Cottonbud Design Album

Little Fish Key Ring Notepad

2009-10-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

Materials : Plastic charms for curtain garland, scrap papers, card stock or carton cardboard, key ring, scissors, pencil, cutting knife, hole puncher.
Duration : 3 hours
Pattern source : My own.

Comments : This is a very simple project to reuse scrap papers to make to a useful little writing pad. It's a very handy note pad that could be used as key chain or just hang it in the bag for easy usage when needed. I have the simple instruction write out, if you like to, you could make your own as well. Little key ring note pad.

Window Decor

2009-08-30T23:59:00.000-07:00

Materials : Colour light weight papers (Tissue paper or tracking paper) and glue
Duration : 1 hour
Pattern source : Inspiration from Japanese Catalogue book "Couturier"

Comment : Just a really simple paper crafts for window decorations. You could made it in any size and colours to decor your window.

Instruction available at my main blog :

Paper Window Decoration

Recycled Paper Pencils

2009-08-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

Materials : Recycled paper cut out from magazine or newspaper, 2mm pencil lead, glue, cutter, scissors and rhinestone for decoration.

Duration : 1 day.

Pattern source : My own from inspiration from Etsy's supplies shop.

Comment :

Just another simple, relax and fun recycled project to do. It's like a try and error start up for me to do this project. I was so afraid that it will fail me. However, the end result is so good and I just love the pencils. The texture is so great with the colours and words from the paper. It could be used as well and I'm actually started to use it for writing. If you are interested to make one for your own, just try it out, I have the instruction written in my main blog.

"Recycled Paper Pencils" Instruction.

Envelope tag bookmark

2009-04-04T01:17:00.000-07:00

Materials : Used envelope and stickers

Duration : 15 minutes

Pattern source : My own with inspiration from Japanese recycling book

Comments : A really great recycling project on using the used envelopes that you will received everyday. It's fun to make, just try out yourself, I'm sure you will like it.

Instruction could be found at my main blog

Envelope tag bookmark

Recycled Envelope Journal Book

2008-11-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

Materials : Recycled envelopes, paper bag, carton box cardboard, medium weight cardboard, ribbon, tape and glue.

Duration : 1 day

Pattern source : My own with inspiration from website

Comment : This is mainly a recycled project for me. All the materials that I have been used are recycled items. And this is a great journal book to store all the small items like stamps, stickers, receipts etc. And I have been using it now and plan to make more. If you like one, you can make one yourself. I have the method of making this book in my blog DIY Project-Envelope Journal Book.

Small coin purse

2008-06-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

Materials : Coats & Clerk crochet yarn in white, cotton in beige colour and metal purse frame.

Crochet needle : 1.5mm in steel crochet needle

Period : Begin 01/06/08 and end in 15/06/08

Pattern source : Purse : My own and the crochet lace : Japanese crochet book called "100 crochet lace in 4 seasons".

Comment : Made this small coin purse for my own used. The metal frame was recycled from a purse that already broken. However it's not really well made, a little defeat on the construction area on the metal frame. Well, it really doesn't matter much to me though, as long as I could use it, I don't mind that much.

Shoulder slit sweater

2008-05-03T20:12:00.000-07:00

Material : Katia denim yarn in the shade of "Sand"
Needle : 6.50mm straight needle
Period : Beginning of 2008 to End of Apr 2008
Pattern : From Vogue Knitting

Comments : A very easy to make top, however I have took too long to get it done.Reason being I was so lay back on knitting project and was involved quite heavily in making bags for my Etsy shop. Not quite satisfy for the result, the top seem to be too thick and it makes me look very plum when wearing it. I guess I might unravel it for other project in some other times.

Flower motive bag

2007-12-03T05:16:00.000-08:00

Material : Acrylic yarn called "Cottontut", brown sari fabric and ratan ring.
Needle : Crochet hook in size 8 (Bamboo - bought from 100 yen shop)
Project duration : Start in June and end in Nov 2007
Project idea : My own

Comment : I love crochet bag but I can't one in the market. Therefore I made one myself and it turn out pretty nice and I just love it.

Recycled pendent and earings

2007-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

Material : 1 pair of old earings, gem stone, metal beads in flowers pattern, o ring and t ring.
Duration of the project : 1 day
Begin and finish : 29th November, 2007
Project idea : My own

Comment : Just to recycle one of my very old earing to become a pendent and a pair of new earings by adding in some gem stone and metal beads. Nothing special, just simple modification on old accessory. Still some more old accessories in the queque for such a modification, more to come.

