Latest Forum Posts by: Bastelfan

Hey Josefa,
yeah, those dear UFOs—there it is again, that unpleasant topic. For me, UFOs are always a sign of a lack of discipline or taking on too many projects at once, because you take on too much and then can’t manage it.
I haven’t added any new ones, but the number hasn’t gone down either.

With some of them, I’m still debating whether to unravel them or finish them—or repurpose them and turn them into something else. I’m still undecided.

Hey, I just read this here with delight, and I always find it exciting. New year—new yarn.
It’s just a shame that I can’t participate this time either, because right now I don’t have any yarn to swap, so I’ll have to sit this one out. I’m a little sad about it, but I’ll definitely join next time.

In any case, I’ll be following your yarn swap. Have fun, everyone!

To be honest, Veronika, I had so much fun looking at your LaCritza figures. It’s amazing what was all in there (your full photo).
All these figures look so cute, and they make me want to try making them myself.

Thank you so much for sharing. It was really fun.

Hugs, Andrea

Thank you, Josefa,
and I wish everyone else a harmonious, peaceful 2023 as well.

There was a huge, loud fireworks display here, as if there were no tomorrow. The fireworks started as early as the afternoon, and we were able to watch it all from the sofa.

My husband and I celebrated the New Year pretty quietly; since I’m still dealing with health issues, I wasn’t really in the mood to party. We toasted with two glasses of Piccolo sparkling wine, and then I went to bed since I’d barely slept beforehand. My legs were tingling.

In the early afternoon, we took a little New Year’s walk along the Silokanal. It was a bit windy with spring-like temperatures.
And of course, the streets looked like a mess.

Stay healthy, everyone.

Anja, I’ve been struggling with a bad cold for two weeks now. I’m feeling a little better, but that stupid cough and lack of appetite are killing me—especially since I’m super hungry when my husband whips up all that delicious food.

Your pot holders look amazing. Have you caught the mosaic crochet fever too? I’d tried that pattern before, too. You did a great job, and you stuck with it.

Well, fireworks are going off all over the place outside—have a great New Year’s Eve

, and see you next year....🎈✨🎇⏲🗓🥳☘🍄🐞

Thank you, Monika. I’ll definitely need a little more time—I’m still not quite back to my usual self.
My little Puppi will get the bags. Even crocheting is tiring. Anyway, I was able to finish them.

Finished another little project. It was fun.

No, I didn’t see the Christ Child—since my husband and I don’t exchange gifts, it didn’t show up.
The holidays are all well and good, but I’m still battling a bad case of the flu. On top of that, I had a fever of 39 and diarrhea. I spent most of my time sleeping.
So my husband cooked our Christmas dinner—he put so much effort into it—but I was full after just a few bites, even though it was so delicious (smoked pork loin with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes). I just had no appetite.
My fever has gone down a little, but I’m still dizzy and weak.

It’s no fun. I hope I’ll be back on my feet by New Year’s Eve. I’m on sick leave until January 6.

I’d like to wish everyone who’s sick a speedy recovery, and hope the new year will be a little calmer.

I’m stressed at work, so I don’t need that at home too. Nope
The kids are out of the house, my parents are on vacation—it’s just my husband and me. We’re making ourselves cozy on the sofa with Christmas music and a fairy-tale or Christmas movie, delicious food, and mulled wine—that’s all we need.
No tree, no presents.

Since I have to work this weekend anyway, we’ll make up for it all on the second day of Christmas.

So have a peaceful and reflective Christmas season, everyone, and stay healthy

Hi Ines,🎈🎁🧶🎂☘🌸🍄
Even though it’s late, I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations on your special day—wishing you good luck and good health. Take good care of yourself, and keep enchanting us with your craft ideas.
I wish you all the best and a peaceful Christmas with all your loved ones.

Warm regards
Andrea

Thanks, Monika, for this info. It’ll take a little while, though.
You know, I have to take it slow—my hand doesn’t want to do what I want it to.

