Chie Crochets (Knits too!)

Book Review: "Crochet! - Techniques, Stitches, Patterns"

2011-08-03T14:54:00.000-05:00

I was given this opportunity to review this book:

"Forget about outdated designs: Crochet! is all about cutting-edge needlework! These sophisticated handmade masterpieces-all in wools, silks, cottons, bamboo, and microfibers-range from dresses and cover-ups to accessories, home décor items, and toys. Eighty classic and fanciful stitches provide plenty of inspiration for crocheters of all levels, while 20 patterns-each with a photo of the finished project-round out this updated and comprehensive course."

* Click the image to view inside of the book *

Crochet! Techniques, Stitches, Patterns
By Marie-Noelle Bayard
Flexibound
ISBN13: 978-1-936096-14-5
8 1/8x 10 5/8 inches • 224 pages

Product page on Sixth & Spring Books
This 224 page book is for beginner - advanced level crocheters. The photo tutorials are very clear, and crochet symbols (I believe all crocheters need to learn symbols!) include unique and advanced symbols in addition to basics. I really like this books for the tutorial of basic garment construction with explanations of types of armholes, necklines, and button holes!

Also, the pattern stitches and motifs are my most favorite part of this book! - There are beautiful fans, shells, textured, and unique stitch patterns including "raised scales", which has become widely known among crocheters rather recently as "crocodile stitch". Crocheters - Don't be afraid of advanced pattern stitches! :) They are just different combinations and repeats of basic stitches. In my opinion, beautiful and advanced pattern stitches can be done a lot more easily in crochet than knitting!

Patterns included are: bags, baby items (toy, sweater, blanket, booties), adults' pullovers, jacket, accessories (belt, slippers, scarves, beret, brooches), and home decor items (pillows, lamp shade). - Contemporary and useful. :) I'd say the skill level of these patterns are ranging from easy to advanced intermediate. The constructions of each design seem traditional, and I believe oh-so-very-important basics and lots more can be learned by completing these projects.

Great work, Ms. Marie-Noelle!!!

Where did the time go?

2011-08-03T12:48:00.000-05:00

Already August?! Eeeeeek!!!

I'm really sorry for having been absent here for such a long time. But not to worry, I've still been near the yarn craft, and I'll stay that way. :) It amazes me that I started this blog when my son was 3 years old, and this year he will be 11! I shall continue!!!

I've been juggling home-schooling, house chores, and my work in the last year. My boy is going back to school for this new school year, and the first day is next week! Please - pray for us that my boy will stay healthy unlike last year and that he will enjoy his school life again.

I am having a little guilt feeling recently because..... I've been eyeing sewing machines! XD I want to graduate from my basic Brother machine I bought years ago. I also feel like graduating from jeans and become a skirt lady... Haha. Having a typical Asian woman figure of my generation, most skirts I can find here are either too long/too short and too narrow/too wide around hip, and I NEED to make my own. I'm also dreaming about sewing up little girl dresses for my nieces and cute bags with pretty fabric. But again, I will NOT stop crocheting/knitting especially because I also need hats that fit my big head covered with thick layer of hair, and one can never have enough scarves, shawls, and even doilies... right?? :D

Violet Doily

2011-02-21T10:32:00.001-06:00

"Small and Large Violet Doily"
Free Pattern
Thread: Aunt Lydia's Class Crochet (Size 10)
Modification: I skipped the last round.
I should have done better on blocking, but look how many little violets there are on this doily! I was lazyyy... and I made one big mistake. :D

I have more flowery doilies I plan to crochet. Right now, I'm all into thread crochet, flowers, and colors! :)

Can't wait for spring!

2011-01-26T16:52:00.000-06:00

It hits again. - Around this time every year, I start planting seeds in pots. This time, I decided on snow pea and cat grass for Tobi to eat. They are growing fine, and cat grass is already being invaded by him! :D Later this year, I'll plant spray millet outside for him too. :)

I envy people with green thumb since I never succeeded on growing beautiful flowering plants/keeping them alive. X( I want to try some flower bulbs instead of seeds, but it has to wait until it gets warmer outside. For right now, I can at least do this! :)

"Tulip Doily"
Free download for members of HassDesign
13.5" in diameter with #10 thread
Tulips... how I love them. :) On its diagram, the last row of the flowers shows 1-ch spaces instead of picots shown in the photo on the pattern so I did 3-chain picots.

Off to find another pretty flowerly pattern! :D

Violin Motif

2011-01-21T12:31:00.001-06:00

Some weeks ago, I found Chisako's weblog - "Crochet a little". It includes tons of her designs of BEAUTIFL thread crochet motifs, doilies, accessories, etc. and their charts which for a moment, I wasn't sure if I wanted to share! Hehe. :P

I've made a few of her motifs, and here is one:

Violin Motif
Published on Crochet a little
Thread: Olympus Emmy Grande
Check out her pumpkin wagon & Cinderella! You can also combine her motifs to make beautiful scenes like this one!

This blog is originally in Japanese language, but scroll down and you will find "Translate to English" on the right column. Also, I recommend using the monthly post links to find the lists of her designs.

Now I'm pretty sure many threadies who visit this blog will be spending hours on Crochet a little like I did. :D

Have a good weekend! :)

Apple Doily

2011-01-18T14:54:00.000-06:00

I know this is belated, but HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!!! :)

Again, I was hit by an urge to crochet a doily, and I found this free pattern on Ravelry. :D
*click photo to enlarge*

"Apple for the Teacher Doily"
designed by Denise Augostine
This doily can be worked up in just a few hours, and I'm sure it would make a nice gift for teachers. This year, I'm my son's teacher so this doily is for myself. Ha!

I also recently found many beautiful doilies some skilled crocheters made on Flickr, and I was off to my local craft store right away to buy some thread in pretty colors. :) Now I'm on the hunt for beautiful variegated thread!

I feel the joy of crochet the most from using #10 thread and little hooks. How about you? :) More doilies to follow... I think. :D

Crochet Mittens

2010-12-13T15:44:00.002-06:00

Brrr... I hope you all are keeping yourself warm!
It's 36F here today, but the forecast says it will warm up to 70F towards the end of the week.

This year, my son started enjoying riding his bicycle in our neighborhood, and last week it became too cold to ride without gloves. We searched for his gloves in his closet, but we only found one. One would not help and it was too small for him anyways so I pulled out my long neglected crochet hooks and found this free pattern. I made women's size for him, and the mittens came out just slightly larger than his hands (They fit me just fine):

Pattern: Crochet Mittens for All
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Yarn
The suggested size of the hook for the pattern is I/5.5mm, but I used H/5.0mm just for Cuff. I also shortened the cuffs.

These mittens crocheted with single crochet stitches using worsted weight yarn are thick, and I'm hoping they will last through this winter. :D They are also quick to make. I thought they would make a nice last-minute Christmas gift. :)

First Bathroom Mirror Shot

2010-07-20T14:42:00.000-05:00

My 2nd post today (See the 1st)... I'm doing good! :D

This is a shawl I recently finished. The pattern stitch may look complicated, but this is an advanced beginner level (which I feel I am always! :D) pattern and I love it!
Sorry for the blurry photo in advance...

*Click to Enlarge"

"Striped Feather and Fan Shawl" Designed by Trina Brielle
- Free Ravelry Download

I'm all ready for the fall!!!!!

Long Awaited (hopefully :D) Post

2010-07-20T14:08:00.001-05:00

Ugh... Where did the time go??? Hope I'm not forgotten by my fellow stitchers! :D
My life has been the same...just work, family, friends, and crochet & knitting, except there were some unexpeted events. Oh, and I hit yosoji, and it feels like the time is flying by really FAST!

Today I have a couple of projects to post (Stay tuned)! It's been sitting here way too long!

*Click to Enlarge*

"Extravagant" designed by Mary Werst
Leasure Arts "Extra Special Doilies"

How I love the texture with the raised stitches. :) I must crochet some more doilies from this booklet!

.......

Can this be an excuse for not having posted much? :P

"Yay, keyboard!!!"

"huh?"

"What?"

Don't let him trick you! :D

Shawl & Amineko

2010-03-21T15:08:00.002-05:00

It's cold here today in Central Mississippi again!!!
It's 40 degrees F now, and it was snowing a bit a while ago. I get to wear my shawl I recently finished! :)))

Pattern: "Broome Street Shawl" from Lion Brand
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Bulky in Blackberry
This shawl is knitted from a long side, and I was lazy to do a swatch (my bad!) so it comes down to my knee in front, and I'd prefer it to be a bit shorter. Oh well. :) The shawl serves the purpose! It's super warm and soft. :)
This pattern was a mindless knitting which I really needed!

***********
Also, I recently helped my friends crochet the famous Amineko (This site is in Japanese, but the pattern in English is available too!) designed by Nekoyama. :) I crocheted an Amineko long time ago, and my blog post is here.
And...
a drum roll for my friends' Amineko
...
and
Tadaaaa!!

Crocheted by T-san, Y-san, O-san

Crochted by O-san
Don't they just make you smile? :) I love amigurumi because none is alike even though same pattern is used, and you can never have identical results!

"Earth Mosaic Shawl"

2010-03-11T07:26:00.001-06:00

How is everyone doing? :)
It seems like winter is really over and spring has come! We had lots of rain and I like it because it washed away terrible pollen in the air! I just wish we weren't sick! :(

I just wanted to introduce "Earth Mosaic Shawl" designed by Jennifer Hansen. I crocheted the photographed sample.

Designed by Jennifer Hansen, available as an online web bonus in Crochet! Magazine - March 2010: www.CrochetMagazine.com.
This shawl is a beautiful outcome of the combination of hairpin lace and and regular crochet.

I have another shawl I finished, but haven't had the chance to take photos, AND it's too warm to wear it now so I have to wait until next winter to fully enjoy it. :( I'll take some photos soon though, I promise. :)

Purple Shawl

2010-01-05T22:56:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!!!
We welcomed this new year with fun chats with our best family friend, some Japanese food, and plum wine. :) We also enjoyed calligraphy together! - I wrote "達成(achievement)". Sadly, I couldn't achieve any of my last year's resolutions (I probably got too ambitious for my ability. :P) so they remain for this year...

BUT!

I'm happy to start this new year with a completed knitting project!

"Knit Friendship Shawl" - Free pattern on Michaels website
This shawl is same as the red shawl in my previous post, but this time, I used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice yarn in "Dusty Purple". This shawl is going to my other SIL, and I hope she will like it.

It has been cold this January... We even had snow flurries, which I like. :) You know, I really need something that keeps me warm too so I'm thinking about buying some yarn for 3rd shawl. :D I have a cute glass shawl pin, which my good friend gave me as a Christmas present, so I'll choose a color that goes with it. :)

Wishing my fellow crocheters and knitters a new year filled with love, fun, good health, and... LOTS of yarn!!!

