[Crochet] Gingerbread man

I have been on a long hiatus from my handmade crafts! Finally, I had a little crafting mojo back and started crocheting this adorable gingerbread man!!! Pattern by Marizza Toys.

What I have used:

• Yarns from Daiso
• Buttons from own collection
• Safety eyes
• Foam beads filling.

I have gifted this to one of my students. I hope she likes it and take this as a motivation to learn crochet better :-)

Crochet Class @ Fabric Fanatics

Before the Covid-19 pandemic started, I have occasional crochet classes for beginners, normally at cafes. And then lockdown came along so no teaching activity for the past 2 years or so. After a long hiatus, I have finally started my first crochet class this year! It was a coincidence as I was at the right place at the right time and I just went with the flow, not hoping for much since I do have my day job and this is just my back-up plan for when I retire. After a few chats, I had my first crochet class at Fabric Fanatics, Summit Mall.

Thank you, Ashley, for having faith in me and given me this opportunity. I sure hope your Pokeball turned out good.

If you want a refresher class, we can have it at a mutually agreed cafe :-)

Thank you, Edel, for having me guide you through your WIP. I sure hope you managed to finish your shawl and booties :-)

If you are interested to learn crochet or you require a refresher class, please send me an email to discuss. My fee starts from RM100 for a 4 hours session.

[Punch needle] Unicorn

Finally I had the chance to finish this punch needle project! I've bought this punch needle kit from a Facebook seller online last year! I was excited to get my hands on this new project as it looks fun and straightforward! Unfortunately it does take some time to get use to it especially the strength and consistency of the punching. I liked that I can easily frog it and redo without worry! Also the freedom to create or design a pattern easily is a bonus though we have to be extra creative LOL! It's similar to needle embroidery but with a different type of tools. Looking forward to more needle punching in the near future!

Before, punching punching!

After, the finished product!

[Crochet] Ice Bear

I had totally forgotten this project which I have completed end of last year for Princess' birthday present!!! Of the 3 We Bare Bears characters, she likes Ice Bear best so I've crochet this based on the pattern from Beary_ Bearnita on Instagram. I liked her patterns which are always easy and straightforward, the outcome would be the same as character itself.

In the making...

The end product!

[Sew] 3D Fabric Face Mask

I've finally embarked on this pattern which I've discovered from the world wide web; from See Kate Sew to Sweet Red Poppy to Sotak Handmade and many more. After watching numerous YouTube videos of all the talented sewists sharing how to sew a 3D face mask using their own respective design or template, I've finally decided on combining a few to simplify and better fit us :-)

1. The second time, after input from family, it turns out quite snug and small
2. The first time which turned out big and loose fitting
3. Lastly, after getting a friend's input, it has turned out exactly what I would have liked!

Apologies for the inconsistent numbering as I didn't realized the arrangement was the other way around for the right hand side ones. Anyway, this pattern is by far the easiest to sew compared to the cup and medical type face masks! 

What I've used:

• 100% cotton fabric
• silicon bead stopper
• elastic band
• nose wire

[Crochet] Spring Celebration CAL

This is definitely a way overdue post.

I have joined a Spring Celebration Crochet Along on Instagram in March-April and it was a mistake as I didn't have much time to actually do to complete it all. TBH, I should have thought it out before joining it. I've only managed to make 2 out of 11 designs! If only I have more time to do at least half of it but I couldn't... sad but true...

It was a stringent CAL with a tight timeline where those interested would have to follow the specially created Instagram account which would be closed to public when the registration ends. Then over a period of time, each design will have half of it's pattern published. Once we have finished that first half as required, we will have to Insta-story it so that the respective designers will add us into another special Instagram account which is private where the remaining half is published. If we missed the boat then we will have to buy the pattern in order to finish it if we want. Tedious right? Well, it can't be helped as to protect the respective designer's wellbeing. 

Anyway, it was a joy to complete this 2 designs. It was not as complicated but I just needed more time (I can only crochet at night about 2 to 3 hours). Thank you so much to the organizer and designers for this awesome platform! Here are my finished dolls...

Neo the Elephant by Alison @kornflakestew.co.uk

Immy the Lamb by Lucia Forthmann Crochet

[Cross-stitch] Patterns from MiRu Makes

Over the past 2 weeks, I've been busy stitching 2 cross-stitch patterns! Both from MiRu Makes, one I've purchased for Mother's Day and the other one is a free pattern which I've decided to stitch for sis' birthday. 

It was a seamless contactless purchase, everything online via email and WhatsApp except for the free pattern which was available on their Instagram. I've enjoyed stitching from their fuss-free pattern which was so easy to understand! Not only that, it is small hence less stressful to stitch too.

