Wool myths in the Philippines (What things most Pinoys do not understand about wool)

We live in a tropical country and that does not make sense in the point I want to make. Wool yarn is a product that is not manufactured or made in the Philippines. Most of the wool we get is even the surplus from countries like Japan and even China. Some people buy them new and while some get them at Japan Surplus shops. I wish there was one in Makati.

With the advent of the Internet we also get yarns from abroad and buying things with a smartphone has become something staple for many fiber artists (crocheters, knitters, weavers and so much more). Now it is easy to buy acrylic yarns (in so many colors and varieties), wool, rayon, natural, synthetic, thin or even really thick yarns.

Here are some misconceptions and myths about wool yarn I want to debunk:

1. WOOL CAUSES ALLERGIES

Yes, it is true wool causes allergies but only for a very small part of the population. Only 1 in 100,000 people suffer from a wool allergy. That means wool allergy is rare. Skin irritation, nasal congestion and eye irritation are not symptoms of wool allergy. The argument also goes with people who crazy about gluten. Only a small part of the population has gluten and wool allergy.

On the other hand real wool allergy causes the following: anaphylaxis, asthma, sinusitis, ear and lung infection. I am sure most of the people who have complained about wool had just some kind of skin irritation.

But what causes wool irritation? The main culprit is lanolin. It is weird that most people do not know that lanolin is the main ingredient for make-up. I am sure most women do not have problem with make-up. Also nowadays, manufacturers use varied ways on making wool yarn that reduces any irritation and problems.

If you do get wool allergies, go to a doctor not some so called expert on Facebook.

KnitCrate membership subscription box - March 2018

I have always thought about getting a yarn subscription online. I have watched many YouTube unboxing videos. I finally signed up for the KnitCrate box last March 21, 2018. I got my package last March 24, 2018.

The regular membership box contains the following: two skeins of specially hand dyed yarn, the pattern links, promo codes and details of the yarns, which also includes the shipping fee from the US.

Each month there would be a theme, for March 2018 it was Sugar sugar. They think of something that ties the yarn and also the free patterns. Yes, you will get two patterns, one for knitting and another for crochet.

The KnitCrate March 2018 membership box uses Uruyarn's Sugared Sock. This is a special yarn that is exclusively made by KnitCrate. The yarn is 70% Superwash Merino, 20% Nylon, and 10% Stellina. It is a fingering yarn.

The regular membership box is USD 24.99 (the actual value of the whole package is at USD 63.00). And because I live in the Philippines there would be an additional fee once you receive the package. I think it is around Php 112.00. Not that bad since you are getting all of these including the shipping fee.

There is also stash points that will give you discount and amazing deals at the site.

Of course there are other membership crates for you: Sock Crate for USD 19.95, the Artisan Crate for USD 39.99, or the Sock Artisan Crate for USD 27.99.

Here is a link if you want to subscribe: here

The hunt for Knitting books at the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale at World Trade Center

The event was held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. The event is held by Big Bad Wolf from February 16th until the 25th. They are open 24 hours. So you wont need to deal with people. Yes, those annoying people who keep blocking isles and is just standing there for no apparent reason.

I left my house at around 1 AM and was there in the venue really fast. There was no traffic and less people. The only problem is that it is late and the evil monsters of Manila are alive and just lurking. Especially that the place is in an area that is often dark. So be careful and be always active, especially with pick pockets and robbers. Do not flash your valuables. Dress simple.

But gladly I made it safe to the venue. The place is still open and I am glad they are really open. There were some people waiting in front. While some like me are still coming in.

Yes, not so many people. Half of the lights are on. Darker than usual

I made my way to the entrance fast, which might be long if I came in during the day.

Gantsilyo Guru: another adventure with yarns

If you love working with yarns and is a crochet addict then this place is for you. Gantsilyo Guru is one name that stands out when it comes if you are talking about places to buy yarns and crochet materials. But mind you this place is also good for other yarn crafts like knitting, macrame, and others.

How I embellish my blank Papemelroti postcard

Papemelroti has started to create postcards on our request as postcard collectors and senders. They are also encouraging people to creat their own postcards with their very own designs. I am not an artists and inspired by a post on postcrossing.com. I gave it a shot and boy did many people like my simple postcards.

First of all you need to buy some blank postcards from Papemelroti because they are recycled and have been lined at the back.

Generally, I use medium yarns because they are the most prevalent yarn in the country. I also use a 5 mm knitting needle. You need to cast on 25 stitches and then build-up from there. I often just make a stockinette or a garter stitch pattern. Those are easy to make but you can experiment with other patterns.

I am not really a person who deals with too much details. So I had to measure the length of my knit from time to time. (I do this with all the knit postcards I make.)

VC Trading (Cubao's haven for knitters and crafters)

It is quite uninviting to go to crafting stores that have big gowns as display in front for a guy like me. But I got the better of me and saw beyond what the store can offer. Or maybe its just my homophobic Catholic brain working. Whatever.

I prefer this display as an invite to future crafters and clients for this store. I have bought knitting needles here but most of what they have are double pointed needles, single needles and some round needles. The choices are quite few but can be of a great help for guys who want to learn knitting and other crafts.

Received postcards (August 5, 2014)

I got my cards again after a few days. It seems postcards are coming in a bit slow. I also got my knit knit postcard I swapped with someone on the Postcrossing group on Facebook.

Knit postcard

It took me a while to get the number of cast-ons right. I made a simple stockinette stitch and put the thing on a square blank postcard. Now I am offering it on Postcrossing.

I started with 24 COs and then measured from time to time. I don't know how many rows I did.

I think I should make more of these knit postcards. lolz

Easy going knit hat

Here is another knit hat I made. It's just all stockinette and 1x1 rib.

Purple Hat to celebrate the constitutionality of the RH Law

A few days ago the Supreme court of the Philippines after the surprising approval of the Cybercrime law approved the RH Law as well

To celebrate such I am posting this purple hat I made a few days ago.

Easiest knitting project ever: Infinity scarf by Handimania

Handimania a site and Facebook page has recently shown a really wonderful way of knitting without needles.

My first knitted hat

This is way easier than the socks I made.

Knitted hat

Be not afraid as a newbie. I made mine with double pointed needles and some yarn you can buy at the Bookstore. We all know the name of this bookstore... lolz

For the pattern go this raverly page: ribbed watchman's hat. Just a note: I think you need to be registered just to get the pattern.

My first pair of knitted socks

First socks and they fit me well.

I have done the second sock and now I have a pair. I still need some practice with picking-up but I have done something. For me that is way cooler than shopping for clothes, even if my stitches are not that great.

Next stop: knitted hats.

You want to learn this pattern? Send me message.

Socks

I am making socks and I say it's not an easy thing to do. Well maybe it's not that hard even. It's my first chance to do this, give me some slack.

So far I am glad that I am doing well.

With mistakes but YEAH!!!

Knit, purl and then...

It's a girl's world they say. I think they make wonderful things and we should go back to the time when we make things instead of buying everything from the mall.

Yes men cam knit too.
Source: Learnconnect.com

So I decided to make stuff by knitting. Why knit? I just decided on that because for me it look cool. And damn some of these poeople can do really amazing stuff with just some yarns.

I downloaded tons of books but sometimes I still get lost since many of such skills can be learned best with a peer or videos. So if you are reading this and is also interested with knitting. Send me an e-mail (bornokyo26@gmail.com) and I will teach you.

I joined two sites and still navigating them.

First site is Ravelry

Second is KnittingDaily.

I am also wanting to meet knitters in the Philippines and learn.

Article: here.