A change of heart : a road to being stash-free!

Warning:  A totally cheesy post:


My blog is not about love life.. but you'll see here bits and pieces of my love life : A.K.A my love affair with yarns! yikes!

I have a change of heart...

My husband used to say that it will only take some time before I shift to another set of items to collect. It's been 4 years now and the only things I collect are still craft related. He's still hoping though..
 
I know that my love for crochet will remain, and I intend to keep this hobby until the end of my days..

But I know, that something in me has changed. I have been trying to come up with the correct words to describe how I feel. I revised this post 3 times, each revision longer than the previous,  well, I think for this post I already captured what it is that I'm trying to share.

I was browsing my library for patterns that I can hack to complete a project that I was working on.. out of curiosity, I pulled out a random book and found out that , it is the first time I'm actually opening that book.

Why did I buy this book? Scratching my head, I pulled out more books and magazines, and decided that , I am ready to let go of another big chunk of stash.

Now, I asked myself.. what exactly do I want now?

I'm seeing a lot of people taking the plunge.. designing here, designing there.. improving their stores, offering classes... quitting their jobs to make crochet their work, It's getting really exciting . I think crochet is here to stay..

But what about my dream?

It has been many years that I hold on to my dream.. and yet.. now that it's more feasible..I am beginning to let it go.. slowly, a chunk of stash at a time..

I guess, one of the reasons is that, I admitted defeat. When I planned all these, there are only a few people willing to take the plunge. Now competition is rampant, and I cannot really keep up on those.

2nd most important reason is that I woke up to my reality and realized that whatever it is that I have right now, is more important, than what this dream have to offer :)

I have a family, no amount of yarn can replace them :)

I know, that someday, I will be stash free too!

What exactly is happening on my blog and in my life..

I decided that I will retain this blog as a craft and crochet blog, but I will also share my life experiences here... Hoping that it will also reach people, who are going through the same things. 

That is also one way to reduce crochet down to just a hobby.. as compared to it being a lofty goal or a separate reality altogether. This year, I said that I'm going to be more honest with myself. To admit defeat, to admit your weaknesses, to welcome changes and to completely give up on some things, because they are not meant for you.. these are all part of the changes I want to welcome in my life..

Apparently, "being more honest" has paved the way for a lot of other things, better things. Isn't honesty the best policy after all?

I mentioned on this post  ( Vacation Notice )  that I am actually working on something, that is career-related. I was able to reach that goal! Hurray! And exactly on target too.. just as my 2 months vacation from the store is about to end, I met the target. I'm not so keen on sharing what it is though.. my career and professional goals, well, will remain beyond the scope of this blog.All I can say is that it is enough for my husband and I to celebrate :) Our simple and sweet victory.

You see, I laugh at people's profiles in FB because they already look like resumes in http://www.linkedin.com/.   So I don't want to even start on that here in my blog. In case you are assuming things, well, I can only say that I work, on night shifts, but not in a call center. I retired from the job some 2 years ago.

May 18, is supposed to be the store's grand opening. I didn't expect that the box will still be in transit. The courier we chose is super super late, although the box is trackable, so only the location is known.

Another thing that I achieved while on vacation is the rockin' red dress that I don't have a picture of. I made the dress using DMC Petra, one of the coolest crochet thread in the world! To finish a dress, for my size, a 5foot 6 chubby girl, well, that's too many stitches. I finished the dress, and it thugs and pulls on all the right places. I will post about that once I got a replacement for my camera.

Because this vacation is successful, I wanted to actually, extend my vacation, but there are goals that I have to meet, and you are all familiar with it:  Php 250 000.

Because I am more honest to myself now, I also accepted my weakness, and appreciated my strengths. I realized that life is not how you make it perfect, rather, life is how you lived it perfectly given the less than perfect and unique circumstances that you are in.

There are things that I really can't do anything about, but there are still a lot of things that I can do.

So instead of ranting, I decided to appreciate my blessings.

So, where is crochet in the picture? Surprisingly, when I gave up my lofty craft goals, I found time to actually crochet and enjoy my hobby.

Right now, I am working on two tunic tops. There is a certain thing about this tunic top that I need to know, so I can use that technique for my next project. That project is going to be my ultimate project no. 1 . heheheh Because there are others in the list.

I bought a copy of the pattern from VTY Trading. This is a pattern by my friend and idol, Ate Mimi. It has been in my stash for more than 4 years I think, and this is the first time that I'm actually going to use the pattern.

It's very pretty . I wanted this the first time I saw this, although I had to wait for the pattern to be available. I liked this color originally, but I ended up being confused on which color to use.

By the way, the model is wearing the tunic inside out. The lines created on the rows of DC is supposed to be hidden and is on the wrong side.

You can download the pattern in Ravelry. This is the most convenient way to get the pattern. I'm making two tunic tops simultaneously, because I am in a bit of a hurry to finish one for my Mom's birthday.