Unfortunately, I've finished stitching and hooped this Mother's Day piece when MCO 3.0 has started so I could not gift it to mom for Mother's Day! So it will have to wait until the lockdown has been lifted. 

As for the free pattern, it's a Bubble Tea piece which is suitable for sis since she's a bubble tea fanatic! It will have to be a belated gift too since traveling is still not allowed due to the pandemic. Thankfully as I have not decided to hoop or frame it as yet...

MiRu Makes is founded by a couple of cool moms who designed all the lovely patterns which are mostly based on Malaysian heritage. This is a shout out for them in my effort to support local arts and crafts. For more details or other patterns, you can check out their Facebook page and purchase directly from them as per link below:

MiRu Makes - Home | Facebook

If you like to browse and feel, Fabric Fanatics at Summit USJ Mall do carry their kits in store.

Cross-stitch: Home Sweet Home

Just showcasing my latest cross-stitch project, it's all about alphabets with blooming flowers! The pattern is from this book, Cross-Stitch Flowers.

I've been meaning to do this for a long time and finally, I've completed it, a tick on my to-do list! It sure needs a bath before sending it out for framing :-) And now, I'm gonna cross-stitched my kid's names to be labelled on their bedroom doors.

Sew: A simple tote bag

I have sewn this tote bag full of cats for Princess as her birthday present! It's a simple design which I've seen on Whitney Sews' YouTube Channel and it was easily done in 3 hours max! I didn't keep tab of the time but I've just done it in one night while hubs was watching MotoGP so it's an assumption. I sure hope Princess likes it especially it is filled with cats, cats, cats! Yeap, she loves cats LOL!

What I've used:

• water proof material for the outside
• poly-cotton material for the lining
• bag handle bought from Daiso

Happy birthday Princess! May all your catty wishes come true!!! Study hard please!!!

[Sew] Booksleeves

Finally indulged in sewing booksleeves for myself! It was quite easy although I did cut the material wrongly at first but it turned out quite well in the end! Thankfully as the material I have was quite limited! I've sewn 2 types i.e. 1 opened from the top and the other opened sideways. Looking at it, I do require lots of practice! I've even forgotten some of the sewing tips taught by my teacher the last time, especially on how to bring out the corners/edges sharp and smooth. Anyway, here's to more sewing practice! Hopefully I can perfect it and sew more for sale under my blogshop!

What I've used:

• Waterproof material for the outside
• Poly-cotton material for the inside
• Fusible batting
• Ribbons
• Elastic band and button

Opened from the top

Opened from the side

[Sew] All purpose pouch

The material was chosen by Princess a long time ago and I have procrastinated until recently LOL! So finally sewn this all purpose pouch for her to use during school or tuition! Nothing fancy, just a simple pouch with zipper.

What I've used:

• Cotton linen material for the outside
• Poly-cotton material for the inside
• Fusible batting
• Zipper

[Sew] Fabric face masks

After testing out 2 face mask's templates with feedback received from my family, I have finally gotten my own design right and I am very happy with the outcome. As we preferred the full face mask type ala surgical ones, I've sewn this design with relish and the outcome is positively good! I am glad that it turned out fine and hope to sew more for the family and maybe for sale too :-)

It's 2 ply with an insert for filter. What I have used and where I have bought:

• Cotton fabric - I have bought cotton fabric from various shops such as Fabric Fanatics, Maker's Habitat and Spotlight
• Elastic bands - I have bought it from Fabric Fanatics and Maker's Habitat
• Stoppers for elastic bands - I have bought this from Fabric Fanatics
• Filter used is medium-weight interfacing - I have bought this from Maker's Habitat

[Crochet] Cat Bookmark

I was recently asked to explore cat bookmarks and found this super cute pattern from Supergurumi! I managed to recreate the pattern based on the picture and the rat bookmark pattern I had. All the guessing and frogging has paid off as it did turned out fine albeit not as near perfect as the original LOL! Oh well, it was fun and at the same time challenging trying to get it right!

What I've used:

• 100% acrylic yarns
• styrofoam pellets

Frontal view

Back view

A wishful thought: crochet more cute animal related bookmarks! However, due to my frozen shoulder, crochet has to take a back seat for a very long time :-(

The New Normal

In this new normal, face masks and hand sanitizers are essential items to have around, just like carrying our wallets and mobile phones never to leave home without it. However, frequent use of face masks and hand sanitizers do have impact to the environment and also side effect to our health.