Bead flower brooch

2007-12-01T18:48:00.001-08:00

Materials : Pink seed beads, wire, pearl and flower tape.
Duration of the project : 1 day
Project idea : My own based on some pictures I saw in Japanese crafty books

Comments : This is just to experiment how the beaded flower will turn out. Still need to experiment more in order for me to master this skill. The brooch seem to be OK but not really good though and it seem a bit too heavy, the brooch pin couldn't hold the brooch nicely when pin up in the garment. Guess I need to do some modification to make it more easier to use.

Simple crop cardigan

2007-11-03T00:20:00.001-07:00

Material : Old long sleeve cardigan, some scrap fabric and beads.
Project duration : 1 day
Project idea : My own

Comment : Just a simple modification on the long sleeve cardigan to a cap sleeve top with a sewn in fabric brooch. Nothing fancy, just a more nicer top to wear after the modification.

Wrap Cardigan

2007-10-25T16:33:00.000-07:00

Material : Elann.com Sonata in the shade of becan.
Needle : 4mm circular
Project start and end : Begin on Mar and end on Oct
Project source : From one of my Chinese pattern book

Comment : This project has taken me so long to finish. The yarn knitted out quite heavy and it seeem that it is a bit too long too. Anyway I'm still quite happy with the result.

Nail Enamel Flower

2007-10-16T02:32:00.001-07:00

Materials : Nail enamel, 0.3mm wire, artificial flower stigma and colour masking tape

Project start : 11th October, 2007

Project end : 14th October, 2007

Project idea : My own based on the inspiration from a Chinese DIY magazine.

Comment : This is a very interesting project to do. It uses nail enamel to make the flower petal and you can use your unwanted expired nail enamel instead of just throwing them all away. The nail enamel also make a very delicated flower, it looks very like a stain glass. If you want to make one, just refer to my other blog entry of FO : Flower and tutorial.

Hygiene Purse

2007-10-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

Material : Left over fabric from other project

Duration : 1 day (start and finished on 25.09.07)

Source of pattern : My own

Comment : Just an idea to make a purse to hold the sanitary pads that I'll be going to put in my handbag to carry along in case I need one. I always found difficulty to get a nice bag or case to put this in and I just chuck all of them in one of the pocket available in the handbag, this has given problem if my handbag don't have any pocket. Therefore I made this one to overcome my problem.

Hexagon coaster

2007-09-23T06:30:00.000-07:00

Material : Left over fabric from project "Pine tree pillow case"
Duration of the project : 2 days
Idea of the project : My own

Comment : Project to reduce the fabric stash that I had been cut out into triangle shape during the Pine tree pillow case. It seem to be very useful for me and hubby when we wanted to drink tea by not worrying it will wet the table and need to clean up the mess afterwards.

Nine patches baby blanket

2007-09-23T05:55:00.000-07:00

Material : Light blue floral print, plain cream and beige colour cotton and sky blue flannel with little sheep print on it.

Duration of the project : Start on Aug and end on 23th Sept, 2007. (Approximately 1 week in total but spread to 1 month to finish.)

Idea of the project : My own

Comment : This project is especially a gift to my nephew, my brother new born baby boy. It's just a very simple nine patches blanket with the measurement of 4' x 3 1/2'. This seem to be a very fast and easy to make project, since I still have lots of the floral print left in my stash, maybe I'll make one in bigger size for myself.

Trio earring

2007-08-24T04:03:00.000-07:00

Material : Oval shape Jasper, headpin, o-ring and earring hook

Project duration : 1 day (Start and end on 21 Aug, 2007)

Project idea : My own

Comment : Just get very obsessive with earrings recently and made this simple yet nice to wear earrings. Nothing fancy, just 3 oval shape Jasper join with headpin in various length and then connect to the earring hook with a o-ring. Just love how it turn out and it drape very lovely when wearing.

Green earring

2007-08-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

Material : Jasper in green shade, white quartz and bronze earring hook, o-ring and headpin.

Project duration : 1 day (Start and finished on 17 Aug, 2007)

Project idea : My own

Comment : Fist timer in earring making, just a very simple pattern to join some oval shape Jasper in green shade with a headpin and then connect to the earring hook with the o-ring. Easy to make and it just nice for any occasion.

Simple Jasper Bracelet

2007-08-11T10:38:00.001-07:00

Material : Small round Jasper, dark brown seed bead and fish net thread

Project duration : 1 day finished on 11.08.07

Project idea : My own

Comments : A very simple bracelet for mum. I made it from Jasper and seed beads by threading all the beads in fish net thread.

Tia - Variegated Vest

2007-08-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Elann.com Sonata in the shade of Wine and Rio

Needle : 3.5mm and 4mm circular

Project start : 09 May 2007

Project end : 05 August 2007

Pattern source : Free pattern from Berroco, Tia

Changes made : I lengthen the bottom by added in 2" of knittings.

