Christmas and New Year Greetings from the Home of Crochetology!

Posted on December 25, 2011 by fats

So what’s your New Year’s Crafting Resolution?

The enormous catastrophe that is Sendong

Posted on December 24, 2011 by fats

I would like to send my heartfelt thanks to everyone who remembered the Philippines, who sent emails, and who thought about the people in this country amidst the disastrous flash flooding in the southern region killing over a thousand people.

Investigations are underway following reports that logging activities in the area might be responsible for the mass killing and wipe-out of entire villages as mud and logs cascaded down mountainsides in Cagayan de Oro, See http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2011/1220/Typhoon-Sendong-Did-illegal-logging-cause-flash-flooding-in-Philippines

News about relief activities may be found at http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/345474/dotc-extends-assistance-sendong-victims

I pray for peace and recovery in the hearts of everyone who was affected by Sendong, and that investigations will bring light to the causes and conditions that brought this disaster – so that this may not happen again in future.

Typhoon Sendong passed us by here in Bohol island, and that day was overcast and quiet, the air was totally still. Then the following day it started to rain. People here are grateful to have been “spared” and also now wary of quarrying and other “developments” that can wreck havoc on the environment. I hope we never forget the signs and learn from the signs.

Sincerely,
Fatima

PS. Friends outside the Philippines who wish to Donate to the relief efforts in Mindanao, please go to READ Philippines, Inc website. READ Philippines, Inc is a volunteer, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization incorporated in the State of Florida and recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. READ Philippines, Inc is a proud member of the Jacksonville Asian American Alliance.

November Crochet Give-Away Winners

Posted on November 19, 2011 by fats

Finally, here are the Winners of the Crochetology November Crochet Give-Away!

I decided to have two sets of winners. The first set wins a prototype of the Transformations series of crocheted jewellery. Prizes will be sent by Philippine Post in a few days. But you know how slow snail mail is especially the Christmas Season is nearing – so you might just get your prizes by Christmas!

The second set of winners get one of my favorite crochet jewellery patterns, Derivatives #2. Winners should get a link to the pattern via email in a day or two.

Congratulations to all the winners! This is just my way of thanking you all for making those beautiful FOs of Crochetology patterns. I wish I can give out more prizes now, but better to reserve that for the next Give-Away. So keep on crocheting!

Cheers!
Fatima

Winners of Crochet Jewellery “Transformations”

1 Adam’s Mountain Gold
by Kim from Arizona, USA
http://crochethatsforyou.etsy.com/
http://kdemoise.blogspot.com/

Adam's Mountain Gold

Uses Valdani Pearl Cotton Size 8

I just love how Kim told of Adam’s choice as gift for his mom: “Adam (6th grader) requested this pattern for his Mom for Mother’s day. Adam searched the internet and found this pattern for his Mom. He said she likes gold! Added a few gold beads for extra sparkle…”

The addition of beads is also a great way to give the piece (from a pattern that is originally intended to be somewhat rustic) a more elegant look. The fact that Adam, his mom and Kim are happy with the results makes me very very happy too!

The pattern is free and can be found at http://crochetology.net/2011/04/mountain-gold/

2 Lady in Red Necklace
by Mimi of Quezon City, Philippines
http://www.mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/

Lady in Red Necklace

Uses DMC Cébélia Cotton size 10

I love the way Mimi modified this necklace pattern in her free-form style! The craftsmanship of the piece is also fantastic.

The pattern is free and can be found at http://crochetology.net/2010/03/black-lacy-triangles/

3 Skinny Scarf
by Michelle “TattySquawk”
Cornwall, United Kingdom

Skinny Scarf

Uses Patons UK 100% Cotton 4 Ply

The original pattern is for a belt and here, Michelle came up with a scarf! I’m very happy at how quickly it works up, she describes, “Up to 1.3m really quickly so this will be finished in no time.” And her modification of the edges of the strip, a great way of doubling up sizes: “Outside I ran (3tr, 1ch, 3tr) in to each of the 2ch spaces up and down the length which essentially doubled the width.”

The pattern is for sale and can be found at http://crochetology.net/2010/07/slim-belt/

4 CrochetDiva’s Pineapple Pouch
by Cheri of Florida

Pineapple Pouch

Uses J&P Coats Royale Fashion Crochet (Size 3)

I’m very grateful to Cheri for contacting me about her problems with the pattern, and our contact resulted in the correction of errors in the pattern and a crochet symbol chart for the top portion of the bag. I had no idea that there was a very small omission in the pattern that only very few crocheters were able to solve as they worked through it.

A lot of crocheters are often shy about contacting designers if they encounter difficulties with a pattern. I can understand that but I would also encourage crocheters not to be shy and do contact the designer should there be any problems. It is always possible that there is an error in the pattern and certainly a written pattern can be improved in many ways. Establishing contact helps make a much better pattern.

The pattern is available for free at http://crochetology.net/2010/08/a-simple-pineapple-top-bag/

5 Little Pineapple Pouch Gift
by Luna of San Juan, Puerto Rico
http://kairi-creativetherapy.blogspot.com/
http://kairimoon.etsy.com/

Little Pineapple Pouch Gift

Luna says, “I think the multicolored yarn disrupts the pineapple pattern. I think the result is lovely, though.” and I agree with her. The pouch looks delicate and beautiful in multi-color yarn, a type of yarn that isn’t always easy to work with (at least for me!).

The pattern is available for free at http://crochetology.net/2010/07/pineapple-challenge-1-the-small-pineapple-pouch/

6 Weed Flowers Bracelet
by Anne from Michigan, USA
http://subversivesuburban.blogspot.com/

Weed Flowers Bracelet

Uses Blue Moon Fiber Arts Original Socks that Rock, Sheep Shop Yarn Company Sheep 3 Yarn and Jute

I really love how this turned out for Anne – it’s beautiful! Also, I’m very happy whenever someone makes an FO of a Crochetology pattern as I often wonder if the pattern is easy to understand. This particular pattern describes a weaving technique so I was concerned that it would be a bit confusing, but here it looks like it has worked out okay!

The pattern is available for free at http://crochetology.net/free-patterns/weed-flowers-anklet.pdf

7 Cotton Beads
by Tracy of Suffolk, United Kingdom

Cotton Beads

This is Tracy’s first-ever crochet and I am impressed! The pattern borders on free-form and isn’t very easy so I hadn’t recommended it for crochet beginners. But here, Tracy’s done it remarkably well and in less than an hour!

The pattern is free and available at http://crochetology.net/2011/04/beaded-chain-bracelet/

8 Lacy White Triangles
by Carmela of Lindenhurst, IL, USA
Uses DMC Cébélia Cotton size 10

Lacy White Triangles

The light color that Carmela chose for the necklace pattern (originally in black) and the matching beads create a stunning effect. I love the way Carmela made this and another one in light lavander color, threading the beads in first before working.

The pattern is free and can be found at http://crochetology.net/2010/03/black-lacy-triangles/

Winners of Derivatives #2 Pattern PDF

1 Beaded Chains Bracelet
by Erin
http://ekatearcher.blogspot.com/
http://www.ekatearcher.etsy.com.etsy.com/
Uses Uses South Maid Crochet Thread Size 10