Welcome to Knotty Bicsie!

KBCC #18 - Pop-Up Cards

Last Saturday was KBCC once again. I was down with flu & cough :( Luckily Moses had agreed to stand in for me to teach the making of Pop-Up Cards. Moses even thoughtfully photocopied instruction sheets for all to follow. We all had a jolly good time, just as usual. :) Thanks, Moses!

Check out our colourful masterpieces!

Despite the usual hot weather @KBCC (we noticed that it has NEVER RAINED at all, ever since KBCC shifted back to Knotty Bicsie Studio!), we managed to finished all our Mee Siam! Yum... Yum... :)))

Special Announcement!!!

KBCC will stop for a session in October. On the last Saturday of October (31st October), we will be having Knotty Bicsie's 3rd Anniversary Celebrations instead! Just like last year, we'll be having our Knotty Tea Party; different from last year, we will be hosting a "Handmade-A-Fair" in our cosy studio this year!

All are welcome! Simply email Betsy (bicsie@gmail.com) to RSVP to reserve a goodie bag each. Check back here on 1st October for more details. :)

Some DIY Projects

I bought a black dress for a family friend's wedding. Didn't have time to go hunting for the right accessories to go with the otherwise boring upper-part of the dress, I ended up crocheting my very own accessory with "Gold Spark" yarn, some swaroski crystals & beads! I think the effect is great! What do u think? ;)

Funky Knit, Lihui, came to learn to knit this funky monkey for her friend's birthday gift. It was a very rush project, but looking at this adorable DIY creation, all hard work is definitely well worth the while... :)

A few friends got me to customize this cardigan & booties set for our mutual friends' newborn little Princess Yixi. This set is made in 100% organic cotton yarn.

Quality Time with Loved Ones & Volunteering

Afternoon class yesterday was cancelled on last minute notice, so Ed & I decided to find a nice quiet place to "hang out". We went to tcc @The Keppel Bay. We had a yummy lunch & spent a long lazy afternoon there, doing some light reading (Ed was reading the papers, while I was reading a very good book "Eat, Pray, Love") & enjoying the beautifully peaceful scenery & environment at the same time. Of course we chit-chatted quite a bit too la :) I must say this is one very luxuriously rare Saturday afternoon for Ed & I, & we're really glad there're still such quiet & idyllic "hideaway" on a busy weekend in Singapore :)

September, no doubt been busy, but I still managed to still some time to spend some quality time with my family. 5th September (Sat) after MAAD, we celebrated my parents' 33rd Wedding Anniversary together! My dad is so sweet lo... he actually arranged for a SURPRISE PARTY @K-Box, Kallang Leisure Park for my unsuspecting mum! & so we were all there singing many golden oldies with my folks. It was fun! Oh, & I bought a pair of couple tees for them :) Really happy for my parents. I wish Ed & I can be as sweet as them, even many years down the road... :)

7th September (Mon) was my mother-in-law's birthday. Since Ed didn't have to work that day, we decided to give her a surprise too ;) We (Ed, my mum & I) went to her work place to meet her for a late lunch after my morning class, & literally "kidnapped" her from her work! :P hehe... no la, we applied 1/2 day leave on her behalf la :) Brought her to one of her favourite place, where she hasn't been to for a long time already - Mount Faber. Her father used to bring the whole family there to enjoy the scenery. She was indeed thrilled when we were up there, just like a little girl! After that we brought her to Sakae for a tepan yaki dinner (her 1st time too!). My dad, my sister-in-law & her hubby joined us after work too. It was a wonderful outing indeed. :)

Ed & I recently signed up as volunteers with "Food from the Heart" (FFTH). We help to deliver leftover bread from bakeries to New Hope Community Service Home @Andrews Avenue. Every Saturday late night thus has now become our new routine to have a nice car-ride together as well. :) FFTH always needs volunteers & there are various types of "tasks" for us to choose from, depending on our life-style & commitment level. So there's definitely something which u can help in. So do check out their official website to see how u can help. You can make this volunteering work a meaningful family/couple outing, just like how it all works out perfectly for Ed & I ;)

Introductory to Funky Knit with Singapore Polytechnic

Knotty Bicsie Crafting Studio was packed with an enthusiastic bunch of Funky Knit Newbies last Tue & Wed! a group of students from Singapore Polytechnic started their knitting journey amidst their term break last week.

As usual, my best helpers were around to make it happen...

[Introductory workshops are only S$20.00/person, INCLUSIVE of materials. To embark on this fun-filled journey, simply form your own group of 3-5people & email Betsy (bicsie@gmail.com) to book a slot now! :)]

We were all so happy & proud when everyone succesfully completed their masterpieces in this 4-hr workshop! Yay, mission complete! ;)

"Workshop can be longer." - Patricia

"The teachers were friendly & helpful, & I had lotsa fun learning to knit!" - Wai Wan

"Lessons were effective & explanations were clear." - Zi Hui

"Very interesting & fun!! I love it!" - Su Ying

"VERY GOOD!" - Yvonne

"VERY FUN!!!" - Hui Lian

"The program was interesting & a new experience for me. It has changed my perspective on knitting." - Abigail

"I enjoyed this 2-day course & I'm glad to have learnt a new lifelong skill." - Nawshein

"Good workshop." - Hanisah

"The facilitators who taught us know the concepts very well & are able to explain clearly to us." - Pei Xuan

"I enjoyed the program very much! I'd like to do more knitting during my free time in future." - Jiaxin

Pretty Bow-Ties

These sweetie ties customized for Grace can be used a hair-tie & wrist bands. Looks really kawaii on her! :)

Meet Crochet Craze - Peiling

"I think I will be doing the next crochet project when I retire...?!?! haha... Thank u for teaching me patiently... :)" - Peiling, 29th August 2009

Bubbly Peiling finally completed her laptop cover. She was so excited, she couldn't wait to show it off in school the next day! :) The most heart-warming part of Peiling's crochet journey is that she even inspired her Mum to pick up her knitting needles & crochet hooks again! Better yet, she even motivated a guy friend, ShuaiXun (who turns out to be rather talented actually:)), to pick up knitting too! Well done, Peiling! ;)

KBCC #17 - StrawArt

August seems like a busy month for many. hmm... no wonder it's been quieter @Knotty Bicsie Studio :P Anyway, we had a cosy group at KBCC last month & we had fun playing with straws.

Check out our 1st attempt. Our chameleons definitely look kinda mutated!!! hehe... :P

But finally we created something beautiful... Our proud masterpiece - goldfish!

(ps: i know there's been a typo in my photos, it should be "KBCC #17 - StrawArt" :P)

Details of next session....

KBCC #18 - PopUp Cards

Date: 26th September 2009 (Sat)

Time: 3.30pm-6pm

Venue: Knotty Bicsie Studio @Blk 467B, Admiralty Drive

Things to Bring: craft cutter, cutting mat, ruler and pencil

S$10/participant. Pls email Betsy (bicsei@gmail.com) RSVP by 21st September (Mon).

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