Red Shawl

2009-12-16T22:38:00.001-06:00

Ahh, it's good to be posting here again. :) I'm really sorry for my absense! This year has been crazy juggling and trying to balance things to do. I had no idea my son being 3rd grader (No wonder I feel OLD!) would create this much job either! He is growing, and things he says & does/doesn't tell me that he really is coming close to being a teenager, and I don't look forward to it. :D

Anyways - My SIL asked me to knit this shawl. She picked out the pattern and yarn from her local Michaels.

"Knit Friendship Shawl" - Free pattern on Michaels website
Yarn used: Loops & Thread Impeccable in Claret
I love the stitch pattern! Its difficulty level and the repetitions with no increasing or decreasing are just what I needed to relax. :) Having the shawl on my wrap while I knit it was also very warm and comfy. I'm actually working on the 2nd one. I just couldn't help it. :P

I wish I had time to crochet some things for myself. I'm cold!!! :D - It even snowed here earlier this month. Brrrrr.

I'm looking at Mary Jane Slippers, Clapochet scarf, and... I can also use a bag like this or this!

I'll try to be back soon... :) You all stay warm!

Endless Crochet Cardi Shawl

2009-08-22T18:37:00.002-05:00

It feels great out today here! It's still hot, but I can feel the fall is near - love it! I'm like a zombie in summer... I just don't do well in heat, and can't wait for fall to arrive! I see lots of nice patterns I want to add to my list of future project on Ravelry, and needless to say, it's more fun to crochet and knit in cooler seasons. :D

I was recently given an opportunity to make a crochet sample of one of the most beautiful crocheted garment designs I've ever seen. - The pattern is now available at Stitch Diva Studios!

"Endless Crochet Cardi Shawl"
(Shown Above is a sleeved version.)
Design & Model: Jennifer Hansen
Yarn Used: Tilli Tomas Plie & Beaded Plie with Sequins
I REALLY want you to see more photos of the Cardi Shawl. Learn the ENDLESS possibility of this Cardi Shawl here!

The pattern uses repetitive stitch patterns with no increasing/decreasing. I just crocheted a long rectangle and seamed it in a clever way that produces the great result. - Jennifer is a genius!!! This sample I crocheted is a sleeved version, and adding the sleeves was easy too.

Oh, by the way - there is a knitted version too! - Endless Knitted Cardi Shawl

LOVE this hat!

2009-07-20T12:21:00.005-05:00

Hiya! :) I'm still here as always... never far from yarn, hooks and needles! Just didn't have a chance to post as often. :(

I found a really CUTE crochet hat pattern last night on Ravelry, and I started crocheting this hat right away!!! :)

Inauguration Chapeau for Beth"(Free!) by Ellen Bloom
Yarn: Bernat Cashmere Natural Blends (Discontinued)
Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/inauguration-chapeau
This pattern has all the good things. - It's easy to follow and I believe you can make any sizes with any yarn and any sizes of hooks just by adjusting number of rounds and length of the tie. I have a big head :D, and I have lots of hair so most hats sold at stores don't fit me, but this one does! This hat is definately not going anywhere!

I have some more projects to post here soon. ;)

**********
How is everybody's summer going? :) Mine has been hectic as always working, studying, trying to entertain my son and help him with his homework, practicing the violin, etc..... BUT! We did get away a bit (first time in 3 years!) in Atlanta, Georgia! We visited Georgia Aquarium and The World of Coca-Cola. Watch You Tube videos of these two places:

Georgia Aquarim (You Tube)
World of Coca Cola (You Tube)
My boy loved the aquarium, and he took tons of fish photos until my camera didn't let him anymore. :D
I used to live in Georgia about 15 years ago... It sure felt strange to visit there again! :) I was exhausted during the trip, but I'm glad I was there to spend fun time with my family. I think I needed a change of scenery more than I thought I did. :D I even swam in swimming pools at the hotel we stayed! I'm glad to have found I still can swim. - Last time I was in a swim suit was... 17 years ago. :P It was also great to meet up with hubby's friends and their families there as well! What nice people! :)

Blossom Kimono

2009-04-06T22:57:00.004-05:00

Have you seen Spring 2009 issue of Interweave Crochet? :)
"Blossom Kimono" is a cardigan made with crocheted motifs, and I just love the colors! I was happy to be given the opportunity to make some of the motifs for this pretty garment. :)

~ Photos by Interweave Press ~

Pattern Source: Spring 2009 issue of Interweave Crochet
Designer: Robyn Chachula (see her blog post on this project)

Hourglass Jacket

2009-03-19T21:50:00.005-05:00

Broomstick lace crochet is easy, fast, and so much fun! A sample of Hourglass Jacket I recently crocheted -

~ Photo by Jennifer Hansen ~

Model: Jennifer Hansen
Pattern: Hourglass Jacket
Yarn: Studio Silk in Poison Eggplant

Pink Baby Poncho

2009-03-16T21:57:00.008-05:00

It's been quite a while since I finished this poncho, and I'm finally posting it. :)
I knitted this for my niece.

"Hooded Baby Poncho" - free pattern on Lion Brand Yarn
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease
This poncho was really easy and quick, which I love. :) I'm going to add snaps or just sew a bit on the sides to make armholes so the front and back won't flap.
I'm hoping to post some crochet projects soon. ;)

My recent days

2009-02-03T08:24:00.006-06:00

Hi all!
I haven't posted much, but I am still working with yarn! I am SLOWLY knitting (For those who expect crochet items - I'm so sorry, but I'll be crocheting again soon) a baby item, and it's almost done. It's pink and cute - I will post a photo here as soon as I can. :)

*****

Another thing I'm doing a lot lately is watching Japanese TV drama on my computer. I'm just hooked! I have lived in the US for 15 years now, and I just recently found out that I can find videos of them on the Internet. Watching them makes me feel like I'm in Japan, and it also brings back memories of my youth. :D My favorite one so far is this(Drama Wiki).
You can find links of the videos all 9 episodes of Season 1 here, Season 2 is here, then the final movie here! They say the site is "absolutely legal", and I have NO intention of any wrong doing so if any problem arises, I'm taking these links down ASAP. Anyways, please also don't blame me if you get hooked on watching Japanese dramas! :D I'll let you know if I find some other good ones. ;)

*****

There is one Japanese famous comedian (Kanpei Hazama) I have been watching since he started his "Earth Marathon" 49 days ago. - He is running and sailing across the Earth.
22 years ago, Kanpei-chan ran in my hometown. I saw him and wanted to say hello to him, but I was too shy to do it. - This, I still regret. "Ganbare, Kanpei-chan!!!" When you come run near us, I'll go to see you!

Somehow, he reminds me of my father (Kanpei-chan even looks like him a bit. :D) who still paraglides at 64 of his age (and to me, my father is some kind of a monster because he doesn't look his age at all!!!). I can find his paragliding records on some websites, and I am a proud daughter. :)

*****

This year, I started playing the violin! :)))
My son started learning to play the violin at school in August, and I was so inspired by him and the beauty of the instrument. Santa brought me a violin, and I went to the first violin lesson last week. My teacher is such a nice lady who plays in orchestra at my local church. I'm learning with Suzuki Method and playing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" now. I love it!!! I just know this is the musical instrument I'll always love playing. :) I can't wait to be able to hold the bow correctly & comfortably, and play decently!

Next post will have my crochet/knitting news, I promise. :)

Happy 2009!

2009-01-05T09:42:00.003-06:00

Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope you had GREAT holidays!

I had little time to crochet/knit for myself in 2008 and to post on this blog, but here are just the ones I actually posted here. :)

* click for details *

I would like to send big THANK YOU to the kind people I worked with last year. I had opportunities to crochet samples for some great crochet books and knitting magazines, and for Stitch Diva Studios and Crochet by Faye.

I am also happy that many people used my free very simple skateboarder beanie pattern to make gifts. :)

You can see photos of the beanie made by other people here on Ravelry!

For 2009, I am determined to keep yarn, hooks, and needles close to me and to organize my projects and have a better year-end project report! :P

Cutest Sweater for Babies - Knit

2008-11-23T11:00:00.005-06:00

I finished this sweater last month. :) I enjoyed the front lace panel so much!
I think this is the easiest and cutest sweater for babies I ever made, and I'm sure I'll be making more in the future! This one is in size 24 months.

Pattern: Presto Chango
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease

I hope you all will have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! :)))

Little Bags - Crochet Pattern

2008-10-02T08:17:00.007-05:00

This is a PDF download that includes 2 bag patterns - "Camera Bag" & "Little Brown Bag". Perfect beginner projects!

Yarn:
Any worsted weight

Finished Size:
* Camera Bag fits most point-and-shoot cameras.
* Little Brown Bag stands H 4.5 inch X W 7 inch, excluding handles.

Skill level:
Beginner

$6 USD - PDF download only

** You will need Adobe Reader(Free!) to view and print this pattern.

This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only. Please do not distribute.

STITCHES South!!!

2008-09-10T23:39:00.002-05:00

>>> STITCHES South <<<
Atlanta, GA
April 23-26, 2009

I'm sooooooooooo excited!!! :) :) :)

My Niece - "Nano"

2008-09-05T08:47:00.006-05:00

I just have to share the cuteness of my new niece who is going to wear the little dress on my previous post. (*^_^*)

I'm currently knitting "Presto Chango" for Misato-chan (my other niece who is 20 months old), and after I complete that I'll knit another one for Nano-chan too. :)
I'm so into girlie cuteness right now that boys in my family have to wait a little. :P

"Sweet Dress" - Knit

2008-08-23T11:04:00.012-05:00

I just finished knitting this dress for my new niece to be born any time now. :)

Pattern Source: Bernat "Precious Pieces (to knit and crochet)" Booklet
I simplified the back opening. :)

New Foot Scrubbie added!

2008-08-07T12:06:00.003-05:00

I have completed Mimi's tawashi collection with her new Foot Scrubbie!

Designer: Mimi Alelis
This pattern has all three tawashi patterns. You can purchase the pattern at her Ravelry store and also her Etsy store.

Great Tawashi!

2008-07-30T20:26:00.004-05:00

I've been trying to find cute and practical tawashi designs, and when I was visiting my favorite blogs last week, I finally found them! These tawashi are just perfect for cleaning dishes. :) I used Japanese antibacterial acrylic yarn.

"Flower Scrubbie" & "Handy Tawashi" designed by Mimi Alelis
My friend and a crochet designer, Mimi created this great tawashi patterns! You can purchase these patterns at her Ravelry store and also her Etsy store.

For those of you who never heard of "tawashi", it's a Japanese word for "scrubbie". Generally, tawashi is either crochet or knit with acrylic yarn, and it's the best thing to use especially for washing dishes! - I always have tawashi in my kitchen. Once you start using them, you will never buy sponges! If I never crocheted, I would learn it just to make tawashi, really. :)

Anyways, I'm happy the photos are up and everything now that I can finally use these cute tawashi! :D

Hourglass Jacket - Stitch Diva Studios

2008-04-15T17:13:00.003-05:00

I've been gone too long! Hope everyone is doing well and that you didn't forget about me. :D

"Hourglass Jacket" is one of my recent projects which I tested and made samples of. I enjoyed broomstick crochet so much, and this one was quick to make!