What wonderful photos you have for us; they look really great. Thank you for sharing

Just like for Monika, it’s getting warmer here this week too. It’s supposed to rain today, and there’s a weather warning for black ice. That could be interesting, and I still have to go out to work today.

Everyone, please be careful on the roads

Lots of love, Andrea

To all experienced knitters:

Since my hands have been getting cold lately whenever I’m at the computer, I’d like to try my hand at knitting wrist warmers—the kind with little thumb holes. I already have an idea of how to knit them (just a straight piece of knit and purl stitches) and how to “set aside” stitches for the thumb.

Now for the actual question about size. How do I figure that out? Do you measure the circumference of your flat hand, or how do you handle it?
Thanks in advance for your tips.

Thank you so much, Josefa and Inge. Of course, I wish the same for you, and for everyone here on the forum.
Have a peaceful Fourth Sunday of Advent, with some crafts, a hot drink, Christmas music, and some delicious cookies.
I’m going to enjoy this weekend to the fullest, because then my vacation ends, and on Monday I’ll be back at it, refreshed and ready to go. I’m sure the residents are already missing me.

Hugs, Andrea

We’re just like Veronika . We don’t have a tree either. An artificial Advent wreath with decorations, colorful lights everywhere—that’s it.

Okay, in Norway we had a small artificial tree, and once a real one—back then I had a big Fröbel star on top, or sometimes just a simple red Christmas ornament on a ribbon. It varies for me.

Back when I was at my parents’ house, there was that obligatory white Christmas tree topper with silver glitter on top—the kind they used to have back then. I thought it was beautiful as a kid; it was the icing on the cake for the tree.

Veronika: I’ve already admired your little grinning bear. I love all the grinning little animals. They’re so cute—they put a smile on your face just from admiring them.
I think I’ll have to give the calendar idea some more thought for next year.
A group order sounds good 😀

Steffi: That’s a great find. See? And were they “real”?
The Norwegian kroner aren’t much different either. I’ve actually held a 500 NOK bill in my hand before. It’s quite something. It looks like a lot, but it would be about 50 euros (at the current exchange rate)
So, what does that tell us? Never throw books away.

OK, thanks, Josefa. It’s fine. I’m sorry.

Today I have a few little things to show you again.
More hearts, and a muffin from my new book

 

Petra: Your pillowcase looks great. I really like this pattern combination. I’d love to try making one like that, too.

My crochet project for my coworker is now finished. Now I’m thinking about what to tackle next.
Maybe I’ll keep crocheting my shawl with my favorite bobble yarn. We’ll see—and I know I need to take more breaks from crocheting. I’m only making slow progress.
But as long as I’m still on vacation, I have to make the most of my time.

Steffi: Your mosaic blanket has me intrigued, too. How long does it take you to complete a round now that you’re already so far along?

I hate underwire bras—they’re always poking me and slipping out of place, so I just toss them.
I only wear non-underwire bras, and occasionally push-up bras. Unfortunately, though, I can’t find any decent ones that really fit me or that I like.

I finally met up with my school friend today after more than a year. Just strolled through it briefly. Mostly just food stalls, and everything was overpriced. I had a mushroom dish.
I was there last week too, but with my childhood friend. Finally got to meet up after more than a year. But we had coffee at the Galerie (a small department store).

My husband and I went to the Magdeburg Christmas market last Thursday. Saw something different for a change and had a mulled wine.
As for eating Mutzen (those little doughnuts)—all they have now is that vegan stuff. Nah, thanks.
Other than that, it was worth seeing, and I even stopped by a craft store. Unfortunately, I didn’t find what I was looking for. Oh well.
Maybe we’ll head to the Christmas market in Potsdam this week. I love looking at all the beautiful light displays everywhere. I’m still on vacation this week.
But then I’ll have had enough of Christmas markets.

Wishing you all a wonderful Advent season

Yum, and it smells so good in here.