Comments : A very easy and relex knitting. First knit in variegated yarn and feel very excited everytimes the colours of yarns make up result while knitting. It's simple and could be match with any tops and guess I'll wear it to work mostly.

Knitted ring brooch

2007-06-22T07:03:00.001-07:00

Materials : Variegated yarn, glass beads and scrap fabric.

Project duration : 1 week for the knitted ring and 1 day for the brooch.

Project finished : 21st June, 2007

Project idea : My own

Comment : I used the weaving tool that I bought to make a knitted cord. But what can I do with this long cord? Then came an idea to use it to make a brooch like what I had done in the picture. It's just a simple brooch with just twisted the cord to form a flower, added in scrap fabric and glass beads. Not very satisfy with the outcome, I'll add in maybe lace to make it more interesting later.

Turquoise bracelet

2007-06-18T06:17:00.001-07:00

Materials : Turquoise in 2 sizes, bead cap, ring hook and blue quartz.

Project duration : 1 days (begin and end on 16.06.07)
Project idea : My own

Comments : A simple bead design for the first time like me. It's just made from few turquoise connected to sterling bead cap and then join it together by ring hook and I added in blue quartz in between of them. I faced difficulty making the twisted round hook at the end of the stone and I guess practise make perfect. Therefore I will make more jewelry to practise my skill.

Scrap Fabric Flower Brooch

2007-05-18T03:47:00.001-07:00

Materials : a) Scrap fabric from selvage b) Beads c) Brooch pin
Project duration : 1 day (17th May 2007)
Project idea : My own

Comments : This is another recycle project of reducing the scrap fabric stash that I have. Normally I won't throw any scrap selvage that gathered from my sewing projects. However, by just keeping them I'll just end up with tons of scrap and facing the storage problem. Therefore, I came out an idea to use some of them in making this brooch. It is a easy to make project and nice to be attached to clothes and bags.

Gift box

2007-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Material : Spool from used cellophane tape, scrap damask tickings, cardboard and artificial roses.

Date start and end of project : 10th May, 2007
Project idea :My own, inspiration from some magazine that I saw previously.

Comments : I saw some pretty gift boxes over the magazines sometimes ago and have an inspiration to make one myself. Since it's hard and expensive in Malaysia to get materials to make such a box, I used spool from 2 sizes of cellophane tapes, 1 @ 5cm and 1 @ 2 cm heights to make this. Wrap it with fabric by glue them on all the surfaces and top one side of it with round fabric covered cardboard. Inlay a cardbord inside the bigger spool, about 1 cm higher and lastly glue a decoration on top of the cover. In this case I used artificial roses. This is a very simple, inexpensive and nice project to work on. Yet a nice gift to give away too.

New Bear, "Grey"

2007-04-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Leftover from this, this and this project
Needle : Steel crochet hook no. 4 and 10
Project start : 18th April, 2006
Project end : 22nd April, 2006
Pattern source : Whip up, Camilla bear

Comments : A very challenging project to do as I need to trial an error before I could get the whole bear work correctly especially the facial part. And it's a very good project to destash and a great gift as well. I'm satisfy with the outcome and intend to make few to give away as baby gifts.

Changes made : I used single crochet for the whole bear instead of slip stitch as per instructions as single crochet is more easy to handle.

Lace Top

2007-04-15T22:02:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Lana Grossa Toccata in the shade of Butterscotch (100% Mer Cotton)
Needle : 4mm circular
Project start : 26th January, 2007
Project end : 13th April, 2007
Pattern source : Mass Pattern book in Chinese

Changes made : The collar and sleeve edges suppose to have ruffle all around, but the yarn is abit heavy when knitted in ruffle, so I just maintain the collar part, but thinking of unravel it cause it looks abit awful. I also lengten the top by few inches.

Comments : Overall, I'm kind of satisfy with the outcome except the collar ruffle, maybe I will get rib of it later but not now, will just keep it till I make up my decision later.

Simple seed beads ring

2007-03-01T18:46:00.000-08:00

Materials : Seed beads in the shade of light pink and 0.3mm copper wire
Project start and end : 28th Feb, 2007
Pattern source : My own

Technique learn : How to tide the seed beads together to form a ring

Comments : A very simple accessories to make. No pattern to follow, I did it by trial and error. The result came out not bad and it looks simple and nice to wear. May wanted to try on other more intrigued pattern if possible.

