Exciting September

After a quiet August, September seems like an awakening, with new projects, exhibitions & many events coming the way...

First of all, a few interesting customizations...

2 pairs of mittens for a newborn Prince

a pretty bow brooch for Jasmine

Whacky Kenny for Chenyee. He even squeaks when u press his tummy! :P

As some of u know, I'm also teaching 'O' Level Art at Singapore Chinese Girls' School. This year, the school has given me the Sec.3 class, hence we have the luxury of time to explore many fun projects. We showcased our Project Runway @SCGS over at the school's Honours Day Celebration on 3rd September (last Thursday). As part of our fashion design exercise, my students came up with their own designs & constructed their designs from various recycled materials. Click here to read more about their respective works.

I decided to join the fun & be part of the show as well...

Due to some miscommunications with the mannequin supplier, most of our mannequins came without hair/wig! :( duh... So I came up with this idea to include some hyperbolic knitting & crochet to mimic the coral reefs of the underwater world & incorporate it into a head-gear for 4 of the mannequins.

I made hair-bands for the 2 lucky ones with wigs.

For those that comes with hair, I helped "accessorized" them a little :)

The whole experience was both fun & stressful (tight deadlines among their heavy study workload) for the gals. I'm really proud of them. Well, done, Gals! ;)

The next big thing on my mind now is Knotty Bicsie's 3rd Birthday Bash in October! Well, the following will be all lined up in October for the celebrations:

• Knotty 3rd Birthday Giveaway. Remember to check back on our blog on 1st October for more details...
• Special Offers in October
• "Knotty Tea Party - Handmade-A-Fair" on 31st October (Sat), 2-5pm @Admiralty Drive. Email Betsy (bicsie@gmail.com) for more information on this exclusive Art Bazaar, showcasing handmade jewelleries, hand-quilted bags, amigurumi toys, hand-crochet baby booties, hand-tatted stationaries, scrapbooking stationaries, yarns & other accessories... U may also wanna make an appointment for a special intuitive drawing session by a very gifted friend, Ayako. I will be introducing all these talented friends of mine on my blog in October. Stay tuned... :)

Knotty Bicsie Goes MAAD

Sponsoring Prizes for Children's Art Competition This Sunday

Knotty Bicsie has sponsored a total of 24 PomPom Kit Sets (worth S$276.00) for a children's Art competition this Sunday, 6th September, @Fort Canning, organized by Ananda Marga Yoga Society of Singapore.

I'm sure it'll be a day of great fun for the whole family! Click here to register your precious little ones for "What Makes Me Happy" Art Competition! :) or u can also email Miss Ho Soon Yeen (tabhosy@gmail.com) to register. Good Luck! ;D

HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY!!!

Today is a special day. It is a day to show our appreciation to a special group of people who have so generously & unconditionally shared their knowledge & experiences, in making who we are today.

To my very 1st teacher, Mummy, I love you! ;)

To my beloved Daddy, I always believe you are the reason why I'm an effective teacher!

To my kindergarten teacher, u made me wanna be a teacher since I was 5.

To Ed, u show me how to be always there for our love ones.

To all my teachers, friends, students, knotty fans,... everyone of you definitely taught me something one way or another. Thank you!

HAPPY TEACHERS' DAY TO EVERYONE!!! for we are all a Teacher to somebody at least once. :)))

Meet Crochet Craze - Andy

"Taking my time to learn amigurumi with Betsy is a blast! the dream of making my own gaming character using amigurumi came true after attending Betsy's class. Thanks, Betsy!" - Andy, 28th August 2009

Dear andy, Sorry I picked this photo, but I really prefer this to the one with your eyes finally opened! hehe... :P

Meet Crochet Craze - Jeslyn

"The first time i touched yarn & make something from it was during a 2hr workshop conducted @MAAD. After the workshop I realized I like crocheting & that's when i decided to start my very 1st, or rather 2nd project.

Betsy is very patient & nice. Her teaching (guiding) is clear. Thank u so much, betsy, for helping me to complete my project. I'll continue to crochet & make more cute amigurumi on my own. One day, I'll also design my own amigurumi! :P" - Jeslyn, 25th August 2009

Meet Funky Knitter - Grace

"Dear Betsy, So glad I finally completed my sweater - thanks for your patience, guidance, encouragement and assistance along the way! It has been fun learning knitting and chatting with you. I am looking forward to conquering more projects (lucky friends and family of mine who will get to be the receipients of my projects, hee)!!! Thanks again!" - Grace Chiang, 25th August 2009

Cap for a Little Prince

This is a customized birthday gift for Prince Cayden for his 1st birthday.

