From Skein to Skirt: A Nature-Inspired Summer Transformation
Sunday, May 17
Every maker knows that yarn has a mind of its own. Sometimes you pick up a skein with a concrete blueprint in your head, only for the fibers to whisper an entirely different story as they glide over your hook. That is exactly how my latest design—The Sunflower Mini Skirt—came to life.
It all began when I laid eyes on the stunning 8-ply mixed yarn from Ashley Crochet. The variegation in the teal, blue-green, and subtle earthy undertones immediately pulled me into a forest canopy filtered by summer light. It felt deeply connected to nature—coastal, organic, and incredibly rich. My original intention was to capture this palette in a classic summer crop top. I grabbed my trusty 3.5mm Etimo Tulip hook and set to work, letting the motifs build.
But as the vibrant sunflower granny squares began multiplying on my desk, the vision shifted. The weight, drape, and structural beauty of the joined squares felt destined for something with more movement. Instead of a top, I decided to pivot and shape these nature-infused motifs into a playful, statement mini skirt perfect for warm golden-hour walks. Paired with a dramatic, flowing treble-stitch ruffled hem, it transformed into the ultimate bohemian summer piece.
Below, I’ve broken down the pattern step-by-step so you can bring a slice of this natural magic into your own handmade summer wardrobe!
The Sunflower Mini Skirt Pattern
Project Materials & Specifications
Yarn: 8-Ply Mixed Yarn from Ashley Crochet (Teal/Variegated main color, Brown for flower centers, Yellow/Cream for petals)
Hook: 3.5mm Etimo Tulip Crochet Hook
Terminology: US Terms (ch: chain, st: stitch, sl st: slip stitch, dc: double crochet, tr: treble crochet)
Sizing: Make enough squares to comfortably wrap around the widest part of your hips when joined together (typically 4 to 6 squares depending on your unique measurements).
Part 1: The Sunflower Granny Square
The Flower Center (Using Brown Yarn):
Round 1: Begin with a magic ring (or ch 4, join with sl st to form a ring). Ch 2, work 15 puff stitches (or dc clusters) into the ring. Join with a sl st to the first stitch. Fasten off. (16 stitches total).
The Petals (Using Yellow/Cream Yarn):
Round 2: Join your petal yarn in any space between the brown stitches. Ch 3, work a 4-double crochet popcorn/bobble stitch into the same space. *Ch 1, popcorn stitch in the next space.* Repeat from * to * all the way around. Join with a sl st to the very first petal. Fasten off. (16 distinct petals).
Squaring It Out (Using Teal/Main Color Variegated Yarn):
Round 3: Join your main teal yarn in any ch-1 space between the petals. Ch 3 (counts as 1 dc), 2 dc in the same space. *In the next space, work 3 dc. In the following space, create your first corner: (3 tr, ch 2, 3 tr). Work 3 dc in each of the next 3 spaces.* Repeat this sequence around to form a structured square, ending with your final corner and joining to the top of the beginning ch-3.
Round 4 & 5: Ch 3. Work 1 dc in each stitch around the perimeter, and work exactly (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) into each of the four corner ch-2 spaces. Sl st to join at the conclusion of each round.
Part 2: Assembly & Trim
Blocking: Lightly steam or wet-block your squares so they match in exact dimensions and lay beautifully flat.
Joining: Align your squares side-by-side into a continuous loop or cylinder. Join using a clean slip stitch join or a mattress stitch along the side edges. This forms the primary hip band of your mini skirt.
The Waistband (Top Edge): Attach your teal yarn along the top edge of the newly joined cylinder.
Round 1: Work a row of evenly spaced double crochet (dc) completely around the top opening.
Round 2 (Casing): Ch 3, *skip 1 st, dc in next st, ch 1*. Repeat from * to * around to form eyelets perfect for a matching crochet drawstring tie.
Round 3: Work 1 final row of dc in every stitch and ch-1 space around. Fasten off.
Part 3: The Ruffled Mini Hem
Attach your teal yarn to the bottom edge of the joined squares. To achieve the dramatic, wavy flounce seen in the finished garment, we use rapid stitch scaling:
Round 1 (The Expansion Row): Ch 3. Work 2 dc into *every single stitch* around. This immediate doubling of the stitch count causes the fabric to dramatically ripple and gather. Join with a sl st.
Round 2: Ch 3. Work 1 dc in each stitch around to establish height. Join with a sl st.
Round 3 (Treble Stitch Depth): Ch 4 (counts as 1 tr). Work 1 tr into every stitch around. The extra length and spacing of the treble stitch gives the flounce its gorgeous, lightweight drape.
