Craft ni Kim

Happy Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 07:03:00 +0000

Barbie takes a rest and J-doll takes the spotlight on Christmas day.
Merry Christmas everyone!

Dancing in Red

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:51:00 +0000

A little red dress is all it takes to dance the night away. Teaching how to crochet has not been my strongest suit but I hope sharing this piece I made for Barbie will spread the spirit of Christmas. The dress is made of two single and double crochet stitches using a fine mercerized cotton thread.

Concoction

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 11:40:00 +0000

I like the shape of pumpkins that's why I purposely included them in this Halloween-themed pictorial for Barbie and her friend. All clay art are made by me. Glass bottles have been bought from a local store.

The night was young and Barbie had enough time to choose the best potion and pumpkin for her new craft. The pumpkins were all pretty as they were just harvested from her yard.

She wasn't alone that night. An apprentice stood by her side eagerly watching and learning every move.

At one point, she took her metal fish charm and stroked it for luck. Barbie poured some of the clear blue liquid on her pumpkin, held it high and cast a spell.

"This should be a nice fragrant make-up to add to my collection," Barbie said before she wrapped up the night. The witch smiled and looked forward to a beautiful tomorrow.

Shoes on Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 08:58:00 +0000

I've played with Barbies since I was 3 or 4 and thought it's nice playing with them again but in a different way. Miniature boxes/bags are done by me. All shoes were bought from random stores.

The store was bland but when Barbie saw that "SALE" sign and could not resist. She walked in and found the black heels she's been eyeing for months.

It was time to replace her pink heels, she thought.

She tried them on without hesitation and thought it would be perfect. But then, she wasn't sure which occassion to wear it to.

Nonetheless, the black pair made it to her shopping bag and there goes several dollars off her bank account.

In Studio: Barbie

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 05:19:00 +0000

Barbie isn't the sweetest doll around. Plus Mattel hasn't always had the best reputation in public. I honestly don't know much about the politics revolved around here. Nonetheless, I find her as an affordable subject for my photo shoots.

Barbie has managed to work with two of the miniature crochet bags which I've mentioned briefly in my past post. I don't have an extra outfit for her so have to deal with her default fashion dress.

The studio isn't anything expensive and hi-tech. Magazines and the sun are enough for now. ;)

Scarf in Full Bloom

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 10:16:00 +0000

The scarf is finished. All I need is a pin to attach the flower. My emotions tell me its spring but it's actually very humid here and the temperature is around 27 degree Celcius as I'm writing this. This scarf will most probably be sleeping for months.

My stash palette is very neutral at the moment. The Japanese books make the beige and browns very interesting so that's why I'm digging this palette for now. My color taste has changed since then. I used to like pink a lot, hence my cyber nickname peenkfrik. It means pink freak. Ironically, I never had a lot of pink stuff.

I would love to go to the office bathroom with a fancy brown bag so I'm starting off with a round base for my toothbrush bag. I'll figure out the pattern later. I'm thinking stripes and lace. We'll find out.

There's red in my stash but it seems to be out of place. I still haven't thought of what to make out of it. The light bulb above my head tells me it's going to be a flower or a bag.

Scarf Progress and more about Japanese Yarns

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 06:37:00 +0000

I bought two Japanese yarns in Chinatown last weekend. One for the scarf I'm working on and another for a bag project which I have not started. The second skein should be enough to finish the project. Rainy days are forcing me to stay home on weekends and finish it up. The scarf is taking shape now so that should be a good thing.

Japanese yarns aren't really cheap. This one yarn is a "Darumaings" brand but there is only very little information about it in the internet. It also says "not dyed" so that gets me thinking it's a natural yarn though I can only guess it is made of cotton. The yarn I've used for the scarf is a "Sea Queen" brand and it's surely made of cotton but not sure what kind of blend since the package has a 70% and 30% rating. Sadly I cannot read Japanese. My best guess is 30% acrylic.

Over the last week, I realized how little information I know about yarns. I only learned last week the differences are between merino and the cashmere yarns. I have not bought any of these but I plan to. I should think of a good project to make because the yarn isn't cheap and I don't want it to be just another one of my unused stash.

I'm an addict for craft blogs and nice photography. I have starred so many blogs under my favorites but just need time to organize and put them into a neat blog list. Aside from the scarf, I have this drawing that I vowed to finish no matter how much time it will take me.

First Knit Out

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 16:14:00 +0000

This afternoon, I joined my first knit out here in Singapore and had a great time. Though my mouth was zipped almost the whole time, I enjoyed listening to the crafters' stories. I decided to start on a new project which is from a not entirely new idea or pattern - a scarf. I was working on a scarf as mentioned in my previous post but it didn't turn out well because my yarn was too thick for my needle. This time, I think I got it right and I'm inspired to finish this project and track it in Raverly.

So, today is day 1 and below is a birthday photo. It looks more like a Starbucks ad but I will upload another photo after I have more progress. The yarn I'm using is that Japanese cotton yarn from Chinatown which I talked about during my first Singapore yarn hunt. I'm not sure if there will be a second because this island seems too small.

