Red Heart® Super Saver: One Skein Is All You Need

I call them the "Supers."

A skein of Red Heart® Super Saver yarn is approximately 333m (364yds). This worsted acrylic yarn is described in Shop Red Heart's site:

"Super Saver has been America's best selling yarn for over 70 years. The great wash performance and no-dyelot solids makes this large skein the 'go-to' yarn for wearables, home accessories, and more."

With only 1 skein of Red Heart® Super Saver yarn, I was able to make this 23-in. x 24-in. small decorative throw (on the chair). Just add another skein to make it a full-fledged throw. Shade for this skein is Lemon (235). I'm actually planning to put this one in the car so I can use this to cover my legs when it gets pretty cold.

I used Susan Bates Silvalium® aluminum crochet hook (which you may pre-order here) size US J10 or 6.0mm for this.

I adapted this super easy (perfect for beginners) pattern from the original design by erin called "Single-Skein Blankie" published in Crochet Today! magazine's Jan/Feb 2010 issue.

The pattern uses another type of Red Heart® yarn, which, unfortunately, isn't still available locally so I used Super Saver instead. This pattern isn't free. Don't worry though because I found free ones on the internet which can be done using only 1 skein of Red Heart® Super Saver:

1. "Crochet One Skein Throw" by Red Heart
2. "20 Free Patterns for One Skein Projects..." a compilation on Crochet Concupiscence

If you're curious on how this yarn really feels, feel free to drop by GIGI Coffee & Cupcakes in the Felina Corporate Plaza lobby in Eastwood (just beside the Citibank building) this May 11 (Sat), between 12NN-2PM. This is actually my free time between my workshops on that day. I will have stocks of these Super Saver yarn which you could also purchase on site. A text message informing me in advance of your visit would be greatly appreciated. You may reach me at (0906) 269-5192. You may also order this yarn from me and I can have it delivered to your place. Just send me an email at gantsilyoguru@gmail.com.

If you cannot find the colors that you want here, you can check other available colors by going to this LINK. A skein of plain Super Saver is PhP 350. The multicolored ones go for PhP 360.

There are also stores within Metro Manila that carry Red Heart® yarn. You might want to check the store nearest you to see if Super Saver is available there. Go to this link for a list of these stores.

You may also pre-order a 6-pc. set of Susan Bates Silvalium® aluminum crochet hook from me here.

My Crochet Haven in Cosmopolitan Magazine's May 2013 Issue!

Remember the do-over my old brother's room went through so it can be the awesome room I wanted to have for my crochet? It got featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine's (Philippines) May 2013 issue, for their Cosmo Life segment, "At Your Place." Thanks for the feature, Cosmo!

Text and sittings by Camyl Besinga. Photos by Miguel Nacianceno. Makeup and hair by Carmel Villongco.

You can see the full-page feature (with more pictures of my updated room) in this latest issue of Cosmo Philippines. It's Solenn Heussaff on the cover for their 16th Anniversary Special!

Photo grabbed from Cosmopolitan Philippines' official site.

Check out the do-over of this room in my old blog entry here.

Crocheted Bouquet Is Here!!!

A lovely bride just held this while walking down the aisle this afternoon.

I was asked more or less 2 months before the wedding day to take on this challenge. I think it was a brave move for the couple to have their boutonnieres and bridal bouquet crocheted. I even think it's the first time a bride will be holding a full crocheted bouquet in the Philippines :p I'm glad they liked it. Good thing about this bouquet is, it won't wither!

The idea of crocheting a bridal bouquet was unfathomable for me. I mean, it's not just some crocheted bouquet. It's the bride's. It's that bouquet she will be holding when everyone's attention is focused on her while walking down the aisle.

I was asked to use coral-toned colors - in line with the wedding's theme. I also added pops of other colors to make it more "alive." I didn't shy away from crocheting different kinds of flowers. I think the variety added character to the bouquet.

Did you know that the biggest challenge in making this bouquet is not the crocheting? It's actually the assembly. I'm not a florist or floral designer (if there is such a term) so I had no idea how bouquets are put together. I didn't know how some of those bridal bouquets achieved that seemingly round shape. But I took the challenge one at a time. I did research and consulted experienced florists. In the end, it all worked out. The holder of the bouquet is even crocheted. Can you see it?

I couldn't make it to the wedding, unfortunately. I'm really looking forward to the official wedding pictures!

Now I'm wondering what my next crochet challenge will be :p I think by now I can say, I'm up for anything!

See my work in progress for the bouquet here.