You Know You're Addicted To Crochet When You...

How do you know if you're addicted to crochet? Well, here's my list!

Or I may just be describing myself here.

• Have tons of yarn in your Wish List. Just because.
• Bring it anywhere! In the airport, in the car, at work, in the salon, during your vacation, and possibly even during a date (?)
• Have skipped a meal because...you were crocheting
• Tell yourself you'll stop after this row or round but end up making 10 more rows or rounds before you actually stop
• Have a bag that has at least a hook and/or a skein/ball of yarn

• Think yarn hoarding actually means only "collecting" or "preparing" for a future project
• Know the etymology of the word "crochet"
• Have at least two of these sites bookmarked in your browser: Moogly, Ravelry, Petals to Picots, Red Heart, Yarnspirations, Crochet Crowd, Etsy, Interweave, Crochet Geek, Crochet Pattern Central, etc. 
• Are already used to doing it in public (alone) and don't care what other people think when they see you
• Take your coffee with your crochet (or the other way around). [This is another topic that can take up a whole blog entry for me]

• Have that "ability" to see the "potential" in every yarn
• Count how many skeins or balls of yarn your meal could buy
• Have more yarn in your stash than clothes in your closet
• Consider a bad day to be the absence of crochet
• Can easily spot in less than a second the "prodigal" stitch in a project
• Can crochet with your eyes closed (yes, it can be done)
• Already know your crocheting angle in pictures [insert vain crocheting picture here]

• Always have to post your latest work online and say, "Fresh off the hook!"
• Know the difference between a Hamanaka and a Clover or a Susan Bates and a Boye
• Already have your own yarn swatches
• Begin to worry about carpal tunnel
• Are actually considering getting a rocking chair
• Have 2-3 different kinds of hooks...of the same size!

• Look forward to the weekend because you can stay at home and crochet (and probably not socialize)
• Have more WIPs than finished projects
• Have worn a head lamp to try to crochet in the dark (or use a lighted crochet hook)
• Have crocheted at least 1 of each type of project: coaster, doily, shawl/scarf, blouse, afghan, bedspread, amigurumi
• Are already thinking of your next project while crocheting another one 
• Automatically daydream of crocheting when you see the sight of rain (or better yet, jump into it right away)
• Make a list like this :p

My "Crochet Rules To Live By"

I have these self-imposed rules when I undertake a crochet project. They help me a lot in achieving the results I want. I'm pretty sure other crocheters have their own versions too.

 My 3-Hook Test

When I undertake a project that has a recommended hook size, I test that hook plus 2 more hooks: one with a size lower and the other with a size higher. You see, I'm not a gauge person. I don't make the gauge to make sure I have the correct hook size or yarn thickness for the project. I rely purely on what I think looks okay. Very subjective, I know.

I test the first row or round with the recommended hook. If it looks (or feels) tight, I use a higher-sized hook than the original. If it looks (or feels) loose, I use the lower-sized option. 

Color Combinations Matter

I am very sensitive to color combinations. They can make or break a project. A simple project which can only be made of single or double crochets can look marvelous with the right color combinations. There are many sites out there that specifically cater to color combinations. I get my color inspirations from various interior design and fashion resources. Pantone is a great resource too.

Red Heart Creme de la Creme Yarn [L-R]: Aqua Jade, Brite Orange, Brite Green, Sunshine

The Back Should Look As Good As The Front

Or at least as clean. This is my rule especially when working with flat projects like motifs, spreads, and doilies. If your back is as clean as the front, then you did a great job. Hide your yarn tails properly. It would be better if you can hide them as you crochet.

Crocheted with Red Heart Baby Sheen Yarn

Never Rule Out Unraveling
I have learned how to deal with unraveling. It takes some zen-like attitude to be okay with this process. There are different reasons why I unravel: if I made a very obvious mistake that is hard to hide, if I lost count somewhere, or if I don't really like how my project is looking.

Do you have your own crochet rules too?

My Whirlwind of a Summer (So Far)

It's already April and I feel like it's only January! Where did time go!?!?! I checked my blog post count for the past months and wow, I have a lot of catching up to do! I've been going through a lot of (good) changes lately and updating my blog somewhat took a back seat. Oh time, I wish I had more of you!

I just want to share with you some snippets of my past few weeks - what I have been up to and where I have been.

I've been taking a lot of "crochet-fies" lately. It's my travel thing, I guess. Some people have their pictures taken making cartwheels or doing their own signature poses. I get my picture taken crocheting...anywhere! This one is taken in the ruins of a library in front of the Angkor Wat Temple in Siem Reap last month.

This one was taken just last weekend in Hale Manna Beach Resort and Coastal Gardens in Moalboal, Cebu. I posted a blog entry last year about this place. I'm so glad we came back this year!

