I just finished crocheting the Calico Flowers Scarf. I followed this free pattern from Yarnspirations. I used a 6mm hook and rainbow cotton yarn from Shopee.
The pattern is intermediate-level, but I think it can be doable even for advanced crocheters. Just be sure to count stitches and ensure that the gauge is followed.
I hope that this inspires you to make something during this pandemic. Creating beautiful things is uplifting and fulfilling. Do give it a try!
I just finished crocheting this Clam Top. I followed the video tutorial by local crochet designer Yarns and Fins. I purchased the gradient yarn from Clover’s Crochet PH. For the top itself, I used a 3.00mm hook. It took me a week to finish this project.
Finishing crochet pattern boosts my confidence and enhances my mood. It helps keep me focused as my crochet time is an opportunity for me to stay away from gadgets. Having a hobby such as crochet is healthy and fulfilling, and I highly recommend it.
Do give it a try by buying a hook, a yarn, and tuning in to a tutorial online! Good luck!
I recently finished knitting this chunky scarf. I used Cotone Grande yarn from Oh My Yarn in the shade coffee. I intend to give it as a Christmas present, and I finished this early to make sure that it is done by then. The recipient is special to me, and I hope that he will like it.
Knitting is a welcome break from crochet as it requires me to use both of my hands to control the two needles. With crochet, I only use my right hand to manipulate the hook, as my left hand controls the yarn’s tension. My process usually involves a lot of music and podcasts. For this scarf in particular, I was able to finish two novels. Crochet requires more focus, while knitting allows me to work on autopilot. Hence, the two completed novels as I worked on this scarf.
I hope to finish more scarves while on quarantine! It is a relaxing endeavor that enables me to create gifts for my loved ones.
Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
The enhanced community quarantine or ECQ has been challenging for all of us. We all miss our routines and our normal lives. However, I also believe that I should not take this time for granted. Life is too short, so we have to make the most out of what we have.
Here are some of the simple joys that make my quarantine memorable:
I enjoy driving to buy bread at Pan De Manila Maginhawa branch. I miss my foodie street, and I am glad that the bakery where I regularly buy bread, ice cream, and 3in1 coffee is open to serve us.
2. I really get excited whenever I receive my online purchases! Here I am with my box of coffee from LazMart.
3. And here I am overjoyed to receive my yarn stash from Baguio-based artisan Crocheted by Carisse. Guys, let us continue supporting small businesses during the ECQ. They need all the help during this difficult time.
I will never take my blessings for granted again! Simple joys make my quarantine meaningful and memorable. I hope that you also have some everyday miracles that define your lockdown.
God bless us all!
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!
Today is my knitting anniversary! It’s been a year since my fateful Knitting Adventure at the Banaue Rice Terraces. It was where I first learned to knit. The lesson wasn’t easy for me, and I did struggle at first. But with a lot of practice, I did get the hang of it. And I even re-learned how to crochet along the way!
To celebrate this important milestone, I crocheted and knitted this infinity shawl using chunky yarns from my favorite notions store, The Attic Yarn and Craftery. The ladies behind this local shop has become my friends, and it is touching how this friendship has also become a source of strength and inspiration for me to keep going.
My knitting and crochet abilities are in line with my goal to diversify myself through continuous learning of skills. You may be wondering how this connects to my goal to work in a corporate setting. Well, knitting and crochet has taught me patience, perseverance, resilience (especially when I would drop a stitch and have to start over!), creativity, and imagination. I have also learned these skills from scratch through workshops (like the advanced crochet one I attended with Mayown last year). If I can train my mind and hands to manipulate yarn, needles, and hooks, then I’m sure that I am ready to learn new programs, business platforms, and skills.
I have also started a new scarf using the knitting needles that came with my kit at Banaue. Using these 6mm bamboo needles again is humbling, as I recall the awkward stitches that I have made 365 days ago in the mountains. Now, I am in my room in the city, with pop music blaring in the background. I have yarn from Pasig, the yarn bowl that I gifted myself with on Valentine’s Day, my first knitting needles, and the determination to keep going. I have amazed myself with how far I’ve come in my creative journey.
I know that this is only the beginning.
Yesterday, I started Valentine’s Day by knitting while waiting for lunch to be served. My family and I had lunch at Japan Fūdo Street, and we had a lovely time!
I had my usual order, the oyakodon. It’s delicious and flavorful.
After lunch, I went to St. Clare Monastery to lift up my intentions and give thanks to the Lord for all the blessings that I continue to receive.
Then, I continued my Valentine’s Day tradition of visiting Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe.
I was welcomed by friendly doggos who don’t seem to mind my presence, even if I’m there almost weekly!
Of course, I had to cuddle my favorite doggo Ella on heart’s day.
I was also lucky to receive chocolates from the owners of Barkin’ Blends. Thank you!
I had a soy honey refresher from Soy Yummy and I was pleased to meet a deaf employee there. I am happy that more businesses are employing special needs staff. They deserve equal opportunities in the workforce.
I had early dinner at Falafel Yo! I was pleasantly surprised with their pita fries. They’re yummy!
Before going home, I got to listen to some acoustic love songs at the free gig inside the mall.
I even received a free pastillas rose from the mall management. Thank you!
I came home to a package from Lazada. My yarn bowl has arrived safely.
It’s nicer in person, and it fits all my yarns!
I am happy with my Valentine’s Day celebration this year. I got to knit, pray, spend time with doggos, eat out, and gift myself with more crafting. Life is good, and I am so blessed.