My place smells like cookies, too. First batch. We’ll continue tomorrow.

hello, you yarn mice,

I just read that here too. An accusation like that is not a nice thing to do, and very upsetting. But when it gets personal, it’s inhumane and disrespectful.

Ines, we’re here for you, and we know that you and all of us here are honest people and would never do something like that. We enjoy the fun of it, and right now you’re delighting us with your big mosaic blanket project, which is “growing” day by day.
You’re one step ahead of me there, because I haven’t crocheted squares in that size yet. Compliments.

The set with the appliqués looks really cute.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone. I really need to finally bake some cookies.

Lots of love, Andrea

I’m finishing up my second crochet project (pants for the teddy bear). The duck is done.
Now it’s time for a little break.

I also like coloring when I’m not crocheting. I can relax while doing it, and it’s just fun. 

Something like this, for example

 


I also have coloring books for adults.

Veronika, that’s so sweet of you to share this with us. I’m also curious to see how this will all turn out and what the other little bags might contain.
It all looks very promising. I’ll have to keep this in mind for next year.

That reminds me of my Advent calendar book. I’m already five patterns behind—oh man.

It’s always a joy to admire your creations.

Anja, that’s true—sometimes you just have to treat yourself to something nice. You’ve earned it for your perseverance.
Steffi, your blanket is really “growing” day by day. I’ve totally fallen in love with that pattern, too. Your crafts are so pretty.
Your cookie tree looks so funny. It wouldn’t last until Christmas at our house.
Marlene , that looks great. I think knitted items are softer and more delicate anyway. I just don’t have the patience for it. The pattern looks complicated.

To everyone: I kind of envy all of you for your crocheted and knitted projects, because I’m making rather slow progress right now. You know, I don’t want to overwork my hand again just yet, but I still have to finish one project. Actually by St. Nicholas Day, or maybe a little later—whatever.

Hi everyone,

you’ve all been busy again.

My duck is finished. This time I embroidered the design.
Now I just have to crochet the teddy bear. The clock is ticking.

Hello dear Ruth,🐞🎂🥂🍀💐

I couldn't check in here every day, and I'm sorry that I'm only now able to send you belated birthday wishes from the heart. 🧡
It's so nice to hear that you had a wonderful day. Stay just as you are, with all your creativity, health, and well-being.
I'm always happy to admire your creations and be inspired by you. Keep it up.

Best wishes from me
and a peaceful Advent season with your family

I, too, wish everyone here a lovely, peaceful Second Sunday of Advent, and hope that we can all continue to live in peace and without worries.

It’s been snowing here since yesterday. The roofs and cars are all white, but the roads are clear.
Just typical dreary winter weather.
There isn’t even any snow yet in Norway (I checked the webcam) where we used to live. We wanted to escape the snow, after all 😁

Just two more days of work, then I’ll be able to really enjoy the Advent season too. I finally put up some Christmas decorations yesterday.

Monika, when it comes to the doll overalls, I actually like the two-tone one better now—the one with the light-colored pants. That would be perfect for my little one. And those winter capes, too—really cute

Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to show yet. But I’m admiring your creations.

Happy birthday! 🍰🎂☕🥂🍀💐
Wishing you good luck and good health.

Wow, Steffi, that already looks really great. The pattern is much easier to make out now.
It’s making me want to crochet it myself right away.

That’s the mosaic technique. Once you get “hooked” on it, it’s hard to stop.
But be careful—make sure to take frequent breaks.
I’ve learned my lesson. My hand is feeling better now, and it doesn’t hurt as much anymore.
So I can slowly get back to my two crochet commissions so they’ll be finished before Christmas. I’m on vacation starting next week.

Oh Petra, that’s such a lovely way to put it 🧵, and you’re right.

Yes, that’s true. Time is just racing past us. Terrible...
How we used to look forward to the 8 weeks of vacation back in our school days (we still had to go to school on Saturdays). What are 8 weeks these days? Nothing.

