Now that the year is coming to a close, I think about all the new techniques I've learned and what I've made. I still have another month or so to finish my current WIPs, but you can bet I'll start another project before the year is out! One thing I've so enjoyed making this year… Continue reading Favorite Makes of 2019: Toy Edition
Tag: zerotohero
My weekend make: Mosaic crochet hat
Mosaic crochet is a new technique for me, and it's so much fun. Here are some photos of a hat I made, using a beautiful free pattern by Martin Up North, called "Up Early-Up North." I recommend checking out his blog, because in addition to his crochet talents, he takes stunning photos. I used two… Continue reading My weekend make: Mosaic crochet hat
Paint chip art
Sometimes I make portraits of people and animals from paint chips/samples. Yes, those free paint chip cards that you can pick up at a hardware/home improvement store. I cut the pieces freehand with a tiny pair of scissors, or occasionally I'll bring in the "big gun" (an Exacto knife). They have a cartoonish aspect, I… Continue reading Paint chip art
Dog sweater update
Today was a day of moving several WIPs along, plus one tiny update to a sweater I made for my dog, Bodhi. Bodhi’s gator sweater Mr. Gator lacked a tail, so I added one, in time for Bodhi to don his first sweater of the season. Oversized pearly whites The sweater was done freehand according… Continue reading Dog sweater update
Podcasts I listen to while crafting
I enjoy stitching while conversing with my stitch circle or family, but when that’s not possible - and I crave a bit of news or storytelling - I find a podcast series. Still working on the matelassé-inspired octagon blanket. Today's tea: Yogi mango ginger Podcasts are cool because they appeal to my urge to multi-task.… Continue reading Podcasts I listen to while crafting
Toying with paper
The two craft materials I collect and love the most are yarn and paper. But really, paper is my first love. I was that weird kid (still am) who liked going into office supply stores and just looking around. Then I grew up and discovered the wonderful world of origami, and began a real paper… Continue reading Toying with paper
Blanket and sweater weather in Korea
Granny stripe blanket This granny stripe blanket took ages to make - not because it’s a complicated stitch, but I took multiple breaks, sometimes to make whole other blankets! Granted, it’s huge - fits a queen-sized bed - but I may need a little work with my attention span. It has four colors of Lion… Continue reading Blanket and sweater weather in Korea
“Things I love about Korea” #298: Traditional markets (시장)
Photo: At Seomun Sijang in Daegu: Indulging in a sweet, sunflower-filled fritter called "heoddeok" 호떡 When I moved from California to Korea a decade ago, I experienced many layers of culture shock. It began with the language barrier, and continued with missing many everyday conveniences that I had always taken for granted. Shopping was just… Continue reading “Things I love about Korea” #298: Traditional markets (시장)
A couple of stitching hacks, a WIP, and Halloween
Happy Halloween from Korea! 행복한 할로윈 ! Autumn color is in full swing. Here is a glimpse from outside my front door, the morning of Oct. 31: Gyeongsan, South Korea This afternoon, I handed out candy to random strangers on the main street in my neighborhood. I wouldn’t have thought to do that in a… Continue reading A couple of stitching hacks, a WIP, and Halloween
Ergonomic Crafting: My newest crochet hook
Photo: courtesy LETTO Workshop Ergonomic crafting tools are great for reducing fatigue and speeding up your "making time," especially if you're someone with carpal tunnel syndrome or arthritis. I don't have either of these conditions, but I do get plenty tired if I've been hitting the hook (or needles) often! Since I'm doing a lot… Continue reading Ergonomic Crafting: My newest crochet hook