A Dream Come True - Best Birthday Gift Ever!

A few years ago on my birthday, I set a goal to achieve something BIG by my 35th birthday - publishing an illustration book about a little girl who picks up knitting from a happy knitting elephant perhaps?

Well, on my 36th Birthday last year, not having a permanent space to continue with Knotty Bicsie, I was struggling to look for a direction for Knotty Bicsie. Not even anywhere close to the goal I set 5 years ago! "Fortunately" I was so busy picking up my pieces, I must say I don't remember feeling any disappointment nor sadness at all, for not being able to achieve my goal? Oops! :P

Another year has zoomed past, my 37th Birthday is approaching this Sunday. I'm proud to announce that I finally achieved something BIG! No illustration book YET, but I'm now a proud owner of Knotty Bicsie Knitting Cafe!!! And our official opening is of course this Sunday, 11Jan2015, on my Birthday! :D I am 2 years late, but better late then never right?? heehee... :P

Although a small shop, it really feels like a dream come true. Better yet, it feels like a 2nd home to my family & I. And so my NEW resolution, definitely aspire to be able to spend more time with my family, be it at our 2nd home, or anywhere around the world... AND to groom our 2nd home into a sustainable family "playground" for me & my 2 Dar-dars ;)

Here's a toast to everyone chasing your dream, may all your dreams come true like mine! May all sour dream manifest into something even more magnificent & magical!

July Rhapsody

Hello Knotty Fans! We hope July has been bright and sunny for everyone! Itx been a little crazier for me coz besides our growing ongoing classes, itx my little Edda's 4th Birthday this month! So glad I haven't "lost my edge", & managed to crochet this sweet blouse & her Frozen Snowflake Charm in time for her Frozen-themed party :D This lovely smile just made all the hard work absolutely worthwhile :)

To our new fans who had just joined us over at our crafting studio at Orchard Plaza, we are excited to have you with us on this crafty journey and we are definitely looking forward to sharing your knitting & crochet journey. 

We continue to be thrilled to see all the amazing creations our existing Knotty Fans have been crocheting & knitting up at our studio, and it always brightens up everyone’s day when we get to see their completed amazing “works-of-heart”.  And sometimes, when Knotty Fans send me photos of their completed “secret projects”, which they work independently at home, I can’t help but glee with joy & pride! Thank you for sharing your joy! :D

While you continue to wrap the yarn around your needles, let’s chat a bit about KNITTING.  Some of u asked me who invented knitting?

How interesting whenever we speak about knitting, a stereotyped image of an old granny clicking those needles away on a rocking chair appears in that little thinking cloud!  Oh no, there is no rocking chair over at Knotty Bicsie studio, or at least not now …… but who knows? :P

 Now, who says the men don't get it?? :P

Some hard facts according to Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_knitting), it was believed to have been originated from Middle East (Egypt) and the earliest evidence was related to a resemblance of knitted socks, even though there weren’t any concrete clues to knitting’s age.  While the craft of knitting transmitted across the globe, items like knitted cushions, stockings and garments etc. were among the knitted works produced. 

Now let’s fast forward to our modern world. Knitting continues to be a therapeutic hobby among people of all ages and genders all over the world.  Exciting & Interesting yarns, paired with cool patterns, techniques and stitches available today, we are constantly inspired to create our very own one-of-a-kind masterpieces!

ALL of you have assumed that knitting & crochet are my passion. Hence Knotty Bicsie was born. Truth is, my passion is actually in the process of creating & making things from scratch. I just happened to have discovered knitting & crochet some 8years ago, when my soul was starving to MAKE MAKE MAKE! And so, knitting & crochet became a therapeutic medium to satisfy that hunger & craving to just CREATE! Well, the rest, like what they always say, is history. J And this is why I always tell people that Knotty Bicsie is a “happy accident”! ;) Nonetheless, knitting and crochet has indeed given me huge sense of contentment, accomplishment, satisfaction & completeness!  Totally indulging in & grateful for this amazing journey…

Fingers itching already? Sounds too tempting? Let’s put on some music, make your favourite cuppa, sink into your favourite couch, and ENJOY some wonderful knitting and crochet today!  ;D

FREE Trial!!!