Round 4 (The Shell Stitch Border): *Ch 1, sc in the first st. Skip 2 sts, work 5 dc (or 5 tr for a deeper shell) into the next st to create a fan. Skip 2 sts, sc in the next st.* Repeat from * to * all the way around. Sl st to join.
Weave in all your loose ends, lace a simple chain drawstring through your waistband casing, and your new nature-inspired summer staple is ready to wear!
30 Cozy & Soul-Refreshing Things to Do Next Time You Feel Bored
We’ve all been there—that strange, restless moment where you have a bit of free time, but nothing feels quite right to do. Instead of falling into the trap of mindless scrolling (which usually leaves us feeling even more drained), let’s reframe boredom as a beautiful invitation.
Boredom is a clean slate. It’s an opportunity to inject a little creativity, self-care, faith, wellness, and soft life energy back into your day.
Whether your mind is craving an artistic outlet, your body needs deep rest, or your soul is searching for peace, here are 30 intentional, cozy activities to help you ground yourself and romanticize the present moment.
✨ Creative Expression & Digital Fun
When you want to play, make things with your hands, or design something beautiful just because.
Start a mini crochet project – Unplug your mind and let your hands weave something small, soft, and satisfying.
Create a Canva quote post for Instagram – Play with pastel color palettes and dreamy typography to share visual reminders with your community.
Rearrange your room or desk setup – Shifting your physical space sparks instant freshness and premium workflow energy.
Make a vision board for your dream life – Cut out magazine pictures or pin images that capture your ideal aesthetic routines, travels, and personal evolution.
Try a new makeup or skincare routine – Treat your face like a canvas. Practice a soft-glow look with absolutely zero pressure to go anywhere.
Learn a trending Reel or TikTok edit – Match aesthetic audio cuts with pretty slow-motion clips to flex your digital editing muscles.
Journal your thoughts like a diary entry – Pour your raw, unfiltered emotions onto paper. Let the empty pages hold whatever you've been carrying.
Write a poem about your current season in life – Capture your current feelings, challenges, and little joys through soft metaphors.
Create digital products to sell online – Draft a printable habit tracker, a helpful Notion template, or an e-book outline based on your skills.
Take aesthetic selfies just for fun – Find where the golden hour light hits your room and capture your own soft, glowing energy.
🛀 Wellness, Self-Care & Soft Life Vibe
When your body needs physical pampering, slowing down, and romanticizing the little routines.
Take a long everything shower – Put on a deep conditioning hair mask, exfoliate, and wash away physical and mental tension completely.
Light a candle and listen to calming music – Dim the overhead lights, ignite a soft-scented flame, and let lo-fi beats or warm acoustics soothe you.
Go for a walk while listening to worship music or podcasts – Step outside for fresh air while nourishing your spirit with faith-filled lyrics or encouraging voice notes.
Drink iced coffee or matcha and romanticize your day – Pour it into a fancy glass, use a reusable straw, and act like the main character of a cozy indie film.
Stretch or do a soft workout at home – No high-intensity weights required—just gentle, dynamic movements to awaken tight muscles.
Try gua sha or a relaxing skincare massage – Apply a clean facial oil and use upward strokes to release jaw, brow, and neck tension.
Declutter your bag, makeup, or closet – Simplify your immediate surroundings. Tossing old receipts and dried lipsticks invites clean energy.
Do a social media detox for a few hours – Turn off your notifications, hide your phone under a pillow, and exist entirely in the real world.
Practice gratitude journaling – List five incredibly specific, mundane things that brought a smile to your face today.
Sleep early and let your body rest – Crawl into clean sheets, turn off the screens, and honor your natural need for physical recovery.
🕊️ Faith, Quiet Reflection & Inner Peace
When your soul needs quiet time to sit at the feet of the Lord and cast away heavy anxieties.
Read a devotional or Bible passage – Silence the noise of the world by anchoring your thoughts in timeless grace, truth, and comforting promises.
Pray for your future self and family – Send intentional prayers forward into your future milestones, asking for purpose, protection, and alignment.
Write down your worries and surrender them to God – Map out every single thing causing you stress, pray over it, and intentionally let go of its grip on you.
Watch inspiring Christian or motivational videos – Fill your eyes and ears with visual testimonies or messages that rebuild your inner joy.
List all the blessings you often overlook – Take note of your everyday miracles: clean running water, a safe bed, hot meals, and the breath in your lungs.
👩💻 Productive Growth & Future Planning
When you have a burst of vision and want to organize your future steps without burning out.
Brainstorm content ideas for your brand or blog – Map out key content pillars, future aesthetic titles, or grid ideas while inspiration flows freely.
