[Crochet] Jumper for Labubu

With the recent craze of Labubu, since my daughter is also a huge fan, I have decided to crochet some wearables for the doll. I have found some YouTube videos by Pikky DIY which was resourceful and filled with many easy-to-understand patterns to crochet Labubu's clothes. I have started with this cute jumper!

I have used Bernat Satin multi-coloured worsted weight yarn that I have been keeping for ages and it turned out looking so adorable!

[Crochet] Beanies

I have been busy lately more with my crafts than my reading. I have also been joining more crafts gathering for both cross-stitching and sewing. I have received requests to teach basic crochet too. Hence, my free time is filled with endless crafting and not much time reading! 

For my recent crochet class, I have been busy searching for an easy to crochet beanie for beginners. I have found such patterns by Diane Serviss of Pixiebell and made a few for the class as samples.

First one is a 30 Minute Basic Beanie:

Ravelry: 30 Minute Basic Beanie pattern by Diane Serviss

I've used two 7-ply cotton yarns to match the bulky size with 9mm crochet hook for this pattern.

Second one is this Worsted Weight Basic Beanie:

Ravelry: Worsted Weight Basic Beanie pattern by Diane Serviss

I've used Chenille 4mm yarn with 5.5mm crochet hook for this pattern.

[Crochet] Card holder

Another nudge from my student, an easy and small crochet project, a small coin purse / card holder. Pattern by Linna-ne on Youtube. I've used:

• mixed wool yarn from Spotlight
• random button from my stash 

[Crochet] Scrunchies

I've recently crocheted these scrunchies / hair ties! I've bought the rubber bands for a long time and finally got the nudge from a student to do it! This is an easy pattern by @loopytales456 on Instagram.

I've used:

• acrylic yarns
• rubber band from Mr. DIY

[Crochet] Amigurumi Kuromi

Finally, I make way to crochet this adorable Kuromi from Mei Li Lee's Hello Kitty Crochet book which I've bought long ago! She now has a second book out and I've just crochet from the first book LOL!

I am happy with the outcome except for the black colour parts. I didn't anticipate the yarn to be a little thicker hence the hood and all are a little bigger than expected. Other than that, thankfully it turned out ok. What I've used:

1. cotton yarns
2. small bells
3. felt
4. cotton filling

[Crochet] Amigurumi Graduation Doll

Finally, my son is graduating from university, so I excitedly crochet this doll at the last minute, which is why it isn't as perfect but meaningful to say the least. I've also added his nick name on the chest and the mortar board was from the florist together with the bouquet.

Pattern is from www.daisyandstorm.com

What I've used:

• 100% acrylic yarns in black, beige, green and skin colour
• safety eyes
• fibre foam filling

[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