In other news, I started making coasters! I had the urge to make something white. I tortured myself by choosing a time-consuming pattern which I got from a vintage pattern book called "Madonna Crochet." I will be posting more about this soon!

I have also been out and about the Metro teaching crochet. I've been having schedules every month for Basic Crochet and Tunisian Crochet. I am working on a new module for advanced techniques so I can accommodate crocheters who want to go beyond the basics. Watch out for it in my workshop lineup!

I also attended the book launch of the The Candy DIY Book!

Great DIY projects from Alessa Lanot (Life After Breakfast), Mansy Abesamis (Hey Kessy), Mikko Sumulong (I Try DIY), and Macy Alcaraz (Macy's Fields and Candy). Grab your copy from any bookstore or newsstand nationwide for only PHP 175.00! Congrats, ladies!

I've also been quite busy with my online store, Gantsilyo Guru Selections. Got big plans ahead!!!

And yes, I'm still working on THAT bedspread!

Siem Reap Diaries 1: Welcome To Siem Reap!

One day, Erika and I decided to go to Cambodia. Our last trip together was back in 2006 or 2007 in Cebu. We didn't even take a single picture of that trip because we thought we were too cool for pictures. Yes, we regret that decision. We had no proof of the epicness of our experience. This time around though, we made sure we had pictures. Well, we didn't have much but we took just enough to document our experience.

Just to let you know, we had no solid agenda or schedule up to the minute we boarded our plane for Siem Reap. We only knew we wanted to visit Angkor Wat and to watch the live airing of the Oscars while we were in Cambodia (because we believe the Oscars is an important life event). Sure, we got some ideas from the net but we wanted the spontaneity of the moment to take over our trip.

Our home in Siem Reap was Viroth's Hotel. It's a boutique hotel with only 7 rooms! Very quaint indeed. It's quite near the Old French Quarter, so we only walked if we wanted to go to the Old Market or Pub Street.

This is where we had our breakfast. This is the roof deck of the hotel and it also serves as its lounge area. Lounge-y indeed! 

Our breakfasts in Siem Reap always had baguettes and croissants. Yum! Their baguettes were so yummy that Erika brought 12 pieces with her on the plane ride back to Manila (yes, it's possible). It's quite obvious that the French had a big influence in this country. 

We asked the hotel manager what else we can visit in Siem Reap apart from Angkor Wat. He told us we can visit the Chong Kneas floating village in Tonle Sap lake, which is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It sounded interesting so we got into a tuktuk and a boat and headed over there. This is me and Erika at the beginning of the boat ride. We really had no idea what we're going to see, but we noticed there were several boats with tourists so we assumed it was a "tourist destination."

I didn't want to miss this opportunity to try to crochet on a boat! I just wanted to show how convenient crochet is. I had my yarn and hook inside my travel bag the entire time!

Erika and I had mixed feelings about our experience at the floating village. We felt a bit guilty being "tourists" in the area and we chose not to take so much touristy pictures. To give you a better idea of this village from an account of a fellow tourist, check out this blog entry by Jollice Tan.

We returned to the city in the afternoon and explored the shops and the area of the Old French Quarter.

Check out the crocheted clothes being sold in the market! I wasn't sure if they were made of cotton or acrylic yarn (or maybe a hybrid of both). Below is a view of the Siem Reap River adjacent to the commercial areas where most tourists are. The river's pretty shallow because of the dry season.

Watch out for another blog entry on our visit to one of the workshop areas of Artisans Angkor! 

The Hookie

Otherwise known as the selfie you would take of your hand/s with your crochet hook :p

This is the hookie of my hand holding my Hamanaka crochet hook. This is how I actually hold my crochet hook - like holding a pen. There are some who hold the hook with the hand completely on top of the hook.

There's another hookie option, of course. Behold the hand beside the hook...and the ring. I bought it on sale for P80+ in The Ramp in Glorietta and it's awesome. Maybe I can put a magnet under the ring so I can have an automatic tapestry needle holder (yes, I'm serious about this).

The veins! 

My hand, obviously, is not a pretty hand. I'm proud and thankful for it though because I get to crochet with it :)

Crocheting With Eyes Closed

I don't know really know why I'm putting this video up. Well, I have an excuse because it is crochet-related and this is a blog about crochet :)

Behold, my attempt to crochet with my eyes closed. I am not saying I did the stitches correctly. [Warning: No daring content...at all]

Kids, don't try this at home or anywhere else. Because if someone sees you, they might avoid you :p

Happy New Year! May we all explore our weirdness and not be afraid to show it!

Happy New Year!

Pattern for crocheted numbers available HERE

Here we are about to welcome 2014 :)

Before 2013 comes to an end, I would like to THANK YOU for being part of this memorable year. Whether you have attended any of my workshops, purchased from my online store, asked me something about yarn or crochet, or read my blog, you made me look forward to what each day of this year brought.