On another note, I miss selling my craft. A year ago, my friend and I displayed some jewelries at the local fair for the Sinulog event in Cebu. It was fun. The fact that there were so many booths selling jewelries too, the experience was more significant than the money I earned. I wished I could be there today with her at her booth.

Selling jewelries at my friend's Sinulog 2010 booth

I hit the publish button past midnight so "Today" in this post is January 15, 2011.

knit and purl

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 05:43:00 +0000

When I first began to knit, it was difficult. I have been crocheting for years and using two straight sticks was a pretty new concept for me. I can say that my knitting method is similar to continental style and I have read that most crocheters prefer this method. There are a gazillion sites and videos online that teach knitting but this particular website called KnittingHelp (http://www.knittinghelp.com/videos/knit-stitch) has helped me understand the two basic stitches: knit and purl.

My first project was a scarf and successfully I was able to create a ribbed stitch. However, I lost it somewhere in the airport on thanksgiving visit to some friends in NYC back in 2008. I haven't really finished a knit project since but have not stopped collecting books and studying.

I'm hoping to visit some some place in the northern hemisphere for the coming winter and another knitted scarf would be a good project. A garter stitch would be the easiest to do right now. This stitch is basically just either knitting on all rows or purling on all rows. This site pretty much explains it: http://www.learn2knit.co.uk/knitting/basic-stitches.php.

minibags and Japanese inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 07:39:00 +0000

Finally finished making a modified pattern for my minibag collection. This pattern was created using a demo version of SymbolCro and some photo editing software.

There is no limit to the design. This pattern is just a guide and is composed of basic crochet stitches. Any thread color combination will do. In my case, mercerized cotton thread was used but any thin thread and small hook will do. Additional embellishments can be added to the bag's body to make it more interesting. The bag handle can be any kind of string - leather, crochet thread or wax cord.

My inpiration for making these patterns are from Japanese books. They are quite good in illustrating and making diagrams. I found another Japanese crochet/knit book just yesterday at only SGD 9. I think it was a great find. Now I just need to figure out which project to work on first. :)

Missing my Craft Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:18:00 +0000

My ball of yarn looks so lonely now. I only got a handful of yarns left along with a few needles and hooks. Getting rid of all my craft stuff was not easy but I had too. But we're not totally parted. I shipped a 20-kilo box of yarns, beads and books to my mom before moving to this new place.

Ecru cotton yarn from Peaches & Creme.

Some of the good things about this new place is the lighting. I can sit by the window in the living room and get a nice photo without too much effort. It's a bit lonely though but that also means a lot of time for creative things. I'm still thinking about my next project. An e-book might be a good idea but it's probably too soon for that. :)

yarn hunt and Japanese books in the lion city

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 15:11:00 +0000

A few dollars, several train rides and some research was all it took to find nice yarns in Singapore. I was there for about a week to visit my sister. While I was there I decided to check out the local yarn sources. To my delight, I found tons of yarns I have never touched and seen before in my life.

There were a lot of Japanese yarns in this place called Golden Dragon Store. It has been recommended by several forums and blogs online so I made sure I visited the place. I bought the 3.90-dollar (SGD 3.90) Japanese cotton yarns and two sizes of circular knitting needles. The ladies in the store were all busy doing their craft but they were kind enough to help me out with my questions. They not only have crochet and knitting materials but they also have quilting and other craft materials you can think of. The store was located in People's Park Center in Chinatown. One of the exits from the Chinatown MRT station directly leads to it. Here's information printed on their plastic bag:

Golden Dragon Store

www.goldendragon.com.sg

Retail Outlet: 101 Upper Cross Street #02-51 People's Park Centre S(058 357)

Tel: 6535 8454, 6535 8234 Fax: 6534 2465

Head Office & Wholesale Division: Blk Henderson Rd #07-02 (Henderson Industrial Park) Singapore 159546

Tel: 6275 3517 Fax: 6276 7112

I also went to Bugis where there is this place called Golden Landmark which was right across Raffles Hospital. In the complex was a tiny yarn store called Knitting Shop. I think I found their exact location on the mall directory. The mall was a bit lonely but nonetheless it were the yarns that matter. Inside the store was a table where two women were seated, knitting. I asked for the cheapest yarn and they gave me 4-dollar cotton yarn (SGD4.00). I chose the purple shade though the lady was kind enough to dig through the pile to find me a lighter purple shade.

Actually, the first store I visited was this huge shop called Spotlight in Plaza Singapura in Dhoby Ghaut. From the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station was an exit directly leading to the mall. It wasn't hard to find because they have this huge sign which tells you which floor they are in . Too bad I couldn't decide which yarn to buy and I thought I had enough time to visit the place again. There was another store I searched for in the Handicraft Center in Chinatown but failed to find it. I should try my luck next time. This is my first yarn hunt post though I have desperately tried many times before in my own city, online and other places I have visited.

