WooWork.com - crochet creations for the playful at heart

Behind the Bite

2011-10-10T12:52:00.000-07:00

The recent video of the Cute-a-killer was shot over the summer, mostly during MJ's days off work. Along with operating the camera, MJ puppeteered the Cute-a-killer using marionette sticks (aka "fishing rods")...

MJ as Puppeteer

This behind-the-scenes video shows bloopers and outakes from the Cute-a-killer shoot:

I still feel anxious when I see the Cute-a-killer from its perch above my fireplace. MJ was also shaken by the ordeal, and she drew this animation during her art therapy session:

Created using Inchworm Animation on MJ's Nintendo 3DS

Thank you for your multiple talents, MJ! And thank you all for the shared experience of encountering the Cute-a-killer!

Cute-a-killer UPDATED

2011-09-26T08:43:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the Cute-a-pillar? It was made from five faces that portrayed the Fundamentals of Cuteness. I photographed the Cute-a-pillar when it scuttled across my lawn, not to be seen again.

Cute-a-pillar

Until yesterday.

I'll post new photos next week, after my recovery. For now, here's a video of my encounter with the Cute-a-killer:

UPDATE - Oct 3, 2011:

I've recovered in time to post this photo of the elusive cute-a-killer:

Cute-a-killer

MJ photographed my pursuit of the predator:

This encounter with the Cute-a-killer taught me a new fundamental truth about Cuteness: it can act as a disguise. Cuteness can hide horrors, even within something as harmless as a caterpillar.

UPDATE - Oct 3, 2011:

Behind-the-scenes video & photos of the Cute-a-killer can be seen here.

Last Drop

2011-09-06T02:57:00.000-07:00

On August 3rd, 2011, I received this email:

Renato attached these photos of his mom's beautiful crochet work:

I gratefully replied, and Renato sent me another email:

I accepted his kind invitation, and suggested we meet at the garden where the Raining Cats and Dogs were installed 1.5 years ago. One raindrop remained:

Susan the Bull Terrier

Renato's girlfriend, Weiping, took photos while MJ recorded this video of our meet:

August 17, 2011

And here are the intricately-crocheted gifts that Renato's mom, Anita, made in Brazil...

An angel:

A pouch with rosary beads:

Thank you, Renato, for arranging our first meeting, which also became a fitting farewell for the last raindrop. And thank you, Anita, for reaching out and sharing your divine yarn creations!

Photos by Weiping, taken at Davie Village Community Garden
in Vancouver on August 17, 2011

And so—on this sunny summer day—a raindrop fell and the distance between two continents (& two crocheters) was bridged by a few feet of yarn!

UPDATE - Sept 12, 2011:

Renato just sent me this email, after viewing the latest blog entry:

Here are photos of Anita with her fun family, two raindrops (Shorty & Susan), and some WooWork trinkets (including an early ice cream cone):

And here are new photos of Anita's creations, including the vinyl record she crocheted for her musical son, Nedu:

All my gratitude and good wishes to Anita's kind-hearted and creative family!

MJ-Power Bracelet

2011-06-28T20:17:00.000-07:00

For MJ's birthday, I made her this band:

With a familiar face on the front and a velcro strip on the side, it can be worn like an I.D. wristband.

Since MJ is a videogamer, I wrapped the band around this Nintendo 3DS that my mom and I got for her:

Here's a video of MJ opening her birthday gifts:

MJ didn't limit the band to her wrist:

Also, she named it the "MJ-Power Bracelet". She jokingly explains: "I don't get powers from the bracelet; it gets its power from ME!"

Here's a 3D photo that was captured with the 3DS, with more pix on MJ's 3D photo page:

Happy Birthday, MJ! Only you can transform a humble I.D. wristband into your Power Bracelet!

Caption Needed: Rocket Girl and UFO Boy

2011-06-13T05:09:00.000-07:00

What caption would you write beneath this playground scene?

Bird is the Word

2011-05-17T02:52:00.000-07:00

My mom and MJ's mom are both songbirds...

My mom plays classical music on the piano and harp, and sings when she strums folk music on the guitar. My girlfriend's mom listens and sings to a wide range of music, from 1940s jazz standards to 1970s disco to 1980s rock ballads. Her ringtone is a recent hip-hop song.

For Mother's Day, I made two songbirds for two songbirds:

Here's a video of both moms doing some bird-spotting:

In the same week, my hairstylist (since 1993) celebrated her birthday. Jeannie and I play a Scrabble-like word game called "Words With Friends" on our gadgets. For her birthday gift, I crocheted a word tile of the most valuable letter in Jeannie's name:

*Chirp-Chirp* to our moms, and *Triple-word Scores* to our friends, all year long!

Stalled by Shyness

2011-04-25T03:14:00.000-07:00

Do you get tongue-tied around strangers? Do you feel self-conscious in public? Maybe you're shy...

I felt especially shy when I was 18. That year, I ordered from a drive-thru window for the first time. I became so self-conscious, I paid for my order and sped away without my food:

That same year, I entered university. Without friends or familiar settings, I became too embarrassed to eat alone on campus. A public bench would've felt like a public stage:

One day, my grumbling stomach led me to a private setting:

I closed the door to my washroom stall and brought out my lunch:

When I bit into my sandwich, I realized how severely my shyness had stalled me, literally:

Since then, I've resisted my shy impulses. Though not every anxious battle is won, I can now eat alone on a public bench (reluctantly). Yes, my girlfriend still orders for me at drive-thru windows. But I have never again dined in a lavatory.

The best shyness-management tip I've followed: Act as if you're outgoing, and most people won't notice that you're shy. After awhile—ideally—neither will you.

Was there a memorable moment when shyness stalled you? Please share! And please dine sanitarily.

Bon appétit!

The Adventures of Old Man Woo

2011-03-24T23:41:00.000-07:00

Jumping from 2001 through 2011

2011-02-18T02:25:00.000-08:00

I first met MJ on February 8th, 2001. We had spoken online and on the phone for weeks before deciding to meet over coffee. Later that day, her friend snapped this photo of us at a nearby park:

Feb 8th, 2001 - MJ and I, jumping/landing on the first day we met.

We impulsively became BF-GF ten days later, broke up three months later, grew as friends for two years, and reunited as a couple on February 18th, 2003.

This Valentine's Day, MJ and I visited the park where our first photo was taken, and took a new photo:

Feb 14th, 2011 - MJ and I, jumping on our 10th year since meeting.

Then I surprised MJ with this portrait that I crocheted:

Video - "Surprise Jump"

There are both too many words and not enough words to express how I feel about MJ. But MJ said it best when I asked how she felt about meeting each other ten years ago. "It feels just like yesterday," she replied.

It looks that way too!

Happy 10th Year of Knowing You, MJ! xo

C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack DECLASSIFIED

2011-02-01T05:59:00.000-08:00

After my top-secret mission with the C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack, I attempted more test flights. (They all ended painfully.)

But since enrolling in flight school, I'm slowly learning the ABCs of jetpack aviation.

I'm also learning how the classified jetpack was constructed, and gained security clearance to show this video of the C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack...DECLASSIFIED!

Thanks for flying!

C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack

2011-01-17T05:08:00.000-08:00

Woomi and I were fighting over the extra-buttery popcorn when the doorbell rang.

On my doorstep, a familiar briefcase:

Inside, baby carrots:

Like most people who crochet, I double as an international spy.

And this top secret letter surely held a special assignment for Woo... Agent Woo.

The following is a transcript of this letter, for your eyes only:

ATTN: AGENT WOO

I'm OOW (Agent Double-O Double-U), and your mission is to test the energy-potential of beta-carotene for above-ground transportation.

Agent Woo, please follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step One: Extract the contents from the briefcase.

Step Two: Equip yourself with the Agency's latest prototype in renewable-energy stealth-wear: The C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack.

The Crocheted Aerodynamic Renewable Resource Offsite Transport Jetpack is powered by beta-carotene. A handful of carrots can provide up to one hour of air travel.

(Optional sources of beta-carotene include yams, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, cantaloupe, and romaine lettuce.)

Step Three: Take a running leap from this launch site. Repeat until lift-off.

Step Four: Steering the C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack can be initially challenging. Try visualizing yourself flying above the clouds.

Step Five: In the unlikely chance the Jetpack malfunctions, follow the contingency plans in Step Six.

Step Six: Hand out baby carrots to passersby at this rendezvous point.

This act will signal to the Agency that the Jetpack requires additional testing. It is imperative that you wear the included head-mounted antennae.

Video - "Complimentary Carrots"

As a secondary signal, post an on-site photo of yourself to WooWork.com.

The Agency appreciates your loyal service, Agent Woo. You mission with the C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack will be challenging, but it is an assignment you deserve to complete.

Until then,

I'M OOW

Serene, Happiest, Relaxed

2010-12-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

I just finished crocheting a beta project that I started early this year, and will spend the next few weeks photographing it with my girlfriend, MJ.