I heard that a new version of this tunic dress is in the works, however, I cannot wait for that anymore ahhahaah I needed the tunic top sometime before June ends. Whatever technique is used here, is exactly what I needed to finish my ultimate project number 1.

The best way to learn the technique is to give the pattern a go. Aja!

Part 2: When to Give up your crafty dreams...

WAIVER: I CAN BE WRONG, SO JUST TAKE THINGS LIGHTLY :)

Again, I can be wrong, but I just want to share what I learned.

It's not like I'm actually convincing people to just give up on their crafty dream. I'm not. However, I would also like to point out that it's not really for everybody. What I'm trying to say here is that, if it's not for you, then it's not your loss. There are other things that are more important than having a fruitful hobby.

So, when is it time to let go?

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF LOOSING SLEEP AND BEING LATE FOR WORK THE NEXT DAY?

Store and crafting should never really cause conflict with your job. Remember that, it is not your bread and butter. It's not the one paying for all the bills.

It can be really interesting, exciting and fulfilling but when it start to rob you of sleep and makes you late for work the next day, then think twice.

Lucky are those people who can manage work and hobby and store without too much effort. If it fits in the picture and does not cause a lot of changes then it is perhaps something that should stay.
When I was still single, I can work on a project in one sitting. When I got married, a lot of things changed.

DO YOU HAVE TO BRING YOUR BABY TO MEET UP WITH A CLIENT?

I had to bring Dylan to some of my meet ups and quite honestly, I'm not so keen on doing it again. I hate to show my child that my attention is divided. When I'm working, I have to work. If I am with him, he has to have all of me.

ARE YOU OFTEN LATE FOR YOUR CUSTOMER MEET-UPS?

I was always late, and I hated it. I'm ashamed of it really. That is one indication I knew the meet ups are taking it's toll on me.

IS THE LUMP SUM OF THE INCOME OF YOUR STORE PLACED IN  A SEPARATE BANK ACCOUNT?
Hobby income should never be mixed with other funds. You should be able to see how much you've earned in a separate bank account. If you can't identify where your crochet income went, maybe you don't really have an income out of it. So why not utilize your time into something else?

IS THE LAUNDRY LEFT UNFINISHED? AND THE DISHES SCATTERED AROUND THE HOUSE?
When my baby sitter left, I really saw how my time was being  utilized. I felt guilty for focusing on the store. That's where it all started:  guilt. As to why I am guilty is beyond the scope of this post, but that is how I felt.

DOES YOUR SCHEDULE CAUSE CONFLICT WITH MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY.
Don't take for granted what your family members are telling you. If they are affected by your lack of time for them, don't dismiss their notions.

My husband supported me. Although, there are things that he does not really agree on. In the end, I got tired of conflicts too. I'm doing these for them, so I can fix our financial problem, but what good will it do, if fixing the original problem will give me more problem.


ARE YOU TIRED?
Take a break , you need it.

I answered yes to all of the above, so I took a break. In fact, I am enjoying this break, that I am tempted to extend it.

While other people think that something wrong can only be a bump in the road, there is , mind you, a very thin line between a bump and a sign.

Maybe, problems are just bump in the road. Trials on the way to reach your goals. However, don't ignore the fact that maybe they are signs that something that you are pursuing might be not for you.

Remember that if something is meant for you, everything will just fall into place, with or without effort.

a clearer head... and hopefully a clearer skin.

I have been plagued by psoriasis for 4 years now. It started when I was still working as a call center agent. Maybe, stress is really what caused my psoriasis to flare.

I spent thousands of pesos for those expensive medicine as advised by a total of 8 doctors already, in a span of 4 years. Those topical solutions, and even oral medicines that I used on my entire body reduced the psoriasis lesions. However, the lesions are not entirely cleared, and there are those that lingers on my forehead, on the scalp and in the back of the ears. It would have been better if the lesions are placed on the hidden parts of the body. However, they are in my forehead, as if to remind me everyday that I still have it in me!

I tried this soap, and there is noticeable improvement. The main ingredient is the "ZINC" there. Zinc is anti psoriasis.

The scalp lesions miraculously cleared to 90%  in 2.5 weeks. Only the ones remaining in the hairlines are evident. As for the ones in the face, the bumps are considerably thinner than before. They are not as prominent as before, but of course, if you look closely, the texture of the lesions is visible compared to the normal skin.

It's already been 2 month since I started the lung prophylaxis, and it's also summer now. Maybe these too helps in containing the lesions on the skin.

So I think, altogether, my psoriasis is on it's way to remission. I just hope that when summer is over they won't come back. All in all I am now 91% cleared of psoriasis, I think.

I will keep on using the soap in the next  5 months, just to see if it really is helping me. But I can say that it did clear my scalp. To say my scalp is cleared is really something. You see this is where the first psoriasis lesion started to grow. It started as a small patch, that grew larger and larger. A few months before I got pregnant with Dylan , it covered my entire head.

