Crocheted Bonnet for PM

This is the bonnet made especially for PM even before she was born...
Made by one of my very close friends, Lorie.

The bonnet was actually made of a special soft yarn she bought from Dreams...

Photo taken on PM's week 1 & 3rd day.

To tita Lorie,

Thank you so much! I love you! 

Love, PM

"a bonnet full of love"

Love love love the bonnet & can hardly wait for the crocheted booties still made by her tita Lorie...!

Continue Reading ->>

December Crochet Projects

These are just some of the little things I was able to do while I was lying down in bed resting and PM sleeping...
Just practicing some of the things I want to be able to do once I am able to stand and/or sit longer than I can actually do now, or in short, as soon as my post-op wound heals.

Anyway here they are...
Sorry for the not so nice shots -- took them while I was lying down in bed. =)

PM's crocheted headband from mommy!

crocheted ponytail

I call this the Octopus wrist rest I made for Kelly

the other side

Continue Reading ->>

Been-a-While

It has been weeks now since I have last updated my blog site... Not that  I have nothing to write about, I just don't have the time at the moment. Sad but true, I didn't even had the time to celebrate the holiday season!

I have a lot of things to actually write here, photos to upload of both my baby and the crochet crafts I am able to do little by little (only when PM's asleep) but I just couldn't find the time to blog and upload them. Every time I try to login, either PM all of a sudden wakes up or my wound would hurt that I am forced to just go back to bed and lie down. It's only been 3-weeks since the time I gave birth, I know I owe it to myself to let me rest more and heal... and enjoy PM.

Though I miss blogging and crocheting...
For the moment I know that I am better recuperating and taking care of my little one.

Nonetheless I promise to update this as soon as I feel a lot stronger and PM a little bigger.

Continue Reading ->>

Post Partum Blues?

(*sigh*) I miss crocheting...

Continue Reading ->>

The 'Jane' Purse

My 1st card / money purse requested by my office friend, Jane.

It took me quite a while to finish this trying to figure out which one to use for closure - a Velcro or zipper. Good thing I was able to talk to my friend Lorie and she advised me that it ain't going to be good to use Velcro for a crochet project especially if I am using the high-bulk yarn as it will just ruin the crochet project due to its fibrousness. So with that in mind, I opted to use a zipper instead.

I kind of had a hard time sewing the zipper in -- but it was worth it!

So here's how it turned out:

A purse for Jane

let's take a closer look at it

Now, the zipper part!

So far so good!
I can't wait to hand it to Jane!


Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

A Gift from my friend, Lynn of La Beadahh

Just like my treasured friend Lorie, who happens to be an online seller who now turned out as to be a very treasured good friend, she's also the person I actually run to and bug every time I need stuff for my beading hobby, her name is Lynette of La Beadahh.

I love her because she makes online shopping very easy, convenient and safe... Apart from her being very nice, accommodating and flexible online seller.

She never fails to have the things I am actually looking for on-hand... And even if she doesn't, she makes sure she gets them for me. Top that, she sells her items at a very very affordable price which I believe is very very important to online shoppers like me!

She's the one who supplied me my first set of crochet yarns and hooks...! A very supportive online seller.

And even if she's more on beading materials -- she makes sure she's able to get me Cannon and/or Monaco yarns whenever I needed them.

Here's a photo of my latest Monaco yarns from Lynn. I so love the colors she handpicked for me!

Multi-Colored Size-8 Monaco Thread

Plus, since she knows I've been desperately looking for a handheld sewing machine to use for my crochet FOs... She is giving me this on Wednesday as a gift...

Phoenix Handheld Sewing Machine

Now sewing in appliqué and/or attaching Zippers/Velcros to my crocheted projects will now be less challenging for me since I will have this very useful handheld sewing machine that I can also make use of when travelling.

I am uberly happy... and excited! I can't wait for Wednesday...

Thanks so much Lynn! *xoxo*


Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

My 2nd Crochet Book

Today happened to be a happy day for me...
Why? Well, around 5:10pm today, my second much awaited crochet book arrived...