The same goes for my time abroad in Norway. For me, it was 9 wonderful years, and I often wonder where the time went. It feels like it was only yesterday. Crazy.
Why is it that the older you get, the faster time passes? I don’t want to grow old so quickly 😁. Someone please stop time for a moment.

That’s why we slow down with our hobbies/crafts/vacations/free time

Wishing you all a peaceful Advent season 🎄

Crochet a string of lights

I made a few bead angels. I just barely managed to finish them.

Happy Thursday evening to you all

You’ve all been busy again. Looking at your wonderful projects already makes my fingers itch, but it’s just not getting any better. How could it, when you’re constantly moving around. Darn

Petra: Wishing you a speedy recovery too. You’ve been very creative there. It looks great. What kind of paint do you use for that? Do you put a primer on the glass?
Monika: Your Lara looks absolutely sweet in her new outfit. It’s a shame I can’t manage it that well.
Inge: lovely photo, you were a slim girl, and the pattern is timelessly beautiful.
Marion: Your knitting pattern does sound simple after all. I can do that once I’m pain-free again. Maybe knitting is easier on the hand than crocheting. I’ll try it.
Thanks Marina. It’ll probably still take a little while. I’m on vacation in December, so things will be calmer then.

Best wishes
Andrea

Currant jelly, homemade as a gift

Tina: Get well soon from me. Make sure you recover properly. They say getting plenty of sleep helps.
Crafting with kids—how about salt dough? Shape it, bake or let it dry, paint it—done.
Also works as tree ornaments.

Marion: Your scarf looks great with that pattern. Do you knit each row separately in one color and bring the stitches up from lower down? I can manage simple knitting projects like that.

I’m still on “rest period”—what a bummer.

You’re already well on your way, Steffi. It looks great.

Making an Advent Star

Oh my goodness. The first Sunday of Advent already? I’m not even in the Christmas spirit yet.
That can wait. We’re both on our own, and besides, I’m working the late shift this week.

But… I had my first mulled wine today. Delicious.
I had some roasted almonds and a chocolate-covered banana. We didn’t even have to go to the Christmas market, which opened today. There was a short circuit with the Christmas tree—no lights. What an embarrassment.

Right around the corner there was one of those “cute little cars”—it was pretty funny.

Thank you all for the get-well wishes.

Steffi: I don’t know why you’re always missing a stitch. I crochet the corners the same way (1 sc – 1 ch – 1 sc).
Maybe the turning chain counts as the first sc that you’re missing. I don’t know.
But you can always crochet one more stitch in between—that’s still possible.

Mosaic crochet is addictive. That’s true.

Well, my dears, I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing Sunday of crafting.
I have to head out for my late shift soon, and big snowflakes are falling outside. It’s unpleasant.

See you tonight.

Hey there,

you’ve all been busy again.

Monika: Your jumpsuit looks absolutely stunning. I love it.
What kind of yarn are you using for your knitted washcloths? Cotton?

Hey Steffi, that already looks gorgeous. I love mosaic crochet. Maybe I’ll crochet that blanket someday, too. The pattern really appeals to me.
What kind of yarn are you using? Because cotton is pretty heavy.


Everyone: My hand still isn’t any better. Unfortunately. I’m going around with a bandage on it.

Hugs, Andrea

It doesn’t have to be a full-blown gala. “Feeling comfortable” really sums it up.
We’re both on our own, but I’ll still put on my beloved Christmas sweater.
Even when we’re invited over to my parents’ for dinner, regular, comfortable clothes are perfectly fine.
Except for New Year’s Eve—then it’s okay to go for some glitter or that “little black dress.”

Beaded flowers

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend. Unfortunately, I have to work.

Weather-wise, it’s very cold and unpleasant today, with a light snow flurry. Time to curl up on the couch.

I’d love to crochet, but I’m still—or already again—in a “rest period.” I have tendonitis in my hand. Yes, that happens. I went to the doctor. I’m supposed to cool it
with quark (an old home remedy).
I’m getting a hand brace on prescription.

This blanket is beautiful. I took a look at it. Amazing. Happy crafting!