Now, as my psoriasis lesions clears one centimeter at a time. so is my head.. literally...

While reading my review materials, I can say that I can really hear my myself thinking  lol I used to stare on pages of my text books and I can't make sense of what they say...

Or maybe, I have already maintained my stress very well, that my immune system is coping better now. In the end, psoriasis is something that will remain a mystery. I think the reason why only a few research are done for psoriasis is because it's not really fatal. I mean, you can have lesions all over your body, but you won't die because of them.

There are worse cases of psoriasis like the Psoriatic arthritis, and that is a more serious and severely disabling and deforming type of psoriasis.. It can deform your bones.. I'm thankful that I was not given this dreaded from of psoriasis.

So, I hope that someone with psoriasis will benefit from this soap discovery. To use the soap on your scalp just let the bar of soap sit in a 100 ml of water. The resulting solution is what you will use as a first shampoo. It's not good for the hair though, so have to use your regular shampoo.

It smells a bit, but better lesion free than smelling nice.

Rica's Blog...

I am following this blog:  Rica's Travel blog , ( one of the few blogs I follow, that  does not talk about yarn. )

I am following this blog because I want to travel someday.

She said , that the world does not end with one people leaving. How very well said Rica.

This line on her blog, made me remember those 2 girls I met 13 years ago, when I'm still a freshman student in Intramuros.

Our friendship started when we became room mates. We are inseparable and we are like a puzzle: not complete until all three are present. However, in life, only a few people are made to stay forever. There are a lot of changes in our lives and some challenges that ended our friendship. .

Like when the 1st girl's parents decided to transfer her to another school. It was something that we cannot really control. I lived longer with the 2nd girl though. She was one of my best friends during those times. Although , we got separated too, after her mother decided that she cannot finish college. I got to speak with her mother, after that, and  I found out that my friend is living a double life. I will no longer get into the details of it.

The 2nd girl did something for me, that she didn't really want to tell me about. I was really touched by that gesture. She just want me to be happy. Although, I admit, the results of what she did is lingering. It was so lingering that I hoped she didn't really did that. I love her just the same. My husband told me about it when we are already married. As a result, I never get the chance to thank her for it. It has been many years since I last saw her.

I don't think I'll ever find her again though. I tried to locate her twice, and twice, I found her, and then twice, she showed that she doesn't want to keep the communication lines open. She keeps on loosing her phone or selling them, I don't know..  I decided to let her go and didn't bother her again.

I saw the 1st girl again several years after we graduated. I saw her at an MRT station. We tried to keep contact, but we both changed. Somehow, we just outgrew our friendship. 1st girl has a totally different view about the world, something which is very evident with her chosen lifestyle. 

We lost contact again, and I'm sure that our paths will not cross again.  I know she's happy now with her newly found idea of how to live life. I'm happy for her, but I'm not friends with the woman she become.

I remembered the two of them again when I read Rica's blog.

My world did not end when I lost them, but I never had friends like them again. Our bond was special, we have our own world during those times. Freshmen students from the province, exploring the world, trying to reach their dreams.

Whatever happened to our dreams though?  I can tell you that non of it happened. It was so funny remembering our late night chats. We are all naive and we thought we know better. What I have is completely different from what I used to dream about. ahhhahaa

I sort of miss them, but I know that whatever purpose they have in my life is done, and that only fate can tell if our paths are supposed to cross again. Maybe, whatever purpose I served in their lives is met too.

I  hope that life will be good to them. It was nothing like we imagined it to be when we are young, but it's worth living. I hope this post reaches them, I'd like to thank the both of them for making me laugh, and making that 1st year in Manila bearable.


Girl number 1, I wish you the best. Sadly, we are no longer meant to be friends. I hope your dreams will come true. Thank you for everything.


Girl number 2, thank you for that favor you did for me. I hope I will be able to return the favor or if not me, I hope someone else will do it for you. I miss you !

Topics I will blog about ....

In the past, there are goals and targets that I have set for myself. I was able to achieve some of them, with determination, proper planning and obssession to the goal ahhaaha.

There are things that I decided I won't do again, and I was successful in removing them out of my system. Whenever I am determined to do something, I will be able to do it.

I failed on some things.

But..

I always fail when I say I will loose weight.

Hahahahahahah

One day, husband and I are joking about how we now look, compared to 8 years ago. We have been together for  13 years now. We practically grew up together. So, just for the fun of it, we decided that we will work our ass off to look like we did 8 years ago.

We began to take it seriously, and ended up signing a contract. The details of which is private. ahahhaaha

It started to sink in now. The prize at stake is not really what convinced me to work on it, rather, I am more concerned on the damage fee if I won't meet the target. aaaarrrrggghh.

Anyway...