For 2014, I wish that...
...you have more patience to finish your WIPs.
...you won't have to fear the idea of defrogging your stitches.
...you will not give up on a stitch or pattern you do not understand.
...you eventually figure out what that pattern is saying.
...you find the right yarn for a project you want (or the right project for a yarn).
...you find time to crochet or knit by yourself without any distractions.
...you also find the time to spend more quality time with your loved ones.
...you go out of your usual routine and do something different.
...you also get to make something special for yourself.

More than anything, I wish that you find happiness and fulfillment in every single day this year, and all the following years, would bring.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's make 2014 our best year yet!

Gantsilyo in Global Entrepreneurship Week at Miriam College

I got invited by the Society of Junior Entrepreneurs of Miriam College to give a small talk in a forum on entrepreneurship. It took place last November 18. I was surprised by the invitation, to be honest, because I've only been in business for less than a year. Part of me wanted to also share my experience so far so that my audience can be "inspired" to be young entrepreneurs.

I told them my crochet story and how I got here from being a corporate gal.

I was so nervous before going in front of the students. It's like presenting and being graded for something in front of your class and teachers :p Surprisingly, the nerves left when I started to talk.

There were other speakers as well. A short Q & A portion took place after all the talks.

Cheers to more young entrepreneurs and thank you for inviting me!

And Now It Has Come To This

I know you've missed seeing me crochet in interesting places :p

And now it has come to this. The picture(s) you've all been waiting for. Me crocheting in a legit rocking chair. It has definitely come to this. And I am not ashamed to show it :p

And mind you, this was taken in public. Crocheting on a rocking chair in public with a pillow on my lap is the shiznit. Now another picture with my legs crossed. See the difference? The level of intensity just changed. I felt it.

From behind. No, I did not drive people away from the cafe.

I crocheted for a few good seconds on that chair. I couldn't last that long on it. I felt my retirement flash right before my eyes.

Hamanaka in the Philippines

I am proud to announce that Hamanaka yarn, crochet hooks, and knitting needles are already available in my online store, Gantsilyo Guru Selections.

We are also offering free door-to-door delivery nationwide (in the Philippines) of your Hamanaka for orders that total P1,000 and above!

So why did I bring Hamanaka to the Philippines?

I think I've asked myself this question a million times before I decided to actually bring Hamanaka to the country. First of all, I've always been curious about this brand. If you've been a crocheter/knitter for quite some time now, you should know those Japanese pattern books we can't get enough of. Most, if not all, of them are actually Hamanaka pattern books.

Even if we can't read Japanese, we still buy these books because the patterns in them use universal crochet symbols. It is hard to resist trying the patterns out simply because they are pretty and functional. Of course, we end up improvising by using whatever yarn is available to us. These books got me intrigued by the actual yarn being used in them and the famous Hamanaka Raku Raku crochet hooks being featured usually at the back flap of the cover. These crochet hooks are regarded worldwide to be one of the best. It's quite the investment, but definitely worth it.

Scree grab from Hamanaka China's website

I got to know more about Hamanaka when one of its representatives from Japan visited the country to explore the possibility of introducing its products to the Philippines. Only until that meeting did I realize how established and highly-regarded this brand is in Japan and the rest of the world. Hamanaka is Japan's largest yarn manufacturer. It is known to produce quality materials under strict production standards.

One of Hamanaka's production facilities in Japan (Miyazaki)

I also got overwhelmed by the vast varieties of yarn they have. I got attracted particularly to their variegated yarn (which we call multicolored), or what they usually call yarn with color gradation. They are able to achieve this subtlety in the transition from one shade to another in this kind of yarn. This is something very few get to achieve. And this is where you get to appreciate the attention to detail they put in their production process. Here's an example.

Exclusive design by Hamanaka

This lovely shawlette is made with Hamanaka Claune yarn (available in our store with the exact shade used in this project).

I love how the mishmash of colors worked out. They know how to blend colors and make them look tasteful. The range of yarn I chose for my initial Hamanaka offering is primarily meant to make clothes with - from blouses to shawls or scarves.

Now back to the earlier question on why I brought Hamanaka here. It's simply because I want you to experience Hamanaka. If you want to make a special project - maybe as a treat for yourself or for someone special - give it a try :) I think you will also enjoy working with them - be it one of their crochet hooks or knitting needles.

If you have questions or inquiries about pattern suggestions for a specific Hamanaka yarn that catches your fancy from our store, feel free to email me at gantsilyoguru@gmail.com.

There are actually 3 yarn labels under the Hamanaka brand: Homemade, Hamanaka, and Rich More. You will get to know more about Hamanaka products in future blog entries!

TMA Crochet and Knit Trading is the exclusive distributor of Hamanaka in the Philippines.

Who Knew?