After waiting 3-weeks for it to get here -- finally, I now have it!
Super happy happy HAPPY ME! =)

Crochet Patterns for Dummies by Susan Brittain

Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

1st Attempt: Baby Booties

Last or what could've been a couple of weeks ago already, I was able to make one really nice crocheted mittens for the princess using a size-8 local Cannon thread. Immediately after seeing the mittens done, I wanted to do a pair of booties that'll match the cute mittens -- still using the locally available thread.

But it didn't turn out as easy as I have imagined it to be for several reasons: 1. I got frustrated trying to find a non-complex bootie pattern that will come out just fine as the mittens. 2. I got confused several times with the pattern directions and 3. it'-just-not-as-easy-as-I-thought-it-would-be.

But a determined mom as I was, I kept telling myself I have to keep looking, I will come up with one! So with that in mind I kept looking-downloading patterns, trying-crocheting and undoing what I've done... Until finally, I was able to come up with a simple but cute booties that can match the mittens I have done!

The said pair of booties is actually now done... I won't be able to post the picture with this blog though because I feel a little dizzy-lazy-tired to do that right now. Must be due to all the walking I've done this afternoon. But hopefully, you'll see the photo posted here by tomorrow or the day after that (*crosses-fingers*).

And now that I am done with my 1st mittens-booties pair, I am hoping that I'd still be able to come up with at least another pair of booties-mittens, this time using the Indonesia yarn given to me by my friend Lorie... before the princess is born.

*NOVEMBER 23
As promised, here's a photo of my 1st crocheted booties attempt =)

Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Star ng Pasko

Very inspiring...

Dahil ikaw Bro, ang Star ng Pasko =)

I uber love this song...


Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Which Crochet Hook?

A repost from WoolCrafting

All crochet hooks probably look alike, to the untrained eye, but there are many types and sizes of hook on the market and they all have different uses. Let me explain...

First of all let's talk about size...because in crochet...size REALLY matters!

Hook sizes in the US are usually denoted by letters and numbers, for example H/8. But they usually are also marked with the European or metric size in milimeters (mm). So, the US H/8, is also the European size 5.00mm. Confusing, eh?

I really think it would be so much easier to adopt the European method of sizing, as that is the actual physical measurement of the head of the hook, but who am I to say what should be done...

Anyway, lets talk about the smallest to the largest sizes.

Note - all crochet hooks are not made equal. What do I mean? Well, even different brands can vary slightly in size (and I mean only very slightly). But, that variation may mean the difference between you getting gauge for the pattern you love, or not.

The smallest hooks are steel hooks. They go from size...Metric - 0.75mm/ US - #14 (smallest) to Metric 3.50mm/ US 00 (largest - there is no UK size eqivalent for these).

Steel crochet hooks are used for thread crochet and very fine yarns (lace weight or cobweb yarns). They are also used extensively for bead crochet. The heads of the finest hook scan fit through teeny seed beads! Below you will find a table of steel hook sizes.



Steel Hook Sizes

Metric(mm)	US	UK/CANADIAN
0.75	14	-
0.85	13	7
1.00	12	6.5
1.10	11	6
1.30	10	5.5
1.40	9	5
1.50	8	4.5
1.65	7	4
1.80	6	3.5
1.90	5	3
2.00	4	2.5
2.10	3	2
2.25	2	1.5
2.75	1	1
3.25	0	0
3.50	00	-

Next comes what I call "yarn size" hooks. You can find the more common sizes in plastic, but usually you'll find them in aluminum. These sizes range from Metric - 2.00mm/UK 14 (no US size equivalent), to Metric 19.00mm/ US S (No UK size equivalent).

These hooks are used for yarns ranging from cobweb/lace weight at the fine end of the scale right up to 3 or 4 strands of worsted held together for the largest size. Now that project would be done in no time!