Until then, here's a portrait that MJ drew of me when I was crocheting on the couch:

She named it: "Serene, Happiest, Relaxed"

As we brave through the hectic holiday season, I hope you all stay serene, happy and relaxed!

"Howie" - drawn by MJ using the ASKetch app

Ralph and Ruth

2010-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

Last time, we spotted Ralph and his pet giraffe, Raffe.

This time, we see Ralph and his partner, Ruth:

Ralph and Ruth

They're an affectionate couple:

Ralph and Ruth, necking

And they proudly engage in public displays of affection:

Ralph and Ruth with Raffe

Caption Needed: Ralph and Raffe UPDATED

2010-10-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

What caption would you write below this photo of Ralph and his pet giraffe, Raffe?

UPDATE - November 5, 2010:

Catherine, of The Raggy Rat blog, wrote a rhyme to match this side-view of Ralph and Raffe:

"Ralph had a tall giraffe
he wished it would obey
but everywhere that Ralph went
it went the other way ....."

Thanks Catherine! And thank you to everyone who wrote such clever captions for R&R!

Robots are Poor Tippers UPDATED

2010-09-12T23:48:00.000-07:00

During the recent home renovation, I found some dusty notebooks filled with half-completed ideas. One of my entries began with: "A robot is a poor tipper..."

Here's a completed, illustrated version of that idea, now dust-free! You can click the image to enlarge:

Next week, I'll crochet a scene from this comic. Until then, please tip your server accordingly!

UPDATE - August 6, 2010:

Almost four weeks later, here is a yarn version of the robot and his server!

Was that photo worth the wait? If not, here's a bonus photo of the robot with his friends and associates:

Until next time, here's a link to a Restaurant Tipping Guide. Thanks for waiting!

The Trouble Sisters

2010-08-19T04:07:00.000-07:00

These two are known as the Trouble Sisters:

They've earned that title: a Florida home burned down last year and the Sisters know all-too-well how the fire started.

Look at the trouble they've gotten themselves into this time:

Along this pantry window lined with canning jars, one sister is in a pickle and the other is in a jam.

Public Service Announcement: Don't play near jars of fruit and vegetables.

You might fall and submerge yourself!

Even if they escape from this predicament, it's likely that these siblings will again find trouble or trouble will find them.

They are, after all, the Trouble Sisters.

Woo's Hues UPDATED

2010-07-28T03:46:00.000-07:00

The house is being re-painted here, so I've been moving furniture and storing stuff in cardboard boxes. Hectic!

Even Woomi participated in the home renovation process, though for the last time:

Woomi!!

UPDATE - August 6, 2010:

The home renovations are almost complete, so I've been crocheting again! I made these two yarn paint cans. Unlike Woomi, I'm sure you can tell the difference between "Apricot Dawn" and "Tangerine Dusk", right?

PSA: Don't Run After the Bus!

2010-07-16T03:37:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend told me a story about a co-worker who ran down an escalator to chase a bus, twisted her ankle, fell down, and limped in a foot brace for months.

Do you know an individual who pursued public transit but encountered injury instead? Please share that story! Your cautionary tale could encourage someone to slow down, wait for the next bus, and avoid harm.

Meanwhile, take care of yourselves...

Don't run after the bus!

You might fall...

...and accidentally hurt yourself.

This public service announcement has been brought to you by WooWork.com

Speaking of my Grandfather

2010-07-06T00:53:00.000-07:00

On the same week I visited my dad, I attended my grandfather's funeral. Though it was a sad event, my grandfather lived a full and happy life. He had the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone before passing away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. He was 89 years old.

My grandfather with my dad in the late sixties.

My grandmother and my grandfather in the nineties.

Here's a video of our family (with Woomi) visiting him two years ago to celebrate his birthday:

He was fluent in the Ningbo and Shanghai dialect of Chinese, and spoke basic English. Every time I visited my Grandfather, he would ask me: "So, you cannot speak Chinese anymore?" I'd reply that I could understand the language but not speak it well. Eventually, I just said: "No, not really."

For a farewell gift, I wanted to say something to him in Chinese. So I crocheted him this speech bubble with something he and I shared: our last name.

"Woo" is embroidered as its Chinese character: 鄔

I felt fortunate to place the speech bubble in his casket before the cremation ceremony.

Most of the eulogies were spoken in Chinese, where I learned he was married to my grandma for sixty-nine years, that he spent cautiously on himself but was generous to others, that he loved practicing calligraphy and listening to Chinese operas, that he was an even-tempered dad, and that he treated his six daughters and one son equally. He taught them to keep their promises, as he was was a man of his word.

Hsien Teh Woo, 1921-2010

May you rest in peace, Grandfather.

MJ Takes Flight

2010-06-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

It was MJ's birthday last week, and we celebrated with her family over pizza and cake. Afterward, we opened presents!

Here's a video of MJ unwrapping the gift I made for her (and of her):

The next day, MJ flew to Los Angeles for a 10-day reunion with longtime friends from the Philippines. Just last year, she flew to the Yukon with her sister. Hooray for your skyward spirit, MJ!

Have a fun trip and a safe flight home — steer clear of any Canadian geese. Meanwhile, all your loved-ones look forward to your graceful return to the home runway, at least until your next high-flying adventure!

Business by the Book

2010-06-18T06:54:00.000-07:00

Here's my dad when he was in his twenties:

And here's me and my dad in 1977, when I was three years old:

Growing up, my Dad and I had little in common. I loved doing artistic things, like drawing and creative-writing. He loved conducting business, like selling mechanical seals, co-founding a chinese restaurant, and investing in soup vending machines.

But in 1987, my Dad and I shared an unexpected interest. He took me to see Wall Street, and I became entranced by the exciting world of stock trading.

My dad then invited me to choose nine stocks from which he would buy some shares. He taught me how to look up those share prices and track their progress in this notebook:

The mysterious stock abbreviations, the difference between NASDAQ and the NYSE, the dramatic charts and numbers: my dad confirmed the wonder that Wall Street promised, and I could understand why he became a business man.

One morning—dizzy with excitement and seeking confirmation—I exclaimed:

My parents reacted with stunned expressions. My artistic mom probably offered an opposing view, but what I remember most is how my dad didn't say a word.

The next year, my dad and I stopped following the stock market when he fell ill with cancer. He was in the hospital for many months before passing away at the age of 41. I was 13.

As a teenager, I reaffirmed my true love for art. As a grown-up, my joy and job is learning, creating and sharing art. Would I have been wealthier as a stock broker? Yes. Am I happier as an artist? Yes.

In retrospect, what I valued most was the time my dad and I spent together, knowing we had something in common.

For this Father's Day, I made a mini version of our Stock Market Notebook:

And I presented it to him:

Some people are vocal encouragers, like my wonderful mom. Others are vocal discouragers. But there are also people who—like my dad—wordlessly encourage us to find our own paths to happiness.

Thank you, Dad.

And happy Father's Day, everyone. In what ways has your dad encouraged you?

Caption Needed: An Ice Cream Cone, A Boy, and His Dog

2010-06-08T03:02:00.000-07:00

What caption would you write below this photo of an ice cream cone, a boy, and his dog?

Fundamentals of Cuteness 101

2010-05-29T12:05:00.000-07:00

What are the basics behind a cute face? Those answers—and more—on this week's Fundamentals of Cuteness 101. Please save all questions until the end of class.

Here is a typical smiley face, consisting of a head, two eyes and a mouth:

Rather cute, but it could be cuter... Try increasing the distance between the eyes, then raise the mouth:

Cuter!

Babies are cute. They also have large foreheads. Maximize the Cuteness Factor by moving facial features to the bottom of the head:

Another cute technique—popularized by recent Japanese mascots—is to place the facial features at the top of the head:

Finally, big eyes convey innocence, which is crucial to Cute-Facedness. But beware of overly-large eyes that can lead to Bug-Eyedness:

And there you have it, class. Cuteness, deconstructed.

Extra-credit question: If five cute faces were combined into one, would the total Cuteness Factor then be multiplied by a factor of five? Let us observe:

Cute-a-pillar

Dear heavens, what have I created? Time to call the exterminator again. That's the end of this week's Fundamentals of Cuteness 101!

~ Professor Woo

UPDATE - Oct 3, 2011:

Watch the return of the cute-a-pillar here.

Before the Incident: Shirley Stocksdale and the Sofabed

2010-05-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

These days, there are many online articles about individuals meeting death in odd ways. The news items float by like terrible-yet-quickly-forgotten ghosts. But this 2001 newspaper article has haunted my thoughts for nine years:

There are many reasons why Ms. Stocksdale's final moments are so disturbing...

First, she was alone. No one was there to help or comfort her.

Secondly, she was physically unable to free herself. At 75, would our bodies be any stronger?

It's scary how a comfort-of-home (in this case, a sofabed) became a lethal trap.

Her phone was in view but beyond reach. Reminders of technology's limits are also unsettling.

Finally, I find it most disturbing that Ms. Stocksdale faced a slow, frightening and accidental death.