Patchwork pillow case

2007-02-26T20:06:00.000-08:00

Material : Scrap fabrics in cotton and poly-cotton
Project start : Early 2005
Project end : 23th Feb, 2007
Pattern source : Canada Weekly Women magazine

Comments : It was supposed to be a twin size bedspread, but I couldn't be able to finish it and the project has been dragged for many years. Instead of just leaving it around at the shelve, I decided to change it to a pillow case and it came out just nice to fit one of the floor pillow that I have.

Version III bag

2007-02-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Materials : Yarn-Minlon Cool, Handle-Vintage curtain fabric and scrap plastic sheet, Inter lining-Plain cotton from Ikea
Project start : Mid Nov 2006
Project end : 23th Feb, 2007
Pattern source : My own

Comments : This is the Version III of those garter stitch bag that I done before. This round I did the body in 2 x 2 ribbings instead of garter stitch. As for the handle, I replaced the cardboard with scrap plastic sheet. It's a very spacious storage bag and I like it alot.

Knitty - Spring Fling

2007-01-23T08:10:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Recycled yarn, 6 ply cotton
Project start : 23 November, 2006
Project end : 22 January, 2007
Needle : 3 & 3.5mm circular
Project source : Knitty pattern, Summer 05 issue, Spring Fling

Modification : The gauge of the yarn is smaller than the instruction call for, to compensate the differences in tension, I did it in size L and it come out just nice to fit me.

Comments : This is another recycled yarns knitting project and I only used half of the yarns. The remaining half of it will reserve for other project, but I don't have any project idea yet. So will just keep it. This is a very easy and relax knit. The pattern is very casual and easily to mix and match with other outfit.

Poster of crocheted doily

2007-01-05T22:39:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Minlon Acrylic crochet yarn
Needle : 1. 25mm steel crochet hook
Project start : 26 December, 2006
Project end : 02 January, 2007
Pattern source : From a crochet pattern book that I borrow from library sometimes ago.

Comment : The purpose of doing this project is to reduce the left over yarn and fabric in my stash, meantime it could be used for displaying on the shelve to add some interesting view to the room. A very simple and interesting project to do.

Knitty - Bob

2006-11-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Elann - Enless summer collection Connemara in the shade of Rich Creme (100% Mercerised and gassed cotton)
Needle : 4.5mm bamboo
Project start : 25th October, 2006
Project end : 10th November, 2006
Pattern source : Free pattern from Spring 04 Knitty - "Bob"

Comments : A very simple and relex knit, it only took me 2 weeks to finish prior blocking. Another week to block and seam. The finished Bob seem abit heavy and thick to wear. However, cotton yarn gave a merit to wear in hot climate here and I could wear it to places with full cool air conditional but I doubt to wear it under the sun, it surely will make me sweat if doing so. Very satify with the outcome, it fits me quite well.

V-neck floral top

2006-11-13T11:25:00.000-08:00

Project start : 10th November, 2006
Project end : 12th November, 2006
Pattern source : My Own

Comments : I drafted this pattern myself based on a blouse that I saw from a Japanese magazine. It's very similar to "Grace", a Knitty pattern that I had knitted and I like this pattern, a simple and easy to match top. So, I do it in fabric instead of knit. I used left over fabric for this project, thus no cost at all and it's a good way to reduce my left over fabric stash. I intend to do more of such similar project, will draft my own pattern based on some pictures I saw from magazine and it'll be a great challenge for me.

Simple twist necklace

2006-10-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

Material used : Fish net thread, seed beads in the shade of pink, light and dark purple
Project start and end : 14th Oct, 2006
Pattern source : My own

Comments : My first attempt on DIY jewelry. Not a very impressive one, just some simple seed beads that thread into fish net and twisted together to form a necklace. Will try to do some with more complicated pattern.

Vintage 70's top

2006-10-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Recycled yarn (100% cotton as per label stated)
Needle : 2.75mm & 3mm
Project start : Jan 2006
Project end : 22th Oct, 2006
Pattern source : Make it yourself

Comments : Another recycled yarn project. It's a very small gauge knitting project and it took me quite some times to finish it. Anyhow I like the pattern and as well the feel of this yarn, it's so pretty and comfry to wear. It's so soft again the skin and very suitable to be wear in Malaysia's humid weather here. I still have half of the leftover yarn after this project and will be using it to knit or crochet a sleeveless top later.

V-neck diamond raglan top

2006-10-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Lana Grossa Toccata in butterscotch (100% mer cotton)
Needle : 3.5mm circular
Project start : Early Sept, 2006
Project end : End Oct, 2006
Pattern source : free pattern from Elann.com but it was no longer available.

Comments : It's a simple V-neck raglan top with open work and diamonds pattern at the bottom. I've made some mistake while knitting this top, I follow the wrong raglan decreasing instruction and have to unravel the front and back pieces that I had finished to re-knit again. Overall, it's just a relaxing knitting. However I'm not satisfy with the outcome, it's kind of tide and short, I think I'll unravel the whole thing and re-knit one with larger size and more longer in length

Changes made : No changes made.