"Hourglass Jacket"
Design and photo by Jennifer Hansen
This pattern can be purchased at Stitch Diva Studios
I think this is the most beautiful broomstick crochet garment design I've ever seen.

I'm making Cecilia Chemise now to give it to someone, and I only have sleeves left to do. :) I rarely feel like making crochet garments, but this is an exception.

Chunky Cap

2008-02-29T17:53:00.007-06:00

Just very quickly I want to share with you my latest crochet project. :) This one is very easy, fast, and the pattern is free too!

"Chunky Cap" from January 2008 issue of Crochet Today!
You can also download a free pdf on their website.
Yarn I used: Red Heart Light & Lofty
This hat makes me miss snow. This one's going to my sister. :)

*****
I also made my boy a beanie using my Skateboarder Beanie pattern. This beanie is dark blue, and I added two bright green stripes, plus off course, this one is a little smaller than the Finished Size on the pattern. Scroll down on the pattern page to see the Notes on making different sizes.

The beanie is deep enough to cover his ears. :)

Sorry I'm late...

2008-01-02T07:57:00.001-06:00

But... HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!!!

Last year passed VERY quickly. I stayed pretty busy - My son became a first grader, I stayed busy making crochet samples, testing patterns, teaching crochet, and working behind the Stitch Diva Studios. I started this new year just as busy, and I hope this year will be as good as last year... or even better! :)

*****
I'm ashamed to say, I still haven't posted all the photos of the projects I finished last year. :P
This is still just one of them, but I made more corsages to give to teachers with the candy I like to make in winter.

Pattern: Lion Brand "Crochet Rosettes / Flowers"
Yarn: Patons SWS
Hook: J/10/6mm

I love the colors of Patons SWS yarn. I already had some skeins, but I just didn't know what to make with them before. I was able to make 3 flowers out of 1 skein and each one of them looked slightly diffent, which I liked. :)
Just to avoid any confusion, the pictured 3 corsages above came from 3 different colors of the yarn.

Knit sweater ornament patterns - "Minutia" by Berroco

2007-12-14T08:44:00.000-06:00

(This post has been edited to avoid the confusion that I have actually made these sweaters. I have not... just yet. ;D The photo was borrowed from Berroco.)

I always look forward to Berroco's e-mail newsletter.
The latest one really got me excited. :D
How cute are these! I just LOVE them!!!
I'm definately going make these sweaters when I have time.

The pattern is FREE at Berroco website!

"Minutia" and the above photo by Berroco

Corsage

2007-11-28T20:57:00.001-06:00

We recently went to a close friend's wedding reception at a country church.
We only had one day (Two days to be exact, but one day didn't count because it was Thanksgiving, and we were busy eating, etc. :D ) to prepare so I put together my outfit quickly. It ended up really plain and boring so I decided to whip up a corsage.

Pattern: Lion Brand "Crochet Rosettes / Flowers"
Yarn: Patons SWS in Natural Navy
Hook: J/10/6mm
It took only about 30 minutes to make this corsage!
I sewed on 3 small black buttons in the center.

I have 2 more colors of this yarn, and I'm thinking about using them to make some more flowers. :)

Ornaments

2007-11-21T17:54:00.001-06:00

I've been cooking all day today for tomorrow!
Finally sat down and decided to update you all with my X'mas ornaments. :)
I made all except one ornament (skate) from the leaflet.

Again, the patterns are from Leisure Arts #4241 "Ornaments to Crochet 3 Ways".
The yarn I used was Red Heart Sport, and the main stitch was slip stitch.

The ornaments have been mailed out to my nephew and niece already. :)
They haven't received the package yet so I really should email my sister to tell her not to peek. :D

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!!

Fashion Cable Knit Bag

2007-11-11T17:03:00.002-06:00

I finished this bag more than a month ago...

Pattern: Fashion Cable Knit Bag from Michaels
I knit this bag with 2 strands of Patons Classic Merino Wool held together so the bag is nice and thick, and it was a quick project.
I'm especially proud of the lining. :D

I can't help but to knit this year because I just LOVE traditional knitting, and it seems to be back! :)))
I couldn't resist these Patons booklets when I saw them: Big Chill, Snow Country, Cables.

Does any of you know a good wool yarn that doesn't felt?

If I lived in a state where it snows some, I'd be knitting sweaters... I was still wearing T-shirt today, and it's NOVEMBER! This is just crazy. :(

I have 4 more FOs to post (both knit & crochet projects), but later. ;D

What am I making now

2007-11-04T14:49:00.000-06:00

I love this leaflet!!!
All of my friends who come to my crochet classes wanted one too when they saw mine, and they all ordered one. :D

Leisure Arts "Ornaments to Crochet 3 ways"
I've made 7 ornaments already, and I'm working on 8th. I'll probably end up making all of the ornaments in this leaflet. They are our current projects as well for my crochet classes.
You can use worsted weight / sport weight / #10 thread for these ornaments, and I chose sport weight. The main stitch used for these patterns is slip stitch unlike the traditional single crochet stitch used for many small projects.
My ornaments are going to be a gift so photos will be posted after they have been received by a recipient. :)

*****
By the way, I found some nice crochet & knitting patterns (Click the Adobe icons below project photos): http://www.clover.co.jp/hand/hand54a.htm
I'm really sorry, but I won't be able to answer pattern/diagram questions..., but hope you like them! :)

First spinning experience

2007-10-12T05:03:00.000-05:00

*Click*
I finally tried spinning! Pictured is the great kit I bought from Andrea.
You can also see my very first hand-spun yarn in the photo... The last one I spun is not much better looking than the first, but I enjoy spinning!
Luckily, I locally found a nice lady who is an experienced spinner, and I'm going to take her wheel-spinning classes probably in February. :) Her ongoing classes are held in the evening so I can't go... :(
Oh well... Maybe by the time the February classes start, I'll have enough saved up to buy a spinning wheel...hopefully (Don't tell Hubby just yet). ;D
Off to work! :)

Last one and a half months

2007-10-08T22:36:00.000-05:00

Ok... I know it's been way too long since the last post... AGAIN. *sigh*
Trust me, it's really embarrassing that I almost feel like I should just shut this blog..... but maybe not just yet. :) I started this blog more than 3 years ago, and I really hope I will be able to keep it like... forever. :D

The crochet & knitting season is in, and I currently teach crochet twice a week at my house. I've also been crocheting & knitting like a mad woman and finished 2 bags, 2 simple scarves, and some other small items. I bought a few books which I LOVE. I also experimented SPINNING with a drop spindle!! I plan to crochet & knit as many winter garments as possible this year.

I'll post later for the details of the things I mentioned above. Right now, I'm overwhelmed. :D I'll try to do photo taking and posting as soon as I can, I promise!

Today, I just want to announce that I'm finally at Ravelry and also Crochet Me!!! You can find me by the URL of this blog, although I need to warn you that I don't have much on them yet. :P

Knit urge

2007-08-26T10:31:00.002-05:00

I got this great knit dishcloth pattern last night, and I finished it last night too!
I just HAD TO knit last night, and once I started on this project, I couldn't put my needles down!

Rachel created this cute dishcloth design, and I'm now trying to decide which one I'll get next from her website. :)

I got to knit more since my knitting skill has gotten really rusty. :(
My cast-on is a little floppy, and it was hard to keep the same tension. Let me just blame it on the cotton yarn, ok. :D

Felted Cache Bag - Free crochet pattern

2007-08-09T02:23:00.001-05:00

PLEASE NOTE: This pattern has not been tested. Please email me for errors and suggestions. Thanks!

Materials
5 skeins Moda Dea Cache
L/11/8mm hook

Gauge
Not important.

Finished Dimension
Approximately 15” wide and 12” tall from the bottom of the bottom of bag to the top of handle.

Bottom of Bag
Ch 28 loosely.
Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, turn. (26 dc)
Note: At the beg of each dc row / round, I did (ch 2, dc in same st) to avoid having "holes" on the bag after felting. Do not work into the ch-2 (except on Rnd 1 of Bag), and do not count as a st.
Row 2: Ch 2, dc in same st and in each st across, turn.
Row 3 - 11: Rep Row 2.

Bag
Rnd 1(RS): Ch 1, sc in each st and 2 sc in each row around, sl st in 1st sc. Mark this rnd as the right side. (96 sts)
Rnd 2 - 15: Ch 2, dc in same st and in each st around, sl st in 1st dc.
Rnd 16: Ch 2, dc in same st and in next 2 sts, ch 30, sk next 22 sts, dc in next 26 sts, ch 30, sk next 22 sts, dc in next 23 sts, sl st in first dc.
Rnd 17: Ch 2, dc in same st and each st & ch around, sl st in first dc. (112 sts)
Rnd 18 & 19: Rep Rnd 2. Fasten off on Rnd 19.

Handle Edging
Join yarn in any st of a handle opening.
Sc in each st around, fasten off.
Rep on other side of handle opening.

Weave in ends.

Felting
Put the bag into a pillow case with a zipper, then put it into washer with a couple of pairs of old jeans/some towels and a small amount of liquid detergent/dish soap. Put the bag through hot-water washing cycles for approximately 10 minutes, and check the bag. Felt it more if necessary, but check the bag often and do not let it rinsed in cold water until it is felted as you like. After the felting is done and the bag is rinsed & spin-dried in washer (This does not ruin your bag!), lay the bag flat, pull it to reshape if necessary. Let the bag dry completely.

Copyright©2007 Chie O'Briant. All rights reserved.

Felted Cache Bag

2007-08-03T12:34:00.000-05:00

Do you remember this post..... and how it ended up?
Well, I made a felted bag with the yarn! :)

Yarn: Moda Dea Cache
Pattern: None
I only used double crochet stitches so this bag was one evening project, which I LOVE! Last year, I experimented felting with a project for which I only double-crocheted, and it felted just fine so since then, I like to just use dc for my own felting projects (although I love the Tunisian crochet stitches as well).
This bag is thick and sturdy, and I think it's perfect for carrying around materials for crochet & knit projects!
I got to say, my felting is really going well. :))

*****
I recently went to one of my local craft stores first time in a long time, bought some yarn to make 3 more bags, and also found they now carry the Red Heart Soft Yarn(About time)! Yay!!! I only bought 1 skein this time just to try this yarn, but I know (& I knew), this is going to be my favorite yarn! I'm already dreaming about soft and comfy afghans and such... :)
Well, they wait way too long to have this yarn in their store! :(
We need new yarns more quickly, down here in Mississippi!!!!!

Felted Entrelac Handbag

2007-07-30T11:53:00.001-05:00

The Entrelac Handbag is all felted and completed!