In the end, may our life be more memorable than our death. May our obituary skip the odd-news sites (or crafty blogs). And may our final passing be more comfortable than that of Shirley Stocksdale, pictured here, just moments before the incident:

Rest in peace, Ms. Stocksdale.

A Travel Suitcase and an Elephant

2010-05-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

Last year for Mother's Day, I crocheted a plane for my mom before she flew to China for a vacation.

This year, my mom is headed to Asia again, with an extra stay in Japan. What do you give a globe-trotting mom for Mother's Day?

This overstuffed travel suitcase is filled with good wishes for her overseas adventure this month!

Meanwhile, my girlfriend's mom—Catalina—loves elephants, so I made a long-nosed keychain for her Mother's Day present:

Here's a video of two awesome moms receiving their gifts:

I hope every day is a celebration of moms everywhere, including all the moms who have passed on but remain in our thoughts.

Thank you, Moms!

Woomi Paints!

2010-04-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

Lately, Woomi has been developing his artistic side. Instead of dribbling a basketball, he's been dribbling paint! He even dressed the part, though artists rarely wear berets and curly moustaches anymore:

Woomi named his painting: "A Study in Burning: No. 2, 2010", which sounds kinda pretentious to me, but it's up to him. I'm just thrilled my crocheted waffles might have inspired him!

A Study in Burning: No. 2, 2010

It's surprising to discover artsy sides to our alter egos, isn't it?

Bravo for finding new ways to express yourself, Woomi!

The Flatulating Prince

2010-04-21T00:12:00.000-07:00

My longtime friend, "Ella", text-messaged me this story about a windy fella she dated...

Thank you for your story, "Ella"! Did breakfast sound like this? I made this can of beans to celebrate the Flatulating Princes & Princesses in our lives:

Lyrics for "Beans, Beans, The Musical Fruit":

"Beans, beans the musical fruit
The more you eat, the more you toot
The more you toot the happier you feel
So let's eat beans with every meal!"

How the Fire Started: Toasting Waffles

2010-04-11T02:03:00.000-07:00

Last month, Mr. & Mrs. Tota of Florida began their morning with a craving for waffles but received a kitchen fire instead.

According to this article, Elizabeth & Nicholas Tota's toaster caught fire and caused smoke damage to their condominium. Thankfully, the Totas suffered only minor injuries.

I traveled back in time & space to take these photos of the Tota toaster:

Minutes later—even though the toaster's lever had popped back up—the waffles remained stuck inside:

Then this happened:

Poor toaster. Ah well, it's gone to a better place and lives on as a familiar-looking screensaver:

Downloadable wallpaper: 1680x1050 1024x640 iPhone

On March 9, 2010, the Totas made waffles in a defective toaster...

And that's how the fire started.

***
Here's a behind-the-scenes video of how I started the fire:

Toasting Waffles from WooWork on Vimeo.

Woomi the Wabbit

2010-04-02T01:11:00.000-07:00

hehe Do you like how I dressed up Woomi as the Easter Bunny?

Woomi is mad about his "bunny-fication", but he'll forgive me someday, somehow.

Till then, Happy Easter!

Japanese for All Occasions

2010-03-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

Konnichi wa.

That means "hello" in Japanese, and I learned it from this 1990 book, Japanese for All Occasions by Anne Kaneko:

I don't speak Japanese (nor do I fluently speak Cantonese, even though I'm Chinese), but it's always handy to know new words in new languages.

So here are some practical Japanese-to-English examples (with corresponding page numbers) that are useful for all occasions:

p.71 - Kono chiizu o kinō kattan' desu ga, furukute taberarenain' desu.

"I bought this cheese yesterday but it's so old that we can't eat it."

p.116 - Moshi-moshi. Sanbyaku-san gō-shitsu desu ga, rāmen o motte kite kudasai.

"Hello? This is room 303. Can you bring a bowl of needles." *

* I misread "noodles" as "needles". Please do not eat!

p.146 - Piinattsu ga nodo ni tsumatte iru.

"He's got a peanut stuck in his throat."

p.209 - Honjitsu wa, watashi no tsutanai hanashi o o-kiki itadaki, makoto ni arigatō gozaimashita.

"Thank you for listening to my poorly delivered speech."

p.21 - Dewa mata.

"See you./Bye!"

Woomi's TALES! FROM! SPACE!

2010-03-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, Woomi departed the stratosphere after an incident with bubblegum. After his surprise return last month, I finally asked Woomi about his...

The WooFO UFO

Can-Cans

2010-03-05T01:13:00.000-08:00

When I first spoke with MJ in 2001, we talked on the phone for hours and hours. After we became a couple in 2003, we kept on talking.

For our 7th anniversary as boyfriend/girlfriend, I made her these Communication Can-Cans:

Here is MJ can-can-communicating with me:

Honestly, I'm not much of a talker. MJ is good at talking and I'm good at listening. MJ says: "Before you paint yourself as a saint, mention that you're also good at pretending to listen." Ah well, communication doesn't guarantee agreement:

Our years together are filled with chatty goodness, even in a world of electronic distractions. The Can-Cans lack wireless Bluetooth® technology, so I created a wired solution:

For my anniversary gift, MJ painted a portrait of me in green (her favourite colour) and in orange (my favourite colour). I love handmade gifts, and her heartfelt creation was touching beyond words:

A lasting relationship requires good communication, both spoken and unspoken. Can MJ & I keep talking our talk as we walk our walk into the future together?

Yes we can-can!

Siamese Sightings UPDATED

2010-02-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

A fun side-effect of the 2010 Olympic games has been an increase of public art in the Vancouver streets.

Before raining cats and dogs, I made a bonus raindrop to add to the Olympics-inspired sights:

This cat and dog duo are non-identical Siamese twins. Behind them, some rings from the Games:

Would you like to play a game?

I placed the Siamese Raindrop in an undisclosed location, within walking distance of some public art. Here's a clue to its secret spot:

"These twins are lit by the flicker of regal planetary rocks circa 1050, and share a bird's eye view of Vancouver-before-Vancouver."

If you're near Vancouver, you're invited to find the Siamese Raindrop! Bonus: the first photographer of the Siamese Raindrop will receive a mini prize I crocheted. Your photos can be emailed or shared on the WooWork.com Facebook page.

If you're far from Vancouver, feel free to guess! I'll feature the first best guesser in the next blog update, along with the first best photo.

See? We crafty people can compete in games too!

UPDATE - Feb 24, 2010:

Before game's end, I received this email from Annette in Ontario:

I was awestruck by such an accurate guess, especially from out-of-town!

Here are Catalina and Alfredog at their previously-undisclosed location, enjoying their bird's eye view from a tree near Regal Hotel:

The clue's mention of "flicker" suggests my Flickr photo account, which includes a map to the Siamese Raindrop. "Planetary rocks" refers to the Planet Rock store across the street from the Regal Hotel. Along with those details, Annette's description was spot-on!

Congratulations, Annette! You win Gold in Guessing, so I'm sending you this mini raindrop I made:

And thank you for the great guesses from karen, Kate from England, and *birdee* from Singapore!

Here's a video of more public art on "Vancouver-before-Vancouver" street during the 2010 Olympic games:

Art in Public from WooWork on Vimeo.

By the way, when I was up in the tree, I noticed a familiar face:

Woomi returned safely from space!

Small world, eh?

Thanks for playing the Siamese Sightings game!

UPDATE - March 19, 2010:

Annette gave a tour of Wawa, Ontario to the Mini Raindrop! Here are her fun photos and descriptions:

Raindrop reads the plaque below the Wawa Goose (who is wearing a knitted scarf!)

Raindrop hangs with the Goomees

Raindrop over the Trans-Canada Highway

Doesn't the Mini Raindrop look happy in its new neighbourhood? Thanks, Annette!

Raining Cats and Dogs

2010-02-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

In Vancouver, we're sensitive about our reputation as a rainy city. In 1998, many Vancouverites became enraged when actor David Duchovny joked, "Vancouver is a very nice place, if you like 400 inches of rainfall a day."

With the Olympic-sized attention arriving here soon, our rainy self-consciousness has resurfaced.

I thought it might be therapeutic to crochet some raindrops. So I made 14 of them, stitched cat and dog heads on each, gave them names, and felt well-adjusted again.

Raining Cats:

Raining Dogs:

To share this rain therapy, I searched for a public space to hang these raindrops. I chose the Davie Village Community Garden because it's the downtown site of a yarnstorming from sunny last summer:

Photo by ChromaticRat on Flickr

Photo by danielabsilva on Flickr

After some rainstorms, Jessica Glesby's knitted wall has seen sunnier days:

The wooden trellis above the garden, however, remained clear and that was where the Raining Cats and Dogs found their new home last week.

My girlfriend MJ was videotaping while her mom guided my installation of the raindrops. Here's a video of the stringin' up process!

Stringin' in the Rain from WooWork on Vimeo.

The cat and dog faces are enjoying the sight of human faces looking up at them for a change.

(There are more photos on my Flickr. I'll update this blog post as the Raining Cats and Dogs installation inevitably evaporates.)