Wool cap sleeve jacket

2006-09-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is how the sweater looks like originally

After modification

Project start : 25th Aug, 2006
Project end : 8th Sep, 2006
Pattern source : My own reconstruction pattern
Modification done : On the collar, sleeve and front opening using cotton fabric.

Comments : This was a wool sweater that I bought many many years ago, it has been too small to fit into me and the colour is kind of washed out and faded, yet I still like it. Just couldn't give this away, therefore I did some modificatoins in order for it to fit into me again. I chopped off the collar band and sleeves, slash the middle front open, add in 3" front band on both sides, redraft a cap sleeve and add in bias band on the collar. Lastly this cap sleeve front opening jacket was born.

Creamy leaf top

2006-08-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Recycled yarn - Cotton 12 ply
Needle : 4.5cm Bamboo
Project start : 03 July 2006
Project end : 08 August 2006
Pattern source : 500 Prettiest Knits (Chinese)

Comments : A simple sleeveless top to knit, just a straight knit of leaf pattern from bottom to the top, no increases or decreases.I like how the collar turn out, at least it gave some differences to the top compared to the others. The yarn is thick and thus making the top quite heavy as well. However, it's cooling to be wear because it's cotton and the leaf pattern has gave a good ventilation too.

Lace collar blouse

2006-06-30T21:16:00.000-07:00

Materials : Old late 80's style long sleeves and baggy blouse
Project duration : 2 days

Comments : This was another project for Wardrobe Refashion 06, my third week's project. It was originally a baggy, long sleeves and up to hip lenght blouse. What I've done on it were to cut off the access fabrics on all the side seams, shorten the length, added in waist darts on both front and back pieces and reshaped the sleeve to 3/4 length princess sleeves. Finally this is how it looks like. I'm satisfy with the outcome, at least it still wearable after the reconstruction.

Satin A-line skirt

2006-06-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Material : Old long ankle length satin A-line skirt
Project start : 16th June 2006
Project end : 17th June 2006
Pattern source : Based on previous A-Line skirt pattern that I've drawn

Comments : This is my second attempt on reconstruction of my old garments. I've slash the top portion of the skirt to knee length, adjust the waist to my measurement, added in waist darts and lining. It's a waist-bandless skirt, I prefer this type of skirt as it's more comfortable to wear. The fabric is very light and silky soft to touch, like the feel when wearing and it fitted me very well.

Feather scarf

2006-06-19T21:51:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Peruvian Baby Silk in Seashell pink, used 2 1/2 balls
Needle : 3mm circular
Project start : 19th May, 2006
Project end : 09th June, 2006
Pattern source : Yarn Market (Free)

Comments : I made this scarf for my sister as her belated birthday gift. She'll be travelled to UK at the end of year, so she might need something warm around her neck and this is just nice for this purpose. It's just a simple scarf with feather lace pattern on it and it's soft and warm to wear.

70's flower print top

2006-06-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Material used :70's flower print cotton and black satin bias tape for binding around the collar.
Pattern source : Japanese pattern magazine "Female" Summer 2005.
Project duration : 2 days
Date finished : 15.06.06

Comments : This is made for sew-i-knit as well as for wardrobe refahion 06. Not a difficult project to do. The only drawback on this project is the sleeve area where it is kind of tedius to do the finishing work on the sleeve curve. It's a light top to wear and suitable to be wear on our hot and humid weather here.

Simple bolero cardigan

2006-05-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Online linie 163 Bingo in colour shade of "Sand", 100% mercerised cotton
Needle : 3.5mm
Project start : 22nd April, 2006
Project end : 29th May, 2006
Pattern source : Drops Magazine

Comments : A simple bolero to knit, only required stockinette stitches with ribbings around it. I done it in medium size and it's just nicely fit.

Changes made :

As I don't have enough yarn for the whole bolero, I done the ribbings border with other type and colour of yarn compared to the body. And it turn out not too bad, eventhought it did look abbit odd but still alright.

Sparkling Sequins Top

2006-05-07T12:40:00.000-07:00

Project start : 30th April, 2006
Project end : 07th May, 2006

Comments : This is one of my planning to reconstruct my old garments that I can't be fitted in now or outdated in fashion. I change it from a plain and long sleeve pullover to 3/4 length sleeve and sewn in pink, red and transparent sequins around the neckline down to the body of the front portion to make it look more interesting. At least it won't be so dull to wear. The outcome : A chic 3/4 sleeve top!!