"Felted Entrelac Handbag"
Pattern from: Gourmet Crochet
I just love the entrelac pattern, and this bag was such an easy and quick project!
This time, I made the strap thinner, but I'm not sure if it was necessary.
Next time, I will probably try using a smaller hook and see how much faster the bag will felt than this one. I also think it would be fun to make a bigger bag by crocheting with 2 strands of the yarn.

I feel all like felting now that actually, I've made another felted bag with the yarn I had in my stash, and it's drying now. ;)
Oh, and I'm planning to put lining on both bags before I start using them in winter, and I really need to find out where my sewing machine is! :D

WIP - Tunisian crochet

2007-07-22T16:54:00.000-05:00

Between other fun projects, I've been enjoying crocheting this Tunisian crochet piece so much!

The pattern I'm using is "Felted Entrelac Handbag" from Gourmet Crochet. Carolyn is one of my favorite crochet designers. I'm a big fan!
This one requires only a regular crochet hook because the rows are short, and it's just great.
I'm going to felt this after all the crocheting is done, and I can't wait. :) I believe I've never posted any felted project here before, but I did some felting last year, and I loved it. I think it's just perfect for bags.

This bag is such a quick project, and I'm hoping to finish it soon. :)

Award ?!!!

2007-07-13T10:09:00.000-05:00

My friend Kelly at The Crafty Cat nominated me for this award! I think this is my first award I received as a blogger, how cool! Thanks Kelly. :) *hugs*

Now it's my turn to nominate some Rockin' Girl Bloggers. :)
Gosh, I have so MANY favorite blogs I visit regularly as you can see on my feeds at Bloglines, and it's really hard to choose just five out of all...

But... ok... Here are my nominees! :)
They are all very talented crafters and their works are very inspiring! I know you will be regular visitors like me (Or maybe you have already been their visitors). :D
I haven't checked if they have been nominated already, but I don't think anyone will mind being nominated for this award more than one time. :)

Mimi @ Crochet and Other Stuff

Myla M @ my little mochi

Chelle @ Luv 2 Crochet Blog

Julie @ with a hook

??? @ BitterSweet
I'm sorry I don't know this blog owner's name, and I'm assuming the owner of the blog is a girl. :)

Oh, I almost forgot about the rules. :D - If I've nominated you, please be nice, play along, and nominate 5 other really cool blogs that you enjoy. :)

Warning - Big post

2007-07-08T20:14:00.000-05:00

Hi ! ! !
I bet you all thought I was gone to Japan... for good. :D

First of all, THANK YOU all who emailed me/left a comment for me before/during/after the trip, and I sincerely apologize I had not been able to either thank each of you personally or post on this blog to let you know how my Japan trip was... I was just too tired from the trip... I also started working on the first weekday after we came back (I love my job!), I was trying to re-adjust to the time and the summer heat here, my 6-year-old has been home for summer, and Hubby just had a-week-long summer holidays too so I was so busy and just couldn't find the time and energy left to email or to post here.

Well, the trip was exhausting, but of course GREAT!!!
We first flew from Jackson, MS to Detroit, MI (2 1/2 hours in the air), then from there to Osaka, Japan (14 hour). I know it was hard for my son, but he handled all that flying really well. - He only had to get up ONCE to go to the restroom in the airplane (I still wonder how he could do that! :D ), and the rest he played his Nintendo DS, did some origami, colored, read some books, watched movies, slept & ate. :) I was also very thankful for the 9-year-old boy whose seat was next to his. They both had the Nintendo DS and Japanese moms :) so they kept each other entertained playing games and speaking in English sprinkled with Japanese words, and listening to their conversation was really fun. :D Oh, and I managed to make five of the potholder below, which I gave away four of them later and kept one.

"Watermelon Slice Potholder"
Pattern from: Leisure Arts "Kitchen Basics in Cotton"
Yarn: Lily Sugar'n Cream
I just love the bright colors and the watermelon potholder is just perfect for summer, don't you think? :) This was a super quick, fun project, and the pattern was easy to follow.

Anyways, here are some photos from the trip!!! :) I'm not really a camera person, and I found I only have 144 photos total which include the ones my family and friends took.

*Kasai Flower Center*Not even one of the plants there were wilted or sick. We enjoyed their gorgeous flowers so much!

*Himeji Castle aka White Heron Castle*This castle is a World Treasure and 400 years old. The link above explains the castle's history.

*Universal Studios Japan - USJ*Popeye and Olive welcomed us at the gate, and there was a parade with Hello Kitty, Peanuts, Sesame Street, and Shrek! USJ was a lot more like Disney Land. - Very kids-friendly.

*Clamming*Clamming is a great activity for children! I used to come to this beach for school excursions when I was 6-8 years old, and it had not changed a bit... the old beach houses and everything! :)

We found a bunch of clams and took them home. Mom cooked them next morning, and wish you could see my son's face when he saw his precious clams in miso soup!!! :D :D To him, they were his new pets, and nope, he would never eat them!
By the way, I am in the last photo with my 5-months-old niece (The newest addition to our family!) enjoying the cool ocean breeze inside of one of the beach houses. She is just so cute, I call her "Ohime-sama (princess in Japanese)"! :D

My hometown is Hyogo prefecture in Japan. If you are interested, read about it at Hyogo International Tourism Guide.

My baby sister wanted me to crochet her a drawstring bag badly. :) When she took me to a small craft store, she picked up a couple of white and black cotton yarn, and I also found this bag design on one of the crochet books I skimmed at the store and later made this for her. I love it that the stripes are swirled. :):

The design was in a Japanese crochet book.
Oh, you know what, that was the ONLY time I went to a craft store in Japan. I thought I would be going to yarn stores buying many yarns and crochet & knit books and tools, but all I bought was just 2 crochet books, 2 origami books, and I picked up just some acrylic yarn at a 100-yen store to make some tawashi(crocheted scrubber) to use at home. They have acrylic yarns that resist bacteria & odors, and they are just perfect to make practical tawashi with.
I also made three simple hotpads for Mom, but I forgot to take a photo of them. :( She actually uses and keeps my crocheted gifts really well, which makes me very happy. :)

Other than what the photos above show, we ate LOTS of yummy food (Still, I came back weighing 2 lbs less!), visited relatives, went shopping, and spent great time and laughed with family and friends. I miss them so much already, but I'm also very happy to be back home having our rather slow, normal life with my family here in Mississippi. :) Since we came back from Japan, we've enjoyed tomatoes and edamame(edible soybean) from our garden, and I'm waiting anxiously for the day when I can harvest radishes! Ahhh, I love life!!!

Flying tomorrow

2007-05-26T14:57:00.000-05:00

I'm still here at our home in Mississippi, but tomorrow morning we are flying! :)))
Our first flight will stop at Detroit, then the next one will reach Osaka Kansai Airport at about 5AM on 28th Central Time so that means the whole trip from this house to Osaka, Japan will take about 23 hours! I will survive..... :D

I've packed a coloring book, some story books, crayons, origami, Nintendo games, a set of my boy's clothes, etc. etc. to keep my boy as comfy & busy as possible while we are in the sky. And of course, some yarn and a couple of leaflets of crochet dishclothes for me! :)

I have been SUPER busy during last couple of months working, taking care of my family when they caught stomach virus... and myself. :( I had the worst symptoms this time with terrible stomach cramps followed by vomiting, fever, and knots on my neck. :( We seriously thought I had something a lot worse than the common stomach virus, but it ended up it was just the virus and the infection which some antibiotics took care of.

I'm almost done packing and starting to feel relaxed. :) I don't remember the last time when I felt this relaxed.
It's been 3 years since the last time I was in Japan, and I'm very excited to be able to be able to spend some time with my folks there. :)
I miss my family, and I really gotta meet the new members of our family too (in-laws my niece)!

I will be back in mid June, but I'll try to post some photos of Japan while I'm there!

Busy, busy

2007-04-23T22:12:00.000-05:00

I have been really busy lately especially since my computer broke last Wednesday! :(
I just got it back today all fixed, but I still have some upgrading left to get done. I ordered some computer parts today, and as soon as I receive them in the mail, I'll take them to my local computer guys to get them installed. My 3-year-old computer should perform really well then. :)
I'm just so glad that my daily trip to the local library is over... I really like the library and the people who work there, but it's just not convenient to have to go there just to use the computer.

I'm currently working on a hairpin lace project, and my pretty-but-itchy yarn has been put aside... but I will probably knit a felted bag minus the ruffles with the yarn. :)

Oh, and I'm finally going to Japan to visit my family and friends!!!
My son and I are flying before the end of May (Hubby is going to stay), and we will stay there until just before the Father's Day (mid-June). I'm so excited about the trip. I can hardly wait. :)

Update on scarf

2007-04-15T12:16:00.000-05:00

*Sigh* I started thinking the yarn which I'm using for the scarf is a little too itchy. I adjusted the width and made it narrower so that it doesn't touch skin when worn over a turtle-neck sweater... but still, I'm not sure if I should keep knitting scarves with the yarn... :(
I thought about making a shawl instead, but the color the yarn to me is too flashy to make a bigger item such as a shawl with...
I don't know what to do now. :(

Knitting a scarf

2007-04-11T16:08:00.000-05:00

Can you believe I lost this post TWICE after typing everything up?! Also it was automatically publishend a couple of times when I was only trying to save! :(
Anyway, here is my 3rd attempt... I'm so patient. :D I'm going to save every 2 rows as I go this time. *sigh*

*****
I'm knitting a scarf! :)

*Click for a bigger view*
I'm using Moda Dea Cache in color "Smartie". One of my friends and I got this great deal at our local Michaels last week, and each of us bought 4 skeins of the yarn. Today I went back and got 6 more skeins. :D I was surprised to find they still had the yarn left!

Anyway, the friend who went to Michaels with me - said she had not knitted for a long time, and she didn't have needles, but I knew a good solution for that! :) It was:

K every row (garter stitch) using 2 needles in different sizes !

I love this technique for bulky yarn with lots of character such as Cache.
I'm sure her hands will remember how to "K" quickly, and using this technique, we only need a pair of a size and a pair of another size for both of us, and I can just lend mine (I have only a pair for each size). I thought it was great that she didn't have to buy a pair of needles especially because she doesn't know if she will knit more after this scarf. :)

Because it's garter stitch, both sides of the scarf will look identical which is great, and by using 2 different-size needles, you can make it look more exciting than regular garter stitch. :) Also, because big needles are used, this scarf works up so quickly that I think I can finish it in 1 day if I wanted to, and OH how little the amount of yarn it requires! It's shocking to me because I have just crocheted and crocheted and have hardly knitted for a looooong time. :D
By the way, I'm using a US #15 (10mm) and a #35 (19mm). I especially LOVE my beautiful #35 needles and stoppers that fit them! If you are interested, you can find them at Stitch Diva Studios.