As all eyes focus on Vancouver for the 2010 Olympics, I hope these raindrops show that we Vancouverites can be proud of the rain that makes our streets shiny and our lush trees grow.

If we remain a little insecure about our rain, our citizens can try repeating MJ's defiant catchphrase: "Yeah, it rains in Vancouver. So what?"

We're just dancin' and singin' in the rain!

UPDATE - September 9, 2011:

Find out what happened to the last raindrop here!

Woomi at Play: Bubblegum Bubbles

2010-01-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

With the approach of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the city is busy completing construction work. Meanwhile, I'm working on an Olympics-related yarn bombing project that will debut soon!

I'm also working on a drawing for KNOW: The Science Magazine for Curious Kids. The cover will be revealed in the Mar/Apr 2010 issue, but here's a peek at the bubblegum-blowing star:

Coincidentally, Woomi (my alter-ego) has been playing with bubblegum bubbles while I've been working. Look what happened:

I hope 2010 is the year we make contact with Woomi again!

Cone Critters

2010-01-18T21:59:00.000-08:00

When I'm not working on WooWork.com, I'm saying yes to YES Mag: The Science Magazine for Adventurous Minds. Since 2006, the YES Mag team has kindly invited me to draw for each educational issue.

In the Nov/Dec 09 issue, I drew a piece titled "Urban Dining", about the eating habits of city animals:

An urban duo included a fox and a kitty-in-a-cone:

Last month, I crocheted an amigurumi version of this edible cat:

Another piece I drew (in the Mar/Apr 09 issue) was titled "Lost", which detailed the body language of dogs:

Jim the dog was the star:

I crocheted Jim too. He'll have to express his body language through a cone body:

Over the holidays, I mailed both Cone Critters to the YES Mag team as gifts. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fuzzy treats.

I hope you enjoy ice-cream in the winter too!

Ruff Ruff! Meow Meow!*
(*translation: Yes to YES!)

Hare Cut

2010-01-10T00:32:00.000-08:00

Since 1993, the person responsible for my multi-coloured hair has been a talented stylist named Jeannie.

MJ goes to the same salon, and discovered that Jeannie likes morbid fashion accessories, such as skulls and eyeballs. (In the 1980s, Jeannie was her small town's rare, rebel punk-rocker teen.)

Recently, Jeannie reached her 25th anniversary as a hair stylist. To celebrate this milestone, I made her this macabre necklace out of yarn and fishing wire:

I hope these snippy scissors and unlucky rabbit bring you luck, Jeannie! As pixelhazard says: "...if a rabbit's foot is good luck, the whole dead lot of him should be super good luck."

Hooray for standing out from the crowd and for encouraging individuals to do the same!

A Regal Feast

2009-12-31T16:30:00.000-08:00

Located in a rougher part of downtown Vancouver, the Regal Hotel is home to some of the city's low-income residents, many of whom stay at the hotel for months at a time.

My girlfriend's mom, Catalina, has worked at Regal since 1993, then as a cleaner and now as the hotel's manager. Since 2005, she has organized an annual holiday feast for the Regal residents, who all anticipate the serving of lechón - a roast suckling pig that is a popular dish in the Philippines.

Here is the whole roast pig, carried by a Regal resident standing next to Catalina:

Along with lechón, 2009's feast included turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, roast duck, pancit noodles, macaroni salad, mixed vegetables, multi-layer cakes and a trifle dessert.

The feast was held in the hotel's small hallway, where the food was handed out by Catalina, my girlfriend MJ, and Hector (a chef and former resident of Regal Hotel):

To celebrate Catalina's charitable soul, I crocheted this trophy of her and her famous roast pig dish:

We surprised her with the trophy during the feast, captured in this video:

A Regal Feast from WooWork on Vimeo.

It's fun to recognize someone who has never sought recognition for their kind deeds. Every holiday season, Catalina is purely happy to provide a regal feast to those who appreciate it the most.

With that spirit of generosity, I hope everyone's new year is full of charitable acts, both given and received. Happy 2010!

All Thumbs

2009-12-22T17:00:00.000-08:00

As a teenager, my favourite TV show was "Siskel & Ebert". Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert would debate the pros and cons of a film before declaring their ultimate rating: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down.

Ah, if only I could review my everyday life in the same simple way....

Now I can!

This is the All-Thumbs Portable Reviewer. Thumbs Up on this side:

Thumbs Down on the other:

And here are my Woo Reviews!

The movie "Up": Thumbs Up

The movie "Fired Up": Thumbs Down

My local yarn store, "Black Sheep Yarns": Thumbs Up

The Staples store that accepted my online order for an office chair, then mistakenly delivered that chair to an Alan Wu (even though our last names are spelled differently) before forcing me to visit the store in person—twice—to receive my refund for the now out-of-stock chair: Thumbs Down

Jalepeño chips: Thumbs Up

Parking tickets: Thumbs Down

Stepping into my shot: Thumbs Down

Long-term effect of the 2010 Olympics on the Vancouver economy: undecided

Our finite existence in the infinite universe: Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down

Regular readers of the WooWork.com blog, including my girlfriend, my mom and you: Thumbs Up!

...and Happy Holidays!

Eye See 3D

2009-12-14T22:53:00.000-08:00

After 3 weeks of steroid drops, my left eye has recovered from it's blurry situation and I can see clearly now.

The rain is gone.

Hopefully, it will be many years before I return to the eye doctor. Until then, I made this eyeclops guy for the eye clinic:

He now lives on their front desk, next to a plastic eye toy:

I love seeing in stereo vision again, and I appreciate my overall eyesight even more. To celebrate my 3D vision, I'll enjoy a 3D movie this weekend.

If you'd like to join the 3D fun, bring out your 3D glasses (I bought mine from here or you can make your own) to see the eyeclops in an eye-popping way!

The Sin of Fin

2009-12-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

MJ and I recently watched a documentary where fishermen sliced off the fins of sharks, then tossed the bodies back into the sea to drown. The brutal practice of shark finning is fueled by the high price that Chinese restaurants can charge for shark fin soup: $30 to $40 per small bowl.

Outraged, MJ resolved to never drink this popular Asian delicacy again. I agreed.

A few months ago, MJ and I attended my cousin Ray's wedding, where they served shark fin soup. It didn't look exactly like this:

Despite insistences from my relatives to "eat it, it's good for you", MJ politely yet firmly refused to drink the soup.

Bravo, MJ! I'm proud of you for standing up against shark finning.

What did I do? I'm embarrassed to say I caved to peer pressure and finished my bowl.

But from now on, I will follow MJ's example and skip the shark fin soup. I will listen to Sherman the Shark:

Woomi Plays Basketball

2009-11-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

My recent eyeball escapade made me realize that there will be times when I'm unable to blog. Whether they're health-related or work-related, some urgent demands may require me to temporarily hand the blogging ball to another teammate.

Have you met Woomi?

Crocheted in late 2008, he's my more-athletic, more-mischievous alter ego.

Today, he returns to the spotlight with the debut of his own comic strip:

In my teens, I loved playing basketball. But I abandoned sports when an early onset of arthritis sidelined me from high-impact activities. Woomi—lacking bones—is arthritis-free and surprisingly aerodynamic:

Play on, Woomi! You're the star this week! Win one for the WooWork team!

Uveitis? It's alrightis.

2009-11-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

Last week, the vision in my left eye became blurred. I experienced this inflammation before and knew the condition by name: uveitis. The grisly photo in Wikipedia's uveitis page doesn't reflect my current state, but my eye was red enough to require medical attention.

My mom and my girlfriend kindly took me to the eye doctor's office, where I was prescribed steroid eye drops for the next three weeks. On the way home, we looked for an eye patch, but the stores didn't have them in stock.

So—with the help of my good right eye—I crocheted this eye patch:

This muscular eye patch is made to enhance the steroids my left eye is taking. After three weeks, I expect my performance-enhanced eye to be inflammation-free and able to lift tanker trucks!

I'll be recovering for a bit, so a special guest will be starring in next week's blog entry.

If you have an unwelcome illness visiting you, I wish you a quick and complete recovery. And may your health outlook be positive for as far as the eye can see.

Sour over Lemon Sharks

2009-11-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

Wikipedia? More like Wrongipedia!

Did you read their article about the lemon shark? Laughable!

Not only does the site fail to mention the pale yellow skin of the lemon shark, but their page shows a photo of the wrong shark!

Everyone knows what a real lemon shark looks like:

The lemon shark is often mistaken for a lemonhead shark, which was named after Lemonhead® candy in the 1960s.
This is a lemonhead shark:

Someone should fix Wikipedia and correct their shameful errors & omissions about lemon sharks. Until then, I'll be getting my facts about citrus fish elsewhere!

Sourly yours,

Old Man Howie

Beware the Box Monster

2009-10-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

What is the scariest monster you've seen on Halloween? A zombie? A werewolf? A ghost?

When I was a pre-teen boy trick-or-treating, I saw a creature that chilled my blood.

From a distance, the figure looked like a box: a box with feet and long arms that dragged on the pavement. The box was the same height as I was, so there must have been a child wearing that odd disguise.

