Crochet: Shawl: Classical Attitude Shawl

We all need a break from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Yet, I have not felt the need nor the mood to start a new crochet project in the first half of this year. It was only in late October, due to the state of my mind at that point in time, that I felt I am badly in need of doing something repetitive and meditative. On 22nd October 2023, I picked up my crochet hook, took out my big skein of gradient cotton yarn and embarked on this repetitive meditative journey. A self-healing journey, or so I hope.

Since it has been such a long time I last crochet, I find myself at quite a loss to begin with. For a start, I have difficulty remembering how to do a magic ring. In the end, I turned to YouTube videos to help me get started. The good thing is, once I have the magic ring completed, I find myself picking up momentum and ready to brave through at the speed of a freight train. Oh, scratch that, I exaggerated. But the truth is, I am glad to have decided to crochet again. Crocheting a shawl is both fulfilling and rewarding. Not only do I get to have a beautiful piece of practical end product, I get to enjoy the peace and calm and meditative effect of the process.

I thought it will take me many months - at least three months - to complete this lovely shawl due to the many inevitable interruptions here and there. Yes, I brought this project along with me to Scotland in November for two weeks, hoping to be able to spend some time on it while on vacation. In the end, I hardly crochet while I was there except on my flight to and back. So you can imagine how surprised I am that I managed to complete this pastel colour shawl last night - 18 Dec 2023. All in all, it took me four days shy of two months to complete this project, and before the year is out. I am indeed very pleased with myself.

This Classical Attitude Shawl is a work of art - simple yet elegant. It is brilliantly created by Hobbii and available for free download at their website Classical Attitude shawl. The pattern is designed to provide both familiarity and variety to keep the person working on it relaxed and entertained at the same time. If you are looking to crochet a shawl with a meditative stitch pattern but one that is not so repetitive as to be boring, this is the one for you.

Crochet: Shawl: Sigrid Shawl (Yellow)

Action speaks louder than words. It goes to show how much I adore this Sigrid Shawl pattern that I crochet a shawl with this pattern again. My first Sigrid Shawl of pink gradient was completed in June 2021. Less than two years later, here I am, with a yellow gradient yarn cake doing pretty much everything all over again. The only exception is the tension; I ease up on the tension, and to my delight, I find it makes a whole lot of difference to how much better the shawl turns out to be.

Actually, I never expect myself to crochet with this pattern again because there are so many variations of shawl patterns available out there for me to try my hands on. But this is a really lovely pattern that is not just pleasing to the eyes but one that goes easy on the fingers and memory too as it employs mainly half double crochet and some double crochet. It took me close to eight weeks to complete this project, having started it on 1st November and completed it just today.

This Sigrid Shawl is a work of art. It is brilliantly created by My Crochetory to provide both familiarity and variety to keep the person working on it relaxed and entertained at the same time. If you are looking to crochet a shawl with a meditative stitch pattern but one that is not so repetitive as to be boring, this is the one for you.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Shy Christmas Gnome

Time to get creative. Who says a Christmas gnome must have red or grey hat? I may not have the dark red or light grey yarn to crochet the gnome's hat, but I think I did a good job using up whatever leftover yarn I have on hand.

What I like about this Shy Christmas Gnome free Hobbii pattern is that there is no need for eyes, simply because the gnome is a shy one. Don't you think the hat does a brilliant job?

Crochet: Amigurumi: Nativity Set

I have finally done it! One more item to strike off my bucket list.

Busy as I am of late, I manage to find the time, mostly during the weekends, to crochet this mini nativity set. The free patterns are from Whistle and Ivy. At the moment, I am happy to enough to just try my hands on the mini set which includes Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the manger. The entire set includes 13 total figures, that is, on top of what I have listed earlier, 3 wisemen, 2 shepherds, a palm tree, a small laying sheep, an angel, and stars backdrop.

This little family set not only adds cheer to the Christmas spirit, it makes a perfect gift to oneself or family members and friends.

Crochet: Slippers: Sweet Granny Square Slippers

Put a spring in your step with these cheerful quick-to-make slippers!

