Latest Forum Posts by: Bastelfan

Yes, saving money is definitely a topic that’s on all of our minds right now.
We were raised to be frugal even as children—there wasn’t much available back in the GDR days, but we appreciated what little we had. Cell phones and computers didn’t exist yet.
My husband and I always buy discontinued cell phone models; they’re cheaper, and I don’t need to have the latest and greatest anyway.

To stuff my crochet figures, I collect all the cut-off and woven-in ends that are left over—you can use them to stuff small figures, too.
For my mosaic crochet projects, I use all the leftover yarn I still have. I want to use it all up before I buy any new yarn. Yeah, that’s tempting—it’s a good thing the “swap package” exists.
We just “cleaned out” some stuff, and beforehand I removed the pretty colored buttons from shirts and blouses that no longer fit. I need those buttons for my crochet figures.

When it comes to groceries, we also only buy what we really need right now. We keep an eye out for special offers (by studying the advertising flyers)—though I get upset by the sheer volume in the mailbox and wonder how many trees must have had to die for them.
When it comes to meals, we turn leftovers into new dishes (frying leftover pasta, rice, etc., with eggs and sausage in a pan, or adding the rice to soup… and so on).
We don’t need a 3-star meal. We’re switching to smoothies now (homemade)—they’re refreshing and healthy.

When shopping, I sometimes buy those cloth bags if they come in nice colors; I then use them as linings for crocheted bags, so I don’t have to sew them.
With old pajamas, you can sew the two cuffed sleeves together to make doll pants.

There are so many ways to save money. You also often see these tiny houses with functional furniture in the media. That’s really interesting.

Finished another big granny square. Started today, and now it’s done. It’s so much fun when new patterns keep emerging.

Size: approx. 25 x 25 cm

Warm congratulations from me, too. Hope you had a wonderful day.

Yes, Christina, I know all about customs. I could never take part in the parcel swap either when we lived in Norway. That makes me all the happier to be able to join in now.

"wool-crazy swap ladies" sounds great *laughs* and it’s a ton of fun.

Thank you, Inge.

But of course, I can’t compete with the things you sew. For me, it’s more of a side project because I have so many other hobbies.

I still wonder today how I managed to make that blouse—even with a buttonhole—I have no idea. There are just so many talents in each of us.

Best regards

Hey Bine,

I’m totally blown away. What a wonderfully large haul, and I even recognize some of my own yarn. Have fun working with it.
I would have liked that “Moonlight” yarn, too.
But the “swap package” was sent off right away, and just like that, it’ll be with Ina soon.
I’m so curious to see what else arrives at Ina’s.
Wonderful.

Have a nice evening

Hello, everyone.

Here are the promised pictures of the doll sewn from leotard fabric and the blouse made from an old nightgown.

I can’t keep up at all. You’ve all made such great things again. I’m just amazed.

Marion, your Mia looks so cute in her outfit. Red, white, and blue are my favorite colors too (*grin* reminds me of the wonderful time in Norway)

Steffi, great work. The pattern looks complicated. Hats off to dark yarns — I struggle with them.

Christina, your bookmark is great. Small projects like that work up quickly, and thanks for the bookmark inspiration.
You can find these mosaic motifs online. Just type "Mosaic crochet pattern" into the search bar.
Or you can also find ideas and patterns for purchase on Etsy.
Since I know how it works, I often crochet from pictures.
I’ve already thought about drawing patterns on graph paper and then crocheting them using the mosaic technique.

I think we were raised to be frugal in the former GDR. There wasn’t much, but what we had was cherished—and it actually lasted longer than things do today.
I’ve always liked sheer fabrics, lace, and ruffles.
There were those nylon scarves my mom used to have. She’d wear them as a bow in her hair. Today, you could use them for a Barbie doll (blouse, dress).

We used to make a net out of old nylon stockings and wire for our little aquarium back then, to scoop out the fish when cleaning it.

A few years ago, I sewed a cute blouse for myself from an old cotton nightgown—sleeveless, even with buttonholes, and tied at the front—and embroidered a heart out of beads on it. I’ll dig it out (picture coming soon)

Then I plan to sew fabric bags out of my old tunics (workwear for the nursing profession)—in gorgeous colors like pink, light blue, and rose. Unfortunately, they don’t fit me anymore, and the fabric is washable at 60 degrees. It’s far too good to throw away.

If I do have to get rid of clothes, I remove the zippers and buttons—they’re expensive, after all. I use these zippers for my beaded pouches (wallets)

I’ve also sewn panel curtains for myself from old, long curtains.
So, as you can see, I sew every now and then, too.

A wonderful good evening to everyone here,

Hey Steffi, glad you found what you were looking for after all. Have fun working with it. I also held the dark gray yarn (in the middle)—it was sooooo soft, but unfortunately too dark for my projects. I’m really curious to see what your “fingerless” gloves will look like.

Ha, Ines, I feel exactly the same way as you do. Just a few more days, then we’re going on vacation. Since we don’t have a car anymore, we’re traveling by bus and train, so I can’t take much yarn with me in my suitcase. Two or three skeins are okay. What can you do?

Warm regards

Heartfelt congratulations, lots of luck and good health

Here you go, Sabine. You can start by crocheting small mosaics and then crocheting or sewing them together to make a doily. That way, you’ll see if it’s your thing or not.