Currently we can see many discarded face masks everywhere but the dustbin. As it is already not recycle friendly, it also pose as environment and health hazard. Hence this is why I prefer to use fabric face masks as it is more environmental friendly since it is washable. As it has not been proven by WHO the effectiveness of fabric face masks, there are still debates on whether a 2 ply or a 3 ply fabric face mask is effective in filtering COVID-19. As what the health minister says, wearing a fabric face mask helps to prevent and filter better than not wearing any at all. 

So I have sewn some fabric face masks for the family. Initially sewn 2 ply ones using pattern template from Crafts Passion as below:

Somehow it wasn't as comfortable and found another pattern from Maker's Habitat which happens to be 3 ply as below:

Wearing a fabric face mask sure feels like a fashion statement now LOL! We can mix and match with our clothes though I don't do that lah as it's a waste of good cotton fabric. However it does feel good saving the environment :-)

If I could, I would prioritize washing my hands instead of using hand sanitizers due to it's alcohol content. I have eczema so it does 'hurt' my skin a lot! As such I do lopped on lots of lotion before I go to sleep in order to moisturize my poor skin LOL! Anyway, as hand sanitizer is part of the new normal plus we have to use it especially during our commute or travelling where there are no access to toilets, I would think it is more cost effective to buy it in a big bottle and pour it into small containers with pump which is definitely more feasible and worthy lah. It can lasts for months and can be kept in a cool dry room. 

If you are interested, you can check out my Nook for more details: 

http://nycnatnook.wordpress.com

Sew: Face Masks

I have been diligently sewing of late. Somehow wasn't in the mood for cross-stitch nor crochet. I've been sewing face masks for the family since it is the new normal to wear a face mask whenever we are out. So a reusable face mask is the best choice for the environment hence I've been sewing fabric face masks. What I've used:

• 100% cotton fabric
• elastic band

I have been sewing based on the first pattern where I've gotten the template from Crafts Passion. And then I discovered a tutorial from Maker's Habitat which I have preferred so gonna make more based on the second one! So excited and looking forward to more weekends of sewing!

American cotton fabric which I've bought aeons ago!

Cotton fabric from Fabric Fanatics

Cotton fabric from Fabric Fanatics

Cotton fabric I've bought from aeons ago!

Cotton fabric from Maker's Habitat

I just loved these bees from Fabric Fanatics!

My haul from Maker's Habitat

My haul from Fabric Fanatics

RMCO: Back to office

Finally, my 'work from home' era has ended and I'm back to office this week. It was a harrowing thought at first having to travel to work via public transport but thankfully, it has been a pleasant experience thus far. 

In this 'new normal', scanning of QR code or writing in the log book where ever we go to plus wearing our face mask is becoming the norm. Face mask has in fact evolved as one of our daily essential to bring along! I've decided to sew my own face mask for a more environment friendly use. Thankfully I have some 100% cotton fabrics so sewing a few to test it out. The only problem I encountered now is the elastic band as it's not feasible for long use and it hurts my ear. So I'm looking for other ways to make it less painful to wear :-)

Face mask pattern is from www.craftpassion.com

Cross-stitch for greeting card

I've recently made this one which is a cable car but I have left the outline out since I'm using it with a greeting card template. A simple yet fast to do cross-stitch that I've enjoyed making. The only downside, I've misjudged the sides and cut the cloth first before stitching. That is why the outcome is so near the edge LOL! Anyway, this design is suited for guys i.e. Father's Day is just around the corner :-)

Crochet: Chevron Hanging Planter

I've been wanting to crochet a holder for my small potted plants for indoor. Finally found this Chevron Hanging Planter pattern by https://www.hellohappy.net/ which was simple and easy to make. However I do not have bulky yarns so managed to make a mini one with my acrylic yarn.

What I've used:

• 100% acrylic yarn
• some crystals
• a mini glass
• an indoor plant

Looks like I need to look for bulky yarns to make more for bigger pots :-)

Cross-stitch for greeting cards

I was so excited to do this but then both my arms, shoulder and neck were aching badly whenever I started crafting. It was as though both my arms were falling off anytime so I had to slow down on my crafting be it cross-stitch or crochet. Probably too much time on laptop...

Anyway, by the time I finished this, it was already Mother's Day weekend. Luckily the greeting cards I had were blank so it can still be used for other festivities like Teacher's Day or Birthday or Valentine's Day or etc. So here are 4 that I've managed to make thus far; pattern from books that I have at home:

Crochet: Baby Hat

I've recently crochet this cute baby hat and I've enjoyed it a lot as the pattern was really simple. I was able to finish it within a day! I've gotten this pattern from www.sewrella.com

What I've used:

• Milk cotton yarn