This sweet granny square slippers has been on my crocheting list for quite some time. I know it is a pattern I will want to try my hands at the moment I set my eyes on it in Crochet to Calm: Stitch and De-Stress with 18 Simple Crochet Patterns by Interweave Editor. The granny motif simply looks too lovely to be given a miss.

Though my pair of granny square slippers is far from perfect, it makes a perfect gift. What better present to give than handmade craft, right? Best of all, one pair of slippers actually double up as two. Simply flip the slippers inside out and you get a different look and feel to it. See the last four pictures below to have a better idea.

All in all, I took less than a week to put together this pair of sweet granny square slippers. I finished up the second slipper this afternoon, just in time to present it as a birthday gift in the evening.


Materials

1. 4 Seasons 100% acrylic yarn: 12-ply navy blue and 12-ply mustard yellow
2. Crochet hook, size 5.0mm (Tulip)
3. Stitch markers (Tulip)
4. Tapestry needle
5. Scissors

Crochet: Stocking: Snowman Christmas Stocking

Merry Christmas in June!

This is a cute and fun project, one which I did not look forward to initially, but end up having a lot of fun ultimately. The stocking pattern, made up mostly of half double crochet and some double crochet, is relatively easy to understand and follow. It took me 2 days to complete this lovely snowman stocking.

For a start, I follow the colours as recommended in this Snowman Christmas Stocking free pattern since I do have all of them available in my yarn stash. Yes, because of this project, I realise that I have turned into a crochet hobbyist. It goes without saying that all fiber artists have a yarn stash full of one skein wonders and leftovers from other projects. And now, because of the yarn colours for this mini project, I recognise that I have long since join them fiber artists in my pursuit of this craft.

That said, I am actually quite pleased to have found a use for my leftover yarn. I have been keeping some green and orange from some of my earlier projects, and now they can finally be put to good use.

Crochet: Shawl: Sigrid Shawl

I am always a litle apprehensive when I am about to embark on a new crochet project, especially one that is totally new to me. There is always the worry that something will go wrong, that I will not be up to it, that I will have difficulty understanding the pattern or instructions, that I will make bad mistakes. You know, the usual things people always worry about whether or not they will actually materialise. But where crochet is concerned, unfortunately, it does happen. To me. I always end up having to undo to redo the first few rows. Scratch that. Few is an understatement. I consider myself lucky if it is only a few rows or so.

The good thing is, once I get past the initial - terrible and tiring but necessary - stage of getting myself familiar with the pattern and repeating work, it is exhilarating. Crocheting a shawl is both fulfilling and rewarding. Not only do I get to have a beautiful piece of practical end product, I get to enjoy the peace and calm and meditative effect of the process.

This Sigrid Shawl is a work of art. It is brilliantly created by My Crochetory to provide both familiarity and variety to keep the person working on it relaxed and entertained at the same time. If you are looking to crochet a shawl with a meditative stitch pattern but one that is not so repetitive as to be boring, this is the one for you.

Crochet: Shawl: Kalinda Wrap

Most of the shawl patterns I have come across start off with a magic ring. As such, I have come to expect the same for this Free Pattern. So, you can imagine my surprise when I realise this shawl, more of a wrap actually, begins with a foundation chain instead. While I understand the reason for the foundation chain, I also know I am signing myself up for a tough challenge when I decide to go ahead with this wrap that begins with a chain 139.

I know I will have less of an issue with the setup row (row after foundation chain) if I am using acrylic yarn which is more bouncy and stretchable as opposed to 100% soft cotton yarn. As it is, 20 stitches into the setup row, I know I have to undo everything to redo the foundation chain. Sadly, after the foundation chain is completed a second time, I still find myself struggling to insert my hook when I reach the setup row. It also did not help that I have chosen to start off with the outer dark colour of the skein of yarn, a deep purple instead of the inner light colour yellow. I find myself getting increasingly frustrated with trying to see and to insert my hook into each stitch. In the end, I tell myself "do not be afraid to start over" and promptly undo everything a third time.

I decide that the way to keep my sanity is to change the hook size from 2.5mm to 3.0mm and to crochet a loosely held foundation chain (more so than my second attempt). I quickly get down to work and am pleased with the changes I have made.  Though I still need to use the pointed end of a stitch marker to pry open each stitch on the foundation chain to insert my hook to crochet a double, it is so much easier now. And of course, everything is a breeze after the setup row.

