Crocheting with Cotton threads...its more fun in the Philippines!

Snake Amigurumi Neckpiece

2013-03-18T17:40:00.001-07:00

This is made using two strands of Cannon gold color thread. I designed and crocheted this snake necklace as an entry to a contest for the Year of the Snake, but it didn't win any prize. I'm glad to have it back, though I don't know if I'm ever going to use it. Its very comfortable to wear and the color looks nice with black attire...ordinarily, I will look crazy wearing this design. I never fancied crocheting a snake before, but surprisingly I enjoyed this project :)

Chain Shrug

2013-03-03T20:06:00.002-08:00

This is my project made from a crochet buddy's published design, the Beatriz Shrug featured in this month's issue of Inside Crochet :) For this project I used 3 balls of Cannon thread and 3mm size crochet hook.
More details of the pattern here on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/beatriz-shrug

Cannon, a versatile cotton thread

2013-03-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

Cannon thread can have various uses, so I can say its a versatile cotton thread. We can use different sizes of hooks, or use them in double or triple strands (as I've mentioned before). We can also try out different kinds of patterns and use it to substitute for more expensive yarns.
I've just checked out my project page on Ravelry and so far I had entered 200 projects made from Cannon threads :)
Here are some of my latest projects:

My latest crochet amigurumi projects

2013-02-26T02:24:00.001-08:00

Most of us crocheters have made or want to make amigurumis. I've made several cats and dogs and some other creatures in the past. I observed in Ravelry that it is mostly made from worsted weight yarn, or even thicker yarn. Though there are Japanese amigurumi patterns that are made from light fingering (3-ply or 4-ply) yarn. For this we can substitute Cannon threads.
I've used our local threads for many amigurumi projects, sometimes I double or triple the strands and use from 2.5mm to 4mm hook.
Below are two of my latest projects and I used 2.5mm hook and one strand of Cannon thread. It may seem tedious, but crocheting with size 8 thread is very easy on the hands.
These cats are referred to as Lucky Cats, and we made it our Crochet-along project in our Ravelry group. The other cats we made can be seen here in my main blog ;)

Finished the Lace Tunic top

2012-11-08T21:19:00.002-08:00

Pattern from: Interweave Crochet 2004
Materials: Cannon cotton thread size 8, 6 balls, MB864
Crochet hook size 2.5mm

Sewed a lining for my lace top ;)

2012-11-08T01:32:00.002-08:00

I already finished the lace top, and I sewed a sheer fabric lining at the skirt part. Its not very neat, but from the outside no one can tell ;)

I'll be posting a modeled shot of my top soon!
More details of this project on my previous posts:
http://mycottonthreads.blogspot.com/2012/11/pineapple-lace-pattern-on-tunic-or-dress.html
http://mycottonthreads.blogspot.com/2012/10/lace-tunic.html

Pineapple lace pattern on tunic (or dress)

2012-11-02T22:21:00.000-07:00

I've made a lot of progress on the lace tunic. The pattern is very interesting and I could go on and on if I had nothing else to do :p. But as expected, I ran out of thread. I already guessed I didn't have enough of the gray thread, but I really wanted that color.
Meantime, here's what I made so far using up 5 1/2 balls of Cannon thread.

Lace Tunic

2012-10-31T00:14:00.001-07:00

I'm working on a designer dress pattern using Cannon thread. This design first appeared on 2004 crochet magazine and was a free download some years back...now its for sale as a single pattern.
I chose this pattern since it looks challenging, yet doable. I was only a bit worried about using size 8 cotton thread, since it would mean a lot of trial and error and adjustments to the pattern.
Surprisingly, it wasn't much trouble to modify the pattern. I just went ahead and did it, and I had to finish the bodice so I can see what needs to be adjusted.
The first one was quite small, though I can still put it on. I am a size 32", but for this I followed the size 34" on the pattern. I used 2.5mm hook.

After I made the above bodice, I think I figured out how to make it right the next time.
So, I followed size 36" on the pattern and added another row for the base. I made the neckline lower, and also made less solid shell pattern and changed to lace pattern ahead. I added 3 rows on the sleeve edge too...
Here's my current attempt at finishing my lace tunic :)
I'm using Cannon MB864 (about 6 balls is needed), crochet hooks 2.5mm for the bodice and 2.5mm / 3mm for the skirt part.

Mini flower doily or jar topper - free pattern

2012-09-22T02:25:00.000-07:00

Here is another mini doily/jar topper design I came up with. The other one can be seen here.
Doily is 5 inches in diameter and would fit a jar lid that's about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.