As I approached the box costume, I saw that it wore a ghoulish, terrible face. And then it spoke:

The voice was gravelly—like an elderly man—but distorted like a smoker's artificial speaking valve. Was there a grown man inside that child-sized costume? Was it even... human?

The box costume became the Box Monster. I ran away, convinced the Monster's snake-like arms would grab my ankles and pull my fright-filled self into its eternal embrace.

I made it home alive, but I stayed frightened of the Box Monster for many nightmarish nights. If I never went trick-or-treating again, my excuse was that I had outgrown it. But I knew the real reason:

So be careful this Halloween. There are scary monsters out there. And there is one monster who may put you in a box too.

Beware the Box Monster

My Day at the Ranch

2009-10-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

When I was ten years old, I wanted to be a cowboy. I even had my own cowboy hat.

So when my teacher announced that our forth grade class was taking a field trip to a ranch, I was in heaven! My maverick destiny had arrived, I reckoned.

At the ranch, we were each assigned a horse. My horse—named Joker—was taller than I had imagined, but it was a hoot 'n' a holler to ride at a relaxed trot.

But as the horses sped to a run, I was suddenly overwhelmed with panic.

So I jumped.

A ranch hand told me how dangerous it was to jump off a moving horse, and to please get back in the saddle. Holding back tears, I did.

But when my horse regained its fast gallop, my reflexes took over: crying, I jumped off again.

And once more.

After that, my classmates watched the ranch hand lead me and Joker back to the barn. There's an Old West saying: "Never walk when you can ride."

I walked.

Humiliated, I rejoined some classmates at the pier, where the next outdoor lesson seemed simple: row a boat.

I stepped on the side of the boat, it pushed away, and I fell in the water.

While I shivered by the campfire, I witnessed my third ranch-related trauma.

My schoolmate, Tim, was screaming while his runaway horse tore down a steep hill. A ranch hand was yelling for him to "Pull the reins! Pull the reins!"

Tim replied:

He survived, but our outdoor spirits had not. We barely cared when the ranch hands gave us unlabeled cans of orange soda.

I took a sip.

That orange soda tasted like bliss. It was so sweet, so reassuring, and so everything right where the field trip had gone wrong.

My day at the ranch was filled with vivid memories. But I'll always remember that orange pop most clearly.

After that field trip, I never wanted to be a cowboy again. As a grown-up now, I prefer the comforts and joys of the great indoors.

But what if I had stayed on that horse, or stepped into that boat, or if my schoolmate pulled the reigns?

Things might have turned out very differently:

UPDATE - Nov 13, 2009: Here is my class journal from when I was ten years old, accurately describing my day at the ranch:

How the Fire Started

2009-10-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

Last month, the local news reported that a mushroom farm was destroyed by a massive fire.

The fire was attributed to hay bales bursting into flames due to spontaneous combustion.

But this photo—which was captured moments before the blaze—tells the full story:

And that is how the fire started.

MEGAnnouncement

2009-09-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

My job-savvy cousin, Ray, surprised our families with a mega announcement: he had gotten married at a garden getaway earlier this month and we were invited to celebrate their joyous union at a lavish dinner!

I wanted to crochet something nuptial-y for the special event, so I made this:

A crocheted bride & groom might have been a more traditional wedding gift, but a megaphone is fitting for a mega announcement, isn't it?

The celebration wedding dinner was held last weekend, and here's a video of Ray and his lovely wife, Joanne:

MEGAnnouncement from WooWork on Vimeo.

Here are the happy newlyweds. With baby megaphone.

Congratulations, Ray & Joanne! You make a MEGAdorable new couple!

Sat-Track Surveillance Watch with Remote Bug

2009-09-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

The name is Woo. Howie Woo.

As a dashing international spy, I enjoy good martinis, good suits, and good gadgets. My newest spy gadget is codenamed The Sat-Track Surveillance Watch:

The Watch is accompanied by this Remote Bug:

Earlier, I had stealthily placed the magnetic Remote Bug onto my target:

My current mission is to track down this moving target, map its mysterious route, and retrieve its Cold War payload.

Would you like to see how the Sat-Track Surveillance Watch works? This information is classified, but I trust anyone on the internet.

The green button begins communication between the Watch and the Remote Bug. Tracking ON! Even the glare of the sun couldn't obscure my target now. The red button turns off the location tracking.

The Sat-Track Surveillance Watch is equipped with a mini-satellite, and rotating the dish casts a 360° sweep of the surrounding area. Target acquired!

Like my double-O colleagues, I like to travel in style. At a blistering 40mph, the Spy Scooter can take me anywhere my Watch leads. Here's a video:

Scooter Woo from WooWork on Vimeo.

The yellow dot on the Watch's screen shows my target's exact location, and the beeps get louder as I get closer.

Target found!

The Cold War ice cream truck eluded the spy agency all season, but I recovered the truck's top-secret payload before the end of summer. Just in time.

It's another mission accomplished, thanks to Agent Woo and the Sat-Track Surveillance Watch with Remote Bug!

Blue for Two

2009-09-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

My mom and MJ's mom celebrated their birthdays this summer, separated only by a month.

I crocheted blue flowers for both of them, and here are videos (of my mom and of MJ's mom) that show their sweet reactions to the bouquets.

Blue Flower for My Mom from WooWork on Vimeo.

Blue Flower for MJ's Mom from WooWork on Vimeo.

Though I didn't follow a pattern, I based my mom's blue flower on photos of Diana Prince's free flower pot pattern at MyGurumi. Diana makes the most elegantly-shaped amigurumi.

For my girlfriend's mom's blue flower, I followed a rosette pattern from Lion Brand yarn. It was gratifying to make the same coiled flowers my grandma made decades ago.

Martha Stewart said she once knitted a scarf for her father, who wore it for a day before losing it. Similarly, my mom's blue flower has recently gone missing. We looked everywhere. Ah well, flowers are best enjoyed for a moment, right?

Happy birthday, Moms! Two blue flowers for two beautiful people!

A.T.O.M.-a-therapy

2009-08-31T14:52:00.000-07:00

Since my nose regained its olfactory senses this year, I've been chasing the good smells and running from the bad smells.

The good smell of citrus is a delight, making me feel both invigorated and content. My cousin even made me some orange potpourri, though it's not very practical (or subtle) to inhale in public. People look at me funny:

Unfortunately, public spaces are where bad smells run rampant. So I began searching for a way to take good smells with me without an attention-grabbing bowl.

Have you heard of aromatherapy oils? I found this bottle of Fragrant Reflections™ Orange-Mandarin oil at the dollar store, and knew it would lead to a priceless solution to those nasty public smells. It would also be a crocheted solution!

I crocheted this yellow pad that soaks the citrus oil and acts as a scent diffuser. The plastic cylinder would help direct that scent to my nose.

I added yellow stripes to provide a visual warning to others in a crowded space, since I didn't want this creation getting accidentally crushed!

Then I stitched a carrying handle onto the back of this aromatherapy device. Transportable!

The citrus smell is represented by this oddly-familiar symbol, with its black shapes resembling the rinds of an orange slice.

The heat from these lights helps release the citrus scent and would make night-time aromatherapy sessions possible!

And here is the completed project: the Aromatherapy Transportable Olfactory Machine. Or, the A.T.O.M.:

This video provides a 360° view of the A.T.O.M.:

A.T.O.M. from WooWork on Vimeo.

For my first smell test, I took the A.T.O.M. onto the public subway system. But even as the subway car filled with the revitalizing smell of oranges, I was still met with alarmed expressions from passengers. Why?

When I arrived at the next subway station, police vehicles were converging above ground. Whatever the reason, the scene looked like trouble and I didn't want to get in the way.

When officers began jumping out of their cars with firearms drawn, I decided to quicken my pace. This hectic environment was no place for an aromatherapy session!

I was nearly caught in a crossfire of bullets in this stairwell, but I jumped the hand railing and narrowly escaped harm.

At this point, my danger levels were on red alert. Was I the mistaken target of a manhunt?

With the wail of sirens and helicopter blades in the air, I decided to hide my coloured hair and go under cover. When night descended, a flashlight and the A.T.O.M.'s reassuring glow were my only guides to escape.

As darkness gave way to light, I stumbled onto a grassy oasis that was far from S.W.A.T. teams or public smells. And it was in this open field—under a fruit tree—where I felt free to inhale the refreshing smell of oranges from the A.T.O.M.'s dollar-store aromatherapy oils.

By sunrise, my frazzled nerves were soothed and my aura was realigned with Mother Earth.

I'll never know why I was chased on the same day I used the A.T.O.M. in public. Bizarre coincidence? Mistaken identity? And why the worried stares on the subway? I should add more citrus symbols onto the A.T.O.M. to make its purpose clearer.

For now, I'll only use my Aromatherapy Transportable Olfactory Machine in this soothing orchard hideaway.

I do plan to take the A.T.O.M. to the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics here in Vancouver. With the crush of public crowds and bad smells, it'll be the perfect testing ground for more A.T.O.M.-a-therapy!