As I am trying to reduce the crafting in my life, I decided that I will also blog about healthy change of lifestyle and minimalism. But the majority of the topics are going to be about crochet and a little knitting...

I don't like to open a new blog for those topics. This crafty blog has grown on me in some ways. I will also share here my battle with psoriasis. I wanted to also share about motherhood, but quite honestly, I am not so keen on that because I don't want Dylan to feel that his childhood is documented in the internet.

The reason for this small change is that I'm trying to reduce the hold of crochet in my life. I no longer want people to equate me to my yarns. I have a notorious reputation as a yarn hoarder, it was funny at one point, but I started to become uncomfortable about it.

I want people to see me, not my yarns. That's the cheesiest way to put it.

There are so many goals I set for myself, but they are not really defined goals, rather, put together, these goals show a vision of how I wanted the next years to be.

I just don't want my next decade to have anything in excess. That's the easiest way to put it. I will elaborate on that in my next posts.

Questions to ask if you want to make a business out of your hobby.

I want to share what I learned.. with trying to bring my hobby to the next level.. This is the first part.

I think that most people know my story by now. My basis is not only my own experiences, but rather, my observation about other crafters who tried to take their craft to the next level. Since I re-opened my shop last August ( it was there before these stores are put up ), I happen to observe trendings and behaviors of other stores / page owners. I will not name people.

Waiver: These are based on my opinion. I can be wrong.

Here are some questions I think anyone wanting to turn their hobbies into business should ask themselves:

ARE YOU READY?

It's normal to be totally inspired and near-delussional when you are making creative things. Specially for stressed people, this is some sort of escape route, so ask yourself if you are ready or if you just one to start a store for yourself because everybody else does.

DO YOU REALLY HAVE TIME FOR IT?

When I say time, it means that between your day job and your hobby, do you have time in between? If pursuing hobby to the next level and making it a business means you will have sleepless night and you will be late for work the next day, consider doing this only on your rest days.

It's important that the certain balance of your day job and business should be there. Or else, you might be on the brink of quiting one of them or loosing one of them. Creating things for sale takes time and effort, specially if there are customers with demands to meet.

DO YOU HAVE FUNDS TO KEEP IT ALIVE?

Normally, you should only invest in a few tools, to get started. I know better, because newbies tend to hoard. Ask me about hoarding and I know exactly what to tell you, you can't stop easily and it's addicting.

There is a considerable amount of money that goes with every purchase of craft tools. These are what you need to make better items. Call it your capital. You have to also think of funding the initial raw materials, since customer's requests varies and might require you to get out of your way.

You should have at least the initial capital.

DO YOU HAVE THE ENTHUSIASM TO KEEP IT UP ?

As I mentioned, energy levels wear off at some point. Most crafters can attest to this, that after learning and researching about other crafts, they will either focus on one new craft alone or totally go back to their original craft.

As for the store part, sometimes, when sales are not so good, you might doubt your decision. So do you have what it takes to not loose interest on your store when the going gets tough?

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

I noticed that some stores are now offering what the other store offers, including classes, with lower prices. That's normal. That is what they call sari sari store effect. Put up a store on the corner and the rest of the street will be filled up with sari sari stores in a few months, specially if the first store is successful. Whatever it is that sells like pancakes on another store will be offered on another store on lower prices. That's a normal trend. There is a proper term for this, but I forgot it. So I just used the term used by my friend Fats.

So what is your purpose? Are you opening a store because everybody is? Are you opening a store because they are making money, so you want to make money too? 

You should have an HONEST purpose for yourself for putting up a store. Otherwise, you will just end up using other people's ideas over and over. You will end up selling whatever it is that other stores are selling.

Honesty , will pay a big part here. If you can't be honest with other people, then be honest with yourself at least.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?

Baby products are cute. They are nice, and they are everywhere. I have a baby too, but I found out that I don't really like to dress him up with crochet. Crochet baby booties are just for infants, once baby starts to walk, they need a suitable, walkable material. Yarn for booties are not really nice, because they make the baby slip.

Besides, my baby is a boy. I intend to raise him up to be a "brusko" type . ehhehehe so no frills and cutesies for my baby boy.

The market for crochet baby product if higher for the girls. I think.

I am telling you that this market looks overly saturated, because all other stores are offering them. But don't worry, there are 3 babies born every minute, in the Philippines alone. So I doubt if the market will ever be saturated.

It's important to have your own unique products. Something that cannot be easily duplicated and copied. Products that cannot be found in Divisoria . Because it's normal for stores to copy each other. Period.

If you want to be successful, be a UNIQUE store.

DO YOU HAVE PEOPLE SKILLS OR CUSTOMER SERVICE SKILLS?

Yes, you  should have it . You will deal with people and potential clients everyday, that you need to be able to handle even the difficult ones. It's tiring and it's part of the job. Avoid encouraging negative feedbacks from client. Remember that this business is also tough, your one tool for advertising is the recommendations of your existing client.

