Crochet: Amigurumi: Mini Toadstool

After Micro Tulipa is completed, I rack my brains trying to find a place for him. Then I realise the answer is staring me right in the face. I have this toadstool eraser dust sucker on my working table all this while. With the toadstool house idea in place, I go about trying to crochet one. After countless attempts which see me (behind the scenes) crocheting and unravelling, crocheting and unravelling, writing and rewriting the patterns, this cute mini toadstool is finally ready to take in Micro Tulipa. It is completed yesterday.

I am happy that Micro Tulipa has now found a home sweet home in Mini Toadstool.

See below for Mini Toadstool Free Pattern

Crochet: Amigurumi: Micro Tulipa

After Mini Sleepyhead (around 3 inches) is completed, I want to try my hand at crocheting an even smaller amigurumi. And that is how Micro Tulipa (around 2 inches) comes about. I feel that it is not very well crochet as I have difficulty seeing the stitches. It is so small! But still, I am glad that I have tried. Well, who knows? I may try it again in future.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Sleepyhead and Friends

These two amigurumi are completed a couple of days ago on 25 November 2020. I actually started on them way before I crochet Mini Sleepyhead, but as they are full-sized Sleepyheads, I take a longer time to work on them. For the eyes, I try something different and I think the end result is really good.

In case you have missed the post on my first Sleepyhead, this website is where I follow the free pattern to crochet all my Sleepyheads.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Mini Sleepyhead

This Amigurumi is completed on 19 November 2020.

Earlier in the month, I crochet the full-sized Sleepyhead by following the free pattern from this website.

After the full-sized Sleepyhead is completed, I yearn to crochet my very own Mini Sleepyhead. So, I made some changes to the original crochet pattern, and... Voila! Mini Sleepyhead is born (around 3 inches).

See below for Mini Sleepyhead Free Pattern

Crochet: Amigurumi: Tiny Rabbit

This amigurumi is completed on 14 November 2020.

I crochet Tiny Rabbit by following the free pattern from this website.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Sleepyhead

This amigurumi is also one of my earlier projects, completed on 12 November 2020.

I crochet Sleepyhead by following the free pattern from this website.

Crochet: Bag: Rainbow Bag

This bag is one of my earlier projects, completed on 6 November 2020.

Crochet: Bag: Colourful Bag (small)

br /> br /> This bag is one of my earlier projects, completed on 17 October 2020.

This bag is actually a remake of the earlier colourful bag completed on 13 October 2020. Due to some reasons, I have no choice but to unravel the entire bag and redesign it.

Crochet: Bag: Colourful Bag

As I mentioned in my previous post, I have decided to put up all my completed crochet projects to date. As much as it serves the purpose of tracking and recording my various projects, it is also my pleasure to share them here.

This bag is one of my earlier projects, completed on 13 October 2020.

Crochet: Blanket: Colourful Blankie

After some consideration, I have decided to put up all my completed crochet projects to date. As much as it serves the purpose of tracking and recording my various projects, it is also my pleasure to share them here.

This blankie is one of my earlier projects, completed on 7 October 2020.

Review: Crochet to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 18 Simple Crochet Patterns by Interweave Editors

5 stars for Crochet to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 18 Simple Crochet Patterns by Interweave Editors.

When I started my book review blog years ago, I will never have imagined myself reviewing a book related to crafts, especially one such as crocheting. Book reviews on fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller, literary fiction, paranormal romance, science fiction, urban fantasy and even children's fiction? A resounding YES! But crochet? No, sorry to say, it has never crossed my mind that one day, I will read up on Crafts & Hobbies. It all started off with my reading of Esperanza Rising. Then one thing leads to another. And before I know it, well, here I am.

Crochet to Calm is a fun, easy to read book. There are inspiring pictures, interesting patterns and clear instructions on how to go about with the projects.

The crochet patterns in this book come in the two main types: the written one where the rows and rounds required to complete the project are given in word form, and charts which require the reader to follow a schematic drawing. Some patterns in this book, in fact, provide both these options, which works perfectly for me, because it makes working on the project so much easier as it is less open to misinterpretation since I can better understand the abbreviations and terminology when looking at symbols.

I have since completed the honeycomb blanket as well as the market tote bag, and sharing pictures of my progress and completed projects below. I am looking forward to crochet more of the patterns in this book such as the coffee mug cozy, peachy arm warmers and sweet granny square slippers, when time permits me to. And yes, some of these patterns, simple but nevertheless great, will make good gifts to family and friends.

Crochet is an easy craft to learn. We need to know only a few stitches - foundation chain, single crochet, double crochet, treble crochet, slip stitch - to be able to begin making a wide variety of projects. That said, do note that this book is not a beginner's guide. It does not teach readers the basics of crocheting though it does provide some of the techniques at the back of the book.

We all need some calm in our lives. For me, crochet is a form of self-care; it helps me to calm down and de-stress. And this book works miracles with its simple crochet patterns.

Review: Undercity (Major Bhaajan #1) by Catherine Asaro

5 stars for Undercity (Major Bhaajan book 1) by Catherine Asaro.

It has been a long time since a science fiction novel - or better yet, series - sweeps me off my feet.

I chanced upon this book last month during one of my Sunday visits to the library. I borrowed it because it is written in first person and the writing style seems to suit my reading whims, at least from what I glimpse on the first two pages, well, that and the futuristic vibes I glean from the book cover that looks ready to propel me into an alternate world, one which I so love and will gladly stay put in if it is even possible.

Undercity is a story with a straightforward plot. No gimmicks, period. The protagonist, Major Bhaajan, is hired to do a job, a handsomely paid one, to look for a missing person. Since it sounds so simple, what makes this book so good to earn itself a 5-star rating? It is the rich imagination, the engaging plot, the execution of the story, the complexity of the world-building, the depth of the characters and the ensuing development. Not only is it not dry as a space fiction novel, this book encompasses elements of mystery and suspense, romance and even a dash of lighthearted humor. It is literally a gift to fans of science fiction literature.

The author uses impressive imagery, intriguing science and tech-mech to spin a drama set in a vast star empire. To name but a few, there is star travel, space travel, interstellar civilisation, nanomed tech, augmented human capabilities, extrasensory communcations, evolving intelligence (EI as opposed to AI), tech-mech arms, beetle bots, laser carbines, pulse revolvers, IR vision. The world building reaches far and wide with no lack of action and adventure. Yes, there are fightings and killings, grief and pain and death, but there are also reconciliations and fence-mending, triumph and joy and births.

Undercity is everything a good science fiction fantasy novel should have and then some. I am thrilled that this is a series which means I can look forward to having more adventures with Major Bhaajan. Have I mentioned that she is a woman? She is well into her forties but has the appearance of one in her late twenties, all thanks to the nanomeds in her body that give her the health and appearance of one. Speaking of which, this is one more reason why I enjoy living in the world of fiction that dabbles in science. You can stay young and look good. Anything is reasonably possible.