Daily Giz Wiz x 900

2009-08-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

I'm a fan of tech gadgets. And although crocheting requires less digital tools than my other artsy pursuits, I still listen to technology podcasts while I work with yarn.

Podcasts are shows that are subscribed to—and shown—over the internet, and my favourite podcast is the Daily Giz Wiz. Each episode focuses on a gadget, but the show's energy comes from the funny banter between the co-hosts. From left to right: Leo Laporte and Dick DeBartolo:

Leo and Dick were preparing to record their 900th podcast episode this month, and I wanted to crochet something for their special show.

The first figure I began to crochet was a mini Leo Laporte. I've been a fan of Leo's down-to-earth approach to tech talk since 2001, and our paths have crossed since then.

Here's a video of when MJ and I called Leo's computer help show in 2005:

And here's a video of Leo viewing some illustrations I sent him a month later:

This video shows my geeky thrill of 2007: being interviewed by Leo about digital illustration:

Finally, here is the crocheted Leo, wearing his headphones, his seldom-seen yellow clog slippers, and sitting on his inflatable exercise ball:

The co-host of the Daily Giz Wiz is Dick DeBartolo, whose nickname is the "Giz Wiz". He is also known as "Mad's Maddest Writer," having written for every issue of MAD magazine since 1966. MJ's favourite magazine is MAD, and she even has two issues autographed by Dick De.

Here is the crocheted Dick De, wearing his MAD t-shirt and sitting on his Giz Wiz Biz logo:

The Daily Giz Wiz podcast occasionally features gadgets that are surprisingly low-tech. In fact, two of their most popular episodes featured a toothpick bird and a spork.

A plastic toothpick bird uses its beak to pick up toothpicks from its base, but this yarn toothpick bird only simulates that pickup action:

A metal spork can be used as a fork and a spoon, though this yarn spork is best kept clear from foodstuff:

Here is the entire Daily Giz Wiz family:

I sent the DGW figures to Leo and Dick for their live recording of episode 900, and here's a video of the surprise gift opening:

WooWork on The Daily Giz Wiz from WooWork on Vimeo.

Congratulations to Dick and Leo for 900+ episodes of the Daily Giz Wiz! Will I be a geeky fan of their next 900 episodes? As Dick says at the end of each episode: "I'll be here!"

Stargazer

2009-08-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend, MJ, has many interests, ranging from paper quilling to Pre-Raphaelite paintings to remote-control vehicles. One of MJ's current interests is astronomy. She recently bought a Sky-Watcher telescope.

For her birthday in June, I crocheted her this ultra-portable telescope and some celestial objects:

The star, heart, Saturn and moon are strung from a mobile made of metal wire and fishing wire. The telescope's optical tube is reinforced by two cardboard tubes. The yarn legs are wrapped around a mini metallic tripod. The front lens was recycled from the plastic cover of a flashlight.

Here's a video of MJ checking out the telescope's features:

Stargazer from WooWork on Vimeo.

She took both telescopes to the park, where I photographed her stargazing:

In turn, she used my camera and her working telescope to photograph the moon during twilight:

She also captured Jupiter and five of its moons:

Happy Birthday, MJ! You prove that interested people are interesting!

Fridge Critter: Chelsea the Chicken

2009-08-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

In 2001, I learned to use a pen tablet to colour eight baby animals. I put that drawing on my fridge eight years ago. Last year, I learned to crochet. To celebrate the spirit of learning new things, I spent this summer remaking my drawn animals into crochet critters.

The eighth and last Fridge Critter is the chicken.

For unknown reasons, Chelsea the chicken was never able to lay eggs. She didn't want to raise baby chicks; she just wanted to make her own eggs.

Sometimes she would admire another chicken's egg:

Other times, she would dare to get closer:

She had reoccurring dreams of hatching a carton-full of Grade AA eggs:

But this summer, Chelsea got tired of unfulfilled dreams. So she taught herself to crochet. What was the first thing she made with a crochet hook?

That's right: eggs.

Pop!

She makes eggs all the time now. She's happy when she's creating. At this rate, she'll have made more eggs than all the chickens in the coop.

Congratulations, Chelsea. We hope you continue to learn new things!

This summer, we met each Fridge Critter: Squire the Squirrel, Bleu the Blue Bird, Pandara★♥ the Panda, Darla the Duckling, Sherman the Shark, Turner the Turtle, Piki the Pig and, finally, Chelsea the Chicken.

There are now two photos of the Fridge Critters on my fridge:

To celebrate their completion, my girlfriend recorded me returning the Fridge Critters into the wild. Here's the video:

Fridge Critters: Where the Wild Things GO from WooWork on Vimeo.

Fridge Critter: Piki the Pig

2009-07-27T17:39:00.000-07:00

On my fridge are eight animals I drew in 2001. Eight years later, I'm remaking them into crochet animals.

The seventh Fridge Critter is the Pig.

For many humans, the taste of bacon is so crispy, so juicy, and so right.

But when a pig wants to taste bacon, is it so wrong?

After years of increasing curiosity, Piki the Pig secretly asked another Fridge Critter to find him some bacon. Two strips on a plate.

Piki promised himself: Just one bite.

Even after he devoured the bacon and turned away in shame, he knew he wanted more. Someday soon, Piki the Pig would eat bacon again.

Just another bite.

Fridge Critter: Turner the Turtle

2009-07-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

I drew eight baby animals in 2001 and, eight years later, I'm remaking those illustrated animals into crocheted critters.

The sixth Fridge Critter is the turtle.

Turner the Turtle enjoys his privacy, so I was surprised to see him outside relaxing on a bed of moss.

This shy turtle avoids eye contact. If you look at him, he'll turn away:

And if you continue looking at him, he'll do this:

Taking the hint, I left Turner to enjoy his solitary summer afternoon.

If eyes are the windows to the soul, Turner prefers his windows closed.

Fridge Critter: Sherman the Shark

2009-07-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

Are you familiar with the Fridge Critters? In 2001, when I was learning to use a pen tablet, I drew eight baby animals and put that drawing on my fridge. To celebrate learning and my first year of crocheting, I'm recreating that 2D drawing into 3D crochet form.

The fifth Fridge Critter is the shark.

His name is Sherman, and he's a natural-born killer. Watch out!

He has sunk his yarny teeth into the blubber-rich bum of a walrus.
He has munched on a school of sardines who would forever be late for class.
He has clamped onto a bucking beluga whale, all in slow-motion.
He has shared cod entrails in a blood-red sea of conquest and camaraderie.

And yet, late at night, he relaxes his unblinking eyes and sees a scene of green. It's a dream where every bite blooms with redemption and tastes not of impending death but of flourishing life.

He would kill for some broccoli.

My girlfriend captured this video of me shooting Sherman:

Shark Shooter from WooWork on Vimeo.

Fridge Critter: Darla the Duckling

2009-07-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

From a drawing on my fridge, the yellow duckling is the forth Fridge Critter to come to life in crochet form.

Her name is Darla.

She would be happy to spend all summer in the park's pond. She does wish that swan was nicer to the ducks. Last week, after barging through the pond like it was king, the swan glared at Darla: "Know your place, ugly duckling."

Here's a video of the bullying swan:

Swan Bully from WooWork on Vimeo.

But what bothers Darla the most is when the swan honks at her dad:

Sometimes Darla imagines swimming up to that bully:

And sometimes Darla imagines twisting that swan's neck into a big ol' knot until he swims away forever.

But then Darla's heart beats fast, and she takes a deep breath. After all, it is summer, the water is warm, and the dark thoughts can wait.

Especially for a duckling named Darla.

Fridge Critter: Pandara★♥ the Pink Panda

2009-06-24T16:52:00.000-07:00

The third featured Fridge Critter is the panda on the left. I don't remember why I coloured her pink in the 2D drawing, but her pink fur made the transition to 3D crochet form:

Her name is Pandara★♥. She added the star and heart to her name, to reflect her individuality. Pandara★♥'s parents raised her to feel special, especially since pandas are an endangered species.

At the community garden, passerbys will ask Pandera★♥ why she's pink. She replies, "I'm 1/8th flamingo." Everyone oohs and ahhs, and she likes their reaction. "Wow, you're so exotic!"

The real reason for her pink fur is a secret:

Fridge Critter: Bleu the Blue Bird

2009-06-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

The blue bird is the second Fridge Critter brought to 3D life from a 2D drawing on my fridge.

His name is Bleu, and he is infamous for eavesdropping on juicy conservations. Chatty birds must watch their backs:

A saving grace to Bleu: he gossips only to the morning worms. And then he eats them.

Before she flew to France forever, Bleu's mom told him, "No one shares secrets with someone who tells them." Like most parental advice, it's a lesson still to be learned.

So, for now, look around before telling secrets. A little bird might tell them too!

Fridge Critter: Squire the Squirrel

2009-06-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Each time I visit my fridge, I'm greeted by critters.

I drew these animals when I was learning to use a pen tablet, and digitally-coloured this scanned pencil sketch. I printed the drawing and—because I wasn't blogging in 2001—posted these critters on my fridge eight years ago.