Ratan bag

2006-04-23T00:25:00.000-07:00

Material used : 1 set 8" ratan ring (diameter), thick curtain cloth (Ikea-Lenda in brown), dark brown poly cotton for inner lining and some buttons (beige colour).
Project start and end : 22nd May, 2006
Pattern saurce : My own
Size of the bag : 17" x 14" (inclusive of the handle)

Comments : This is the second project of sew i knit, my own pattern based on a bag picture I saw from Bellne, a Japanese online store. It's not the exact pattern as in the picture, I've done some modifications and came out with my own version. I like how the buttons has made the bag look unique and I'm satisfy how it turn out to be.

Green crochet top

2006-04-10T00:45:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Recycled yarn frogged from cardigan (50% cotton/50% rayon as per label stated)
Needle : 5/0 steel crochet hook and 3.5mm knitting needle for ribbing
Project start : 10th March, 2006
Project end : 7th April, 2006
Pattern source : Pretty girl knitted top (Chinese), same pattern book as scallop stitches top.

Comments : This is a very fast project to do, I finished it in just a month time. I like the feel of this recycled yarn, though it's not as soft as the one that I used for vintage 70's top but yet it's cool to be wear. And I like the colour, the green colour just matches the pattern and it make it so unique. It's great to use recycled yarns sometimes, they are cheap compared to new one. For this project, it just costs me RM15.00!! For such an amount of money, I can't get even one ball of yarn in Malaysia, it's really worth to frog (For my cases only, others might not agree.) I enjoy the knitting progress more than to knit in luxurious yarns, I can knit in any type of yarn, provided I got the right pattern for it. Guess I'll headed to reject shop more to look for any cardigan or pullover to be frogged for it's yarn in future.

Layers skirt

2006-03-20T21:06:00.000-08:00

Fabrics : Thin cotton for outer and middle layers, thin polyester for lining
Project start : 6th March, 2006
Project end : 19th March, 2006
Pattern source : My own

Comments : A first project for Sew i knit . Not quite satisfy with the outcome as the skirt look abit girlie and not suit my age. Might just keep it and will do another one for the sew along, maybe a A-line skirt.

Cabled bag

2006-03-20T20:55:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Minlon "Cool" 100% Acrylic
Needle : 6.00mm Bamboo
Project start : Mid Feb, 2006
Project end : 18th March, 2006
Pattern source : My Own

Comments : A small and handy bag to carry. Lots of difficulties in making the handles sand many modifications have been made before I came out with this one.I'm quite satisfy with this final one and will make another one in other colourway.

Garter stitch bag # 2

2006-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Minlon Cool 100% Acrylic
Needle : 6mm bamboo
Project start : Mid January
Project end : 3rd February, 2006
Pattern source : My own

Comments : Another version of garter stitch bag that I've done. The differ compared to previous version is on the handle, it is more bigger in order for it to hang on the arm for more easier to be carried. I also crocheted two simple flower motives using leftover mohair to attach to the bag.

Garter stitch bag # 1

2006-02-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Katia Niebla, 30% wool, 40% acrylic and 30% nylon
Needle : 9mm bamboo
Project start : Early December 2005
Project end : 22nd December 2005
Pattern source : My Own

Comments : These yarns were brought back from HK by sister, I only got 2 balls and they are just enough for this bag that I'd knitted. The body is fast to knit but not the handle. The handle is design by myself and it's a tedious work to wrap the fabric around the cardboard to make it a handle and later on to attach to the body of the bag.

Flowery tote bag

2006-01-04T13:15:00.000-08:00

Fabric :
Body - leftover thick cotton from curtain
Inner - 70's vintage cotton
Flowers - Thin polyester and net fabric
Project start and end : 31st December 2005

Pattern source : My own

Comments : A prototype on bag that I'll be going to do next. This is a testing bag on how the pattern turn out and what will be the adjustments to make on the next one.

Scallop top

2006-01-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Minlon Mohair (Acrylic)
Needle : 4.5mm bamboo straight
Project start : 26th November, 2005
Project end : 01st January, 2006
Pattern source : Chinese compact pattern book (Translated from Japanese book)

Technique learn : Scallop stitch (Twisted twice on needle when knitting and drop those stitches on next round to the right needle, passed back to the left needle, knit 5 stitches together to form scallop stitch)

Comments : Easy and fast knit, very light to wear as well and I love the pattern and colour as well.

Beaded Purse

2005-12-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Materials used : Cordoroy outer layer and batik for the inner layer. Embroidered with glass beads.
Project start and end : 24th Dec, 2005
Pattern source : My own

Comments : A small Christmas gift for my SIL. My first time doing purse and beads embroidery. Not a very good finished work on beads embroidery, I planned to do them in straight line but at the end they turn out twisted abit. Anyway, I'm quite satisfy with the outcome.