I'll be knitting scarves until I finish up all 10 skeins of the yarn. :)

Fun day

2007-04-08T00:28:00.000-05:00

I had a fun day today!!!
I made a standard-full-size title banner and a new button. They are simple, but I spent hours to make them, and it always feels great to complete something!
Oh, and please feel free to steal my new button. ;)

*****
We went to a Japanese/Chinese buffet restaurant and enjoyed their food very much. :) I have been on a diet, but tonight I didn't stop myself. :D I ate bunch of sushi, sashimi, sesami chicken, little cakes, etc. etc... I already feel like I have gained back the lost lbs, but it's okay. Tomorrow morning, I'll start exercising & walking again, and I'll watch what I eat. ;)

After the great dinner, we went to a coffee shop where our friend's birthday party was held and met other friends there as well. :) The BD boy had his band there, and we listened to some of their songs. My 6-year-old son loved their songs! :)
I was going to get a piece of the BD cake, but that's what I was thinking only before the dinner, and I had absolutely no space in my stomach for even just a piece of cake or a cup of coffee after making all the food on my dinner plates disappear! :D

We didn't stay at the party long because we had an important thing left to do... COLORING EGGS! :) So we came home and enjoyed doing that. :)

H A P P Y E A S T E R !!!

New template

2007-04-06T02:03:00.000-05:00

Please bear with me while I'm working on this new template. It's been taking more time to finish this up than I expected... so I haven't done any Easter crochet. *sigh*

BUT! I'm excited to finally have a 3-column blog! Woohoo!!! :)

Too late for Easter preparation?

2007-03-30T14:25:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for all who left me kind comments on my doily and great tips for losing weight!!! *hugs* I hope you will forgive me for not replying to each of your comments... I'll repay you for trying to be a better blogger with more frequent posts, would that work? :)
Anyway, I decided not to worry too much about greatly reducing the amount and types of food I eat... Instead I choose to eat sensibly and a little less than I usually eat, and also I forgive myself if I eat a bit of sugary or greasy stuff. This way, I don't get angry, and it saves everyone around me!!! :D I still walk - not every morning but almost, and I started to see the effect of it... just really little around my waist, but it makes me so happy. :) I feel that I have a little more energy, and pushing around a heavy shopping cart (Shopping carts here are a lot bigger than the ones they use in Japan!) in grocery stores is not as annoying as it used to be because I can think of it as just additional calorie-burning exercise! I'll continue to walk in the morning and hopefully start seeing actual weight loss soon.

*****
I am trying to find if there is anything I want to crochet for Easter. Easter is right around the corner so I need a quick project. As I always do when I look for free crochet patterns, I visited Crochet Pattern Central to find some cute Easter projects, and there they were! :) I think I'm going to try this, and... these are great too! I also fell in love with Crystal's Egg bunny babies. :) I'm probably not going to have time to make these bunnies, but some of you might like to try. ;)
There are so much I want to do and so little time!

*****
By the way... LOTS of things are going on at Stitch Diva Studios... including the exciting Stunt Stitching opportunity! Check out the latest newsletter. ;)

A doily

2007-03-26T09:50:00.000-05:00

I finished a doily!!! :)

* Click for a larger view *
The pattern is from a Japanese book one of my crafty Japanese friends sent to me from Japan more than a year ago. I made a couple of mistakes, but I don't know where they are now. :D I really just can't see the stitches well anymore when I crochet with thread... :(
I still LOVE thread crochet though because really, crochet stitches are whole lot prettier when done with thread.

I feel like crocheting/knitting, but I just don't know what to make next... I recently bought a bunch of sport weight acrylic yarn without a plan, and they are still in a box sitting in the living room. I still don't know what to do with them...

*****
I really need to lose about 30 lbs (I am now back to my pregnancy weight without being pregnant!) and strengthen my muscle so I started walking last week. I also watch what I eat, but I've been having a hard time staying happy. :(
I feel so tired for the rest of the day after walking approx. 2.5 miles in the morning, and I get angry for not being able to eat like I want. :D
Yesterday, Hubby went and bought a dozen of donuts, and that made me so mad that I haven't talked to him since. :D It's just not fair he can eat whatever he wants and he never gains weight!!! :(

To those who sit and work for hours everyday, but manage to stay fit - PLEASE share with me your secret. ;D I'm serious! Just email me, ok? :D

Butterfly pattern

2007-03-18T16:27:00.001-05:00

**********
Crocheted Butterfly
~ This pattern is for personal & non-commercial use only ~

Materials
* Small amount of yarn or thread
* A crochet hook in suggested size for the yarn/thread you are using.

Gauge
Not important

Stitch Note
tr = treble crochet

Butterfly
Ch 3, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring.
Note: 1 round completes the butterfly. All of the stitches on Rnd 1 is worked in the ch-3 ring, and stitches need to be pushed toward the beg of the rnd as you crochet.
Rnd 1: * ch 3, 2 tr, ch 3, sl st **, [ch 2, dc, ch 2, sl st] twice, rep from * to ** once, [ch 4, sl st in 2nd ch from hook and next 2 ch, sl st] twice.
Fasten off.

Yarn ends can be used to attach the butterfly onto various things.
**********

The above pattern was tested only by me once so if you notice any errors, please let me know. I hope you enjoy my pattern! :)

Improved patterns

2007-03-04T19:53:00.000-06:00

Hiya. :)
Today I did what I have been thinking about doing for a long time already.....
I revised the two simple patterns I wrote in the past!
I have learned a lot since I first wrote them, and I believe they are much better now. :)

... So here they are!

* Dishwashing Tawashi New photo!!!
http://chiescrochetandknitting.blogspot.com/2004/11/my-tawashi.html

I still have lots of people visit this page everyday, and I'm really thankful for that. :) I made a small change on this pattern, and also I made one today with a different color combination. Hope you like it. :)

* Skateboarder's Beanie
http://chiescrochetandknitting.blogspot.com/2005/11/very-simple-skateboarder-beanie.html

This beanie is comfy and very easy to make. Hubby loves it. :)

Heart Dishcloth

2007-01-26T11:56:00.000-06:00

I love to decorate my kitchen with a seasonal dishcloth!
The Valentine's Day is near, and I just had to make this heart-shaped dishcloth.

I used "My Heart Dishcloth" pattern

I omitted ch-1 on straight lines, and I added a loop.
I had to add my boy's little snowman art he did at kindergarten in the photo. :) I thought it was so cute, and I love how they used popcorns for the snow! Also, a little shell is the mouth. :D

Have a great weekend!

THE Amigurumi Neko

2007-01-12T16:22:00.000-06:00

I finished THE famous Ami-Neko (amigurumi cat).
I think I like it a little too much. :D

Since I first saw this neko and its pattern that Nekoyama-san created, I have been wanting to make one.

Look at this amazingly peaceful facial expression! :)))

This kitty can sit fabulously well!

She needed a little rest...

I couldn't help it, I just had to dress her up a little! :D

The pattern in English can be found at Nekoyama-san's website).
- Stole pattern not included.
This is THE famous Japanese amigurumi neko. As some of you probably know, they even have its published pictorial in Japan!

The yarn I used to make this neko is Bernat Softee Chunky, and it's approximately 12 1/2" tall when sitting.
I made this amigurumi for my newborn niece in Japan, but I almost don't want to send it to her. :D This cat to me is an ultimate zen cat, and I just have to make another one ASAP for myself!

1st post - Year 2007

2007-01-07T16:32:00.000-06:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! - Shinnen akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. :)
I hope everyone had a happy holiday season! Mine started out in a very special way.....
My sister had a beautiful baby girl on Christmas eve! I really wanted to crochet something for the baby before she was born, but I was so busy with my contracts, and I had given up on it, but...... it was so strange... about a week before the baby was born, a good crafty friend of mine gave me a skein of pink Red Heart Baby sport weight yarn! Also, my busy schedule had some changes which allowed me pick up some time here and there to finish this baby set!

I used "Soft and Sweet Layette" pattern on Leisure Arts' "Baby Layettes and Afghans" booklet, and I love how this set came out. :)

Also, I'm working on an amigurumi.

I am using THE famous Japanese amigurumi pattern, and I'm sure many of you can tell which one I'm talking about, but I will not go into the details until this one is finished. ;)

I must finish the amigurumi ASAP so I won't be away too long. ;D
Wishing everybody a happy and crafty new year!

Happy Holidays!!!

2006-12-17T11:24:00.000-06:00

I'm so sorry for having put this blog aside for way too long! (-_-;)
My son, Hubby, and I stayed sick almost for the whole November with relapses of serious cold symptons. Since we all got well again, I have just been super busy with my work, my son's school events, and the holiday preparations!
I have done so many things in the very short time, and I could type about them all day long, but I really shouldn't because I have some cooking and wrapping to do today. :) I'm thinking about making this. :) So.. I just have to make each story short! :D

I mentioned on my last post that he was in the hospital...
My father is 63 years old and he still enjoys paragliding! He dodged other people flying at a competition and hit a huge rock on the mountain. He broke rib bones, hip bone and smashed a couple pieces of back bones. He had a surgery and got well super quickly, and my mother told me recently that he is flying again! *sigh*
His doctor told them that my dad has bone density of a man in his 20s!!!!!! Everybody is amazed how quickly he recovered.
I was so bad... I coudln't finish his lapghan. I needed one more skein to do that, and my local craft store never restocked the yarn in the same color! :( Also like I already said, he recovered too quickly for me to finish it too, and now I don't feel like finishing it because I know he is not planning on stopping to sit and relax or anything. He's already told me that his next goal is to sail Mississippi River with his 2 grandsons! I don't know any other 65 year-old man like my dad, seriously...

*****
My crochet students have made beautiful snowflakes, shawls, lapghans, dishclothes, etc. I really enjoy Monday mornings crocheting with them - although I had to cancel many lessons in November. :( I need to remember to take photos of their work to share them here.

I'm so ashamed of my 2006 album! There are only 10 photos there... But believe me, I actually made so many things! Here are just some of them. ;)
You can always see some of the things I made at Stitch Diva Studios, and... oh! I almost forgot, I made the Celebrity Look-Alike Shawl again for a friend just recently. I forgot to take a photo of it so I can't share it, but I just have to say, I LOVE this pattern. I always use TLC Amore for this shawl, and I love the softness and how light the shawl turns out to be with this yarn.

I sent a crocheted hat to Leisure Arts "Cap with a Conscience". Mine is on the gallery page along with other great crochet/knit hats. :)

I recently crocheted a sample garment for another fabulous designer - Robyn. She posted a sneak peak of it on her blog. ;)

I also made a hat & scarf set for a Japanese lady and just sent them. Of course, I forgot to take a completed photo once again, but I have a progress photo:

*Clickable*
The yarn used for this set is the beautiful Berroco Foliage in color "Palm Frond". I ended up just crocheting the scarf straight and put some good old fringes. I haven't heard from her yet so I don't know if she likes them, but I really hope she does...