One thing that I can share to you is that, it's easier to get new customers than maintain existing ones, but it's the existing customers that generates more income, not the new ones.

Try it and see for yourself.

Eventually, you should also be open with having relationships with other stores. That is a separate topic, altogether, but it requires some SERIOUS PROFESSIONALISM.

IS THE STORE INCOME ENOUGH TO REPLACE YOUR DAY JOB?

My answer, is that,  it depends. But I think that if you made it work, to replace the day job, you can go for it.

In my case, being a mother of one baby, I don't think that my sales will be able to cover all our needs. My baby and my entire family will benefit more, from the medical benefits of our company,  than the fulfillment of my crochet career, ( my healthcard having paid for my C-section delivery in full ) so I opted for the former.

I dare say that this crochet and supplies store is only for the singles. Although , that is contestable.

CAN YOU DO IT ALONE? OR DO YOU REQUIRE A PARTNER?

Sometimes, you just need some help. You might need help on shipping the goods or completing the packaging.It's best to identify where to get the help from, so if you have a family member who is willing to help you , then good for you. Otherwise, consider hiring help.

Because if you try to do it all alone, you might end up stressed. Customers will not always understand your position.


WHERE DO YOU PUT YOUR STORE UP?

If you have enough funds , then set up a physical one. Customers will just go there, saves you all the trouble of shipping and staying online.

If you have less funds, and more time online, then set them up online. FB has been a good tool, we just have to wait for it to evolve as a real store platform complete with check out counters. Multiply just shut down business operations.

Ebay, ETSY, Artfire and even BLOGs can be used. You can set up your own website too.

It depends on which platform you are totally at ease and where you get the biggest market.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I think these are the questions you need to think about if you are thinking about opening up a store. I hope it helped you :)

a friend's advise.... to go with the flow..

Having a friend who has a level headed disposition is possibly the only thing you need when you are going through something confusing. It's an added bonus if she went through the same thing. She can advise you to do something that she has already done for herself.

So, my friend told me to just go with the flow. I have run out of options, and perhaps this is something that I haven't strongly considered before.

one of rare pictures where we are both drunk lol 

When it comes to dealing with problems in life.. it's best to go with the flow. The reason behind this is because half of your life is your doing and the other half,  you can't control or perhaps, ( reaction to what you can't control? ). At least that is what my friend has got me to believe right now.

How exactly does one go with the flow?

To go with the flow is not something that I'm so keen on doing. In my opinion, people are given a lot of capabilities and resources to just sit back and relax half the time, but then we are also humans and are vulnerable. We make mistakes.

And that is what happened to me most of the time for the past 3 decades of my life. I refused to go with the flow, in the end, most of my actions, caused more damage.

So now, I will do just that.. go with the flow..

I am not sure if this is something that I can really commit to, but I'm giving it a try.

For me, to go with the flow means, you don't really have a long term plan, you just react to whatever is currently  happening.. like you only have plans for the next 15 minutes, never looking further than that.

So, I said I'm gave up my crafty dreams, that's right. I'm no longer hoping it will ever happen, but what I'll do is keep the store. In keeping the store I will just go with the flow, meaning sell the things that I think will sell, without a long term plan on until when I'm going to sell or a plan to collect potential set of items that will give an income in bulk. Without even checking how other stores are faring. I only have the target to compute.. if I'm meeting it or not , how many thousands do I need to earn back by selling my collection... 

As for crochet itself, I'll crochet whatever it is that catches my fancy. If it's a bag, then it's a bag, if it's vintage then it's vintage, if it's russian then it's russian. I will not have a long term plan for what items are supposed to be finished within the year.

These will be done strictly on my free time. If I can, then I will, if I can't then I won't.

As for my other problems, I'll just live each day as it is. If my husband, says he can't do this, then he can't. If he can do something, then he will, thank you.

I can only focus on a few things at a time...

I think this is exactly what my friend meant by go with the flow, just react with your normal reaction on that particular time and day, without a target outcome of the whole picture.

Honestly, I am not sure how it ever worked for her, seeing that if I was the one who tackled her problems I will have a different set of solutions. But that is the beauty of our friendship. We laugh about the same things, but we have different opinions as to why it was funny.

And one advise that I need to really do each day? LAUGH...

It's the best medicine after all.. :)

Remembering my goals...

Today, I got a surprise, and that I was featured on one of my favorite blogs, ( a few of those blogs not talking about yarns ) :   www.missminimalist.com .  My massive destashing is featured here:  Real Life Minimalist: Bheng 

Dylan is much bigger now.. but this is how he looks like when I started destashing my items...


I was not in a good mood for the past 2 weeks because of a confession.. however, instead of ranting about it.. I just realized that I have other things that are more important, and these deserves my energy more. This blog feature totally made my day!