Knit a Dream in June

In comes June and out goes May. In a flash, and half a year is almost gone!  If you happen to be one of our new Knotty Fans, or first time visiting our blog, here is a BIG shout out, “ WELCOME to Knotty Bicsie!” We are so glad that you found us ;)

A little trip down the memory lane... WOW!!! I still cannot believe that Knotty Bicsie had embarked on this wonderful adventure for almost seven and a half years!? And that makes us almost 2739 days old!

Armed with my hooks and needles and a bottle of magical potion that I proudly named “PASSION”, I made my dreams into a reality.  My little crafting studio has since taken off on an amazing journey.  Guess it is true - do what you LOVE and the rest will follow ;)

Crafting all these years along with Knotty Bicsie, it has been both a rewarding and humbling experience.  I have been very fortunate to meet lots of wonderful people (whom I now call friends), be it like-minded crafters and entrepreneurs, or our ever so supportive Knotty Fans.  Thank YOU for all the friendships, thank YOU for those endless encouragements and support all these years, and it had indeed opened up my life and inspired me in many ways.  I am full of gratitude for all these past years and I truly know Knotty Bicsie and this amazing journey happened because of YOU!

For the past 365 days, it has been more of a turbulent year full of challenging adventures.  In some ways “good” and in some ways “not so good.”  Sometimes it seems like changes are forced upon us and we have to think of new ways to handle these new beginnings.  At some point, the constant big waves & tsunami did give me a deep sense of unsettlement, causing me to doubt myself & wonder if I have indeed been knitting my sandcastle in air for too long already. All thanx to the "muscle man" of Knotty Bicsie, I am able to snap out of this downward spiral & re-aline our goals & dreams in running our little crafty cottage studio. Thank you, Dar! :)

And BOOM!  Right now, it seems like a "HAPPY problem” has emerged to push me yet again in search of a bigger studio space to accommodate our growing classes. Seems like an expansion is almost prematurely inevitable real soon!? 

This never-ending adventures have been filled with pleasant surprises, but mentally & emotionally tiring at the same time... Not complaining about this exciting life moving forward with big plans, but the biggest trade-off is not being able to spend more time with my lovely family, especially my little happy feet, Edda :(

As a motivated & driven person, getting a push now and again is not a bad thing at all. In fact, I am already knitting up a BIG dream in this new chapter. With all these exciting challenges, it has become clearer to me each day that I want to grow Knotty Bicsie into a family business.  Nothing too ambitious, just big enough to allow my beloved hubby and I to work together, and having Edda with us at our crafty little haven after school and mingling with all our wonderful Knotty Fans... I strongly believe this dream is NOT far away now. I am starting to visualize our crafty cove already :)

Till we move on to our next BIG dream, let’s just relax a little and do some knitting & crochet over an aromatic cuppa! ;)

Knitting & Crocheting Away in Orchard!

HELLO Knotty Fans!  Whoa, can’t imagine how time files and it’s actually almost end of April now. 

It’s been almost 2 months since our little charming craft studio settled down in the heart of Singapore’s busy Orchard Road and YES… it’s really awesome over here. Come by and say Hello if you happen to be in town conducting your “retail therapy” ;) 

Did we not mention about the array of lovely yarns that we currently have in store, and I am sure you will be inspired and charmed away by all the beautiful shades.  Haha… did we just give you an excuse to get those knitting needles and crochet hooks clicking away happily again!

By the way, mark your calenders if you have not (we just did on ours), Mother’s Day is coming up soon! Whether you are a mom, daughter, granny or even son or daddy …… we all know, being a mom is the “World’s Toughest Job” hence don’t forget to give yourself or your mommies a little “ME time” to recharge.  Don’t we all agree that mommies are Superheroes, except that we don’t actually don a cape (maybe we should just knit ourselves a Wonder Woman’s cape) or fly through the sky on a rescue mission *wink*

Personally I feel that engaging in a hobby really sets aside time just for “ME”.  Enjoying a couple of hours off without being under my pile of overwhelming laundry or sweating it out in my kitchen whipping up a never ending banquet really is a breather and a great way to unwind!   