I have one favor to ask all of you.
I just found out that my good friend's husband has pancreatic cancer. Please, PLEASE pray for them. My friend is one of the kindest and sweetest ladies I've ever known. She always supports me, makes sure my family and I are doing fine, and sends me her beautiful thread works on every special occasions. If I posted photos of my works, I would eventually have to put her name on my blog title instead of mine!

*****
I hope everyone will have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! I'll be back when the next year comes. :)

A snowflake I made last year, and
this stocking I quickly made today is from a Japanese book.

Another pumpkin and dahlia

2006-10-13T08:57:00.001-05:00

Dimensional Pumpkin Potholder is done! :)

I just love this one and my other crocheted pumpkins bring Fall/Halloween into my house. :)

Oh, and my another dahlia has bloomed! :) I just love the flower.

*****
My next ongoing project is a lapghan for my father. He is in a hospital in Japan... He will be ok though. :)
I'm using Caron's Simply Soft Shadows. It's really soft, comfortable to work with, and the colors are nice! I'll post a photo of the lapghan here when it's done!

Have a good weekend! :)

Pumpkins

2006-10-08T20:48:00.001-05:00

I've put out some fall/Halloween decorations today, and I just had to make these. :)

I changed # of stitches and rows on Marlo's Puffy Stuffed Pumpkin pattern to make those pumpkins because I used Bernat Softee Chunky which was not worsted weight yarn that the pattern calls for, and also I wanted to make smaller pumpkins. I used sticky-back felt for the face.
My son absolutely loves them, and that makes me so happy! :)
I'm thinking about making Dimensional Pumpkin Potholder next. I always have a crocheted potholder/dishcloth hanging in my kitchen, and seasonal one like this one would be fun, don't you think? :)

Oh, and that just reminded me of something... Did you all know about Lily's Dishcloth Contest?! I love Sugar'n Cream yarn, and I just have to enter this contest. Why don't you join too? :) I think it will be so much fun!

Snowflake hotpad & coaster

2006-10-02T18:30:00.000-05:00

Ok... I'll confess! :D I haven't finished up the different color variation of my bag! I have all the parts done, and I just need to join them... :P

Anyway, crochet snowflakes have been in my mind a lot lately instead of the bag. :D
My initial plan was to make our Christmas tree full of crochet snowflakes this year, but I'm not sure that is going to happen... I will probably make a couple more for myself, and some more for my ESL teacher at my local church.
I'm just super busy everyday with contracts, and I want to stay that way. ;)

One new thing I started recently and truly enjoy is teaching crochet. Some of my friends come to my house on Mondays to learn crochet, and I just love it! :) We have met 3 times already, and all of them have finished at least one snowflake. Today was our last meeting to talk about crochet snowflake, and I wanted a pattern that uses worsted weight yarn. So... I visited Crochet Pattern Central first as always and found Linda's Snowflake Potholder pattern. I just made 1 layer instead of 2 so mine doesn't function as a potholder, but it makes a nice hotpad, I think. :)

I'm sure if I just use #10 thread and follow the pattern + make the loop longer, it must make a pretty snowflake ornament that require only light spray-starching and ironing... but this time, I decided to make a coaster instead. :P All I did was adding an extra round with color B(blue in this case) and the simple ch-&-sc edging instead of sc edging.

All of my students liked them, and they all decided to make either the hotpad or the coaster :) Next time, I am going to teach them symbols and diagrams, and after that, they are going to start whatever crochet project they like either with yarn or thread.

*****
Lastly, I just have to share my pretty dahlia with you all. :)

Hope you all are having a good week!

My Lulu store and new button

2006-09-04T08:48:00.000-05:00

Oooh, I'm so excited. :D I have some new things on my sidebar!!!
First of all, I'd like to introduce my own Lulu store! I put a pattern set of my 2 Lil' Bags just in case some of you would like both, and since it's on Lulu, it can be downloaded instantly!
And! I still have my Etsy store where I plan to sell crocheted items in the near future. :) Right now I'm making my Brown Bag in different colors, and it will be on my next post. ;)

Thank you all who purchased my patterns. *hugs* You made me sooooo happy!!!

The other news is my new button! Please steal it! :D

I managed to make it by myself, and I'm proud of it. :) I used GIMP which it took me some time to get used to, but in the end it's all good!

*****
My son is doing alright at school... although in some mornings, he is not happy saying "I'll never get to play with you again!!! ;'("
Sometimes he brings home his teacher's messages that point out his too-much talking, but it makes me rather happy to know that he gets along with his classmates (I'm assuming that makes him talkative, and I hope I'm not wrong on this. lol). He used to be VERY shy when he was a baby... He didn't like strangers talking to him or even just looking at him at all... but now, when he sees people who seem friendly, he wants to go to them and say, "Hi, my name is xxx! I'm 5 years old!" with a big smile. lol Often times, I have to stop him. lol

Anyway, I'm adjusting myself pretty well with him going to school and having a lot more time for myself. I keep myself very busy everyday. :)

Goodies!

2006-06-16T10:19:00.000-05:00

Hi all!
First, I think I should let you know that there won't be an exciting news on this post about my design submissions... I so wish I could give you one though. :D
There were times when I got a little sad and discouraged, but I also had some things that helped me get back to be my positive self. :)

I have to show off my very first tomato I harvested!

I do my watering and caring for my tomato plants although I think they can pretty much grow themselves. :) I even speak to them to encourage them to have delicious tomatoes. :D I just know it helped, just look at my tomato! It's amazing. It tasted heavenly too. :)

And of course, I did some shopping as well! ;D
Here is my beautiful, long-awaited, yarn-winding pair!!!

After I wound up my first yarn cake, I thought, "Why in the world I waited this long to get them?!". :D The experience was so much like meditation... or even zen ("Visually rich, funny, intuitive, basic introduction to Zen. Produced by Kodai-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan."- Google Search)! Now I want hanks of yarn just to wind! LOL

Have a happy Father's Day weekend!!! :)

My crochet news and Tamagotchi

2006-05-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

I thought, it's really about time I made a new post and let my crochet friends know how I've been doing. :P I'm so sorry for being such a bad blogger.

I have been trying to design so hard... And the good news is, I got my first design accepted for publication!!! I'll be sure to let you all know when it's out. :) Honestly, I had lost hope before I heard back from them, but... some things really are worth waiting!
I did some more design submissions, and I'm waiting to know their results.
I really do want to be a professional in this field, and I know some bad news won't change my mind! This is my second time to set a big goal and work for it. I reached my first goal although I had to struggle for it so I know I will be able to reach my second goal as well someday if I keep doing what I have been doing! :)

I haven't had time to crochet using patterns, but Hubby asked me to crochet "All Dressed Up" baby booties again for his co-worker, and I really have to finish making them like... tonight, which I haven't even started! LOL Cross your fingers for me. :)

It's not crochet-related, but I thought maybe I can share my favorite toys because they are so cute! :D

All pink ones are mine, and other two are my son's. Two of them that have little beads are Japanese "Tamagotchi Plus" aka "Entama", and the rest are US Tamagotchi Connections. I've always liked Tamagotchi since their first debut in the market. I just love raising them to see their different stages of their lives! :D My son and I take our Tamagotchi wherever we go, and they are always by our sides. LOL Every time, Tamagotchi call us, we jump and rush to them to see what's wrong. LOL
Now all of our Japanese friends who live near us have Tamagotchi, and every time we meet, we start with doing the connection thingy with each other and always hear Tamagotchi calls from somebody's bags. LOL LOL
I can't wait for next version to be released already! :)

Doing fine and still crocheting

2006-03-27T10:09:00.000-06:00

Hi, all :)
I still crochet, and here is a proof. :D

Design and pattern by Kyoko Kobayashi
Pattern source: "Lace Ami Karei na Doily - Crochet Lace"
Publisher: Ondori-sha

I used #20 thread and size 1.5mm hook for this doily.

I don't work with thread as much as I used to anymore since my vision has gotten worse and my eyes are so dry, but that'll never stop me from crocheting. :D

*****
Actually, I have crocheted like a mad woman. :D
And really, I think I'm obsessed with this craft. LOL
I did some sample making, and you can see one of the things I crocheted here.
I was so excited to see it on a model! :)

*****
I'd like to thank all of you who sent me concern E-mails, cards, wonderful crochet gifts while I was away from posting on this blog.
Your kindness and generosity are so encouraging. I really can't thank you enough! *hugs*

Oh, and for some of you who asked if I am going to close this blog... The answer is no. :D
I promise, I'll post as soon as I have something I can share. :)

Ripple Afghan

2006-02-12T09:10:00.000-06:00

It feels great to have something to share with everyone and post again!!!
I missed doing this so much!

I have just finished a ripple afghan for my son, and it's the first project on my year 2006 album. :)
I would try to pick up little chances to work on it so it had progressed very slowly, but I'm glad it's finally done!
This afghan reduced my stash of RHSS nicely. :)

So how is everyone doing? :)

It seems that the fiber art world is having some exciting Olympics here and there, and I so wish I could participate!
I look forward to seeing participants' achievements. :)

Happy New Year!

2006-01-04T09:57:00.000-06:00

Above image says, "Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu" = Happy new year. :)

Following the Japanese tradition, I did lots and lots of cleaning in and outside of the house before the new year's day.

Then Hubby, my son, and I celebrated new year with delicious Japanese plum wine on the rock (Fruit juice for my son, of course!) and ozouni. :)

This year is the "dog year", and I am "toshi-onna"!

For this new year, I will keep doing my best in everything I do, and I will continue enjoying crocheting! :)

Oh, and I will try to read more to be able to write creatively in English, too (About time! LOL)! Yup, I really should. :D
I know my posts have been super boring to read, and my visitors have such broad heart( I am not even sure if this sentence means what I want it to. LOL I want to say "You all are so kind and forgiving" to read my posts). :)

Anyways, I'm wishing everyone's new year will be happy and healthy!

2005-12-19T00:09:00.000-06:00

Wishing everybody a great holiday season... :)
Love,

Chie

New layout & Sayonara to Haloscan

2005-12-14T04:08:00.000-06:00

I mentioned before that I upgraded my Haloscan account so that I would get e-mail notifications every time somebody leaves a comment here, but nope, it didn't happen. I have gotten notifications for just SOME comments and not all!
I didn't like that at all. :(((
So I set up Blogger comment tool.
I'm so sad that all of the kind comments I received in the past doesn't show anymore on my blog. :'( BUT! I saved them all, and guess what, I had 1025 comments!!!
I felt so warm inside... :) :D

I was all happy after I took care of those precious comments so I worked on the layout for a faster loading.
How do you think? :)
Well, it's 4:40AM now, I really should go to bed. I can hardly keep my eyes open anymore. :D

Cross bookmarks

2005-12-13T13:49:00.000-06:00

I made little gifts. :)

The Pattern from "3 Dozen & One Bookmarks"

Another "Coming Home" poncho

2005-12-05T14:22:00.000-06:00

+Size "Coming Home" poncho pattern
from Lion Brand website
I used plus size pattern this time, but I made the poncho shorter than the pattern suggests.
The yarn is Homespun "Prairie", and the color is described as "Mixed medium cool browns with a hint of green", but I also see colors like red, blue, and purple.
I probably should have picked a lighter color.....