As for Japanese craft books, Golden Landmark sells a few but I found heaven in Kinokuya bookstore particularly in their outlet in Ngee Ann City Tower in Orchard. I was looking for an art shop, got lost and found this huge collection of Japanese books instead. I know no Japanese but I was persistent enough to browse through the sections until I found myself in the craft section. The books were covered with photos of knitting and crochet so it wasn't so hard to guess. I think I spent an hour just browsing through the books.

To guide you in your Singapore yarn hunt, use these useful sites and blog posts:

http://www.streetdirectory.com - Singapore's street guide
http://www.knitmap.com/ - yarn source database
http://mimiknit.blogspot.com/2007/10/memories-of-singapore.html
http://www.knittersreview.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=75115

Happy yarn hunting! ;)

Simple Scarf

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 12:24:00 +0000

I tried to make a tutorial but ran out of words. Instead, I'm giving you a tutorial in photos, if there is such thing. I'm sharing an entire album of photos which shows the progress of my scarf. Click on the image below to go to my Picasa album or click here.

The pattern is very easy and knowledge of a basic chain and a double crochet stitch is the least requirement. The width of the scarf depends on the length of the first row of an even number of chains. Materials I used for the project are:

1) Two balls of mercerized cotton thread
2) No. 8 steel crochet hook

You can use any crochet thread of your choice and any small hook that suits you. The number of crochet thread balls will depend on your desired scarf length.

This is my finished scarf:

I think the pattern can make a good curtain too. :)

got new beads

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:31:00 +0000

I have new beads. They look so much prettier with enough lighting so had to turn on the lamp.

Found so many neat stuff online like other craft blogs. I might talk about them next time or put links here on my blog. I'm also thinking about posting tutorials here. I have to figure that out.

That brown scarf I blogged about last time is still in progress. I really wish it were done sooner. I think too much browsing consumed most of my time. But today I spent the whole day sorting out my craft stuff. Made me realize I have been a hoarder. Got tons of papers, beads and thread. I don't have much space and some of them has got to go....

crocheting again

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 09:04:00 +0000

Beads are all over my table but I'm also crocheting at the same time. Made this cute cap for my niece. I hope to send it to her before she gets big.

Also made a scarf using a brown mercerized cotton thread. I plan to give it to someone but it'll take me some time to finish this since the stitches are small. And I finally uploaded photos of my miniature crochet bags. Yay!

Beads Overload

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:06:00 +0000

Been a bit busy making some jewelry for the holidays. Got lots of different types of glass beads which I hope to turn into beautiful pieces.

My friend and I set up another blog where all stuff we sell goes but still working on it.

I Miss Crafting

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 05:29:00 +0000

Here's a striped bag I made a year or two ago which I just kept in my locker. It's a simple single stitch crochet which obviously was more time-consuming than other methods. I love how all the colors combine but never got to use it and just had it piled along with my other unfinished projects. My sister is giving it to a friend and that makes me glad because it'll finally be put to use. I have been so busy with other things but really miss crafting.

Little Crochet Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:38:00 +0000

It's fun making tiny dresses such as this one. I used local "Monaco" mercerized cotton thread. Glad I found a tiny dress mannequin to put it on. Now it seems as if the little dolls are having fun window shopping....

Bags 'n Shoes

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 01:27:00 +0000

It's a lot easier to crochet tiny things. Here are some of the bags I crocheted for Barbie. Shoes in the photos are from Mattel.

Barbie in crochet

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:15:00 +0000

Barbie in crochet
Originally uploaded by peenkfrik

This is one of my Barbies. She's not my favorite but I like her because she's got a belly button unlike the older dolls I have. It's also easier to make her dresses because her figure is more realistic. I'm hoping to upload images of the doll clothes I made. I just love making tiny dresses, caps and even bags.

striped handbag

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:15:00 +0000

This is one of the crochet bags I've finished. They're made in different colors/shades. Some I've given away and some I've sold. I should make another one like this. ;)My inspiration is here

Japanese Crafting

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:07:00 +0000

I first heard of Japanese crafting on the internet about 3 years ago. Now I've got these books in my collection:

The images in Japanese craft books are very well shot so it makes crafting even more inspiring.

crochet thread

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:03:00 +0000

cotton thread
Originally uploaded by peenkfrik

Here's a snapshot of my stash of mercerized cotton thread. I've been using these for my projects. It's the same thread I've been using since I first learned to crochet. Seems boring but I've learned tricks on how to use it. ;)

crochet book

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:12:00 +0000

I've got myself a Holiday present. I've always wanted a real crochet book and finally got one from a local bookstore. Here's a photo of my book and a link to Amazon:

The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs: 500 Classic & Original Patterns

It's not really good for beginners but it's good for designers who want to experiment on patterns.

I've been working on several projects and I hope to post some pictures here. Happy Holidays crocheters and crafters out there! 8-)

bohemian

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Halasan) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:51:00 +0000

Summer might not be cool for my bohemian-inspired crafts but I feel the need to display some of them here. These are just some of the jewelries I designed in 2006. I focused on antique themes incorporating colored synthetic pearls.