 Still cracking your head in search of the perfect gift for Mother's Day? Look no more, coz it's time to get Mom a NEW HOBBY in knitting & crochet! Wouldn’t it be nice to keep mom accompany and spend some special bonding moments together whilst learning something new and even making new friends. :)

Crafting is definitely a therapeutic hobby, something we all agree that is fun, easy and relaxing! (Look at how all our Knotty Fans over at the studio now nodding their heads ;P)  So if you are thinking of rekindling your love for knitting & crochet, or engaging in a new knitting or crochet hobby, you know where to find us now ;)

If u haven't "Liked" our Facebook Fan Page, visit http://www.facebook.com/KnottyFans now to stay connected with us for more regular updates on our studio activities.

Till our next post, Keep Calm and Knit On! :D

Big Plans Big Move

We are moving to Orchard Plaza #02-51 (2nd shop on left of escalator) starting next Wednesday, 5March2014! To celebrate our opening, of course we are having some attractive promotions! Yippee...! ;D So, always wanted to pick up knitting & crochet? Know someone who is thinking of picking up a new hobby in knitting & crochet too? Come join us & get rewarded now! :)

Some Updates...

Dear Knotty Fans,

I know itx been a long while :P For those of you who haven't "Like" our Facebook Fan Page , pls do so, since I now post updates there more regularly. Itx simply too convenient to resist :P

If u haven't known, we now share a shop space with Artz Graine at 500 Guillemard Road #01-04 S399839. (Paya Lebar MRT exit D, behind City Plaza.) However, I do feel I am finally ready to fly solo, so am in the midst of looking for our very own shop space by March/April 2014. This sure is a BIG milestone for Knotty Bicsie! While feeling a bit nervous & uncertain, I do believe YOU, my dearest Knotty Fans, will continue to knit & crochet with me in years to come! ;) Like I always say, knitting & crochet are best enjoyed with fabulous friends! ;)

I do have some big plans lined up for 2014, so stay tuned...

Keep knitting/crocheting & smiling! :))) Together, let's make crafting, knitting & crochet a modern way of life for everyone! ;)

Cheers,

Betsy :)

Yet Another Quirky Project

Have u seen the latest Comfort Fabric Deodorant advert on TV? So vibrantly colourful, right? Itx a digital animation on a city of plushies. Well, turns out the Singapore-based designer of the advertising company, Ogilvy & Martha, prefers the real deal & contacted me to help make some props for their static adverts ;) It sure has been a fun-filled collaboration. The end product made us laugh so much too! :D Check these out....

This is my personal favourite! The green apple core & fish bone made me laugh so hard! Kawaii ne! Hahaha...! :D

So will u think of me when u next see these adverts?? :P

We are moving!

Dear Knotty Fans,

In view of our BIG MOVE, we have stopped our crafting sessions & ceased taking in orders. We will be back in action shortly in Sept/Oct 2013, with MANY EXCITING PROMOTIONS, just in time for our 7th Anniversary!!! So stay tuned... Thank u for your patience!

Luv, Betsy ;)

In Loving Memory of Our Very Special Knotty Elf, Oreo

I have never really introduced this very special elf at Knotty Bicsie, but Knotty Fans who's visited our studio would've met him. Oreo was always charming, especially with the kiddos. Oreo had & will always have a special place in my heart. On Oreo's 2nd birthday, I started Knotty Bicsie. Every year as we celebrate Knotty Bicsie's Anniversary, we celebrate Oreo's Birthday...

On 24th November (Sat), Oreo waited till Knotty Fans from the morning class to leave to spend his last moments with me. I'm sorry we couldn't spend more quality time together, but am glad I was with you till you finally rest in peace. We will always remember you, Old Pal!

Oreo, 6 October 2004 - 24 November 2012.

Knotty Every on the Raod...