However, I am a changed person. Being a mother changes you in ways that will surprise you even. I will let it pass, albeit not so silently, but trust me, I am not so keen on getting even. I am more into understanding the situation and how to make damage control.

People will be surprised of course, I'm not one to just let things pass, and my husband can attest that this is definitely not how I do it, but then, maybe I got tired already.

Suddenly, I remember that I was destashing, and the store's presence is just the tool to destash.  I was destashing and not really pursuing a store. I just need the store to be alive so that other items will be bought together with the new ones.

That is one thing I have forgotten, because I was tempted ,time and again,  to pursue the crafty dreams. However, I know that in my heart, I have accepted that it's not for me. What I chose to have instead is a better family life.

Yarns go out of fashion and are easy to replace. Real friends will still be there when all the stores closed down.

I'm destashing, I will bring this stash down to a level of a hobby, and I will be stash free! When all the yarns are sold out, Dylan is free to roam around the house. I have to be quick because he's going to run in few months time :)

Thank you Francine!

Adding rows here and there daily....

Finally, I got time to actually crochet..  Here are some things that I thought I knew.. well, not until I'm already working on them...

Excuse the pictures.. Dylan dropped our old camera so I haven't bought a replacement ehheheeh I am still trying to source a replacement. without buying a new one :) as a result I cannot take the exact pictures of these things I'm talking about. if anyone will complain about me using these pictures , let me know.. thank you...


I-cord.. this is a cord I've seen all over my Russian Crochet magazines.. but only got the chance to try when Ate Mimi showed us how it was done during our annual meet and greet last year.. Thank you so much Ate Mimi!

I'm working on something similar...

How many meters is actually enough? it's a bit tiring for the hands, but it's really worth it! if you haven't heard about investing in your stitches, this is definitely the stitch that defines that...


Clones knot - I can say that this looks very vintage if you look at irish crochet. Clones knot is not as common as the irish leaf on the pages of my russian magazines. ( and I have 8 inches of those magazines , yeah, talk about guilty pleasure )..  The clones knot berry is to die for.. I am not sure if I got it correctly, but I really like to make a project with lots of clone berries :)

With a lot of tips and encouragements from my friend Fatima , I was able to get a hold of how it is done .. however, clones is so stitch intensive that I will have to delay clones...

Japanese crochet diagrams.. - in my mind, I know exactly how to follow diagrams, but to actually  pick up a pattern from my keito dama magazines.. well, is a first...  I have been hoarding more than crocheting for the past 4 years!

Keito Dama is perfect.. much better than the Ondori ones.. and even the Let's Knit series.. most of the projects has shaping. I just noticed that Let's Knit Series have less shaping. it's just that their models are naturally slim and sexy so it gives the illusion that the patterns have shaping..

That is a recent discovery...

I chose a pattern from this book :) I will reveal the project only when I finish it.. so fingers and hooks are crossed :)

My love for crochet thread - most people declared that they got tired of crochet thread, thank you very much.. in my case, I rediscovered it's beauty... I'm a crochet thread girl after all... I love the mercerized cotton because it has better sheen, I specially like DMC Petra. Size 5 and Size 3 are not really thick after all, I found out that when I used the standard thread, I was able to execute the project and the pattern better than when I attempted using yarn...

So much for hoarding more yarns and less crochet thread :)

My love for steel hooks..  The only hook I used to own is a generic size 8 crochet hook that mom gave me.. well, I used to be obsessed about aluminum ones. then I found myself working with steel lace hooks more than I'm using my aluminum... I rediscovered the beauty of small stitches..

I guess it's because I am no longer in the hurry to finish the projects.. unlike before, when I'm anxious to be the first to finish these and that...

I also found a vintage crochet hook.. all hooks are made just the same.. with just some few difference when it comes to each brands ergonomics, but there is something about vintage crochet hooks.,. I just cannot place it. but I really like this susan bates ones that I got...

I'm also eyeing the Lee Wards Vintage steel hooks.. maybe I'll get that next time :)

when I find a suitable offer, I will get to try these hooks...

I haven't found a good offer for these, but if I proved that these are better, I will gladly turn over my existing steel hooks for sale :)

I have a deadline to finish these items, I only have a few weeks.. but something about me changed these last few weeks.. I'm more content by adding one row or one motif a day.. a few inches per day.. as compared to staying late all night just to make progress.. I'm just enjoying each stitch , so to speak..it allows me to actually experience and enjoy the whole process rather , than when I'm rushing things....

As a result, I am making less mistakes.. and more progress even if I'm crocheting only for a one hour each day...

I rip off rows every now and then.. not because there is a missed stitch. rather, I found out I have to adjust a portion of the pattern to match my body :) I used to rip the entire project, because I just cannot find satisfaction on the results.. now, it's no longer like that...