*****

I upgraded my Haloscan account so that I'll get notified when I receive comments!
I'll try to reply to your comments individually via e-mails from now on. :)

Our tree & "Coming Home" poncho

2005-11-29T11:04:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. :)
We had a little family gethering at my SIL's house.
I baked a 4-layer pumpkin cake, which I got its recipe from kraftfoods.com.
If you love creamcheese and pumpkin, this cake is for you!
It was a hit, and women at the gethering begged for the recipe. :)

By the way.....

Do you remember my crochet snowflakes I made in August?
Well, they are on our tree now! :D

I just wish I made more snowflakes...
I'm pretty sure I'll be making more for years to come.
I just LOVE how they look, and my son never wants to leave the side of the tree. :D
The information about my crochet snowflakes can be found here and here.

Also...

In an evening after Thanksgiving, I made the famous "Coming Home" poncho. :)

Pattern from Lion Brand website.
I used Homespun in color "Sierra".
I'm not sure if I picked a right color for my younger sister, but this poncho is very WARM. My sis is always cold so I know she will wear it. :D

I'm now working on another one in different color.
It's going to go to my mom. :)

A very simple skateboarder beanie

2005-11-15T22:20:00.005-06:00

My hubby who skateboards had been asking me to make him a simple beanie.
He wanted "small stitches with thin yarn" for his beanie so I was thinking about knitting it with stockinette stitch and sportweight yarn... But I just didn't feel like knitting or using sportweight yarn so I just started crocheting it with single crochet stitches and rather thin worsted weight Caron's Simply Soft hoping that he would like it.

Result?

He didn't like it, he said he loved it and it was exactly like how he wanted it to be! :) He went to show the beanie to some of his skateboard buddies as soon as it was done, and that made me happy. :)

Anyways, I was relieved and thought maybe some of you may like to make one too. ;D
I used only chains and single crochet stitches.
I believe many of my visitors don't even need the pattern because it's really just basic hat pattern, and there may be similar one out there already, but in case some of you are beginner crocheters and you need some practice project...
Here is what I just sat and did one day to make the beanie. :D

*********************

Skateboarder's Beanie Revised on 3/4/07
~ This pattern is for personal, non-commercial use only ~

Finished Size
It should fit most adults. :)

Materials
* Worsted Weight yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft) - Color A (Main color) & B (Bottom edge).
* U.S. Crochet hook H8 / 5MM.

Gauge
With US H8 hook, 17 sc and 20 rows = 4"

Beanie
Note: Start from the top of the hat.
Rnd 1: With A, 8 sc in an adjustable ring, sl st in first sc, tighten the ring.
Rnd 2: Ch 1, 2 sc in each St, sl st in first sc. (16 sts)
Rnd 3: Ch 1, sc in same st, 2 sc in next st, * 1 sc in next st, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (24 sts)
Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same st and next st, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (32 sts)
Rnd 5: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (40 sts)
Rnd 6: Ch 1, sc around, join with sl st to first sc. (40 sts)

Repeat Rnd 6 on EVEN NUMBER ROUNDS until Rnd 16.

Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (48 sts)
Rnd 9: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (56 sts)
Rnd 11: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (64 sts)
Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 6 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (72 sts)
Rnd 15: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 7 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (80 sts)
Rnd 17: Ch 1, sc in same st and next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st, * sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st, repeat from * around, join with sl st to first sc. (88 sts)

Rnd 18 - 36: Repeat Rnd 6. Fasten off. (88 sts)

Rnd 37: Attach B, ch 1, sc in each st around, join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off. (88 sts)

Weave in ends.

*********************

*NOTES*
With this pattern, variations are endless using different color patterns, and you can make different sizes easily too.

--- If you are making SMALLER beanie, crochet fewer increase rows (odd number rows), then just crochet evenly until the beanie is deep enough for the person who is going to wear it.
--- To make a BIGGER beanie, skip 1 or 2 even number rows (just skip Row 6 OR Row 6 & 7) then follow the rest of the pattern.

Below is the 2nd beanie I made for my son, and it's a smaller version. I did 2 bright green stripes which he wanted. :) This one is deep enough to cover his ears.

Halloween

2005-11-01T06:11:00.000-06:00

Non-crochet related topic today...

We had a fun Halloween, and I just thought about sharing some pictures of it. (^^)
First, my son in his "Red Pikmin" costume! LOL

My son requested the costume, but I couldn't find one to buy so I had no choice but to make it myself. I made just some changes to bear costume pattern, then voila! LOL
It's nice for me that you can't see the little boo-boos. ;D
Oh, by the way, Pikmin is a character in one of his videogames. He looks like this.

... And our Jack O' Lanterns!

Hope you all had a happy Halloween, too! (^^)

FOs!

2005-10-03T20:21:00.000-05:00

First of all, THANK YOU so much for your prayers and well wishes!
I was sad and so worried for about 2 weeks after Katrina passed, but I'm fine now. Things are back to normal around here, and I am so glad.

It's been almost 2 months since the last post with my own crochet items.
Finally, I managed to finish a doily! :)

"Tulip"
Design and pattern by Kyoko Kobayashi
Pattern source: "Lace Ami Karei na Doily - Crochet Lace"
Publisher: Ondori-sha
Do you see tulips? I think they are lovely. :)
I used #30 thread for this doily.
I love Ms. Kyoko Kobayashi's doilies so much that I am planning to make some more.

...And I finished another one which is not Ms. Kobayashi's design, but it is one of my favorite patterns available online!

"Pineapple Doily"
from Coats & Clark website
I have been super busy, and I couldn't find much time for my favorite hobby since we moved at the end of July. New life in the new environment, new friends, new job, Katrina, and taking care of my 4 year-old have pretty much occupied my time.
Last two months just flew by.
This month is going to be busy as well because my son's fifth birthday is coming, and I have to sew his Halloween costume, but I do want to make some time to go to local craft stores to see the new yarn and patterns. :) I miss doing that.

Hope everyone is doing fine! I've got my first flu in this season already. :(

Made it through Katrina

2005-09-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU SO MUCH to those who sent me concern e-mails and kind messages. *hugs hugs* I really can't express with words how much you encourage me.

After hubby came back from work on Monday morning, it got darker outside very quickly, and soon we had pouring rain and gusty wind, and we were in tornado warning zone. It reminded me of the time when I was in Oklahoma, and a tornado hit... I think it was in 1998.

I was so scared all day long on Monday, and we lost power in the house that day, but it came back after about 5 hours.
Many houses and buildings still don't have power, and of course many traffic lights are still off, and it was dangerous driving about 2 days ago. Now it's so quiet here. It feels like no one is doing anthing. No gas at gas stations (but long queue of cars waiting and people even wait through nights), and no ice at stores.

I was feeling OK until Hubby came back from work with almost no gas in our car this morning. Now I'm so worried. I so wish we had a bicycle.
We have trash out today, but I doubt that the city will come and pick it up. I'm just so worried...

Nothing seems to be functioning now. I just hope and pray everything will be closer to normal soon.

I know Katrina caused terrible damage and tragedy, and my worries I have now is nothing compared to what many other people are going through or have been through, but I just have to let my friends know how I have been...

Swap doily received!

2005-08-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

My Crochetville Doily Swap partner, Denise, sent me this BEAUTIFUL doily!!!

This doily has so much details, and the color is just so pretty!!!
I LOVE pineapple doilies, but I'm never good at pineapples so I'm very happy to be the owner of this one!!!

It is going to be a doily for my antique teapot-shaped music box.
I already had one of my own doilies for it, but this one is much, much better! I've already removed mine and put this doily instead. :D

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Denise!!! You made my day! (^^)

I've been tagged!

2005-08-13T21:18:00.000-05:00

I've been first tagged by Julie, then oslofia!

id•i•o•syn•cra•sy - a structural or behavioral characteristic peculiar to an individual or group. Write down 5 of your own idiosyncrasies, then if you wish, tag 5 people.

I'm sorry, I took so much time to finish up this post. (^^;)
This one was so hard!!! I couldn't think of anything at first, and my hubby says I have no such characteristics although I think he just didn't want to help me with this. :D

OK, here I go...

I have to have a spoon in my coffee mug, and almost every time before I take a sip, I have to stir my coffee.

When I'm tired, I answer phone calls in Japanese unintentionally.

When I need to rest, I crochet.

... So I have only 3 for now. (^^;
I hated to just wait to post till I have all 5. I will add more when I think of something else, OK. (^^)

Now I'm curious about myself. :D I gotta have more than 3! LOL

More snowflakes

2005-08-11T13:48:00.000-05:00

I finished blocking the rest of my snowflakes. (^_^)
Only thing though is that I had only 4 left... I counted the one that I made a mistake on earlier. (-_-;)

Anyways, here they are!

So I'm officially finished with all of the snowflakes for Snowflakes in July Along! I'm sure I'll make more though by Christmas!

*****
I recently received some wonderful Japanese crochet books!

I am definitely making things from these books in the near future! ;D

My first snowflakes

2005-08-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

I blocked some of my snowflakes finally. (^^*)

I didn't enjoy blocking them as much as crocheting them, but I love the completed snowflakes! ...Well, they are not exactly completed though because I am going to use acrylic spray to protect them from heat and humidity as the book suggests. I'm hoping that it will help stiffen them a bit more too.

I still have 5 more waiting to be blocked. I couldn't block them all at once because I use my ironing board which gives limited space (The biggest one is as big as my hand!), and I don't have many pins! I was surprised to know so many pins are required to block snowflakes.

Patterns are from:

Leisure Arts "Lacy Snowflakes"
Designs by Brenda S. Greer
I was RAOKed (Random Acts of Kindness) this book by a wonderful, talented crochet fairy some months ago. This book has 35 beautiful snowflake patterns, and I only made 14. I'm planning on making all 35 of them and the ones on the other book she also sent me too! (*^^*)

Swap doilies sent!

2005-08-02T09:54:00.000-05:00

My Crochetville Doily Swap partner, Mary, has received the doilies I sent her. (^^)

I made both before too, and they are my favorite ones!
I got both patterns from popular crochet web sites.
The smaller one is "Tea Time Doily", but the site doesn't seem available right now. (>_<) The same thing happened before so I am hoping that it will come back soon again.
The bigger doily is "TRISH" from the famous Panda Crochet!.

I'm so happy that Mary liked the doilies, and I so enjoyed crocheting these for her! (*^_^*)

I'm back!

2005-08-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

Hi! (*^_^*) I bet you all thought I'd never return. LOL
Just a short post to let you know that I'm alright. :)

I moved to our new place on July 23rd, and I didn't have Internet connection until this morning! :((( It was so frustrating not being able to e-mail nor read my favorite blogs!

