Bali in PIcture

Yarns Organizing Idea

Here is one yarn organizing idea for you. I have uploaded this yarn roller idea in a fb group before which received  an overwhelming feedbacks but have never published it in this blog. Now people are asking again for the same ideas so I thought I will post it here for easy reference for all.  

You need several household items such as:

1. a plastic basket with holes
2. yarns in cake shape as above works better
3. drinking straws
4. a knitting needle

Here is how:

Slide the needle inside the straw, if more straw is needed to cover the needle cut another  straw. 

Locate the most top hole on one side of the box. Slide the straw covered needle through the hole, string the cakes carefully, pass the needle though the opposite side of the box. 

Now you have it. Turn your work from time to time to avoid tangling. When stringing the cakes make sure you pull the threads all in the same direction toward you. If you prefer you can insert each of  the threads through the holes in the box to separate them.

Get the box from Carrefour outlets or from online store such as Organizeit. 

Finishing Your Crochet Project - Tutorial Round-Up

Today I bring you several pictures and video round-up on how to neatly finish your crochet project.
After my last trip to Bali and saw all those beautiful crocheted  items and purchasing some-- I came home with the thought that there is room for improvements here on how those pretty fabric can last for a long time so you can keep them as treasures. Here are some useful technique I found on the web.

• This article talks about tapestry needle and why you need it in crochet. I always keep at least of them along with a scissor and measuring tape in my hook case.  
• EliZZZa of Knitaholics show you  how to tie a Frankfurt Knot. 
• Finishing ends tutorial from Red Heart. 
  

• Bethinx1 demonstrates how to break off your yarn and secure it from unravel using several methods.

If you find more tutorials which can benefit crocheters like us, please share them in comments below. xoxoxo

Souvenirs from Bali

Hello all… I am back. It is hard to update blog while you are on vacation because there are too much interruption or should I say attractions going on hehe.

Here are my souvenirs to you from Bali in pictures. Some are crochet related and some are photos from the places we visited.

In search of Balinese Cotton Yarn
According to the info I have, there are only 4 national spinning industries left in Indonesia out of original 10. One of them located in Gianyar. I was told that there was one in Denpasar but the factory was closed and I could not go back to Gianyar to see the actual spinning work in progress because of time constraint.

Local spinner, photo  from Tempo.co

Nevertheless I found the yarns were sold in craft shop like Toko Central in Kuta and in many places even outside Bali. The cotton yarns in the pictures below are available in many colors but only in one size (Sport/Size 2). It is not as shiny as the other Balinese Cotton Yarn but is very soft and squishy and didn't split when crocheted and is suitable for baby apparels.  Laying next to it is the label that was attached to it.

Above and below are crocheted bags  and afghan for sale in the market in Ubud. There are many different type of cotton yarns produced in Indonesia. All the crocheted item you see in the pictures in this post are mostly made of Benang Katun Lokal (local cotton yarn). The name might sounds strange but that is just how the Indonesian people call their yarns and if you look for them by any other name you will not find what you are looking for. The texture of this yarn is very similar to Lily's Sugar and Cream cotton--rough and dry.

Silk batik scarfs on display among many crocheted items

Tourists strolling Ubud market.

If you travel further to the north from Ubud toward Tegalalang you will find several rest area with restaurants overlooking the rice fields below. Along the streets there are several craft shops selling crocheted items as seen below. These blanket are big, I think it would fit a king size bed. I asked for the price and the seller asking around US$50. Unbelievable! It would take me a year to do that.  

A dress made of local cotton).

I can't resist not to buy one of these hats so I purchased the purple one.

Waiting for sunset in Tanah Lot. Look at the crowd on the bridge in the background. 

My son enjoying his cup of coffee at Grand Kuta Hotel and Residence. 

A cafe inside the Agung Rai Museum of Arts. The museum is a great place to visit for art lovers, collectors and artists. 

Above is the Thread of Life's gallery in Ubud. 

Threads of Life uses natural dyes in their yarns productions.

The picture above is Krisna gift shop selling items from aromatherapy oils and soaps to woodcrafts, batiks,  sweets and famous Balinese salty peanuts. I like shopping at Krisna because of the fixed and reasonably price thus save time. Krisna has several branches so check the link above to find out the shop near you when you happen to be in Bali.

Note for Muslims travellers.
Bali is the smallest province in Indonesia with majority of the inhabitants are Hindus. Only small percentage are Muslim lives in Bali. We visited Bali from time to time and  have seen some developments in the availability of halal restaurants. However, finding masjid is still difficult if you are outside Denpasar and Kuta area. A few friends decided to pray anywhere including in the local market between shops or  next to her parked car, while other friends suggested they go to Padang restaurants to pray. Padang restaurants are run by Muslim people from West Sumatra province. Krisna gift shop above also provides the prayer room on its 2nd floor. Check this link for more info about the hotels with halal restaurants in Bali. Other restaurants we went were Pawon Pasundan (Sundanese), Jl. Kediri No. 2, Tuban and Ayam Taliwang Bersaudara (grilled country chicken and steam kangkung with chili and tomatoes paste). Jl. Raya Kuta 89. Balinese food are very tasty, and seafoods are also among our favorites.

More to see in Bali:
Tohpati Batiks Factory
Celuk Silver Factory
Textile Info