I will say it is to my advantage for having crochet and completed the Kalinda Shawl prior to this project. The pattern is different yet similar. If I have not done the Kalinda Shawl and skipped right to this Kalinda Wrap, I am sure I will be confused about the stitches and made countless mistakes. The Kalinda Shawl is a good place to start on these Kalinda projects, and as a starter, the creator provides stitch count at the end of each row which gives affirmation on whether that row has been crochet correctly or not. Though no stitch count is given for the Kalinda Wrap, I am familiar enough with the pattern by now and have no issue at all. It is just as well; I am tired of all the counting. The affirmation at the end of each row comes in the form of the number of stitches left after the special pattern is applied.

Besides applying the basic stitches in crochet, namely slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet, this pattern also uses the more exotic stitch, sc3tog, dc3tog and BLdc3tog. I gladly welcome these decreasing stitches, and before I know it, am familiar enough with them to crochet without having to refer to the instructions.

I take my time to crochet the Kalinda Wrap and find myself enjoying the repeating stitch pattern. It has a calming and meditative effect. If you are looking to crochet a shawl/wrap with a meditative stitch pattern, this is the one for you.

Crochet: Shawl: Kalinda Shawl

This is a beautiful crochet pattern. The moment I see that it can be available for free at My Crochetory, I know it is definitely one pattern that I will want to try my hands on some day. With this post, we know that the day has arrived.

For a pattern that is as beautiful as it looks, it sure is not easy to complete. By not easy, I do not mean the pattern is complicated or difficult, I mean it requires concentration and a tremendous amount of it, especially so for repeating rows 9 and 10, without which this shawl may just look like any other mediocre ones.

Where crocheting a shawl is concerned, this is the first time I experience two firsts.

First first, this is the first time I make good use of all the basic stitches known in crochet - slip stitch, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet. And that is why I say this Kalinda shawl is a brilliant creation, interesting and cleverly designed, in the sense that it employs all the crochet stitches.

Second first, this is also my first time working on 100% soft cotton yarn and a 12-ply at that. And because the texture of this yarn is 12 super fine cotton threads, I have difficulty doing the stitches every now and then as one or two or more of these thin cotton threads can get caught in the loop over and I will need to undo to redo that same stitch, sometimes even undo to redo a few times to get it right. The good thing is that it does get better as I crochet along as the saying goes "practice makes perfect".

I follow the free Kalinda pattern closely from row 1 all the way to row 63. After that, I continue to crochet by applying similar pattern as I deem fit as the thread is still unravelling from my skein of yarn. In the end, I manage to crochet 11 more rows before my thread runs out. Though the end product of my shawl is somewhat different from the original Kalinda design, I am real pleased with myself.

Crochet: Shawl: Wrap Me in Ice-cream Shawl (v2)

I cannot tell you how much a relief it is the moment I made up my mind to continue with the second skein of this Lion Brand Yarns with colours that remind me of my favourite childhood ice-cream - Walls Paddle Pop rainbow swirl ice-Cream.

Stitch by stitch, row by row, Wrap Me in Ice-cream shawl version 2 is finally done. I have used 2 skeins of Lion Brand Yarns: Mandala, Thunderbird [525-207] which is a total of 1080m. I am extremely pleased with the end product. It is perfect.

In case you are wondering what I am talking about, here is my earlier post.

Crochet: Shawl: Wrap Me in Ice-cream Shawl

Today is the last day of Year 2020. I am wrapping up the year with Wrap Me in Ice-cream shawl.

I love the blend of colours in this skein of Lion Brand Yarns. The yellow and orange are not only luxurious in its richness and vibrancy, they provide a good constrast against the darker tones of the green, blue, grey and brown. The colours remind me of my favourite childhood ice-cream too - the Walls Paddle Pop rainbow swirl ice-Cream. Perhaps that is where the creater of this Free Pattern gets the idea of naming this shawl from.

I bought 2 skeins of this yarn. What you see of my completed project here is actually that of 1 skein and then a bit more of the 2nd skein, to wrap up the darker tones of orangy brown so that the final row can blend well. Though I have weaved in the excess yarn and wrapped up my project as completed, I am still thinking if I should continue with more of the 2nd skein. While the size of the current shawl is fine, I feel that a bigger one may be even better. What do you think?