Another Quirky Project

Michelle sure is one ambitious & motivated new Funky Knitter. Inspired by her diving hobby & her eyes for little sea creatures at the mysterious sea bed, she insisted on knitting this nudibranch for her very first project! Well, it definitely had been very tough for a beginner, but hey, we did it! Congratulations, Michelle! Yay...!!! :)

"Dear Betsy,

Thanks for your patience, help & wonderful company to inspire me to complete this difficult project! :)" xxx Michelle, 15th August 2009

Now Michelle is "going back to the basics" & gonna start knitting a cardigan. Well, Michelle, I'm sure u'll find this one so much easier! :P

I"M BACK!!!

Had a good break in Bali. Even though it was way too touristy for Ed & I, we still had a good time interacting with our guides & some locals we met along the way. In fact, we are already planning for another trip back to Bali this December :P This time we're bringing my parents along :)

1st week of August had been rather quiet, & that was why we had this last minute decision to go to Bali :P However, August has also brought a few happy rhapsodies...

1) My proposal/work-in-progress has been selected to be exhibited in "1st Small Sculpture Show" organized by Sculpture Square. So right now I'm busy completing my soft sculpture entitled "My Imagination" :)

2) Had a good time KNITTING BY THE POOL IN BALI! :P hehe.... Yes, u can say I'm obsessed! :P

3) A few wonderful crafty friends agreed to come onboard & be part of Knotty Bicsie's 3rd Anniversary Celebration this October! We are planning for "Handmade-A-Fair" - a mini Art Bazaar @my humble Admiralty Drive home studio! Will be sending out e-blast with more details soon...

Not on Knotty Mailing List yet? To receive monthly updates on Knotty Bicsie's Adventures, click here to register :)

While I'm Away...

Ed & I are taking a short trip to Bali. I'll be away from 15th (Sat) to 18th (Tue) August 2009. Kindly note that I will not have access to the internet during this time & will reply your emails only after I return. For any urgent matters, please email lina@knottybicsie.com.sg

Bali, here we come...! :D

I'm Beary Sorry!

A bear customized for Stanley. It is a thoughtful gift for someone special...

There's also a "secret compartment" for a personal message to S.L.

Must Watch "Up"!

Believe it or not, Ed & I just saw "Partly Cloudy" again on Tuesday night, in the cinema! Yes, it's actually VERY CURRENT! It's the short clip just before Disney-Pixar's latest animation, UP. I must say this is the best movie I've watched this year! It's truly an amazing story for everyone of all ages!

At first, I was just attracted by the colourful pretty poster & the magically playful idea of a floating house lifted by cheerful balloons. So Ed & I decided it is a perfect movie for a sweet, romantic evening... But just 10min into the movie & we both knew we're getting a lot more than what we've bargained for!

It's a moving story that will make u laugh, hold on tight to your seat, smile, & cry... It's a tale about courage to pursue our dreams, our direction/purpose in life, & most of all, it's about LOVE. 

Well, I guess this is what the spirit of adventure is all about! It turned out to be a romantic adventure for Ed & I indeed...

MUST WATCH!!! :)

Partly Cloudy

As a kid, I always enjoy watching clouds in the sky & make up stories as they change formation... Could sometimes spend hours lying in the playground, literally watching the cloud goes by. Well, actually even now I sometimes still build sandcastles in the air while watching these ever-changing fluffy friends of mine la :P

Came across this video, which made both Ed & I smile & laugh a lot. I'm sure you will enjoy it too...

Cloud - The funniest videos are a click away

Princess's 1st Birthday

This cardigan & beanie set is customized for a sweet little 1-yeaar-old.

Happy 1st Birthday, Princess! :)

Knotty Bicsie on ATC Parade

National day is drawing near... this means ATC on Parade is round the corner too! Like last year, I'm participating in an ATC (Artist Trading Card) Exhibition, organized by Pauseability. This year, we'll be having the exhibition @Bishan Library, 6th - 13th Aug 2009. Come join us for a trading session on 13th August (Thursday) from 6.30-8.30pm at Bishan Library to mark the closing of the exhibition, or U can also take this opportunity to meet all the ATC-artists. Cya! :)

KBCC #16 - ScrapBooking

Last Saturday was more chaotic than usual at our monthly KBCC, simply because we had a full house of 16 participants & literally scraps of materials everywhere! Nonetheless, it was a fun-filled afternoon for everyone still :D

Check out our colourful "stationery store" for the day. We had such a wide variety of materials to choose from, we were spoilt (& confused??) with choices! :P Thank u Moses, Corine & Laura, for sharing your resources.

Some KBCC Crafters like to bring their kids along to craft. It's really heart-warming to see these parent-child interact & collaborate in creating their very own masterpieces. Well done, parents & kids! ;)

Check out our beautiful masterpieces. I must say I'm really proud of our creations, especially since most of us were doing scrapbooking for the very first time! Yay! ;)

Special THANKS to Corine, who has so generously volunteer to share her scrapbooking experience. We really learnt a lot from you :)

Once again, our special guest, EeWei, graced our humble session with her very special northern light sky, lovingly posted all the way from Edmonton. Moses is now the lucky proud owner of this lovely handmade photoframe & in return, he's also made something special for EeWei. EeWei, I'm sure it'll bring tears to ur eyes... hehe... :P

Would also like to take this opportunity to introduce & acknowledge 2 members of KBCC, who's been so enthusiastic & helpful all these while....