Mini flower doily or jar topper
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2012
(Please do not distribute my patterns in any manner or form.)
This pattern can only be found on this link:
http://mycottonthreads.blogspot.com/2012/09/mini-flower-doily-or-jar-topper-free.html

Materials
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), (note: one ball will make about 6 mini doilies)
Crochet hook size 2mm (or 3/0)
1/8 inch satin ribbon, 18 inches long
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Finished size: about 5 inches diameter

Stitches used:
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, 2-dc cluster, 3-dc cluster,
dc2tog = double crochet together the next two stitches

Doily
Start with ch 6, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 1, 14 sc in ring, sl st in 1st sc to join.
Rnd 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), (dc, ch 1) in each sc around, sl st on top of beg ch 3. (14 dc, 14 ch-1 sp)
Rnd 3: Ch 1 (2 sc, ch 1) in each ch-1 sp around, sl st in 1st sc. (28 sc, 14 ch-1 sp)
Rnd 4: Sl st to the next ch-1 sp, ch 2, dc in same sp, ch 5, 2-dc cluster in same sp, (2-dc cluster, ch 5, 2-dc cluster in next ch-1 sp) repeat around, sl st in 1st dc. (14 ch-5 loops)
Rnd 5: Ch 3, sc in ch-5 sp, dc in next cluster st, ch 3, (dc in next cluster st, sc in ch-5 sp, dc in next cluster st, ch 3) repeat around, sl st on top of beg ch-3.
Rnd 6: Sl st to the next ch-3 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each of the next ch-3 sp around, sl st on top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 7: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2 (dc in each of the next 2 dc, ch 2) repeat around, sl st on top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 8: Sl st to the next ch-2 space, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 5, (sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 5) repeat around, sl st in 1st sc.
Rnd 9: Sl st on the next 2 chs, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same loop, ch 5, [(sc, ch 3, sc) in next loop, ch 5] repeat around, sl st in 1st sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Insert tie in ch-2 spaces on rnd 7.

Rattan Stitch Triangular Wrap

2012-08-20T22:15:00.000-07:00

There are different ways of creating crochet fabric using cotton thread. Using various stitches will show different looks, texture and drape. If you want to make a more drapey fabric using cotton thread size 8, you can use bigger hooks than you normally use. I've been able to use up to 4mm hook for a single strand of Cannon cotton thread. It will not work with any stitch pattern...but with some experimentation you'll see that it works with simple mesh patterns. The result looks like a knitted lace fabric.
Here's my first completed project using such a technique (if I may call it that...)
The stitches used here are chain, single crochet, extended single crochet, and triple crochet.

Materials:
Cannon cotton thread, size 8, 175m /ball, MB104 (maroon red), 4 balls
Crochet hook size 4mm

I made the shawl again, since I gifted the first one. This time I didn't do the edging round...the raw edge looks nice too.

Cellphone pocket with flap top

2012-04-15T01:29:00.001-07:00

Here's another cellphone case I made using two strands of Cannon thread. For this I used two shades of blue and crochet hook size 3mm (5/0). It was based on this pattern by Lydia Busek.
This is made in one piece, with a flap top. I did a bit of surface crochet for embellishment.

Mini doily or jar topper - free crochet pattern

2012-04-02T06:36:00.005-07:00

Here's a pretty little doily that's also a jar topper. Doily is 5 inches in diameter and would fit a jar lid that's about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. (also shown in photo are the denim thread ties that I made from recycled denim jeans)

Here's a blue one on a jar. I used ordinary 1/8-inch satin ribbon as tie.

Mini doily or jar topper, 6-petal flower
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2012
(Please do not distribute my patterns in any manner or form.)
This pattern can only be found on this link:
http://mycottonthreads.blogspot.com/2012/04/mini-doily-or-jar-topper-free-crochet.html

Materials
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), (note: one ball will make at least 8 mini doilies)
Crochet hook size 2mm (or 3/0)
1/8 inch satin ribbon, 18 inches long
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Finished size: about 5 inches diameter

Stitches used:
ch = chain, sl st = slip stitch, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, 2-dc cluster, 3-dc cluster,
dc2tog = double crochet together the next two stitches

Doily
Start with ch 6, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 2-dc cluster in ring, ch 3, (3-dc cluster, ch 3) 5 times, sl st on 1st dc-cluster.
Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st, ch 3, (3 dc in next dc-cluster, ch 3) 5 times, sl st on top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 2, dc in next ch-3 space, ch 2, (2 dc in each of the next 3 dc, ch 2, dc in next ch-3 space, ch 2) 5 times, sl st on top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc2tog, dc in next dc, dc2tog, ch 2, 3 dc in next dc, ch 2, (dc in next dc, dc2tog, dc in next dc, dc2tog, ch 2, 3 dc in next dc, ch 2) 5 times, sl st on top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 5: Ch 2, dc in next dc (counts as dc2tog), dc2tog, ch 2, (2 dc in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2, [dc2tog twice, ch 2, (2 dc in next dc, ch 1) 2 times, 2 dc in next dc, ch 2] 5 times, sl st on top of 1st dc.
Rnd 6: Ch 3, dc in next dc, ch 2 (dc in each of the next 2 dc, ch 2) repeat around, sl st on top of beg ch 3.
Rnd 7: Sl st to the 1st ch-2 space, ch 1, sc in same sp, ch 5, (sc in next ch-2 sp, ch 5) repeat around, sl st in 1st sc.
Rnd 8: Sl st on the next 2 chs, (sc, ch 3, sc) in same loop, ch 5, (sc in next ch-5 loop, ch 3, sc in same loop, ch 5) repeat around, sl st in 1st sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends. Insert tie in ch-2 spaces on rnd 6.