One year ago, I was learning to use a crochet hook. The thrill of learning to make amigurumi was like the thrill of learning to draw digitally. To marry these twin thrills, I'm remaking this 2D cartoon into 3D crochet.

The first of eight Fridge Critters is a squirrel. His name is Squire.

Here's some trivia to add more dimension to Squire the Squirrel: Did you know he's mildly allergic to acorns? He eats popcorn from the park's concession stand instead. He does collect and mash acorns into a paste for his ailing grandmother's toothless consumption. He also donates food to neighbourhood squirrels:

The remaining seven Fridge Critters will thaw as the new season approaches; a summer that is rich with the smell of acorn paste and the thrill of learning new things.

UPDATE: Here's a video that my gf recorded of Squire's squirrel encounter:

Squirrel Bait from WooWork on Vimeo.

Yo-Yo Woes

2009-05-29T04:57:00.000-07:00

When I was ten years old, I had a secret crush on my classmate, Julie. This is our class photo from 1984:

There's Julie, in the pink dress. We never once traded a word.

Throughout forth grade, my mom dropped me off at school an hour early, before most kids arrived. I would wait outside my classroom, and that was where the following true story occurred.

That's me, in the checkered blue shirt:

That morning, I saw someone walking down the street, toward where I stood.

Julie!

Panicked, I had two options:

I ran and hid.

From behind a nearby hedge, I watched her take my place in front of our classroom.

I turned away, flush with self-defeat.

But when I looked back through the foliage, I saw something wonderful.

She was waving to me!

I leapt out from behind the bush and waved back happily.

But she wasn't waving. It only appeared that way.

She was playing with a yo-yo.

I sunk back behind the bush—not knowing if Julie saw me—and sat there until the school bell rang.

To commemorate this traumatic incident, I crocheted these two yo-yos:

They're weighted down with polyfill and embarrassment, which is why they don't bounce back like toy yo-yos.

Since forth grade, I've learned to accept that secret crushes are accompanied by fleeting highs and humiliating lows.

But I do wish I brought along a yo-yo that morning. I might have impressed her with my fancy tricks:

Yo yo, how ya like me now?

Green 'round Grenades

2009-05-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

Atten-hut!

If you are a crocheter and a World War II soldier, it is mission-critical to arm yourself with effective gear, including crochet hooks, threading needles, and grenades.

Kaboom! Kaboom!

I made these grenades from rows of popcorn stitches and double crochet stitches, with increasing single crochet stitches between each row.

Boom!

These friendlier grenades are in love. Aren't they cute? (^_^)

Well, they may seem cute to Civvies, but explosives are no laughing matter. And as a make-believe soldier who watched Tropic Thunder and bought a Canadian military uniform from an army surplus store, I should know.

War is hell.

Now, I admit to lacking experience with explosives. You could even say I'm "green" around grenades. But as you'll see in this video from my war correspondent girlfriend, I know enough to pull the grenade's safety pin:

Green 'round Grenades from WooWork on Vimeo.

After that shell-shocking experience, I salute the real-life soldiers up here in Canada. Hoorah!

Plain Plane

2009-05-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

It's Mother's Day and my mom is in China. She flew there last week with her brother, as part of a well-deserved vacation.

To celebrate both Mother's Day and her high-flying voyage, I crocheted her this airborne gift:

The Plain Plane! It's made less plain by its banner, held up by beading wire.

Like the BubbleGun, the Plain Plane is environmentally-sound: 100% powered by human hand propulsion. The wings and fins are reinforced with aerodynamic recycled cardboard, though the ride is still turbulent.

My girlfriend recorded this video of two different planes sharing the same airspace:

Plane Spotting from WooWork on Vimeo.

Mom, if you're reading this from China, I hope you're having a fun-filled adventure. You are a plainly-perfect mom.

Happy Mother's Day!

Bubble Trouble

2009-05-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

The last time a mysterious briefcase arrived on my doorstep, I discovered a ray gun that accompanied me on an intergalactic rescue mission. So when a new briefcase appeared, I knew it was hero-time!

Packed in pink bubblegum, the weapon-of-choice was revealed:

BubbleGun!

A BubbleGun can shoot bubblegum bubbles that will immobilize all enemies. It is a hybrid ray gun—powered by electricity and air—that has the added advantage of energy-efficiency. The disadvantage is its high cost: 25 cents per dozen bubble shots. Exact change only.

This side shows the BubbleGun's air intake vents and power button:

Would I prefer that the gun was Race-Car Red or Midnight Black? Yes, but I've never surrendered to society's colour stereotypes. Pink or not, I was going to inflict some bubble trouble!

But my sister angrily snatched the gun away and insisted the briefcase was addressed to: "The Bubblegum Bounty-Hunter". She had been saving up quarters for weeks.

Before she left, I asked my bounty-hunter sister to demonstrate the BubbleGun on video:

BubbleGun from WooWork on Vimeo.

She has since flown off to some heroic adventure in space, blasting bubbles at alien fugitives.

Whatever.

I wanted to stay home anyway.

POP!

Dynamite Danger

2009-04-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

Dynamite! Danger! Do not enter!

An explosives expert is mandatory on this demolition site. If an expert can't be found, a beginner crocheter will have to do.

The remote detonator was low on batteries this day, so the dynamite had to be lit manually.

Tragically, the dynamite sticks were rigged with ultra-rapid fuses.

We hope to rebuild Howie soon. Until then, beware of the dangers of dynamite!

UPDATE: Howie here, freshly cloned from my nasal remains.

My explosives expertise was trivialized. After all, I did reinforce each dynamite stick with cardboard tubes and polyfill, then made each wire from slinky coils. The fuses were twinned with twine and sparklers.

No amigurumi were harmed in the making of the following video. The same can't be said of my left shoe.

Dynamite Danger from woowork on Vimeo.

Yarn Party

2009-04-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Where: Howie's lawn
When: Early April
Time: Noon

It's a Yarn Winding Party!

Watch Howie get the party happenin' with a demo of the Mama Bear Handcrafted Yarn Swift from The Oregon Woodworker and the Heavy Duty Ball Winder from Nancy's Knit Knacks!

B.Y.O.Y.

Video:

Yarn Party from woowork on Vimeo.

Egghead Sis

2009-04-08T14:35:00.000-07:00

My sister is an egghead.

By that, I mean that her head is shaped like an egg. At least, that's how I've drawn her over the years:

Also, her birthday is near Easter, which reminds me of Easter eggs.

To celebrate her birthday (and her eggheadedness), I made this offbeat caricature on her noggin:

This video shows her Grade "A" reaction when she opened her crocheted gift:

Egghead Sis from woowork on Vimeo.

Happy birthday, sis! May your shell be strong and your yolk be sunny!

UFO or WooFO?

2009-03-31T23:05:00.001-07:00

I was driving through the city of Roswell, New Mexico when I took this blurry photo:

What is that?

There it goes!

As that unidentified object zipped away, I knew the truth was out there.

That night, I revisited the site of the sighting to capture photographic proof of a UFO:

Or was it a hoax? Unraveling this extraterrestrial conspiracy revealed these startling truths:

Fact: The UFO was made by me, and renamed to "WooFO".
Fact: The WooFO has a 16" circumference, with glow-in-the-dark yarn used for the white dome and yellow lights.
Fact: The WooFO was hung from fishing wire over a rural scene created with a diorama kit.
Fact: The photo was taken in my backyard.

Shocking but true!

Feeling conspiratorial, I attached LED lights and helium balloons to a second baby-sized WooFO. My girlfriend captured the following video as my relatives and enthusiastic mom observed the Woo.F.O.'s ascent. I played the theremin soundtrack.

UFO or WooFO? from woowork on Vimeo.

Since the WooFO's release last month on February 13th, there were two possibly related UFO sightings: one in a neighbouring city and the other in nearby Washington state.

But the final truth is that I may never receive a proof-positive email about a found WooFO because not everyone has email access... IN SPACE!

Raygun: Primary 3000

2009-03-21T04:05:00.000-07:00

When this mysterious briefcase appeared on my doorstep, I faced two choices: call the authorities or open the case.

Compelled by a strange sense of destiny, I chose to open it:

Raygun!

It was a Primary 3000 model, chock-full of technical features:

Plushy but deadly!

Here is an opposite view of the ray gun, its energy levels reduced after firing test shots at some helpless steel beams:

I used primary-coloured yarn to freeform-crochet this raygun, except for a tactile grip made from grey half-double crochet stitches. Its aiming fin is similar to the nose I made, minus the nostrils.

Since I was the one who built this raygun, I must have sent that mysterious briefcase to myself from the future; a future where I defend lunar ice colonies from fiery space invaders:

ZAP!

Granny Square for Grandma

2009-03-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Last summer, I sent my grandma in Toronto one of my earliest crochet creations. Here she is, posing with my first apple:

According to my mom, my grandma examined the apple for a long time before saying, in Cantonese: "When you can crochet in circles, you can make anything."