First of all, someone whom many of u, especially newbies who just joined us recently, are very familiar with, our Honorary Usher @Sembawang MRT - Laura! Thank u for helping fetch newbies to our crafting studio...

Then we have our Honorary Facebook Photographer - Siti! Thank u for always being so efficient in posting up the photos the day after KBCC. I'm sure EeWei LOVES u very much! :D

Details on our August session...

KBCC #17 - StrawArt

Date: 29th August 2009 (Sat)

Time: 3.30-6pm

Things to Bring: SMALL tip scissors

Synopsis: See how these ordinary drinking straws magically turn into colourful little creatures! (will post photo up soon :P)

Registration: S$10.00/participant

Pls email Betsy (bicsie@gmail.com) to RSVP by 24th August (Mon).

Beanie for Babie

Customized beanie for Princess Gracia

Meet Funky Knitter - Nakeisha

"Hey Betsy, thanks for making knitting an addictive experience. You have made this a most enjoyable experience & has successfully helped me overcome my "fear" of knitting anything bigger than a piece of square." - Hugs, Nakeisha, 23rd July 2009

Little Knotty Fan, Princess Mea

"Dear Auntie Betsy,

Thank you so much I love my pretty booties! I'm gonna ask mummy to learn (from you) to make more for me. Heehee... ;-)"

-xoxo, Mea, 21st July 2009

Sweet Daisy

Customized baby booties for sweet Little Princess Daisy in UK

Special Announcement!

Registration for KBCC #16 - ScrapBooking is CLOSED. There has been an overwhelming response & the session on 25th July is already FULLY BOOKED. If u are still keen, feel free to email Betsy (bicsie@gmail.com) to indicate your interest. Once there's enough enquiries, we will have another session of ScrapBooking in 1 or 2 month's time :) Thank u all for your enthusiasm in crafting! :)

Meet Funky Knitter - Chenyen

"Hi Betsy, Can't believe I've completed a cardigan! Thanks so much for the guidance along the way. Instructions are clear & it's pleasant chatting with you every lesson :)" - Chenyen, 7th July 2009

Catching Up on Orders

Past 2 weeks have been just catching up on orders & preparing for monthly MAAD. Just realized that I have been taking photos of all the orders I made, but have failed to post them all up here on my blog :P "Then take for what???" A Knotty Fan asked me this morning :P hehe... here are only some of the orders that I've been making for the past 2 weeks... :)

Knotty Booties & Beanie Set have been our Knotty Fans' all-time-favourite. The 1st is for a baby shower gift, the 2nd is just to add on to a lucky little princess' wardrobe... :)

This pair is definitely a cutie, customized with a ringing bell... :)

Some coasters...

Cardholders...

Shawl...

This is the most bizarre orders I've ever had so far! Di of Parentlink (a Doula* based in Singapore) first requested for a knitted uterus (Nope, u did not read wrongly nor misunderstood me... it was indeed a uterus that Di had asked me to knit! But forgot to take photo of my knitted uterus :( *boohoo*) last month, then she ordered placenta with umbilical cord! These are all props for her classes. Check out her website :)

*A Doula is a person, usually a woman, who is professionally trained to assist a woman during childbirth and who may provide support to the family after the baby is born.

Well now, I'm preparing for this weekend's Singapore Arts Street & working on a knitted sculpture, which I hope to submit to a small sculpture show :) Will keep u posted if I do get in to the show! Wish me luck ;P

Another Introductory Funky Knit @MAAD

Yesterday 4 newbie joined our Funky Knit Journey. Read about their 1st knitting experience below...

"Dear Betsy, knitting really need 2 hands & brain to work together... this is tough... however, I'm glad & happy because your patient guidance throughout the workshop had helped me complete my hp pouch. I love it!! Thanks!" - Han, 5th July 2009

"Dear Betsy, thanks for your warm welcome! I really enjoyed it a lot! Thanks for your guidance, I love my handphone pouch! & I want to learn more!!! Cya!" - Iris, 5th July 2009

"Why everyone starts with 'Dear Betsy'? Anyway... Dear Betsy, I didn't expect knitting to be easy to learn. This way of learning is definitely better than YouTube & books. Simply because they cannot 'undo' mistakes, but you can! I won't mind learning a little more about knitting. Now, I'm feeling inspired to make big things with this simple technique you taught me!" - ShuaiXun, 5th July 2009

"Hello! eh... knitting is much easier than crochet lor! ... Thank you for teaching me!" - Peiling, 5th July 2009