To participate, simply:

1) Like us on our facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/KnottyFans);

2) Post on our wall to tell us why u would like to pick up knitting from Knotty Bicsie;

3) If your wall post is accompanied by a photo of yourself with our Knotty Every, you get double the chance!

I see u have met Knotty Every after an extreme makeover! Stay tuned for MORE makeover coming your way from now till October 2013! We'll be having Giveaways whenever new "makeover procedure" is being spotted by our Knotty Fans :)

For our very 1st Giveaway, we are giving you a FREE Trial Funky Knit Workshop worth S$50.00! Simply like us on our facebook fan page & tell us why u would like to pick up knitting from Knotty Bicsie to stand a chance to win. We are giving away 3 FREE Trials every month from now till February 2013! Knotty Fans who already can knit can join too, & bring a family/friend to enjoy the free trial, & we'll be giving u, our beloved Funky Knitter a mystery gift. ;)

THREE winners per Draw.

FOUR Draws in total: 1 Dec 2012, 1 Jan 2013, 1 Feb 2013, 1 Mar 2013.

Closing dates are the last day of November 2012, December 2012, January 2013 & February 2013.

Took My Breath Away!

Are There Many Knitters/Crocheters in Singapore?

When I 1st verbalize my intention to make knitting/crochet my "full-time job" (as my parents would say), u can imagine the shock look on my dad's face! Don't get me wrong, my dad is always very supportive. He just couldn't believe that his "well-educated daughter" can be so naive to think that this is gonna take off :/ Well, I must admit that I'm idealistic & willful when it comes to Knotty Bicsie la :P But this is how u have to be in pursuing our dreams, isn't it?? :)

Thankfully all effort sort of paid off when Knotty Bicsie started getting some media attention & our products & workshops are featured in shops, magazines & Straits Times. & my dad's response? "Hmm... I never knew there are so many people knitting & crocheting in Singapore!" Well, neither did I! I must say I'm pleasantly surprised by the number of extremely crafty Singaporeans "hiding" in our own little crafting attic! If only we can all "come out" & show everyone how therapeutic & rewarding this hobby can be! :)

Recently, I chanced upon yet another crochet enthusiast, who turns out to be friend of my ex-students (yes, credit goes to fb again :P). Rachel makes kawaii amigurumi & posts them on her blog. Even better, she generously shares her patterns & "tricks" on her blog too! Check out her most recent creation - Singa, our courtesy lion :) Really admire her dedication in sharing this beautiful craft. Sure hope to collaborate with her on some projects some day :)

Me & My Bad Habit :/

Sometimes I do get "bored" doing some stuffs, especially when I'm at those "beefing up" stage of a project :/ So I always find myself working on more than a project concurrently, often too many at a go in fact! :P Guess I only have myself to blame when I feel I'm all over the place ba! *sigh* :/

A Productive Tuesday

One of the reasons why I decided on making Knotty Bicsie a home-studio is so that I can put family as top priority as I work. And as many of u know by now, Tuesdays are my "off-day", when I get to run errands, do house chores, & also to catch up on my production la. So "off-day" really just mean "no class day" ba :P

I'm happy I'm really productive today. Managed to grab a nice breakfast with good coffee & do some marketing after dropping my girl off at school this morning. Once I got home, I started brewing our daily soup (a "must-have" for my family, radish soup today :)), do the laundry, transplanted some new "greens" at our balcony, reply some emails, place new orders for materials... then stomach started growling at almost 12noon :P Perfect timing, since soup is ready! So I had lunch, followed by A LITTLE knitting (yes, I do knit/crochet almost EVERYDAY :P) before bringing Knotty Every out for a "little spin" :P

1st stop: Activated C Studio

Met up with artist friend, Tang Ling Nah, at her studio, which is only 5min drive away fr my studio ;) I needed some advice from her on our Mee Suah 2013. Really appreciate her generosity in sharing with me all the "back-end" things to prepare & do. I've been "away" from the art scene for so long, I've almost lost touch! Thanx for all the tips & reminders, Ling Nah! ;)