Organize your phone gallery or notes app – Delete thousands of blurry screenshots and sort your random scattered notes into clean, structured folders.
Update your resume, portfolio, or website – Refreshing your professional digital presence ensures you're ready when a beautiful new opportunity knocks.
Learn a new AI tool or online skill – Spend an hour experimenting with modern creative tech tools to easily expand your personal toolkit.
Plan your dream business, travel goals, or future home – Create loose blueprints of what’s ahead. Looking up travel itineraries makes abstract dreams feel touchable.
🌸 A Soft Reminder
And sometimes… boredom is actually your mind asking for rest, inspiration, or reconnection with yourself.
Boredom doesn't always need a cure consisting of high-speed productivity or forced hustle. Sometimes, it is simply a gentle space between breaths—a quiet call to realign your spirit, honor your body, and treat your day with soft life sweetness.
Which of these cozy ideas are you going to try out today? Let me know in the comments below! Love, info, and inspiration,
nanaykikay.com
Samsung Announces Global Galaxy S26 Ultra Collaboration for the Release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in Theatres
Tuesday, May 5
Global marketing campaign launches with custom content featuring Helen J. Shen
Samsung brings the first ever Runway Cam #withGalaxy to The Devil Wears Prada 2 World
Premiere showcasing the pro-grade camera on the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra
Samsung has launched a global collaboration to celebrate the upcoming theatrical release
of 20th Century Studios’ The Devil Wears Prada 2 with a custom spot that features Helen J.
Shen as her character ‘Jin’, flawlessly fixing a last-minute Miranda Priestly request using
Circle to Search with Google on the new Galaxy S26 Ultra.
As part of the global team-up, the Galaxy S26 Ultra shone during its red-carpet moment at
the global premiere for The Devil Wears Prada 2. In an activation that would leave even
Miranda Priestly proud, Galaxy S26 Ultra was used to capture the stunning red carpet looks
of attendees, making it the first-ever Runway Cam #withGalaxy that delivered jaw dropping
professional-grade footage with a cinematic, social post-ready feel.
Stars like Helen J. Shen, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Heidi Klum, Paige DeSorbo, Hannah Berner, and Winnie Harlow posed for the Galaxy S26 Ultra photo-op to capture their memorable looks as seen below.
Galaxy S26 Ultra user and influencer Haley Kalil (@hayleebaylee) participated in the photo experience.
“I absolutely love The Devil Wears Prada and as a Team Galaxy member, I just love my Galaxy S26 Ultra,” said Haley. “Seeing those worlds collide here on the red carpet and sharing all my favourite Galaxy S26 Series features with a community who also loves this movie has just been the best experience.”
Haley also took to social media to showcase how she used her Galaxy S26 Ultra features such as Circle to Search with Google to get ready for the premiere.
Circle to Search with Google on Galaxy S26 Ultra is Runway ready
Samsung and Google partnered on a series of creative spots set in The Devil Wears Prada 2 universe to shine a light on how technology – like with Google to Search on the Galaxy S26 Ultra – is the cheat code for staying calm in high-stakes situations. Want to see if the Galaxy S26 Series is the right fit for you? Visit samsung.com and getready for The Devil Wears Prada 2, in Philippine theatres starting 29 April.
About The Devil Wears Prada 2
Twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in 20th Century Studios’ “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film is directed by David Frankel, written by Aline Brosh McKenna, produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and Aline Brosh McKenna.
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About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and
technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones,
wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI
and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions
and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman.
With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI
across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For
the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
My First Time to Visit Boracay Island
Tuesday, April 21
First time in Boracay at 40, as a mommy traveler, and wow… what a journey it was 🤍✈️🏝️
From the airport rush to figuring out transfers (and yes… accidentally boarding the wrong ferry boat 😂), this trip wasn’t perfect but it was REAL, and that made it even more unforgettable.
Traveling with my husband, experiencing Boracay for the very first time, reminded me that adventure doesn’t have an age limit. Even with a few mishaps along the way, every moment—from the chaos to the calm, from laughter to slight panic, became part of our beautiful story.
This vlog captures it all: the excitement, the mistakes, the love, and the joy of finally stepping onto that white sand paradise 🌊✨
To all the moms out there: it’s never too late to explore, to try something new, and to create memories just for YOU too. 💕
Watch our full journey—from airport to island—and laugh with us at our “wrong ferry” moment 😂
#FirstTimeInBoracay #MommyTraveler #TravelAt40 #RealLifeTravel #CoupleAdventures #BoracayVlog #LifeUnfiltered







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