo. Productivity has never felt this good, and fluffy!
I Shawl Return
Yesterday, I just finished crocheting my first shawl. I followed a pattern on Youtube, and purchased the yarn and hook online from The Attic Yarn and Craftery. This is proof that technology and a traditional handicraft can coexist. Online shopping for notions and tutorials have worked for me to improve as a crocheter and become more passionate for the craft.
While most people encourage me to take on more advanced projects such as cardigans and amigurumi, I have happily carried on with scarves because I enjoy crocheting while reading, listening to podcasts, and watching movies. It is quite challenging to follow a pattern while engaging in another pastime. Since multitasking is the way I go, I prefer to work freestyle and enjoy more hobbies in the process.
This is why this shawl is remarkable for me. While it is imperfect, I have followed a pattern from beginning to end. It was admittedly less fun than crocheting while listening to a comedy podcast. However, I realized that I can still follow directions and upskill in a digital medium.
I still have a lot of room to grow, and it is comforting to know that I can make something that it is intricately instructed. I have restored my faith in myself thanks to this shawl.
This won’t be the last pattern I will follow. For now, I am beginning a new scarf using the same hook but a totally new ball of yarn.
Here’s to new skills and beginnings!
Summer Knitting
Yesterday, I knitted while having lunch and coffee at Summer Cafe in Coron. It was a ray of sunshine amidst the gloomy day.
I ordered the cheesy omelette and americano. It was a delicious combination!
For dessert, I headed to Pedro’s Gelato, a local ice cream joint in Coron.
I had the ube langka and mango sorbet. It was so good!
Then, I visited the mangrove forest near the Maquinit Hot Springs.
It was fun to knit, be my foodie self, and explore nature all one day. Hope to have more memories with the things that make me happy.
Homespun Scarf
I just finished knitting this scarf using The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s Lion Brand homespun yarn. It has a slightly faux fur feel to it, which I love. It can also provide substantial warmth and style to any outfit.
This project has helped me remain cool during this week’s challenges: job interviews, meetings, appointments. I was able to do some adulting while knitting this scarf!
I know that I can achieve many things while applying my skills in knit and crochet.
Summer Pinks
I just finished knitting this infinity scarf at the hospital where my dad was confined. He told me that he wanted a blanket from me, and when I asked which colors he would want me to include in the project, he told me that he was simply thinking about it.
I finished this scarf right before my dad passed away.
It was handmade with love for my cousin Abby in Canada. I hope that she will like it.
Life is too short. Here’s to more stitches and ties that bind us.
Cupcake Beanie
Today’s my blog anniversary! I started speakoutsam.com two years ago when I had a job in IT. I was the program officer of my alma mater’s IT department for during that time, and I felt that I needed to have something for myself that was related to my field. I am not a coder or a programmer, so a blog was the most logical choice for me to set up.
I enjoyed blogging so much that I ended up doing it everyday. I got to share about my interests such as knitting and crochet. Incidentally, I just finished knitting this beanie for my goddaughter. So, if there’s anything that I can say today, it’s that you can blog about anything that makes you happy. If you have a hobby, then you can share about that. If you have a job that enriches your life with skills and training, you may also apply your learnings in your blog.
It is also my first day at my new job. It’s at an IT company again. As my blog turns two, I am thankful for blessings that come my way, and for opportunities that lead me to where I'm meant to be.
Here’s to more years to speakoutsam!
The Attic Adventure
Yesterday, I was invited to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery in Marikina City.
I’ve been a client of this local yarn store ever since I began knitting and reacquainted myself with crochet last year. After buying their yarns at The Craft Central, I have since directly ordered from them online. Since then, I’ve become their friend in real life.
It was a dream come true to step inside their cozy “attic” space. There were yarns everywhere!
It was heaven on earth!
The owners, Tita Ces and Ceryl, are vintage fans. I especially marveled over their refurbished typewriters.
I received a lovely handmade present from the owners.
I also ate lunch with them and had the best tinapa pasta I’ve ever had (so far).
For dessert, we had flourless chocolate cake from a local pastry shop.
It was to die for.
It was wonderful to see their yarns and winders in person.
More than having the pleasure of buying from them directly and not paying for shipping this time around, it was the friendship that I have fostered with Tita Ces and Ceryl that I truly treasure. I had a magical day, and I’m sure that this won’t be the last time that I will visit them in Marikina.
Friends and hobbies like knitting and crocheting make life sweeter!