2nd stop: Innova Junior College

A group of students from Innova Junior College is proposing a project work related to crochet & they found me on the internet & ask to interview me. Initially we struggled to fix a time to meet, so I offer to meet them in school since I drive. Finally met them & had a nice little chat in their canteen :P Pleasantly surprised when a Knotty Fan SMS me later, telling me that she saw Knotty Every drive past her neighbourhood! So Knotty Every is already a "celebrity" even before the extreme make-over??? Woohoo...! :P

Finally, I stopped by a coffee shop for my yummy ice milk tea before going to pick my 2 Dar-Dars up from school. Evenings are always nice & cosy family time... games, books, TV, cuddling :P after simple home-cooked food. Tonite's dinner - Radish soup noodles & steamed fish, Edda's favourite! ;)

Last but not least, blogging here, JUST before Wednesday! :P Tmr is gonna be another simply busy day I'm sure! Have a good week ahead, Knotty Fans! ;)

We all need a life-long, therapeutic hobby...

Heartwarming community spirit keeps everyone ALIVE... Yarn Alive...

GongXi FaCai!

Dear Knotty Fans,

I'm taking my long-needed break to spend more quality time with my fast-growing 18month-old little angel :) For enquiries, pls email me at bicsie@gmail.com & I'll get back to u asap when I'm back to work on 29th Jan 2012.

Here's wishing U a Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year! :D

Luv,
Betsy :)

We are on Straits Time Lifestyle Again!

2012 has started with a bang for Knotty Bicsie. We are on Straits Time Lifestyle yesterday! Yay...! We were featured in Sept 2008 & so glad 3years later Straits Time decide to feature us again after we've reached a new milestone. It feels like receiving a beautiful report card after 5years of hardwork :)

Straits Time feature in September 2008

This feature is extra special to me because of all of you reading this now. I received lotsa SMSes, facebook comments & emails from our Knotty Fans since early morning yesterday. I'm truly overwhelmed by all your enthusiastic responses! This feature in Straits Time means nothing, if not for your support & well-wishes. Thank u so so so very much for sharing this joy in celebrating Knotty Bicsie's "good performance" for the past 5years! I will continue to work very hard & attain new breakthrough to show my appreciation for all the love & support u've been showering Knotty Bicsie with! Thank you!

Here's wishing everyone a fabulous 2012 packed with abundance of love, health & wealth! :)

Customized Orders are Welcome

I've been receiving many feedback from our Knotty Fans on how they miss admiring our Knotty products. Thank u so very much for loving our creations & I sincerely apologize for not having been able to launch any new series of products. :( But if u wanna order our all-time favourite baby booties, bangle bags, amigurumi (dolls, toys), scarves, knitwear, etc... we definitely still welcome all customization requests! :) Kindly allow at least 2weeks (depending on your item, complexity of design & quantity) production time though. Simply email Betsy (bicsie@gmail.com) your customization requests to get a quote.

Voodoo Zoological Project

Some of u must've already seen these adorable little fellas on our Facebook Fan Page. Well, guess what? The pattern book is finally launching NEXT WEEK @Kinokuniya!!! :) Even better news: Knotty Bicsie is proud sponsor of 100 x $50-vouchers to help promote the book launch! Look out for the red sticker as shown below on the pattern book when purchasing the book :) The $50-voucher is redeemable when u sign up for a Crochet Craze (Amigurumi) Workshop.

Meet the 10 (out of 17) kawaii creatures that can be found in the pattern book:

Meet the handsome toucan

Meet the sleepy ladybug

Meet the sweet giraffe 

Meet the lion who loves busking in the sun

Meet the monkey who turns out to be afraid of height!? Yikes! 

Meet the koala who is in search of his mate (pun intended :P)

Meet the dusty bunny

Meet the handsome dragon

Meet the octopus who can't help feeling rather out of place  here :P

Meet the friendly dachshund

There are 7 other adorable patterns in the book. So go down to Kinokuniya next week & be the 1st 100 to grab our FREE $50-Voucher when u purchase the pattern book :)