Hand Craft: Crochet Works In a Series 2

I started my April on a graveyard shift after 4 months on an afternoon shift. I can sense my body is not adjusting well to the new time clock. Honestly, I feel exhausted every day. Anxious going to work. Questioning myself already. But really don't have much time to think about it as we were also preparing for the moving up ceremony of my 5 year old from Kindergarten.

I don't have time to crochet this past weeks. Nor have completed any book. I feel frustrated with my job hunting as well. But had to remind myself to find joy in what I have. It is a difficult phase trying to fake a facade when deep inside I am wondering and overly thinking.

Anyway, in this series, let me share with you once again some works I have done in the past. Hoping to be able to find more time to make more. I am calm working on a project and just crocheting in a corner. Sadly, I don't feel well.

Works I have given as a gift to friends. :)

James Patterson ~ Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas (Lessons Learned)

James Patterson ~ Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas Review: This is supposed to be the title of this post. But I changed my mind.

To be very honest, my title is not really suitable since I am not good at reviewing any books. But hope I can give justice to it since I personally love the book. Until now it makes me critically think about its content and trying to unravel what it means and how it can help my current situation.

It is timely that I get to read this book because I am currently facing the same thing as what Suzanne and Katie were experiencing.

Just give me a little background why in the midst of all these super hectic schedule of mine, I still get to squeeze reading. I am an 80s child where technology is just a sight a way but I belong to those who had experienced playing tag, soccer, baseball, imitating pink 5 in BioMan, Annie in Shaider,  Pink Ranger in Power Rangers, and baseball bat in the field. I belong to the generation where at 6 o'clock in the evening I should already be home or else the belt was already waiting for me. In all these things I get to enjoy, as a child who had learned reading at an early years, I am more enthusiastic with reading. Be it  Comics which was very popular back then, magazines like Liwayway, pocketbooks both in Filipino (I love Martha Cecilia that I wanted to be like her before) and English, songbooks, and any reading material I can get a hold of. I had great time spending times reading that sometimes I forgot to cook rice. (It was tedious to cook back then by literally starting the fire from wood and paper). I can say I am in a mid-range reader.

ctto: google photo

ctto: google photo

ctto: google photo

Back to the book in the title. This is a heartbreaking book I have first read this year. It is way too emotional and at the same time there are so many lessons learned.

1. Time is finite. We've known this so well. Even in savings and investing, the younger we start savings and investing, the sooner we are able to reap the rewards. It is fortunate if we all live long. But we can't be for sure know when we are going to breathe the last air in our lungs. It is good to treat every living moment with gratitude and love in as much as possible.

2. Work is a rubber ball in the five balls we juggle in life. If it falls, it will bounce back. Do not be afraid to let go when necessary and if it is already taking a toll on one's physical and mental health. We will be able to find a job that is not a work after all. Find the passion and develop it. At first, there are many hindrances and obstacles, but if we love it, we can surely beat it.

3. Health is wealth. This sounds like a cliche. I can always hear this from anyone anywhere. But in reality most of us neglect this part of our life. This is one of the five balls in our life. If we let it slide, there will be chances that it will break and there is no turning back. Lucky and blessed are those who are given second chances. But not everyone has the chance. And this we should not forget.

4. Family is everything. There maybe arguments. Times when we don't speak to one another. And even, fight over something. But at the end of the day, it will always be the same family who will catch you and be there for me when I needed them. There is no perfect relationship but we are the same family. This is one of the five balls of our lives. In the book, this is considered as made of glass. I know it can be a glass but it can also be rubber ball.

5. Friends are what keep us. A real glass for me. I don't know. I am not good at keeping friends. There were friends who come and go. What I know is that I treasure those who stay and accepts me as I am. Needless to say, I keep moving forward after a heartbreak with friends.

6. Integrity. This is ourselves. Our own self. What we do when no one is looking. When no one is appreciating us. When no one cares. It is being able to do the right thing in every situation. For every one. For our selves.

7. Bad stuffs happens sometimes and we need to keep moving forward. We always face a phase in our lives. If things go wrong, I have to remember that it will pass. I have to remind myself not to dwell on it and to pick up myself and look for the better out of it.