The lightness of Anchor Lifestyles crochet thread - this is a very light crochet thread.. I don't know why they phased it out.. the resulting fabric is really light :)

Lastly, crochet is not for mass production. there is a certain art in this craft that cannot be captured if items are crocheted that way...  

How about you? what are your recent discovery?

Just doing what you love...

I sat down with a friend one day and we catch up  a bit.. she recently ended her relationship with the father of her 2nd child...according to her,  it was the best decision she made after all these years . And if you look at her, she looks definitely better than 3 months ago...

I asked her what it is that makes her happy now, seeing that she's glowing with , should I say, "new hope"? She told me she's jogging everyday, trying to make a healthier lifestyle, as a single mom.

Maybe it is just me, but there is a twinkle in her yes when she said that.

All break ups are sad,in my opinion, but if that will make both parties happier, then it's probably for the better. I'm happy that she's doing better now, but I am also sad that her relationship ended. Of course, I'm not one to press on people to stay together. I know that when it's over, it's over.

Better be alone than miserable : has been my motto ever since. It's easier said than done, and it's definitely not for everybody. ( Stop raising that eyebrow lol )

Now, I asked myself the same question... and with all honestly, I come up with the answers.

I am happier now because I am more honest to myself now.

1. I gave up my lofty store goals.

I am happier because I am no longer trying to meet deadlines, trying to please everybody.

2. I accepted the fact that my crochet work might never have a price tag on it. I chose a better family life and a better career path, than a crochet career ( if you can call it that ).

3.  I crochet for myself... period.

Currently, my favorite yarn :)

Handling facebook...

Why does one have to limit time in Facebook? According to me, it's a waste of time to stay there for more than 2 hours each day. 

1. I noticed that I can update the store regularly, everyday on the same time stamps. So I don't have to stay there all day. I am on store vacation right now, but when I come back, that will be the norms of the store.

2. Browsing Facebook, has brought me closer to my desired network of crocheters , knitters and crafters, that is the benefit, but it came to a point that managing the store is the only thing I was able to do.

3. It brought me closer to crafters, but not necessarily with my friends. Nowadays, even condolences are being sent via Facebook. People no longer meet physically because a Facebook shout out is enough for them to keep the friendship. So when you delete them, it signals that they no longer want to be your friend. How pathetic is that!

4. Staying online robs me of sleep.

5.My profile has become very personal, that I decided that it's already sick that way. There is a big security risk involved.

I usually laugh when I see profiles looking like resumes, you know, complete with date of birth, real names, work history, schools attended etc. ( Which I'm guessing is also just for show.. )

6. Seeing updates from yarn stores all of the time has resulted to another big haul of yarn. I was destashing then, and yet I managed to buy 15 kilos of new yarn. My focus was lost because I attempted to put up a crochet factory in Bataan. Just imagine where I am now,  if I just stayed on my goal. Note to self: lesson is learned, now have to liquidate yarns.

So having enumerated some of my reasons, I am no longer a full time Facebook-er. I will keep the store and manage it just the same but on limited time frame. Catch me online or text me, is a much better option.

I don't really have to make a list of pros and cons of Facebook. Everybody is already aware of it now I suppose.

When I realized that I also need some time off Facebook, I thought initially that it will be a challenge. I used to not like Facebook at all, then just like everybody I got so used to it that I started to like it.. then I started to be  just like everybody, updating it every hour of every day..It felt pathetic afterwards.

I thought it's a challenge, until our access to this site was removed by our IT , just recently. That is why I'm no longer updating the store in the wee hours of the night. It is no longer a challenge because it has become a rule.

When I go home, I'm so tired to even lift a finger, well not exactly tired to death, but you get the idea.

There's another reason which I didn't include on that list, because it's very personal. I will admit that there are updates I read that affected me in a negative way.  

Whatever life I have is not perfect, but I used to be happy just the same. Seeing a lot of things from other people's lives has twisted my idea of what being happy is. I started to compare, which is not something that I do often before the Facebook era. I started to look for what is missing.

All these technologies that we have in our time cannot really be grouped into good or bad. In my opinion, you cannot categorize them at all. I'm not saying FB is good or FB is bad. The truth is that it all depends on how we use them.  FB can be a means to communicate to your friends, find old people, reconnect and re-establish friendships. FB can also be a tool for extra marital affairs. It's all in how you use it and what you use it for.

STORE'S Vacation Notice

I mentioned on this post that I need a break.  I do. I really do.

I feel really pathetic when I don't meet my customer's expectation. I know that I lost some already because I was not able to answer their queries right away. I cannot blame them.

I also don't like making up excuses, or  sounding like I am.


Here's what happened. 