Striped Shells Glass Cozy - free pattern

2012-03-09T06:23:00.003-08:00

I made this design a few years ago, for our livelihood project. Now we are going to make it again...so I made some samples and took pictures.
This is easy to make, and would fit several shapes and sizes of glasses since it could stretch a bit. The addition of a stripe makes it more attractive, but you can also skip the stripe and crochet continuously in one color.

Striped Shells Glass Cozy
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2012
(Please do not distribute my patterns in any manner or form.)
This pattern can only be found on this link:
http://mycottonthreads.blogspot.com/2012/03/striped-shells-glass-cozy-free-pattern.html

Materials
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), main color (MC), one ball, 50gm (note: one ball will make at least 4 glass cozies)
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), contrasting color (CC), (about 1/4 ball is enough to complete a set of 4 glass cozies)
Crochet hook size 1.5mm (use a bigger hook to make a bigger size glass cozy)
Yarn needle to weave in ends
Finished size: about 4 inches across top, measured flat

Glass Cozy
Note: Ch 3 at the beg of rnds counts as dc.
Start with ch 5, sl st in 1st ch to form a ring,
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 14 dc in ring. Join with sl st to beginning ch 3. (15 dc)
Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (30 dc)
Rnd 3: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch 1), dc in next dc st, (ch 1, dc in next dc) repeat around, join. (30 dc with ch 1 space in between)
Rnd 4: Sl st in next ch-1 space, ch 3, dc in same sp, 2 dc in each ch-1 sp around, join. (60 dc)
Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in same st, ch 2, 2 dc in same st (shell made), [skip 3 dc, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc - shell) in next dc] repeat around, join. (15 shells)
Rnd 6: Sl st in ch-2 sp, ch 3, dc in same sp, ch 2, 2 dc in same sp, (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) in each ch-2 sp around, join. (15 shells)
Rnd 7: Repeat rnd 6, change to CC at the end of rnd.
Rnd 8: Repeat rnd 6, change to MC at the end of rnd.
Rnds 9-14: Repeat rnd 6, change to CC at the end of rnd 14.
Rnd 15: Ch 1, [(2 sc, ch 2, 2sc) in ch-2 sp, sc in space between shells] repeat around, join with sl st to 1st sc.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Black Crochet Cotton Tunic Top

2012-03-04T18:26:00.003-08:00

Finally finished!

Materials
Coats Manila Bay Cannon, mercerized cotton thread size 8, black, 7 balls (175m/ball)
Crochet hook size 2.5mm
Finished size: 34" bust
Pattern: Shapely Tunic Top

Crochet cellphone cases with Cannon threads

2012-02-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

I've made several designs of crocheted cellphone cases using Cannon threads. Some are made using one strand, while most were made with two strands and worked tightly using 2.5mm hook. I love the thick fabric created when working with two strands, though its a bit hard on the hands to work tight.
Here are my recent creations crocheting with two strands of Cannon thread.

I used my Chic Cellphone purses pattern for this, but I modified it a little. I was going to make another cellphone case, but I wanted to finish it faster so I made it into a coin purse instead :p

Now here's a rather impromptu project I made. I had the inspiration weeks ago, and when I needed something cute, I made this:

Almost done with black crochet tunic...

2012-02-14T16:19:00.000-08:00

Here it is, with one more ball to be worked up:

Finished length would be about 26 inches.

Teeny, Tiny Heart - free pattern

2012-02-11T19:49:00.002-08:00

Teeny Tiny Heart
copyright Mimi Alelis, 2012

Materials
Cannon cotton thread, size 8 (can be substituted with size 10 thread), red
Crochet hook size 1.5mm
Yarn needle
Finished size: 1/2 inch

Heart
Note: Leave at least 6 inches tail at the beginning and end, for more finishing options.

Row 1: Ch 3, 3 dc in 3rd ch from hook, turn.
Row 2: Ch 2, 2 dc in same st, sl st in next st, ch 1, 2 dc in next st, ch 1, sl st on top of beg ch 3. Fasten off.

Finishing: With a bit of sewing skill you can -
use the tail end to sculpt the heart to emphasize the heart shape.
use the tail end to add a bead.
use the tail end to sew it on as applique.