8. Always be grateful. Satisfaction comes from always being thankful each and every single moment of our lives. I will no longer look for something and somewhere just to feel contented. Because I know in my heart that what I have is enough. More than enough.

9. We is always so much better than I. Two heads are better than one. I know this from the very start. But being married to a loving husband, this makes it a lot more easier to make tough decisions. Decisions that we both agreed upon and face the consequences together. We do not have a perfect life choices but together I know we can make it through.

10. Live our lives. It is temporary. It is with a span. It has expiration. And sometimes that expiration is unexpected. We need to live and let others live the way they wanted to live their lives. I choose to live this way.

What do you think? For me I think, I'll hoard more of James Patterson's book. By the way, I preferred the hard bound copies best that e-books. I don't know but every time I turned a page and smelled the molded texture ignites a feeling of excitement.

Hand Craft: Crochet Works In a Series 1

I sit today in front of the desktop with literally no idea coming in. Unlike the past days when my mind is circling with plenty of ideas to write to. Today, is suddenly quite. 

I feel really tired. I still don't know where this is coming from. For the past days I've been diverting it to writing so I am focus on something other then being tired. I've had all scheduled posts that even like I am not into writing (talking) there will be continuity to this blog.

These are the days. 

Last night, I was crying when during my regular walk to home, I noticed how thin my hair is. And it hit me those what ifs? But of course, let me tell you, I am healthy as far as my blood pressure and sugar level are concern. Just may be so stressed out and burnt?

Writing is an outlet. I get to express what I feel. I get to write those words which doesn't come out in my lips. This is what I love (even though I am not good at it and incoherent at most time) I jumped from one sentence to another sentence. This is just me. 

I wanted to be positive so I am changing my thoughts. I am trying to set another mind set. I personally don't want to deal with just being 'tired'. Because of that, let me share with you what had kept me busy in 2017 and 2018 that I am not actively writing.

Flooding you with pure labor of crochet hand crafted works.

Clutch Bag with Tassels in Red and Black

Clutch Bag with Tassels in Pink and Gray

Beanie in Pink and Gray

Infinity Scarf in Pink and Gray

These are my photos. I'd be sharing more of this in the future whenever, my mind is blank of thoughts or ideas or reasons to write. I also sell made to orders of this stuffs. A hobby I enjoy and at the same time a litte hustle on the side.

Wishing you a good Tuesday morning lovies.

ctto: google photo

Shopee: A New Online Shopping Market

I have always been asked if I have a shopee account before. Primarily the reason behind was that online customers are looking for either a low shipping fee or a free shipping fee at all.

At first, I decline opening a new one since I already have a carousell account where I sell brand new, hand mades, and preloved items I found at home. But then, some few months ago, I decided to open one.

And that is the birth of my shopee account.  From there, I buy and sell items for my online shop.

I could say my over all experience with shopee is wonderful. Shipping fee is lower, other times it is free. The notification is on time and selling is as smooth as ever. There are times, I do not necessarily have to speak with the customer. Once, the customers place an order line, I booked a pick up with the courier, and wait for the courier rider the following day to pick up the item. Hassle free. Specially, nowadays that online customers prefer Cash On Delivery.

Buying is the same. I just checked the status every now and then to know if my items will be delivered and prepare the cash for payment.

Check out my shop:

By the way, this is my post after so many months in hiatus. :) My hiatus has nothing to do with the time to blog but merely because I do not have an access to Internet. Now that I am finally back, I will be posting regular information on what has kept me busy for the past months. 

This is it for now. :)

Going Live With Made To Order Crochet Products

I usually post the items I made out of crochet using Instagram or Facebook for already a year now. I was a bit frustrated in the beginning because it seems like in my country, only a handful appreciates handmade. But, I just continued to learn and just make one after another even though I wasn't able to sell anything and it may seemed like all my time and effort to create one is futile and fruitless.

From my experience going through the process of mindlessly working on an item I was able to learn little by little few more tips. And eventually, ideas just came pouring in my mind. I thought of doing something which my current environment really needs and would have the people around me wanted to buy. Maybe for themselves or for their friends, at an AFFORDABLE price. So I did.