Last week I managed to make 14 snowflakes, and they are waiting to be blocked. As soon as they are ready, I will post a picture or two here later this week.

I have so much catch-up to do now! (^_-)*

All ready for snowflakes

2005-07-16T19:24:00.000-05:00

First of all, thank you so much to all who left kind comments! (*^_^*) *Hugs* to you!
Your comments always brighten my days and keep me going.
Please forgive me for not being able to e-mail each one of you to thank you...

*****

I am now patiently awaiting for the week of 25th... to make nothing but... SNOWFLAKES!!!

I want to decorate our Christmas tree with hand-made snowflakes this year, but I haven't started making them yet.... So this is just a perfect crochetalong!
If you think you are not interested in crocheted snowflakes, I'm sure Julie's snowflakes will change your mind! (^^)

My first shawl is done!

2005-07-06T19:02:00.000-05:00

"Celebrity Look-Alike Shawl"
at Stitch Diva Studios
Designed by Jennifer Hansen
Yarn: TLC Amore, color-Celery

I finished my very first shawl!
TLC Amore is not the yarn the pattern calls for, but I still like the result. (^^) I can't wait for the fall to come! It was such a fun and simple pattern.
I also learned to love TLC Amore yarn. It's so soft and light, I think it's perfect for making a shawl.

.... Yes, the person in the picture is me. (=^^=)
I never thought I'd put a post with my own picture, but... here I am, saying hi to the world! (^^)v

Complete baby set

2005-06-26T18:09:00.001-05:00

Here is the last addition to the baby set. (*^_^*)

Pattern is from DMC USA.

I used #10 Cebelia to crochet this and buttons for eyes and nose. This bear is half-double crocheted throughout.

The hardest part was to make its face like I wanted. It was like 5 millimeter(1/5 inch) more/less between each eyes makes a whole lot of difference! I spent lots of time trying to decide how far apart each eyes and also ears should be before I sewed them on. I like the result very much. (^^)

Complete baby set
I'm all ready for my niece's baby who is scheduled to be born at the end of August. LOL

Next, I'm going to start on a doily for my Crochetville doily swap partner. (^^)

One more

2005-06-19T17:58:00.000-05:00

I've spent the weekend making the "Rose Center Doily" again. (*^_^*)

I am sending this to a Japanese lady who inspired me to thread crochet while I was recovering from all the leukemia treatments and transplantation in 2003. If it wasn't for her, I probably didn't crochet with thread at all.
She gave me lots of encouragement while at the hospital even though she herself was fighting lymphoma.
She is well now, and recently she started her new job. (^_^)

I hope she will like this doily...

Crochetville Doily Swap

2005-06-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

This one... I MUST join. LOL

at Crochetville

Sign-up ends on 25th!

"Between-Meal Centerpiece"

2005-06-15T12:16:00.000-05:00

I must say, this is my most favorite project so far!

I had been saying this one was a doily, but it's actually is a table centerpiece. :P You can tell I'm obsessed with doily making, can't you? LOL
Well... The pattern is at FreePatterns.com. The thread is #10. The size was supposed to be 30" in diameter, but mine ended up to be 32".

Such a great project! I must say, I LOVE this one. I can look at it all day long. I MUST find a round-top table for this centerpiece! (^_^)

*****
I was gonna start on a gift for a baby again, but I'm now thinking... doily. Hehe.
I haven't decided which pattern yet.

Updates

2005-06-13T09:47:00.000-05:00

I'm still crocheting. (^o^) Everyday, little at a time.

I'm still working on the doily I posted about on May 19th.
I have only 3 rows left, but since this doily is supposed to be 30 inches in diameter when finished, each row now is so long that by the time I finish 1 row, I feel like I had way enough repetition of same stitch. (>_<)

I LOVE the way it looks though. (^^)
We have been looking for a house to buy, and I can't wait to decorate our new home with this doily.

I have one more project to complete the baby set I've been working on.
What is it? I'm going to keep it a secret until I finish the doily. Hehe.
As soon as the doily is done, I will start working on it and post a progress picture here.

It's cloudy here today.
I love crocheting at home on rainy/cloudy days.
Sunny days make me feel that I should get out of the house and do something else.

Shrug

2005-05-25T15:29:00.001-05:00

Yay, it's done!!!
In order to make this shrug, I used size 3 thread and this schematics. There are a couple of changes I made on mine, and they are:

Instead of starting from the side, I crocheted UP from the bottom.

For the ruffle, I did NOT increase the number of chains between each shells.

For the main body, I used V-stitch.

Although I love how it came out, I decided this shrug is more like my sister than me. (^^)

Baby Bib

2005-05-19T07:47:00.001-05:00

Here is my latest baby project!

Pattern on Lily web site

*****

I am now working on the shrug I mentioned before and also a doily, plus I'm getting ready to start on another baby project that will complete the baby set! (*^_^*)

I'm using #3 thread and V-stitch for this shrug.

This is going to be 30" in diameter, and it's only about half done.
#10 thread is used.

Booties

2005-05-13T07:39:00.001-05:00

"All Dressed Up" on Leisure Arts "Booties by the Dozen"

These are for 0 - 3 months old babies and made with size 10 crochet thread. Aren't they just the cutiest thing? (^^) This pattern was rather complicated to me. When I thought they were done, I noticed a mistake and frogged some on one of them, then I figured the other was the one with mistake. So I re-finished the frogged one, ripped the other one and finished it! I never had so much trouble with any other crochet projects. LOL I also had to pay close attention to the pattern as I was making these. I was in big time "Don't talk to me, I'm counting! Or else!" mood. LOL

*****

One of the reason why I don't like hot weather is because of clothes. I don't like short-sleeved T-shirts, and I never wear tanktops without some clothes that covers at least upper 1/3 of my arms, and I never wear shorts either. I really, really need to lose some weight. At least..... 20lbs!
So... I started on my own shrug (Please no comment that I should get up and excersizing rather than sitting to crochet! :D) using this schematics, but instead of starting from the side, I am crocheting UP from the bottom. I'm using size 3 crochet thread and V-stitch. This one is rather relaxing to make compared to the baby booties. (^^)

You all have a nice weekend!

Joined new "along"

2005-05-12T12:43:00.000-05:00

I've joined a knit/crochet along that Emy hosts. (*^^*)

My niece-in-law is having a baby girl in August. I am preparing a set of baby stuff for her. Actually, I have finished two small projects while I was waiting for Emy's approval e-mail! Hehe. I am going to post pictures soon here. I just hope my niece-in-law is not reading this blog before babyshower. LOL

Anyways, I'm excited because this is my first time to make baby things, and I'm loving it!

*****
Yesterday, for the first time in years, I WROTE a letter.
I remember when I was a teenager, I used to LOVE writing letters, and I always had some penpals. E-mailing has been my main medium to keep in touch with people for so long now that I guess I had forgotten how fun writing letters is!
As I was writing, it was shocking to find how poor my handwriting became. LOL But I got over it quickly, and I just wrote and wrote enjoying the warmth of paper.
I only had the most plain kind of papers and envelope so when I went to the local WM later yesterday, I bought some pretty flowerly stickers and put some on the envelope before I mailed it out.

The whole process of preparing a letter was so fresh again to me, and I enjoyed it so much. I just had to write about this experience... (^^)

Wrist bags

2005-05-07T08:15:00.001-05:00

Here is my most recent project. (^_^)

This is Andrea's original pattern she posted at Crochetville. Such a wonderful pattern! Crochetville is full of talented crocheters. If you crochet, and you haven't registered for Crochetville membership yet, you really should!

I used Peaches & Creme cotton yarn I bought at the WM. I am pleased with the result, but I wish local stores carry more colors. I get discouraged sometimes to find that only way for me to get some of the yarn/thread I want is to order online. Anyways, I am going to Jackson today, and I'll go check on Michaels there. I hope they have nice cotton yarn so that I can make more wrist bags in different colors! (*^^*) Maybe some thread too. Hehe.

*****

One last thing...

Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

"Night Owls"

2005-04-24T12:25:00.001-05:00

Hmm... I promised a progress picture of the filet last time... Sorry I couldn't keep the promise. (>_<) But what about..... finished picture!!! Click on the picture below to see the larger one.

The pattern is from Magic Crochet- June 1989. P38-39.
I said on my last post that it's wallhanging, but I think I'll put it on the little window we have just like the picture in the magazine. (^_^) Years ago, I tried size 40 thread, and I gave up. This time, the thread and all those treble stitches didn't hurt at all, but I need to work on steady tention of stitches.

This is the only project I have been working on, and I have no WIPs. I still can't decide what to work on next, but I think I am going to use thread mainly until the end of summer.

"Pansy Doily"

2005-03-29T12:28:00.001-06:00

THANK YOU all who left me kind comments and concern e-mails!

I re-realized that so many nice people visit here looking to see my new post. I am so blessed!
So... I picked up a hook and thread again. (^-^) This is for you my friends! Hope you like it.

Pattern(pdf) from Freepatterns.com

*****

I started to feel "almost" like myself again. (^_^)
And guess what, I am crocheting next thread project! It is filet wall-hanging with owls on it! In Japan, they say owl things bring you good luck. So I thought.. "Hmm... that's exactly what I need!" The pattern is from an old Magic Crochet magazine, and I am going to make many, MANY treble crochet stitches with #40 thread. So... I think it will take some time to finish, but I am going to do it!
In-progress picture next time... (^_-)-*

2005-03-25T06:52:00.000-06:00

HAPPY EASTER !!!

Hope you all have a good one. (^^)

Sorry I haven't been here for a while. I just don't feel much like crocheting or touching my computer lately. I promise I will be back soon!

Finally... FOs

2005-03-08T10:51:00.001-06:00

Tea Time Doily

Chapstick Keychain
I used size 10 thread for both of them and added the frill to the capstick holder.

I had to... again (^^;)

2005-03-07T15:16:00.000-06:00

Well... I had to change my e-mail address again... I couldn't help it. (^^;
I promise I am not going to tell you the same thing again tomorrow... or the day after tomorrow! :D
I just edited my post about change of e-mail address I put here yesterday.
Thank you so much for your patience and understanding! (=^_^=)

New blog name!

2005-03-06T13:37:00.000-06:00

"Chie Crochets" it is. (*^^*)
Thank you so much for your inputs! You all are so sweet. (^^)
Also, I got a new button, thanks again to wonderful Donna aka Yarn Tomato!

I hate to ask this... because I know so many of you have put a link to this blog, but.... Please update your link with this new blog name and/or this new button. (*^_^*)

I am not "moving" my blog so the URL stays the same.

OK, now I omitted the "knitting" part... but basically, I'll do what I've been doing... means I might still knit too sometimes. Hehe.

Oh Oh... and I just have to mention again. LOL I had my e-mail address changed too. Check out the post below. (^_-)*