Crochet: Amigurumi: Jaws

I know I definitely want to crochet this great white the moment I set my eyes on the free pattern. I come across it at the perfect time as I am sure it will make a lovely Christmas present for my significant other. In case you have not noticed, my blog is known as love-the-jaws.

Initially I use a pair of 12mm safety eyes (bought from Daiso during one of my shopping trips) for my shark as you can see in some of the pictures below. That was the worst case scenario in the event the safety eyes I ordered online cannot reach me in time. I am hopeful though to receive my package of 6-12mm safety eyes despite my festive season purchase, and true enough, the small parcel was delivered right to my doorstep last night. An extremely late night delivery but nevertheless, delivered in good time. I quickly got down to work, swop the eyes for a 7mm pair, stuff it and sew up the jaws. I also removed the dorsal fin which was not well sewn previously and resewed it to my satisfaction this time round. If you see carefully, you can tell that I have sewn the dorsal fin slightly after the pectoral fins, not as per the free pattern.

At the moment, this amigurumi jaws is sitting nicely wrapped up under the Christmas tree. I am so excited; I cannot wait to see it being unwrapped.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Micro Light

Yes, I am still at it, the micro dolls I mean. Deep down, I think I am still not satisfied with my last one, Micro Pur Pur. In a way, it is hard to stop trying once I get started on these mini dolls. It can be addictive!

This time, I crochet using a different type of yarn, lace yarn, and it certainly makes my job easier. But still, the doll is so small (1.5 inches) that I feel my fingers breakingly stiff and my eyes going bad while I am at it and after.

I started with the legs first, then the body. It all seems to go well until I crochet the head. Something seems off. I kept checking my yarn and the label. Then I realised why. Yes, I bought beige colour lace yarn and it is stated as that on the label. But the beige colour is a different shade of beige. I didn't even know that beige colour can come in different shades, and the one I have with me certainly looks more light brown than beige, but beige nevertheless.

In the end, Micro Light is super small and super cute but not what I would have envisioned it to be.

Still, I am happy to share my free pattern below.

Crochet: Amigurumi: Micro Pur Pur

I realise no matter how, this is not going to work, simply because this Crown yarn which I use for crocheting my mini dolls does not come in beige colour.

When I purchase this yarn series, I thought it wouldn't be much of an issue as I can easily substitute the skin colour of beige with that of another, such as the light brown with yellowish tone which I use for Baby Green Elf. Then I thought it looks not quite right and so, I try again using off-white for the head and hands. In the end, the effect is worst. I think. Erm.. Micro Pur Pur looks kind of like a baby vampire with too pale a face. Haha..

Colours aside, this time round, I am actually rather pleased with my pattern and stitches as I finally get the size of Micro Pur Pur (around 1.5 inches) the way I want it to be. Do note that my pattern is mainly applicable for 100% acrylic yarn such as the Crown yarn as different types of yarn and their thickness and softness all make a difference.

Much as it is for my own reference, I am happy to share my free pattern here.

See below for Micro Pur Pur Free Pattern

Crochet: Amigurumi: Baby Green Elf

I crochet Baby Green Elf (around 2 inches) almost immediately after I am done with Pinky Pink Doll. And since Christmas is right around the corner, in three weeks' time, I thought it will be nice to use Christmas colours to crochet this mini elf with a bib.

I will say it is quite an improvement as Baby Green Elf is much smaller than Pinky Pink Doll. But then again, he is not exactly what I have in mind. Even though I know I am inching towards crocheting my micro dream doll, it seems like I have a long way to go yet. Well, I guess I just have to keep trying and trying until I finally get it the way I want it to be.

See below for Mini Green Elf Free Pattern

Crochet: Amigurumi: Pinky Pink Doll

Pinky Pink Doll is not what I have in mind when I started out on her. I wanted to crochet a mini pink doll but in the end, she turns out to be bigger, taller and more rounded. Still, it is hard work and I am proud to present her here. Though Pinky Pink Doll may not be my intended pattern, she is what she is and I am happy to share my free pattern below.

See below for Pinky Pink Doll Free Pattern

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: 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.