Beginners may prefer to start off with plastic hooks, available in general craft stores. (The larger sizes are only available in plastic as their aluminum counterpart would be way too heavy to work with).

Plastic is fine to start off with, but you may find your plastic hook to be slightly rough and catch on your yarn - not ideal. This becomes frustrating, and you may like to check out the next level - aluminum.

There are many metal crochet hooks around - the most popular being Boye (Wright's) and Susan Bates. These hooks are also widely available in craft stores other discount stores.



Aluminum/Plastic/Wood Hook sizes

Metric (mm)	US	UK/CANADIAN
2.0	-	14
2.25	B/1	13
2.5	-	12
2.75	C/2	-
3.0	-	11
3.25	D/3	10
3.5	E/4	9
3.75	F/5	-
4.0	G/6	8
4.5	7	7
5.0	H/8	6
5.5	I/9	5
6.0	J/10	4
6.5	K/10 1/2	3
7.0	-	2
8.0	L/11	0
9.0	M/13	00
10.0	N/15	000

If you really get into hooks, then you may wish to try other styles of hook. Crochet has come a long way in it's time and whereas hooks were made in bone, and ivory you can now also find handmade hooks formed from beautiful woods, like those made by Laurel Hill.

For those who suffer from Arthritis, you can find crochet hooks made with ergonomic grips. These specially formed hooks have a fatter handle making them easier to hold for long periods with reduced fatigue to the hands.

Now, just to get you really confused...you can also get crochet hooks which have a hook on one end and what looks like the end of a knitting needle on the other. This is an "afghan" or "tunisian" hook. In this method of crochet the loops are picked up along the row, then "knitted" off on the way back.

But, you can also get hooks with hooks on both ends! Yes - they are for what's called "cro-hooking", "cro-knit" or more recently "crochet-on-the-double". This is similar to "tunisian", whereby you pick up loops and knit them off, but you can crochet 2 colors and have a reversible fabric with onc color more dominant on one side and the other more dominant on the other side. Fascinating, don't you think?

And as if that wasn't enough - did you know you can also find square hooks? Yes, they say they're more comfortable to use than the rounded ones. I can believe that, as one of my frustrations is having the hook spin in my hand as I work. Whereas with a square one I could have my thumb in place and it wouldn't spin. I think I'll have to try some of these myself!

And last, but not least...the piece de resistance...do you love to crochet so much that you don't ever want to stop...even in the dark? Well then you'll need lighted hooks! Yes - it's true - now you can crochet through a movie at the theater or in the car in the dark. BUT - these hooks are now being discontinued, so if you're interested you'd better buy them quick! BUY The Crochet Lite Crochet Hooks-Size H 5.0mm

Bet you didn't know you had such a vast choice of hooks at your disposal! Now to treat yourself...go on...you deserve it!


Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

My Unplanned Hook Purchase...

Today just right before we went to MMC for check-up, we decided to drop by Glorietta to grab something to eat... Good thing that since I was advised to do a lot of walking, I had the reason for them to allow me to drop by one of my favorite stores in Makati, Dreams.

I saw quite a number of new yarns there today which really got me interested and craving... Too bad I didn't have the budget for yarns this afternoon and I have, quite, a lot of yarns lying around at home already that I wasn't able to get myself one of each kind of the yarns I would like to have.

Still, I didn't leave the place empty handed... instead of the said yarns, I got myself an addition to my crochet hooks -- a long purple hook which I am actually happy about! =)

I wanted a 2.00mm something hook, unfortunately, the hook that I got is the smallest one available for the said kind. The sizes for the other 2 hooks that were together with the one I purchased are 6.00mm and 7.00mm hook. Didn't bother to get them because I don't think I will be needing the said sizes anytime soon.

Believing that it's a little hard getting this kind of hook here (except if I order it abroad) I settled to what's available and immediately bought it. One more thing that I actually liked about the hook is that looks exactly like my Susan Bates!

Anyway, without further delay, the hook I am talking about is a...