November this year marks the first time I was busy doing made to orders. And I can say, that it's true ~ when it rains, it really pours. Thank God. I began doing coin purses, clutch bags, headset covers, and beanies all the more. I am receiving more inquiries than ever but I have to get a hold because my hands are full this holiday season.

I have an 8 hour shift at work, I sell online and offline, and these made to orders. Of course, not to mention a wife and a mother when I come home. Oh, and these 2 blogs I try my best to update and maintain. Sales online for anything from fashion and gift related ideas are skyrocketing at this time of the year that often times, most items gets out of stocks sooner than a blink of an eye once posted in social media. I handle the selling online via Facebook, Instagram, Shopee, and Carousell. I take time to answer every thing at a given chance and whenever the time permits. So, if ever you visit my online shops, please be patient with my responses.

The other day, I am having thoughts of entering Etsy as well but have not pushed through yet. The only thing that is stopping me is the payment for listing which I will be needing a credit card. I am having second thought as of the moment, and will have to think more about it until the year ends.

I haven't had a holiday off from work so most likely I'd be juggling both the employment work and all these side hustles. I thought of rejecting some other inquiries, but like everything else, this is a phase. Thus, as long as I can, I really try to squeeze those I can complete without sacrificing the quality of services and products.

If I have a lesser sleeps these past few weeks, it is because I am grabbing the opportunity while it last. I know, by the following start of the year, things will go slow as it always happens. People would be starting their new years resolution of savings or paying yuletide related debts, or would follow a no-shopping ban. This is a chance I just do not want to let go. And I am thankful.

Because I really wanted to ensure the quality of my works, I do take time to scrutinize everything from crocheting itself to packaging and sending/delivering to the customer. I can say, that being a one-woman-team is tiring and sometimes exhausting. I really do hope that I can delegate. But right now, I know I still can. If I get to have big orders, maybe I can ask fellow crocheters to help me and get a small commission for referring customers. Of course, I wanted to make sure that it will be almost the same quality as what I make. After all, customers comes because of the quality no matter how much is the price. Aside from the fact, that it is handmade. A labor of love and time given to the item.

If I am a witness to people appreciating hand made and the price that comes to it, there are people who view hand craft otherwise. I don't blame them. I know from the very beginning that the market for crochet items are outside the country. I am just afraid yet to open an Etsy account. I feel like I still need to learn more and create more. And besides, sometimes, I think of not doing made to orders. Why?

Because, with our little space, I can't afford to stock every colors of the thread or yarn. In as much as possible, I wanted to consume all my current stocks of yarns and thread. Plus, while working with acrylic and t-shirt yarns, I notice the lint it drops. I know these materials are not good with my husband and child who has often an allergic coughs with lints and microfibers.
Lately, I only have a few stocks of acrylic yarns. I am most investing in cotton made items which has lesser or so I think lints.
Let me show what I just completed. An order of 12 pieces crochet headset and mouthpiece covers for a friend. I was really happy to do so, specially she also ordered a branded bag. Thank God, it save my current status of being cashless after investing my month end salary to retail treasury bonds.

And with each day, I am able to receive one by one my receivables from customers and friends. I couldn't be happier for being able to make ends meet. I still have bigger receivables that should be coming my way. I just hope they still remember.

Photo below: Made To Order Crochet Headset Covers with Mouthpiece Cover ~ 12 pairs in Solid Color of Maroon Red

On Crocheting, Online Shop and the first Quarter of 2017 Finances

I had the most busy first quarter of the year. I have been learning a lot on crocheting and have been starting and finishing most projects I wanted to make. Anyhow, I wish I am more faster in crocheting itself than hoarding yarns and collecting patterns for future use. But, geez, I am really enjoying this hobby.

~ Anonymous cto from Facebook

I did refurbish some old clothes so my little girl can use it. These clothes no longer fits the bigger me. Like, really, it's really difficult to lose my weight right now. But I am steady at my current weight of 53kg. And no, I don't buy new clothes for me. Some of my clothes still fits and there were some gifts from relatives which just needed adjustments.

