Fats, Vitamins and Minerals

I’ve finally found something good to do with the slow cooker (Trevor is the one who often use it). I made some Spanish-style sardines (tawilis) in olive oil. It turned out pretty good.

At 3PM I set the slow cooker to “auto”, then at 5PM set it to “high” and finally by 7PM set it back to “auto.” By 9PM it was ready.

The result was very soft tawilis with fairly soft heads and bones, but the central bone was still a bit tough - eatable but a bit tougher than your usual tinner sardines.

So perhaps next time what I should do is start with the “high” setting. What I’d like to have is a fairly firm fish with eatable soft bones.

So, two days later I started another batch of Spanish-style tawilis. We got the tawilis from Landmark Supermarket for about PhP90+ per kilo. I bought less than half a kilo, just about enough for us and to give to my mom.

The tawilis turned out slightly better than the last ones. This time, they were a bit more firm, although the heads and tails still had the tendency to fall off. Nevertheless, it was a success.

Afterwards, I immediately set off to make another batch, this time using dried herring (tuyo). I set the slow cooker to “auto” and kept it there for about 6 hours.

This time, I used corn oil. I also washed the tuyo with water to remove excess salt.

After six hours - Spanish-style tuyo in corn oil!

Today mom gave me some fresh salmon. I am hinking of making some salmon in brine with capers. Of course, I put the capers in after the fish is cooked, otherwise, I’d end up with disintegrated capers.

Spanish-syle ingredients are: olive oil (or corn oil), salt, pepper, red chillies (siling labuyo), vinegar (I used pinakurat original flavor), olives, laurel leaves, carrots, and optionally, cucumber, tomato and capers.

We arrived in Baclayon in the afternoon of May 19. I was tired but Trevor insisted that we go to the baluarte. It was just a short wal from the homestay. Along the way I remembered, of course, this is not at all the same as metro manila, this is Baclayon and the air is much cleaner.

At the baluarte, the sea and the sky showed off their calm power. Tears welled in my eyes and a lump rose to the back of my throat. Why? Perhaps a feeling of desperation and anger at humanity’s destructive abilities.

Then I saw Camiguin - for the first time the island was clear of cloud or mist and she bathed vividly under the afternoon sun. I almost didn’t recognise her.

“The ears of a cuddly stuffed toy!” I told Trevor.

We stayed a month in Baclayon and those ears never showed up again.

We were on our third week in Baclayon when I learned that Becky passed away. I learned rather late, two days after, thru a text message from her daughter.

That explained to me why, on the night after she passed away, I got woken up at 4:30am. The aircon mysteriously turned itself on and then after about two minutes, turned itself off again. I asked Penny if there was a ghost in the homestay, and she said no.

Perhaps it was best that my last memory of Becky would be the happy, irreverend Becky. We visited her at the office in April, when her sister and brother-in-law arrived from New Zealand.

In pain, but Becky was so happy to be visited by friends and family, and so happy to be working on Vern’s book. She especially savored when I first introduced her to Trevor, the first thing I bragged was “marunong nang gumamit ng tabo yan!”

Here is a photo I took at the baluarte on our first week in Baclayon. The sea can be so calm it is like a flat sheet of glass. Two weeks later Habagat arrived and changed the face of the sea. Every low tide the sea becomes an open field of “fruits” for picking. Once I saw a group of boys who come to swim, dip their fingers in the water and make the sign of the cross before diving in.

Goodnight, Becky. We miss you.

Another one for my ADD, I just made two crocheted bras for the two guys who organized a Labor Day meeting called “Multitudfest”.

The first bra is made from olive green acrylic yarn, dark green mohair yarn and lovely red acrylic yarn. I used two red painted wooden beads at the ends of the back ties that can be tightened and knotted at the front.

The second bra is made from white and blue acrylic yarn and white cotton embroidered lace. I used two wooden beads for the back ties as well.

I decided to give away a bra to the men because I think that men should be allowed to wear women’s fashions without being oppressed. We should liberate men and for every man we liberate, we also liberate a woman!

These are my first bra projects and I thought they were really fun. I would like to make more of them. I think that bras would also make a good first project for people who think that crocheting wearables is difficult.

Two construction approaches

I noticed that there seem to be two general approaches to crocheting bras (or bikini tops). One approach is the triangular type, and the other is the circular type.