I Heart U pattern details here.

Waist Shaping...

2011-12-28T16:45:00.000-08:00

Finished the waist part, its now fitting the waist but not constricting it. The lace design adjusts to the wearer's figure ;)

Sleeves and Neck edging done!

2011-12-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

I'm finally done with the top part of the dress! I used up 3 balls of Cannon thread so far...

I'm still in love with the sleeves, after having done several projects using this pattern (my own design).

After sewing the shoulder seam, the sleeve is crocheted directly on the armhole edge.

The neck edging is made up of two rows of scs.

Crochet Black Dress in Progress

2011-11-27T15:51:00.000-08:00

Here it is so far:

This is how it looks now, its like a basic midriff sleeveless top. It still looks boxy without the sleeves. Also, it may seem short to cover the bust fully...but with crochet thread fabric, the weight of the lower part will pull down the top part a bit. Also the design of this dress is such that the waist is fitted.
I can't wait to show you the progress on the sleeves and waist part on my next post. I made it in the same stitch pattern that I originally came up with. My own take on crossed-dc's. Stay tuned :)

Work in progress...

2011-11-22T02:38:00.000-08:00

After taking a break from crocheting, and working on this for a few hours at a time, I have this to show. I'm now on the third ball (4 more to go!) Hopefully this will go faster after the sleeves are done, and crocheting will be worked in rounds from the midriff to the bottom end.

I have yet to sew the seams - shown here (below) are the back and front shoulder edges which I'm holding. These are the only seams that need to be hand-sewn...everything else is crocheted.

Up next: sleeves to be crocheted on the armholes.

More Cannon threads...

2011-10-29T22:32:00.000-07:00

I've just received these:

I still get a kick out of opening a new box of threads!...I wish I could get all colors ;) Meanwhile, those were given to me so I would make a custom-order of a cap-sleeve tunic. The order was for another color, and the threads for that were also sent to me.
I plan to start on the project at once, and to finalize the pdf pattern too...(maybe kill two birds with one stone?) hopefully, I'll be able to offer the pdf pattern for sale soon ;)

Dachshund Amigurumi pattern now available

2011-10-26T00:04:00.000-07:00

I've just added my Dachshund Amigurumi pattern to my Ravelry store. Here is the final version made in brown acrylic yarn, while the other one was made earlier from 3 strands of cotton thread size 8 (more on this post). This is a one-skein project which you will be able to make using only one skein local acrylic yarn, or 1 ball of Cannon crochet thread. If using Cannon thread, divide the ball into three, and crochet 3 strands together. Using yarn will be a much easier job, with a texture that's closer to animal fur ;)

Free Crochet Patterns

2011-10-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

These are the patterns I've made so far, wherein Cannon threads were used for the samples. Thanks to Ravelry, one can easily view and do a search on them:

From the oldest to the latest patterns here are the details:

Baby Mittens - a quick project to make as gifts or a matching accessory for crochet baby hats and booties.
Appliques for Baby Items - small crocheted appliques to decorate baby items or children's accessories.
Striped Keychain purse - a mini little purse that can keep a tiny treasure, a coin or even a folded bill.
Loopy flowers - a cute, quick project to make use of scraps of any colors of Cannon threads.
Baby Cotton Hat - With only one ball of thread you can make this adorable baby hat.
Scallop coaster - one ball of Cannon thread can be made into 6 coasters.
Flower Choker - you'll need only leftover threads and a few colorful beads to make this pretty choker.
Diagonal Striped Belt - a fun project to make with one ball of multicolored Cannon thread! You may also use plain color, or variegated color thread.
Lip Balm Holder - a useful little accessory to make with scraps of multicolored thread.
Flower Frame Souvenir - can be made as gifts or souvenirs for Baby showers or christening, or other occasions.
Hat souvenir - can also be made as gifts or souvenirs for Baby showers or christening, or other occasions.
Radiant coaster/doily - a fun little project to decorate your table.
Little Flowers with Leaves - a cute flower applique for your bags, hats or clothing.
Tropical Shawl with Fringe - can be made with just two balls of multicolored, variegated or plain color Cannon threads (fringe not included).
Crochet-covered button - will be very nice for crocheted clothing.
Mini Booties souvenir - can be made as gifts or souvenirs for Baby showers or christening.
Just Got Stitched-up Halloween Choker - a fun choker to match a halloween attire.

Other free patterns using Cannon threads:
Striped Hat - use two strands of Cannon threads.
Beaded Scrunchie - use two strands of Cannon threads.
Flower Accent - can be made using size 10 thread or size 8 Cannon thread.

Thanks for looking! Please follow this blog to get updated on free patterns using Cannon threads.

Cannon Color Cards

2011-10-19T04:03:00.000-07:00