My First Finger Crocheted Heart

I took a picture of this heart next to an apple so you can get an idea of the size of it....Thank you Teri for finding this cool pattern and Elisa for challenging me! If you want, I will teach you when I get back, but considering how fast you guys learned I am sure you can figure it out. I attached some helpful videos below as well as the link for the heart pattern.

Pattern for crocheted hearts can be found at:

http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2011/01/how-to_crochet_hearts_four_way.html

http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/love-hearts/

Below are video I found which help you learn the different stitches used in the heart pattern

Chain stitch (ch):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoUOkWmpQzw

Single crochet (sc):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhaQQajt0U

Half double crochet (hdc):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxA2osb5Qfk

Double crochet (dc):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1txJLRPfuE

Slip stitch (sl st):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfPjNCloRys

Triple crochet (tr):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oP-cOMy5krA

Blanket Shawl Galore!

During this past holiday season, I was fortunately asked to create a custom blanket size shawl for a special customer. The requirements were the colors (black, red, pink, some purple) and go crazy with it! Which I did. I created something with no pattern whatsoever, crocheting forward, backwards and sideways, changing colors at any time, making large opening and using different stitches. Below are pictures of the process and the finished piece. For storage purposes, I also crocheted a bag in matching colors. During the process I would take pictures and email them to the customer for approval...just in case I was going to crazy with it....but she approved every step and encouraged me to continue and make it bigger. This was one of the funnest and most inspiring projects I have ever done and I thank her for trusting me with it.

Pre-Valentine's Day Workshops!

"Make a gift for your Valentine!!"

or

"Be your own Valentine and make a gift for yourself!"

Benefits: Crocheting is therapeutic because of its calming, rhythmic movements. Many studies have shown positive results for people suffering from chronic depression, Alzheimer's disease, dementia and schizophrenia. Crocheting is also beneficial for common ordinary people who simply enjoy the feeling of accomplishing something with their after-work, idle time. Crocheting relieves stress and muscle tensions after a hard day at the office as crocheting easily takes your mind off from work and draws you deeper into a solitary hobby where you can collect your thoughts as you let your fingers do their work. Crocheting can also bond people by sharing time and working on ideas together.

Details about class: Learn the basics of finger-crocheting and up-cycled art. Choose from several projects. Great gift-making ideas!
Class is donation based, give what you can
Material fee for yarn is $5 or bring your own

Monday, January 17th from 6-8pm

Iguana Imports
3440 E Broadway

Long Beach, CA 90803

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172825042753285&index=1

Friday, January 21st from 4-6pm

Consignment Corner

3228 Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=155709747814608&index=1

Sunday, January 23rd from 2-4pm

Consignment Corner

3228 Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90803

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=170897272954106&index=1

Monday, January 24th from 6-8pm

Iguana Imports
3440 E Broadway

Long Beach, CA 90803

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=177954302244673&index=1

The Infinite, workshops coming soon!

Aldana Mica featured on Solshock!!

Fashionably Rocking Upcycled Art

Meet Micaela Aldana, owner and creator of Aldana Mica: handmade finger-crocheted clothing, accessories, and upcycled art. Made from reused materials and a favorite among eco-friendly fashionistas,Aldana Mica pieces are one-of-a-kind. From aprons and scarves, to frames and yoga mat bags, she creates beautiful designs that we love. Also known as Micky, this ”crafty vegan” from Argentina frequents grassroots events as a vendor and often lends her recycled art crafting expertise to children within her community. Learn more about Michaela. View her latest and SHOP!

http://solshock.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/fashionably-rocking-upcycled-art/

Yellow boucle and white scarf with tassels......

Moss green and beige ruffle scarf, fuzzy yarn...

Banana fiber, color ivory, capelet...........

Circular vest, blues and grey, finger crocheted while living in Brazil in 2009......good days!

Aldana Mica on 562CityLife.com!!!

So excited about to announce that Aldana Mica was featured on 562citylife.com....article written by the beautiful Molly Marina Haupt! Thank you Molly!!

http://www.562citylife.com/profiles/blogs/christmas-shopping-at-its-best-1?xg_source=activity

December Events

Tonight, Dec 1st at Iguana Imports, finger crochet class from 6-8pm. Workshop fee is donation based.

Dec 2, 3 & 4 Coastline Community College Art Gallery in Huntington Beach

Annual Holiday Art Sale

The sale takes place Thursday, December 2, through Friday, December 3, from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturday, December 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to blown glass objects, shoppers will also find one-of-kind of art objects and unique gifts from local artists including jewelry and ceramics. Parking and entrance to the Coastline Art Gallery is free.

http://www.coastline.edu/events/eventDetails.cfm?eventID=209

2nd Saturday Artwalk in downtown LB, Dec 11th from 4-10pm and at Lyon's http://lyonartsupply.com/

Dec 12th at The Infinite, finger crochet class from 2-4pm, suggested donation $11