Brownie Bear

2005-12-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Leftover from other projects
Needle : Crochet hook no : 4/0 steel
Project start and end : 10th December, 2005
Pattern source : Japanese sewing magazine 2001 Autumn issue

Comments : Fast and cute projects, it'll be a nice Christmas gifts to give away. My first attempt to do toy, and it turned out nice and I'm satisfy with it. Will make few more with other attire.

Changes made : I used button to make eyes for the bear and so for it's nose, they're all button. And I added in eyebrow so that it's facial wouldn't be so plain.

Cabled Cardigan

2005-12-12T17:37:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Minlon 100% Acrylic
Needle : 3.5mm & 4.0mm Circular
Project start : 06-10-2005
Project end : 9-12-2005
Pattern source : Free pattern from Kertzer
Technique learn : Knitting in cables plus open work pattern

Comments : Not a hard project although those cables and open work pattern seem intricated to knit. The only fall back was it's slow and kind of boring to knit and it has took me 2 months to finish. This pattern required only little blocking and thus made it easy for me as I don't like blocking. It's warm to wear and not suitable for humid weather here.

Note book cover #2

2005-12-07T03:10:00.000-08:00

Material used : Left over linen from curtain, embroidered with DMC floss no : 453 and 776, inner lining with dusty pink poly cotton and 1 unit shell button.
Stitches used : Stem, Chain stitches and French knot.
Project start : 25th November, 2005
Project end : 3rd December, 2005
Pattern : My own

Comments : A second notebook cover in flower motive. Doesn't look much like flower but I really have no idea what should it be called, so just called it flower. This notebook is meant for myself and I'll be using it for sketching any crafty idea come on mind. This is my first time stitching on french knot and it doesn't seem that neat on the book cover, mayb I didn't pull it tide enough when forming the knot, must try to pull harder next time. ;)

Floral skirt

2005-11-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Material used : Floral print cotton for skirt and polyester lining
Project start : 18th November, 2005
Project end : 24th November, 2005
Pattern : My own

Comments : A floral print cotton fabric that left over from a sundress that I made few years back. It's just enough for me to do this skirt. It's a simple A-Line skirt that I've added in some body to make it abit fluffy when wearing. Very simple and fast sewing, will do some more if I found nice print cotton to work on in future.

Front folded pleats A-Line skirt

2005-11-27T18:16:00.000-08:00

Material used : Rayon for skirt and Polyester for lining
Project start : 18th November, 2005
Project end : 24th November, 2005
Pattern : My own

Commets : This skirt was sewn based on A-line pattern that I drawn myself, made adjustment at the front portion to add in folded pleats on the left and right side. Those pleats are folded toward the middle of the skirt and started from the hip area, they're not so visuable in the picture cause the based of the skirt is black colour. I made it longer as I'll be wearing it most to the office.

Note book cover # 1

2005-11-27T17:10:00.000-08:00

Material used : Left over linen from curtain, embroidered on DMC floss colour no : 452 for tree motive in chain stitches , inner lining with dark brown poly cotton and button from old Bennetton jacket (Spare button on the garment)
Project start : 6th November, 2005
Project end : 24th November, 2005
Pattern : My own

comments :

This is mainly a recycled project, I reclycled all the items on it. The notebook is made of those cut out computer print paper that I obtained from office. They're too many of them and it's such a waste to throw. Instead of throwing, it gives me an idea to do note book out of them. But it's abit plain if just a simple notebook, so I've this cover to make it look more lifely. I used left over linen to embroider some simple motive on it and sewn it up with poly cotton as inner part to cover the loose end. It's a fast project to do, I actually just took 3 evening to finish it. And more other motives cover will come later.

2 + 1 red heart hi-fi set

2005-11-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

Yarn : Minlon crochet yarn "Polly"
Date started : 20th August 2005
Needle : 2/0 steel crochet hook
Pattern source : Cotton Friend Spring 2005 issue

Comments :
The pattern given in ther magazine called for single crochet of square sampler, I multiply the number of squares to make for this hi-fi set. It consists of 1 big rectangle of 6 squares, 2 big square of 4 squares joined together by slip stitches. I added in picot edging to make the finish object rather more interesting to look at.