The triangular type seem to be the most common and most simple approach. Some examples are “Ina” from Berroco, which is really quite simple. Crocheting the bra cup starts at the bottom and decreases to create the triangular shape.

A similar simple pattern is a white bikini top from DROPS. Just reading the basic pattern below, you can already see how simple the structure of the pattern is:

Bra: Ch 43 (47). Turn, work 1 row of hdc beginning in the 3rd st = 41 (45) sts. On the 2nd row work 3 hdc in the center st = 43 (47) sts. Dec 1 st at each side:
Size S/M: 2 times every other row, then 18 times every row
Size M/L: 2 times every other row, 15 times every row, then 5 times alternately every and every other row
= 3 sts. The bra piece is approx. 17 (21) cm [6.75″ (8.25″)]. Tie off the strand.
Crochet a second one.

Make a chain st cord about 120 cm [47.25″] long, thread it through the first row of sts of both top sections, so that it can be tied at the center back. Make a chain st cord from the top of each bra section approx. 70 cm [27-5/8″] long. Tie off the strand. The top sections are tied behind the neck at the center back.

A slightly more complex pattern is this bikini top from DROPS; each cup is also crocheted from the bottom up but is done in alternating colors .

There is also a tassled bikini top from DROPS which is worked in the same basic triangular pattern.

And yet another triangular-cup pattern, but this time for little girls, is the lovely Flower Child Bikini.

Another triangular-cup construction method is the use of square motifs (or granny squares). This is also very easy. Some examples are this plum and brown bikini top from DROPS, and this red and burgundy bikini top, also from DROPS.

The other method is a semi-circular pattern, though still triangular in basic shape. A good example is this crochet bikini top from DROPS and this orange crocheted bikini top from Canadian Living.

And finally, here is an example of the circular method of crocheting a bra, this white bikini top from DROPS.

Measurements

There’s an article on eHow called “Howto crochet a bra.” Although the crocheting part is not that fantastic, the section on measurements could give ideas about developing new patterns. This “Howto” could also be useful for designing bras for men!

So, crocheting a bra is not really difficult. Crochet Beginners should give it a try if they want to get started on crocheting wearables and understanding the importance of body shape.

Good luck!

Finally, I’ve gotten down to using my hairpin lace staple and here’s my new work in progress - a capelet for my 80-year old auntie. However, I fear that it is starting to look too fancy for her. We met her near the church the other day and I saw that she was carrying a simple mustard color silk scarf. So now I am thinking of making another shawl (capelet, scarf, stole, or whatever comes up) that has a more subdued design.

In the meantime, I’m still undecided as to whether I should use buttons (and of what color, presumably crocheted buttons would be nice), whether I should make the crocheted lace edging longer and whether I should make the collar bigger. Some subtle beadwork might be nice too.

While I’ve already done a number of Maltese crochet or Hairpin lace projects, I still need to get more acquainted with it.

Also, it seems that there are two methods of making hairpin lace. One involves turning the crochet hook upside down as the hairpin is turned; the other involves simply dropping the loop as the hairpin is turned and putting the hook back in pace again.

The first technique is described in a website called Wrights. The instructions are:

1. To begin, loop yarn around each prong of fork and tie knot in center tightly (See illus. 1).

2. Hold fork in left hand and crochet hook in right hand.

3. Bring yarn from ball around right prong of fork from front to back. Insert hook between the 2 strands of loop on left prong (See illus. 2). Yarn over and draw loop through, then chain 1.

4. Leaving loop on hook, turn hook upside down and move handle of hook through top center of fork to opposite side (See illus. 3). Turn fork 1/2 turn from right to left, wrapping yarn around other prong of fork (See illus. 4).

5. Holding hook in correct position in right hand, insert hook in new loop on left prong (See illus. 5). Yarn over and draw loop through (2 loops now on hook), yarn over and draw loop through both loops on hook (single crochet made).

6. Continue as in Steps 3 and 4, turning the fork from right to left after completing each stitch and then working single crochet in loop on left prong (See illus. 6).

The other method is described in one of the scarf patterns on the FreeVintageCrochet website. The instructions are:

Hairpin Lace: Make a loop at end of yarn and place left prong of staple in loop just made, wind yarn around right prong of hairpin staple, insert plastic crochet hook in loop, yarn over hook and draw loop through keeping work at center of staple, * drop loop from hook, turn staple 1/2 turn to the left, pick up the dropped loop at center, yarn over and pull through loop, insert hook through top part of loop on left hand prong, yarn over and pull through (2 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through both loops completing the single crochet (sc), repeat from * for desired length.