It was only then that I learned of my grandma's ability to crochet, a skill she learned in her forties. Here are some of her crocheted flowers:

She also practiced the thousand-year-old art of Chinese Knotting. Here is her knot work:

And here is her ceramic work:

These beautiful creations―all made after she retired from her silk-flower shop―remind me that new skills can be learned at any age. And although she didn't teach me to crochet, my grandma raised her children to follow their artistic interests. In turn, my mom's encouragement led to my artistic pursuits, including crochet.

My grandma passed away last month at the age of 93.

As a last gift, I made her my first granny square:

This coaster-sized basket-weave pattern is from the book, Beyond-the-Square Crochet Motifs. I added a second square as a backing, which allowed me to include a farewell & thank-you note inside its pillow shape.

I'll always remember my grandma's sunny spirit, and cherish the creative connection that we shared.

Vices

2009-03-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Raymond, is a job recruiter who recently wrote an article titled "How To Land and Protect a Job in a Down Market". From his article:

"Apply for jobs in 'recession-proof' sectors like vice. People tend to gamble, drink and smoke more when they’re stressed."

With that helpful advice, here are my handmade vices:

The beer bottle is decorated with an oval pattern from Edie Eckman's book, Beyond-the-Square Crochet Motifs. The dice were stitched together from six square pieces each, stuffed, then embroidered with white dots. The cigarette pack has a firm cardboard box inside, and its outside is decorated with red yarn stitched around a plastic bone ring. Each cigarette contains a wooden dowel for support.

I rarely—if ever—indulge in these vices, but my alter ego, Woomi, has been known to overindulge:

He'll never land a job in that condition!

$pend and $ave

2009-02-24T15:04:00.000-08:00

Last fall, I wanted to crochet something that reflected the slide of the economy. When other projects occupied my late 2008, I thought I missed the opportunity to make something current.

Unfortunately, the economy has continued to worsen. Fortunately, the long downturn has allowed me to make this timely moneybag and piggy bank!

Robbers will be disappointed that these items contain only polyfil stuffing. The piggy bank does accept one real coin in its working coin slot, which was formed by sewing a pocket to a crocheted button hole.

Here's a piggy-bank comic I drew in 2002, when the economy was better:

The best financial approach is as timely now as it was then: spend and save wisely!

Eye Heart U

2009-02-17T21:34:00.000-08:00

For Valentine's Day, I gave this envelope to my girlfriend, MJ:

She found a coded message inside:

Here is MJ's reaction to the crochet gift (and to the SingStar™ ABBA game):

The envelope was made from a Lion Brand pattern, and the heart is a smaller version of Pepika's pattern. The letter U contains a pipe cleaner, which holds the U's curve.

I hope everyone's post-Valentine's days are filled with sent and received messages of Eye Heart U!

The Nose Now Knows

2009-02-11T15:52:00.000-08:00

For most of my life, I had a reduced sense of smell (a condition known as hyposmia). I could recognize strong odors like orange peels and gasoline, but most scents were lost on me. But for the past few months--and for unknown reasons--my ability to smell has fully returned. To mark this olfactory upgrade, I crocheted this nose:

Smelling everything has been a mixed blessing. On one hand, breathing in a bakery's fresh bread is divine:

On the other hand, my dumpster diving career is now sadly on hold:

At the very least, I no longer feel as self-conscious when reading crochet books in public:

It will take awhile to adjust to having all five senses again. I should pass the time by following my under-appreciated recipe for Beef & Mashed-Apples Shepherd's Pie. I hope it still tastes delicious!

UPDATE: I need a new shepherd's pie recipe.

HooWoo

2009-02-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

My friend, David, and I were big fans of Twin Peaks, the early-nineties TV series that featured cherry pies, logs, and owls. A popular catchphrase from the show: "the owls are not what they seem".

Over the holidays, I made HooWoo the Owl for David:

It took half an hour in the winter rain to set up this photoshoot before HooWoo dove off the tree, bounced off some bushes and landed in mud. I had to reshoot on the following rain-free day.

Beware of those mischievous owls! They are not what they seem:

For the die-hard Twin Peaks fans, here is my 9-minute video of the 1992 Twin Peaks Festival that David and I attended:

Snippy

2009-01-24T17:26:00.000-08:00

I made these scissors for my hairstylist, Jeannie, who has made my hair multi-coloured since 1993:

The scissor's finger rings were crocheted around two plastic bone rings, and a heart-shaped safety nose acts as the joint. These yarn scissors don't actually move, but a Sharpie pen on yellow paper creates animated wonders!

Snip snip!

Gone Fishin'

2009-01-13T19:55:00.001-08:00

There is a nearby fishing spot where the fish appear to be exceptionally high in iron:

Decked out in fishing gear, I woke up at the crack of dawn to see if the fish were biting. It was a lucky day!

I improvised this orange koi from 100% merino wool, which is handwash-only because washing machines deplete the wool's natural oils. And I hear that fish oil is rich in omega-3 acids, which are good for the brain.

I could have used that brain power when choosing boots for this fishing expedition. In this video my girlfriend recorded, you can see how much I underestimated the water level:

Gone Fishin' from woowork on Vimeo.

Here is a souvenir postcard from my new favourite fishing hole. Wish you were here!

Toothy

2009-01-05T10:40:00.000-08:00

I wanted to crochet something for my dentist: enamel? dental floss? gingivitis? I chose the simpler route and made this tooth:

Toothy is made from four small cone shapes that are stitched together, then built up with single crochet stitches:

The dentist office enjoyed the gift, though I hear their younger patients have tried walking away with Toothy. So along with guarding kids from tooth decay, my dentist is now guarding a tooth from kids.

Remember to brush and floss daily!

Bone Health

2008-12-30T05:32:00.000-08:00

My doctor emphasizes the importance of healthy bones, so I made her this bone as a gift:

I followed the bone pattern by Crafty Pants!, who cleverly adapted it from Pepika's heart pattern.

My doctor liked the crochet bone so much, she invited me to make another for her puppy. I gladly sent her a second bone, which likely became a short-lived chew toy. Calci-yum!

May you and your bones have a healthy and happy new year!

Snow Love

2008-12-25T04:50:00.000-08:00

The snowmen noggin ornaments went outside today to reconnect with their snowy roots:

By chance, they discovered the joys of winter romance:

A body made of real snow improves eye contact:

Ah yes, there is no love like snow love!

WooWork.com - crochet creations for the playful at heart

Behind the Bite

Cute-a-killer *UPDATED*

Last Drop

MJ-Power Bracelet

Caption Needed: Rocket Girl and UFO Boy

Bird is the Word

Stalled by Shyness

The Adventures of Old Man Woo

Jumping from 2001 through 2011

C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack DECLASSIFIED

C.A.R.R.O.T. Jetpack

Serene, Happiest, Relaxed

Ralph and Ruth

Caption Needed: Ralph and Raffe *UPDATED*

Robots are Poor Tippers *UPDATED*

The Trouble Sisters

Woo's Hues *UPDATED*

PSA: Don't Run After the Bus!

Speaking of my Grandfather

MJ Takes Flight

Business by the Book

Caption Needed: An Ice Cream Cone, A Boy, and His Dog

Fundamentals of Cuteness 101

Before the Incident: Shirley Stocksdale and the Sofabed

A Travel Suitcase and an Elephant

Woomi Paints!

The Flatulating Prince

How the Fire Started: Toasting Waffles

Woomi the Wabbit

Japanese for All Occasions

Woomi's TALES! FROM! SPACE!

Can-Cans

Siamese Sightings *UPDATED*

Raining Cats and Dogs

Woomi at Play: Bubblegum Bubbles

Cone Critters

Hare Cut

A Regal Feast

All Thumbs

Eye See 3D

The Sin of Fin

Woomi Plays Basketball

Uveitis? It's alrightis.

Sour over Lemon Sharks

Beware the Box Monster

My Day at the Ranch

How the Fire Started

MEGAnnouncement

Sat-Track Surveillance Watch with Remote Bug

Blue for Two

A.T.O.M.-a-therapy

Daily Giz Wiz x 900

Stargazer

Fridge Critter: Chelsea the Chicken

Fridge Critter: Piki the Pig

Fridge Critter: Turner the Turtle

Fridge Critter: Sherman the Shark

Fridge Critter: Darla the Duckling

Fridge Critter: Pandara★♥ the Pink Panda

Fridge Critter: Bleu the Blue Bird

Fridge Critter: Squire the Squirrel

Yo-Yo Woes

Green 'round Grenades

Plain Plane

Bubble Trouble

Dynamite Danger

Yarn Party

Egghead Sis

UFO or WooFO?

Raygun: Primary 3000

Granny Square for Grandma

Vices

$pend and $ave

Eye Heart U

The Nose Now Knows

HooWoo

Snippy

Gone Fishin'

Toothy

Cute-a-killer UPDATED

Caption Needed: Ralph and Raffe UPDATED

Robots are Poor Tippers UPDATED

Woo's Hues UPDATED

Siamese Sightings UPDATED