1. My baby-sitter resigned, as a result I have to make adjustments to my entire household.
2. Dylan is under medication due to his Primary Complex. If you are not aware of it, this means my baby is under medication for 6 months. As to where Dylan got this is pretty obvious.
3. We have several appointments with doctors, because unfortunately for Dylan, both his parents are carriers and have health problems ( hopefully not too serious) but needs to be checked. We are after all , advised of total lifestyle change.
4. I know that this time of the year, people are busy about their summer vacation plans. To be honest, there is a decline in sales already. I also cannot offer any other item because my stocks are still in transit. I think it's best to grab this opportunity to take a break.
5. I have to put all my remaining time ( bheng's remaining hours awake daily = 24 hours - 6 hours sleep - 8 hours work - 4 hours travel - other activities at home ) to something very important. It's a do or die situation.
6. I am not able to deliver goods in time these last 2 weeks, and not able to answer queries in time, and it's just so pathetic already. I cannot keep up on it anymore.

I will temporarily close the store starting March 18. I will reopen the store May 18.  Followed by the Red Heart Products Raffle on June.

This means:

Garage sale is May 18. Siguro naman nandito na ung 2 box di ba.

I wanted to  give the teaser now, including the pictures, but then, I learned long ago not to over share. So I hope that you will wait for me to recover, and I am really sure.. that what those boxes contains are worth waiting for..

All paid orders will be picked up today by Xend. I have 2 orders that are for pick up within Cubao, please contact me so we can schedule our meet up.  For the remaining reservations that not yet paid,  that is okay. You can reach me on my mobile:  09228362274. So I can schedule xend pick up once i received your payment,  however, I will pull out all the items on March 18, so until that day, you are free to add items from the lot.

Meanwhile:
I will just work on these personal goals that I set for myself :) Maybe, I can crochet on weekends heehehe

Thank you so much for understanding!

When I come back the store will be better!

Dylan Kyle turns 1

Today is a special for our family. My bebe Dylan lab turns 1 year old.  Dylan's party is in Bataan on Sunday , March 10, but I can't wait for that day, so we had a small celebration.

Time flies,really. It seems like only yesterday I found myself to be pregnant, and have to go through a lot of needles. I felt as if I'm a pincushion during those times.

Where I got Dylan's name:

I got Dylan's name from that medicine that the OB gives to me. I had to take a lot of Duvadilan during the course of my pregnancy.  Duvadilan is Isoxsuprine,  Isoxsuprine is used in humans for treatment of premature labour, i.e. a tocolytic.  So, Duvadilan.

I also liked that one character in an anime that I watched several years ago. I forgot the title of that anime flick, but I remember the name of the character with the long hair, Dylan. Of course, Dylan's hair is anything but long heheheeh I was bald when I was a baby, and Dylan only have a few hair more compared to mine.

The original Japanese anime name for this character is Tokiya  Mikagami ( yes! I am such an anime addict when I was younger .) Dylan is the name used by GMA 7 when they "tagalized" the entire anime.

This anime flick has a lot of violent themes though. It's like the Ghost fighter series. But I watched them anyway.  hahahaha

He does remind me of this other anime character, Kurama from the Yu Yu Hakusho anime flick, but then I cannot name him Kurama, or Dennis, the name GMA 7 used when they run this anime on TV. The name Dennis does not appeal to me. 

The Dylan character looks more manly than the Kurama character.

Although,as I recall, both have the same mysterious story, they are calm and smarter as compared to the rest of the cast on their respective anime flicks. They are usually portrayed as the most good looking in their group too. These characteristics are enough to make girls watching anime inlove with the characters.

I went through that phase ehheheeh  Maybe, if I'll have a daughter, we can both watch anime  eheheheh I can surely relate..

Himura Kenshin, has red hair too.. but if I name my son Kenshin, my husband will disown him ahhahaah because it will remind him of Ken Chi his roommate in college.

Dylan has a second name, Kyle, which by the way, none of my family ever had. We stick with one name for each kid.  My husband has a 2nd name too. hahaaahah So, since it's my frustration to have a 2nd name, I am vent on giving all my kids 2 names.  bwhahahahah

Dylan's milestones..

I celebrated each month with a cake, I tried a lot of cakes, but most of the time, I just buy the most convenient to obtain. This is not a tradition in the family, but I wanted to celebrate each and every milestone my baby have..

This is even weird for some people in Bataan, that the first cake I bought for Dylan, has Happy Birthday on it. And they will always ask, without fail if Dylan is a girl.

                      

                          

                                  

                               

                   
                        

                    

We will have a bigger party on March 10 at McDonalds, in Balanga City Bataan.. :)

Our little bundle of joy can now sit, walk , crawl and even run!

Anak, I hope you grow up to be a Godfearing person. I hope you grow up to be an obedient son. I don't want you to grow up and  be you mom's  mini-me. I don't want you do grow up as your dad's mini-me. Rather, I want you to have your own identity, that you will have your own dreams, and ambitions and that you will grow up as someone who wants to pursue them. My birthday wish for you is that you'll have good health. I love you Dylan. Happy Birthday!