I find the second method easier, although I have been using the first method more when I am working with cotton threads. The first method seem to be more suitable for acrylic yarns, mohair and bulky threads that don’t slip out of the stitches as easily as cotton or rayon threads.

There may be other methods out there. Nevertheless, do experiment and see which is most suitable for you and your projects.

Perhaps subconsciously delaying responsibility to my hairpin staple  I’ve just started crocheting a new turtle.

This time, it will be a mother turtle with three baby turtles.

Here is a photo of the crocheted parts. I’ve already sewn the legs and tail to the inner bellyside (plastron) of the turtle. The three yellow orange ovals are the three baby turtles’ shell (carapace) and the short green strip is the mother turtle’s head. I’ve also already made a few cross-stitches along the neck of the mother turtle.

I plan to put the baby turtles on top of the mother’s carapace. This is a common depiction of turtles in Chinese fengshui figures. However, supposedly no known species of turtle have been actually known to care for their young!

Nevertheless, turtles are considered lucky symbols because of their longevity.

Researchers have recently discovered a turtle’s organs do not gradually break down or become less efficient over time, unlike most other animals. It was found that the liver, lungs, and kidneys of a centenarian turtle are virtually indistinguishable from those of its immature counterpart. This has inspired genetic researchers to begin examining the turtle genome for longevity genes.

Anyway, this turtle isn’t going to be a purse, but will rather be a stuffed toy (or something like that). So I’ve already prepared the stuffing.

Here are two pods of kapok that I collected from a tree in the neighborhood last year. I’ve collected several more this year. Last month was kapok season.

Great stuff!

The kapok tree is a truly lovely majestic tree. It can grow very tall with large wide trunks and buttress roots.

Some of the kapok trees here also have green color trunks, which I find unusual for a large tree.

And when the tree is full of those kapok fruits, it’s just such a lovely sight!

Well, now that the turtle parts are finished, I’ve just started work on the hairpin staple. After several tries with 2-ply cotton and 3-ply rayon, I’ve decided to stick it out with the mohair.

I am thinking of making a nice mohair shawl for my 80-year old auntie. Although the Philippines is a tropical country, shopping malls here offer temperate climate.

I thought of this after my husband and I had lunch with her at the mall, and I saw her using a black shawl because of the cold air-conditioning. My auntie likes going to the mall, good exercise for her too. And because it’s now summertime, lots of people flock to the mall to cool themselves and the building’s air-conditioning is working double-time. That means height of winter here in mall country.

So, here is a photo of the mohair in the hairpin staple.

Finally, work has started!

I still have no idea what shape this shawl is going to take - capelet style? triangular shape? rectangular? And yet to decide whether I’ll use a different color for joining the hairpin lace strips. Maybe I’ll put a few glittery beads on it too.  But not too flashy, since my auntie is a very simple old stick.

“Booksale” is a chain of second-hand book shops in malls across the country. This is where I’ve have found a lot of really good and inexpensive books on a variety of topics. There’s a lot junky books, of course, so it takes patience and luck to find the gems.

As far as crochet and needlework books are concerned, I’ve found a few at “Booksale” and all of them are quite rather ‘retro’ (but not too bad). However, just a week ago I stumbled upon a pretty good one.

The book is “150 Favorite Crochet Designs” from Dover Publications. I got it for only 90 pesos (that’s less than 2 US$).  The book is a collection of classic heirloom-quality patterns for tablecloths, bedspreads, doilies, edgings and insertions.

And I love this book - I’ve already been able to use some patterns of edgings for my new crocheted corset (that has now turned into a crocheted blouse with puff sleeves!)

There I realized how beautiful antique patterns really are, and how fine and meticulously made they are. They really provide one of the best foundations for learning crochet.

Because of this re-newed interest and appreciation for things antique, and the fact that such antique knowledge should already be in the public domain, I decided to look up a couple of things on the Internet and see what the past could provide.

1942 Modern Pattern Design
by Harriet Peppin

I found this book because I wanted to know about the technical terms used in dressmaking, particularly, the various styles of collars and necklines. Nevertheless, I did buy 2 locally written and published books (in Filipino language) on the subject matter: “Basic Course in Pattern and Dressmaking” and “Ladies Fashion Wear Volume 1″ - both by Yoko Shirane Venzuela (costs around 250 pesos each at National Book Store).