Cable and lace shell

2005-09-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Minlon 100% Acrylic
Needle : 3.5mm and 4mm Aluminium Circular
Project start : 05th September, 2005
Project end : 23rd September, 2005
Pattern source : Free pattern from Kertzer

Technique learn :
1) Lace pattern knitting
2) Turtleneck forming

Comments :

This shell is easy and quick to knit, I only used 3 weeks to finish it. Although it seem tough and complicated on the cable and lace panel, but as I knit it, it's actually pretty easy to knit as long as you don't miss any of the pattern lines. The colour that I choose was suitable for this shell as well, I like blue. The size that I knitted for this shell seem abit larger to fit in me, however I'm satisfied on it's outcome, at least it's more comfortable and airy to wear. There is a matching cardigan for this shell, haven't cast on for it yet, guess I'll do it this weekend.

Changes made :

1) Extended another 1 1/2" on the armhole.

Crocheted rug

2005-09-28T18:58:00.000-07:00

Materials used : T-shirt yarn obtained from garment cut out selvedge
Project start and end : 16th September, 2005
Project source : Crochet Me online magazine of Jun/July Issue

Comments:

This was a DIY rug yarn, I used the garment cut out selvedge from T-Shirt to form 1/2" stripes, join and pull them to form rug yarn to crochet. This is a very cheap and fast project to do, I only used 4 hours to finish it, it's cute and just nice for bathroom mat. I'll do more in other colourway.

Cabled Shrug

2005-09-28T18:37:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Minlon 100% Acrylic in White colour
Needle : 3.75mm Aluminium Straight and 4.00mm Aluminium Circular
Project start : 06th August 2005
Project end : 17th August 2005
Pattern source : Interweave staff project for Summer

Techniques learn :
1) Cable knitting
2) Single rib knitting and
3) Kitchener stitches joining.

Comments :

Never thought that cable knitting could be so exciting, it's so amazed that I could knit cable. At the begining this project give me an hard time to understand how this is to be knitted and construct together, anyway as I knit along, it just went thru smoothly and I don't face much problem on it. The only problem that I encountered from this project was on the neckline shapping. When I came to this area, it seem that I'm on the other way round of the instruction given, therefore I tried to switch the method of forming the neckline on the opposite direction. It's a fast project and a very feminine outfit.

Changes made:

No changes was done on this project

Silk Satin Blouse

2005-09-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

Material used : Silk satin in light blue
Project start : 02nd July, 2005
Project end : 09th July, 2005
Source of pattern : Burda April 05 issue

Comments :

First project sewn using the new sewing machine that I bought after moved in to the apartment. Never use an electrical sewing machine before and not very use to this type of sewing machine. I'm more to the conventional manual sewing machine that my mother owned, however I only be managed to buy portable electrical sewing machine from one of the Hyper Market in town, maybe I'll look for the manual type later on from Singer.

Eyelet Pullover

2005-09-26T21:20:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Minlon 100% acrylic
Needle : 3.5mm aluminium circular
Project start : Mid June 2005
Project end : 17th August, 2005
Source of pattern : Free pattern from Elann

Technique learn :
1) Eyelet knitting
2) Raglan sleeves

Comments :
First time knitting in eyelet pattern, this pullover is a great learning ground for beginner on eyelet and raglan pattern. It's easy and a straight forward knit and fast to knit as well. The problem that I encountered in this pullover was on the edging of slip stitches crochet, it made the collar and armhole to be tide to wear. I ripped it off and replace it with single crochet and thus more comfortable to wear and it fitted me quite well.

Changes made on pattern :

1) Extended few rows before raglan shapping so that the eyelets will form at the center of the pullover.

2) Replace single crochet over slip stitches on all the edging.

Grace

2005-09-25T22:27:00.000-07:00

Yarn : Minlon Mohair - 100% acrylic (2 strands hold together)
Needle : 4.5 & 5.1mm bamboo straight
Project start : Mid May 2005
Project end : Mid June 2005
Source of pattern : Free pattern from Knitty - Grace

Technique learn :
1) Increase & decrease of stitches
2) Stockinette and garter stitches
3) Pick up stitches along neckline and armhole area
4) How to cast on and cast off
5) All those basic knitting.

Comments :
This is my very first knitted object. I'm a self thought knitter, and really have some hard time to figure out what is stockinette and garter stitches when I first read the instructions. Anyhow, I still continue to try on knitting by using one of the basic knitting and crochet book that I bought many many years ago during my teenages time. This book give a very clear explanation and illustrations on all those basics that I needed to start as a beginner. I got hard time to get the correct gauge as stated in the instrution as well, tried many times and uses all difference size of needles but still couldn't get it. Tried to use 2 strands of yarn after I read some of the knitters method in their blog and volah!! I got it this time. It's fast and easy to knit, and I only finished it in a month, pretty fast for me as a beginner. And it look great as well.

Changes made :

1) Extended the length of the top by 2"

2) Put in extra stitches along the armhole, 44 stitches each.