Boye (Wrights): size 3.75mm (F) 14"-35cm Afghan Hook for P225.00 (yes, it's a bit pricey but I'm definitely loving it!).

My New Afghan Hook

Now I can't wait to do an Afghan/Tunisian stitch crochet project!



Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

1st Attempt: Baby Mittens

Last night, for the first time I learned to enjoy and fully appreciate the locally available yarns in the country.

Since I have not made any projects in weeks now... with nothing much to do, I decided to pick my yarns/threads and hooks up again and thought of something interesting to do.

At this rate, who else would I like to give most of my projects to but the pretty princess in my womb!

So I immediately searched the patterns I have saved, which were all provided by online friends who shares the same interest by the way, and found one very interesting one (mainly because I have the materials required in the pattern).

I decided to do the free pattern provided by Mimi Alelis, a friend from Ravelry.Com. The pattern she provided actually uses a cannon size 8 mercerized cotton crochet thread and a 2.00mm hook... That made me really excited and actually anxious at the same time. I have this crazy thinking that if I use a cannon thread or any thin thread/yarn, the actual size of the project would be a lot smaller than what I plan for it to be.

But since the pattern indicated the kind of thread I actually dread using, still, I attempted to do one. After all, I already have bought tons of the said thread which I don't want to put to waste by just storing them up in the cabinet... Plus, I wouldn't really know unless I try, right? So I did....

And guess what!? I am actually very happy with the outcome -- not to mention the size!!! With the way the project turned out, I am definitely sure it'll fit the princess perfectly! Now I'm beginning to really love the easily available thread!

Here's a photo of my 1st crocheted mitten attempt using a size 8-Cannon mercerized cotton crochet thread.

loving these threads

mittens for the princess

(pardon the photo, the lighting wasn't that good)

Not bad for a first timer, right?

Can't wait for her to try this on!

Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Face-to-Face

Finally she's now more than an online friend because last Sunday, Nov 15, we finally met personally! 


Sunday, after being lost a couple of times on the way to our building and having to end up picking her up in front of the nearest Mc Donalds, we finally saw each other... As soon as I saw her walking, I immediately recognized her face. I guess the pictures she had shown me really helped as I was able to picture out how she actually looks like.


So anyway, we picked her up from Mc Donalds at around 1130am then went straight to Binondo for lunch. We treated her to an authentic Chinese dish in a restaurant that belonged to a family friend. After lunch,  we went back home so we can pick up her 10kg worth of wool yarns... showed her our wedding pictures (both pre-nup & church) as well as our wedding preparations video. And since we know that Lorie might have a hard time going home with that 10kg box of yarns, we have decided to bring her home to Balara, QC. 


I am glad to have met her... Other than that, I am very thankful for the wonderful gifts she had given me. She made me a scarf, a bonnet for the princess and some very pretty yarns, wooden beads and wrist rest. And because they're just so lovely, I've decided to take pictures of them so I can post them here too! 
Here they are:

the bonnet & scarf for the princess and queen Peach

pretty yarns she gave me... my fave colors (orange/pink/yellow)
definitely will use this for my baby.

the new yarns I bought from her

the wooden beads she gave me for my crocheted accessories

she also gave me this wonderful wrist rest which is being enjoyed now
by my husband because he immediately asked for it!

I really love the gifts she gave me...!
Thanks so much Lorie! i love you love you love you...




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Simple Things...

I still have not given birth...
That's primarily the reason for my excitement -- in spite me feeling super tired lately.

Everyday I wake up with anticipation, always looking forward to regular contractions that would signal me to rush to the hospital to deliver my baby.

However there are times I am left to wonder with "when"... just when will I finally get to meet her face-to-face and hold her in my arms.

This brings me to thinking that, still, the longest wait there is in pregnancy is when you  know you can already deliver her out to this world, but still can't because s/he decides otherwise. Nevertheless, I am always happy whenever I get to feel her communicate with me inside my womb.