The two new books are very comprehensive, including patterns for blouse, skirt, pants, one-piece dress, jacket and coat among others, as well as instructions for proper pattern making and measurement. The books also include full-size block patterns.

The Full Roll CollarThe “1942 Modern Pattern Design” book seemed to be written more for the layperson. Nevertheless, the book has sufficient technical information on pattern design, and some interesting, insightful remarks, for instance, on the “Full Roll Collar” also known as the “Peter Pan Collar” due to its youthful style:

“Because of the roll, it is especially pleasing for the woman who has an exceptionally thin, long neck as its round shape softens her angular features. It is youthful, so is not suited to elderly or mature women and should be definitely avoided by the woman having a round face and short, broad neck.”

Tight Linings and Boning, Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences, by Mary Brooks Picken1922 - Tight Linings and Boning,
Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences
by Mary Brooks Picken

I found this book while doing a search on corsets and corset making. While my own crocheted corset has now evolved into something else, finding detailed information on corsetry will surely make my second attempt more successful.

The book by Mary Brooks Picken introduces, “Pay particular attention to the definitions; a correct understanding of them is essential.”

Indeed, definitions and the use of technical terms are essential. This is the foundation of professional meticulous work,

… this book covers how to properly bone a bodice, including how to finish the ends of the bones, and what is meant by “springing the bone.”

Although some technical terms have changed since then, and there are of course some variations on the local cultural practice, it aids much in understanding if I could establish more consistency in my use of terms and definitions in my own work.

Elizabethan Corsetry

And yes, of course, I did stumble on Elizabethan corsetry. The website provides easy-to-understand instructions on making the patterns, selecting corset material, sewing the corset, and putting it on.

There is also a special item on “The Effigy Corset: A New Look at Elizabethan Corsetry” by Drea Leed.

Gems are hard to find, that’s why it’s good to share them…
Just like at “Booksale”, finding gems on the Internet is getting harder and harder. Obviously, one can say that there’s just more junk than gem nowadays.

For me, however, there are more reasons. For one, the Internet is becoming more and more commercialized and even knowledge that should be in the public domain hasn’t made it yet to the Internet, and even when they do, they are accessible only at a cost (for example, the book on vintage Crochet Designs from Dover Publications costs nearly 10 US$ plus the cost of shipping).

Secondly, search engines which are essentially our gateway to materials on the Internet (and therefore very powerful gatekeepers), tend to rank highly those websites and materials that are accessed by most people. Thus, a keyword search for the different types of necklines and collars would serve links to videos I can’t access because I use a slow dial-up access to the Internet. Surely, video materials on the Internet are extremely popular now with majority of users connected to the Internet with broadband access. However, there are still people like me who can only access low-bandwidth materials, and actually prefer textual data to video. Websites with large images are also becoming nearly impossible for me to browse, and there is a growing number of such websites because people who put the photos on them have broadband connections and do not realize the enormity of file sizes they are uploading. Image compression and optimization for the web now seem to be passe.

Anyway, there are still some more interesting finds - on-line and off-line - and I’ll surely write about them when I find them!

At the moment, my new hairpin lace staple is still waiting for its chance to get into action, and that’s because I’m md-way with work on two new projects that I’ve not attempted before.

First is a multi-color blouse with sleeves. I’ve never done sleeves before so this is a rather exciting challenge. Apparently, there are several ways of attaching sleeves to the body of a shirt. What I intend to do is to attach the sleeves to the body and form the yoke on top of that.

My second project is a corset (or something of that sort!) crocheted in 2-ply cotton thread. I’ve never made a corset before and have not done work with cotton thread finer than the more popular 3-ply crochet cotton threads.

While the lower portion of the corset is crocheted with 3-ply rayon thread, the upper portion will be crocheted entirely in 2-ply cotton thread. I intend this project to be very simple at first, and won’t be using side plastic or metal ribbings (boning) for the corset, perhaps later when I get better at this (I was actually able to buy the plastic ribbings (boning) in Quiapo about a year ago).

I must admit that generally I work in a very “un-organized” manner. Thus, the documentation of my projects can be very confusing especially to those who wish to follow step-by-step pattern instructions. However, I hope that the documentation here contribute to new ideas of working with crochet. Certainly, each project I make lead to other new future projects in Crochetology.net. Hopefully there will be improvement in future too!