What's cooking? (euh...crafting?)

Earlier this year, I purchased a wonderful book by Annie Rigg on the classic French treat, the macaron.  It is slightly different from the macaroon that I'm used to in that it does not contain grated coconut. If there is a French treat that I would like to learn to make, it would be this cookie.

I know it's been a while since my last blog entry. Having a full-time job in a research lab along with crafty hobbies made a rather busy summer. I have not had the time to try my hand at making edible macarons but I "cooked" something up using leftover yarn.

...et voila, crochet macarons filled with lavender buds from Sequim, Washington State. They are not edible in any way but are actually lavender sachets masquerading as treats. 

I hope to eventually try my hand at making the edible kind of macaron 

and I shall keep you posted.

=(^.^)=

Now available at Seattle's Ghost Gallery

Late last year, I stumbled upon an independent gallery and boutique in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood. Ghost Gallery was founded in 2006 by Miss Laurie Kearney, a very talented independent curator. Aside from hosting wonderful exhibits, the place features miniature works of art: sculpture, painting, photography. It has a boutique that represents local, independent artists and crafters.

Here are a few of my scarves currently available at the Gallery's boutique:

 

Marley Neckwarmer in Charcoal

Marley Neckwarmer in Taupe

Ripple Scarf in Dusty Rose

Ripple Scarf in Dusty Purple

Ripple Scarf in Navy Blue, Brooch included

My ETSY shop has more new items for the New Year. Come and visit anytime!

Until next time, thanks for reading =(^.^)=

Un bel accident

Whenever I knit or crochet, I often do it without patterns. I enjoy performing experiments outside work, even on my crafting projects. There is always the thrill of accidentally coming up with the unexpected. Working with a ball of yarn is quite forgiving.

It was sort of an experiment/accident that turned out to be quite wonderful and unique. Initially, I was just thinking of making my usual mesh scar in silver gray. I know, the base color is not that exciting and I was tempted to unravel by half-finished worked and call it quits. 

What made me change my mind and experiment a little bit was the fact that I already spent a few days crocheting. I felt bad about wasting all that time and not even trying to find a way to work things out. I finally  finished the scarf then thought about ways that I could make it more interesting. Below is what I came up with after my little experiment.

Crochet Waffle Weave Infinity Scarf  (Silver Mist)

What looks like different colored ribbons are actually crocheted chains of light purple, deep purple, charcoal gray yarn woven onto the scarf. I am glad that this «experiment» worked since this scarf took about a week to complete. This original design is called the Waffle Weave Infinity Mobius Scarf and comes in an almost infinite variety of colors. Unfortunately, there is only one me and my time outside work is not infinite.

After about a month or so, I made another scarf in a different color combination: Barley mesh woven with cranberry red, taupe, and chocolate brown chains of yarn. It is currently on display in my ETSY shop and waiting to adorn someone's neck. I think the color combo would suit both men and women.

Crochet Waffle Weave Infinity Scarf (Earth)

Until next time, thanks for reading. =(^.^)=

One tired but happy crafter

After months of preparation, late nights, weekends spent crafting away, and not to mention sore fingers, it finally happened: I made my very first appearance at my workplace Holiday Craft Fair on Friday, December 3rd. Seeing the craft fair "pros" with their wares almost ready was a little nerve wracking for a newbie like me. I quickly got over that at the sight of strange but smiling faces around, not to mention one of my friends from the lab arriving just in time to help me set up. 

Before I knew it, 6 hours had gone by. I had a great time talking to folks and showing my work. Some of my crochet items were sold out before noon and I even had one repeat customer. Three people wanted to even buy the neckwarmer I wore, off my neck. Everyone seemed intrigued by the knitted neckwarmers that I had made. One person even asked whether I was the person who donated the knitted scarf as one of the raffle prizes. 

I knitted this acrylic scarf embellished with crochet border and buttons just for the raffle donation. I hope that whoever won it will like it or at least give it to someone who will. Angie Wynn of Remember Wynn created the wonderful customized ultrasuede labels for my crochet and knit items.

My crochet neckwarmers (original design by yours truly), newly christened as the "Marley", became instant curiosities in a good way. Resembling a "necklush", each one is crocheted continuously using one ball of chunky lambswool/acrylic blend yarn. Two snaps hold the neckwarmer securely around one's neck. They can come plain or embellished with colorful buttons, like this one I made for myself in charcoal yarn. The red buttons add a punch of color and I love how they randomly show up depending on how the piece is twisted. 

Marley neckwarmer in Charcoal (20% Lambswool, 80% Acrylic)

This can be made in different colors. Here are the ones I sold at the craft fair. I will be making more for my ETSY shop, either as ready-to-wear or made-to-order based on color choice.

Marley neckwarmer in Taupe (20% Lambswool, 80% Acrylic)

Marley neckwarmer in Claret (20% Lambswool, 80% Acrylic)

Also, I introduced original-design knit neckwarmers that stirred a lot of curiosity. I love wearing long scarves but sometimes, the long ends can be a hassle when one keeps them on indoors. Neckwarmers are short, allow freedom of movement, and in this case, always look great. 

Ripple knit neckwarmer in Deep Forest Green (100% Acrylic)

Ripple knit neckwarmer in Antique Rose (100% Acrylic)

Ripple knit neckwarmer in Barley (8% Rayon, 92% Acrylic)

I'll be be making more of these for my shop as well. I guess that'll mean more late nights but more fun creating.


Until next time, thanks for reading. =(^.^)=