And other than us anticipating the birth of our princess... Other things that keeps me excited are: new yarns (both from abroad and here), I am finally meeting Lorie in person since she is picking up her yarns from the house, another set of Susan Bates crochet hooks plus the arrival of my pre-ordered crochet book!

The yarns are already here with me and I can't wait to start working on them... I am meeting Lorie early this morning, probably around 10am so she can  pick up her box of wool yarns. After which we can have lunch together before we finally bring her home. We are picking up the hooks early this afternoon before we go watch 2012 with the other couples we went out with last time. While my pre-ordered crochet book I believe will be arriving by the 21st.

Oh and one more thing, I am finally on-real-leave for at least a month... Which is a good thing because not only will I have all my time devoted to taking care of our little princess, but I will also have the chance to come up with more crochet projects as I am not required to think, worry and do other things related to work!

And yes, it really doesn't require a whole lot of extravagant things to make someone like me happy... because IT'S ALL THOSE SIMPLE THINGS THAT REALLY MAKES ME HAPPY! ;)


Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Another Beanie for Baby!

This beanie was the practice beanie I did in preparation to the beanies I would like to give Aaron and Lance. Since the practice beanie is a little small for the 2 boys' head, I have decided to just finish this off with a flower, make the boys a different one and give this to my upcoming princess instead.

Anyway, here it is...

Green Baby Beanie w/ flower applique

I think it's cute... I can't wait for her to try it on.




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Good News!

The 10kg of wool yarns Lorie ordered from abroad has finally arrived the Philippines last week and has reached my place just this Tuesday, Nov 03.

Only problem is, it wasn't as Lorie expected -- in balls... because it came in cones. :(

Late blog post due to my MMC confinement...

Nevertheless, we are still both so HAPPY that the box of yarns has arrived!




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

Issue Resolve!

A couple of nights ago, when I decided to migrate to blogspot, I encountered a site problem related to this site's 'comment feature'. Having known that, I immediately opted to raise this concern to blogger support.

Good thing I had the chance to check on it early this morning and saw that I was given several comments about what could have been the issue and the possible resolution to the problem. And even if I know it is going to be quite tough -- and it might call for a little technicality (I am not really a techie person and darn know nothing about codes, internet tech lingo, etc), seriously  the only thing I know to do online is to blog and shop, when it comes to techie stuff, I normally ask good people around me to help me out (um, ok I know, do it for me - should be the appropriate word... ha!), I still went through the process of correcting the problem, which probably is already because of frustration!

Issue: Initial lay-out was corrupted!
Resolution: I literally had to start from scratch... delete the old theme/layout's html setting and set up a new one.

Started working on my site at 0230pm.
Done at 0430pm (and that includes moving back all the links - blogroll).
Just in time for my check up at 600pm...! whew!

I find the resolution a bit painful because I had to start everything over again... My widgets were all removed -- so as the links (which was the hardest thing to actually do since I already have quite a lot!) when I had  to delete the old template. Nevertheless, I ended up quite satisfied with how things turned out because with this revision, I was able to find myself a more girly theme -- which I think suits me well =P

Anyway, going back to the main topic, I am happy to let you guys know that the issue has been resolved... You may now start posting comments to my site! yay! =)

So what are you waiting for? Start giving me some 'lovin' ;)




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

APEACHLIFE 'Comment' Issue

I was informed by a friend who attempted to post a comment to my site that the "Comment" feature of my blogger site has a glitch!

If you click on the brown comment icon with an arrow, it will redirect you to a website that doesn't belong to me. I actually checked it myself and is not quite sure if it is just a test site or something... But whatever it is -- it's NOT.MINE. So the comments posted there don't get posted to my site :(

One more issue I'm having right now, which is still related to the comment feature of my site is if you click on the main post itself and post a comment by clicking on the "Post a Comment" icon, it will give you a pop-up window where you can type in your message but if you don't have a Google ID and use an OpenID, your comment will not be posted instead you will be given this error message: bX-3vgjl8.