@sophidclothing on IG

@sophidclothing on IG

Also, I started a corner to corner crochet of a bear. Pattern was from Repeat Crafter Me. Also, I made the messy bun hat for my cousin in law and nieces who visited the Philippines this month. It's my first time seeing them so I just wish that it fits them. Pattern also from Repeat Crafter Me. I am a fan of Sarah's works.

Not yet finish c2c. Yes, been doing projects in between. :)

All these were made from a local hand dyed cotton yarns of Buffy Sibayan (Find her on facebook @looneylooms). You know what, I have been lurking for the longest time from all these local yarn winders and hand dyers and I am prettily satisfied with the softness of the cotton yarns. I am really in love with cottons. The tropical weather in the Philippines really do not match the use of acrylic yarns. Thus, since I make wearables for my daughter and gifts for friends, I opted for the cotton threads and yarns.

Cellphone pouch I made with zipper and flap

I still have some work in progress such as a  poncho, a virus shawl and a circular vest. Hopes that I can post it as well, no matter how bad I am in photography. Teehee. And though not all are perfect yet, I still love it.

Like I said I am busy too with the online shop. It's going to be summer in a few days here and people are going to beaches or having vacations. They needed all these stuffs for summer getaways. So yea, orders are coming up fast for swim wears. Please follow our instagram account @sophiadclothing for all this cool, wonderful, and affordable swim wears and accessories. And more on our facebook page @sophiadfashion.(shameless plug... hehehe)

I couldn't be more happier to announce as well, that we are no longer living on a single salary. Yes, the husband found a higher paying job. Yey!

Now, what I am trying to accomplish is living on my half a month salary. Yes! I wanted to be discipline enough to save/invest the other half of the month salary. I hope I can make it. I have been studying this for months and since the husband was in between jobs before, that was not possible. But I hope, this time, it will materialize.

So this is all I have at the moment. Enjoy your Wednesday, lovelies! :)

Last Quarter of 2016 Life's Update

As some may have notice (feeling lang, hehehe), I haven't had any entry for the past months. I have my attention diverted to some other things in life that has gotten most of my precious time. And as I could summarize my life this 2016 - I am a dream catcher!

Yes!

Because I began filling my life with my childhood dreams. I think, for me - it's actually a smart move because I began to see myself catching more of my dreams in the very near future. And I thank the Lord for giving me the opportunity to fulfill all these and for some more.

During my high school days, I have written short stories (yes, madaming short stories yun) which was purely rooted from imagination and at this time of writing, some pages were now missing when my parents house was renovated last year. Although, I am not very good with story telling, I wish to hone my skills with writing again. And the first draft I wrote this year with the target of 3 stories has been done in a hasty mode since I just write in the office during break time. I hope to write one again with enough time to proofread before publishing. *fingers crossed*

I started to crochet. Yey. I never imagined that I can make something out of crochet. This craft was never thought in our elementary and high school's economics subjects. What were thought were cooking (which I never learned anyway), cross stitching, and embroidery. I followed steps in Youtube as a starter back in April and gradually learned to read patterns. It's an amazing journey of learning something new. Now, I can make hair clips, head band's designs, coin purses, pencil cases, clutches, shrugs, and beanies. Although it requires a lot of time and patience to complete one project, it is rewarding and fulfilling as well when a project is completed. And yes, I sell finished crochet products too.See my samples below. ♥♥♥

Beanie

Hair Clips

Beanie

A Rose

Little Stars for Headband

Barret Hair Clips

The online shop is doing well. But the courier services are driving me nuts lately. It's just early December and they are always delayed with so many excuses in delivery. So, I have temporarily closed the shop this first week of December to avoid the stress and hassles of all these.

It wasn't a smooth first year for the online shop but I believe on it and its earnings is not bad at all. Selling dry goods is still a good way to earn a decent income with the money already visible in your hands.

So, I did a quick review the other day with our finances and we are no nearer to our target of our next million. The progress is a little slow this year. And hoping that the following year is much more better than this year when it comes to our income. So many things had happened which I cannot divulge in this blog. But a slow progress is better than nothing at all. I am still  the same frugal person of 2015 or maybe much better because it is now ingrained in my system. I still practice the same tips and I hope to continue going forward.

Yan lang. Hehehe. Not much right? Just sharing. God Bless Us all! :)