Who knew a crochet/yarn career would be this busy? I haven't been updating my blog that often (my apologies for that) because of the insurmountable work I have been faced with lately. I'm not complaining at all - it's just that I wish I have more time to do more things. But I love what I'm doing and I promise exciting projects and events for those who love crochet and yarn :)

So what have I been up to lately?

For one, I have been organizing my yarn stocks. Not stash, take note, but stocks. A year ago, if you told me I'd have this much yarn, I wouldn't believe you. I started with these yarn bins in an effort to make sense out of the boxes that are sprawling in my room.

While the organizing is happening, I have also been preparing for the launch of my latest offerings in my store. There's Hamanaka, which will be available in our store beginning October 27.

And the latest yarn from Red Heart! Soft, Celebration, and Creme de la Creme! These will be available in our store beginning November 4.

I have also been crocheting a shawl made up of 100+ pieces of african flower motifs! I'm halfway there already. More of this on a future blog post.

If crocheting that is not enough, I found time to make this combination of a beanie and scarf from one of the latest pattern books of Hamanaka. I just did this yesterday (fresh off the hook!). I couldn't resist making it. My hands were itching to make something else so I did it. I used Hamanaka's Yasai-Batake yarn, made of 100% soft wool. I will be offering this as a made-to-order item beginning November. More of this on a future blog post.

Oh, yeah, and there's the bedspread. I'm on it as well, but that's another story :) There are so much motifs involved!

Yeah, I have been pretty busy. It's the great kind of busy though. So now, back to work, b*&%*h! [This song does wonders. It makes me really productive.]

My Yarn Bag

No question, crochet and knitting are both convenient crafts. You just need to have a ball or skein of yarn with you and your crochet hook or pair of knitting needles, and you can practically crochet or knit anywhere (trust me, I've done my share of odd places to crochet in). I've crocheted in the plane, on a cliff, airports, cafes, and even in a salon. Here's the (rather unflattering) proof. 

I asked the salon assistant to take my picture while crocheting and having my hair colored by Jocel the stylist. I really like Jocel, by the way, because he's so O.C.! So if you want to get your hair done in Piandre Greenbelt 1, get him! So going back to my crocheting, I wasn't posing, mind you. I was really crocheting! It helped me kill time while the chemicals on my hair were doing their thing. 

I always bring this bag because this, so far, is my best vessel for my yarn and hooks when I go out and about the city. 

I got it from Topshop a few months back. The body is made of canvas. I love how stylish it can be but practical for a crocheter like me. One main feature of this bag that I really like is the compartment on the bottom part of the bag. Ta-da!

This is the best part of the bag! I have room dedicated to my yarn. I place my other stuff in the upper part. The bottom part is solely dedicated to my crochet. I also like the bottom because the guards in the malls don't check this part anymore! It's spacious enough to accommodate some skeins and my crochet hook case. Because of this compartment, I don't get my other stuff mixed with my yarn. Genius bag design!

So how do you bring your crochet or knitting with you?

Yarn Storage

I've been having some wooden bins made for my stocks of yarn.

There are 3 bins for one whole set. I had 3 sets made. Yes, I have a lot to store. I can put one set on top of the other. I also arranged to have fiberglass fitted to cover each bin. Of course, the fiberglass can be lifted to open and close. I need my yarn to be contained but visible. I don't know how it will look like, so I'm just hoping they turn out yarntastic!

By the way, I got the design idea for the bins from the blog, "The Porch Swing."

There are many ways to store yarn. The design or medium you choose depends on the space you have, how accessible you want your yarn to be, on your budget, and maybe on the look you want to achieve. I chose to have those kinds of bins because I went more for storage than display. They have enough space to store many skeins/balls of yarn and they can keep my yarn clean. They can also store other items like books and other accessories I offer in my store.

Here are some examples of smart, creative, and pretty yarn storage.

If you're after celebrating the glory of having so much yarn, go for a full blown display - just like having your own mini yarn store. This can be a good source of crocheting/knitting motivation. This one is owned by Ravelry user lesliehsimon. It's also a good idea to organize your stash by color.

Photo belongs to lesliehsimon from Ravelry

If you want a creative way to store and hide your yarn, check this customized trunk by Meg of Meg's Knitting Knot. This will also work for the closet yarn hoarder in you :) Nice, eh?

Photo belongs to Meg's Knitting Knot

There are unconventional ways too. Try this DIY project from "Do Stuff! Leethal Blog" making use of recycled cans. Awesome idea!

How about putting skeins in your wine shelf or rack? Jacinda of Pretty Prudent had more yarn skeins than wine bottles.

Photo belongs to Jacinda of Pretty Prudent

If you have a tub, why not? Hygiene excluded.

Photo grabbed from http://kpotd.blogspot.com/2012/07/now-this-is-bath-for-knitter.html

Happy yarn organizing!