I have submitted an email to blogger support regarding this issue already and I really hope I get to hear from them soon so this gets resolved the soonest time possible. *sigh!

Anyway, I guess this time I won't be hearing much from friends. Because for the meantime, the only people who can post a comment on my crafty blogs are those who, like me, have Blogger/Google/Gmail or Live Journal, Wordpress, TypePad, AIM accounts. How sad!

Please remember, you have to go into the main post itself by clicking on the title of the post where you would like to submit a comment and click on POST A COMMENT.

Again, please do NOT use the Comment icon found on the main page because it will just redirect you to a different website. *sigh!

This is so stressful! :(




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

My 1st Crochet Book On-Hand

At exactly 2pm today, I received the book I have been waiting for for weeks!

Finally, my 1st crochet book is here…
Thanks to my husband for getting me this as one of his birthday presents. *sweet*

i love this book!

Oh and there's even one more book on the way… I just can’t wait!

aaaiiiillllaaaaavvveeeeeettttt……..!




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

How to Stiffen Crochet Thread Ornaments

Post from Teresa Richardson of Crochet Mania.
Video Tutorial : How to Stiffen Crochet Thread Ornaments.

This is what I use for stiffening thread or yarn. This is not the same as blocking. That will be another tutorial. There are products called fabric stiffeners out there on the market. Glue with water works just the same. I have even used sugar and water to stiffen snowflakes.

Stiffening Solution:
•1 part glue
•1 part water
•Mix well

Saturate your piece in the solution. Squeeze out the excess. Shape your project on an old towel. It will take 24-48 hours to dry. The smaller snowflakes will dry faster. The yarn snowflakes will take about 48 hours to dry.

Once the pieces are dry, you can add glitter. I like to wait until the snowflakes are dry to add glue. I have found that the excess glue with the stiffening process will cover the glitter so it may not be as shiny and glittery.




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

YAS and Excitement!

Recently, I have several FOs in mind that I’m planning or should I say, want to be able to do…

Unfortunately something’s keeping me. I feel like I really lack yarns — even if I do have several yarns lying around in my closet. I just think they’re not the appropriate yarns to use for the things I would like to do. And even if they are, I know that they won’t be enough… I will still run short of the colors I’m planning to use.

*sigh… For now, I guess there’s really nothing much that I can do since I am really trying to hold up from spending due to mega-uber-tight-budget! Which is a little sad as I really want to have lots of different kind of bulky yarns.

After all, who wouldn’t enjoy nor want to be spending / be able to spend on things you really want/need…? Right? But I really have to hold myself up for a while… just for a while.

So patience Peach… Patience.

Still I am looking forward to something (and it’s good!). Our wool yarns ordered from abroad are about to arrive soon! *woot-woot*

I just don’t have the definite date as to when the yarns will arrive and when we’ll be able to finally pick it up, but as per advise, I’ll be given an update about it this weekend. So this is really something to look forward to… That’s 2kg of wool yarns for me! 2kg means a lot of yarns!!!

Now I’m beginning to wonder, am I really becoming infected of this thing they call as “YAS”? I don’t know. But I guess it doesn’t really matter because I am really enjoying what I do.


PS: There’s one more thing that’s been keeping me overly excited… What? It’s the arrival of my crochet book from US! And yes, the birthday wishes from my wish list were all granted (CROCHET: hooks-yarns-books).




Free Signature Generator

Continue Reading ->>

FOs for the Kids...

For several days, I’ve been in-search of really nice purse and beanie patterns as I would like to give away a personally made gift to 3 very special kids – Aaron, Lance & Cheska.

I need to be able to make 2 kid’s beanie for boys and 1 purse kit for a little girl.

And last night I was able to come up with 2 samples of these projects!

So far, here’s what I’ve come up with… It still lacks some applique thouh. I haven’t done it yet as it requires me to be more creative to come up with more cute ideas that the kids would love.

baby beanie folded

when worn

this can be made as holder

the red ditty bag!

Continue Reading ->>