It’s really a lot of fun. Once you get started, you won’t want to stop.
You can also make a little bag out of the many mosaic squares—just sew them together, add a handle, and you’re done.

I’ve also seen in English tutorials that curves and body proportions are worked directly into the crochet (by increasing and decreasing in that row).

For the nose, too, you can work several stitches into the center stitch of the face and then join them together in the next row. This is how you create cheeks on the face, for example. The same applies to ears.

It’s hard to explain right now. It works the same way for the bottom and knees. Just increase over 1–2 rows at the desired spot, and in the next round, crochet those stitches together so you return to the original number of stitches per round.

This saves you the trouble of sewing on separate pieces.

ruthk, that’s right. You’re right. Exactly, for the little doll. Maybe even a “matching outfit” for the clothes.

What else comes to mind? I’m sure there are those little fabric pouches with designs on them that you can color in yourself with fabric markers. Would that work? Or a small porcelain cup that she can decorate herself with porcelain markers (with Mom’s help, of course)—that way she’ll have her very own breakfast cup.

Hi everyone,

Moni , I just read that. As a crocheter, I’d crochet a little doll with a school cone as a good-luck charm.
Or I’d make a sort of abacus bead necklace with 1–10 beads, and attach a metal charm to it. I’ve already seen something like that on my beading forum (MyBB).
Acrylic beads work too, of course.
You could also crochet a little teddy bear with a safety vest and a school backpack—or did you have something specific in mind?

I wish you all a relaxing weekend, and of course wonderful Pentecost holidays.
Hope the weather cooperates.

I have to work this weekend, but then I’ll have three days off. We’ll be having a barbecue at my parents’ house.

If the weather’s nice, I’ll be crocheting on the balcony, or doing whatever else comes to mind (diamond painting, making beaded flowers, painting/drawing with stencils, continuing to knit the doll blanket I started). My dollhouse is also still waiting to be finished. I won’t be bored.

Thanks, Steffi, exactly. It’s really easy.
Once you get the hang of it, you can work any charted grid pattern.

Bine, it’s no big deal. I only have basic English skills, and I managed just fine with the patterns.
You can also find a list of English crochet abbreviations online.
If you’re having trouble, just ask Steffi or me. We’re happy to help.
Once you start, you won’t want to stop making these mosaics. It’s best to crochet in rounds. So, work each round separately with one color and single crochet stitches. Work everything into the back loop (the pattern is created by working the double crochets into the front loop).

Crocheting in rows makes sense if you want fringe on the sides, such as for a table runner or a small coaster.

My watchlist is doing fine. It keeps getting longer, even though I’ve already “cleaned it up.”
I could really use a few more hands :-)

I’m currently crocheting up some leftover yarn so I can then use my swap yarn. There are plenty of projects to work on.

I’m glad to hear that, Gaby. By the way, the Alize yarn is from me.
Have fun working with it. You’ve got a lovely little selection there.

Warm regards to everyone

The three of them are just so adorable. The two boys will definitely take good care of their little sister. I’m sure of that. They’re wearing such pretty outfits.
If I had more space, I’d set up a nostalgic doll stroller, too. But the doll’s crib will have to do for my two.
Being a doll mom is just wonderful :-))

Have a lovely afternoon, you busy bees,

it’s hard to keep up. So many pretty things have been created again.

Petra, I really like your blankets in all those different shades of blue. They always remind me of vacation - beach - sea.
Ines, your yellow jacket turned out great. You just want to put it on right away.
ruthk, that’s right, you’re telling your Seven Dwarfs story in pictures, and so creatively with that “glass coffin.”

@everyone: You can also use this heart-shaped pillow as a real pillow, but use thicker yarn so it gets bigger, and then stuff it more firmly, or use systematic stitch increases, then yarn of your choice will work too.
I’ve only stuffed it loosely for now and am using it as decoration. Dimensions approx. 20 x 20 cm (crocheted with Järbo yarn and size 2.5 hook)

But I’m going to crochet another red heart with the inscription “Best Mom.” I’ll give that to my mom for her birthday. I still have some white trim left, too.

ruthk, your 7 dwarfs look so cute. I think they look much more lively with arms attached. I’m also really looking forward to seeing your Snow White.

I still have so many projects on my list, including dwarfs that are all still waiting to be crocheted. So it never gets boring.

Thank you, Monika.
Oh, how cute. There’s just something special about homemade knits. I love these little knitted sweaters for dolls. You’ve always used such lovely “baby colors.” Your Laura is adorable.

Gütersloh

Oh my gosh, Inge. You’re so fast. I think your little pig is cute. The goose is cute too, but my favorite is the cuddly pig.

Hi Josefa,

May was a mixed bag (weather-wise), a bit stressful at work, but great for crafts.
I’m wrapping up May today with some dancing—together with my parents.

June starts with five early morning shifts, and in mid-June I’m finally going on vacation. I’m really ready for a break.
Two whole weeks. We’ll catch up on the Tina Turner musical (it was postponed because of COVID). Maybe a few days at the Baltic Sea, too. We’ll see what happens.

Best wishes from me

Hey Michaela,
I’d also like to belatedly wish you a very happy birthday. I hope you had a wonderful day surrounded by your loved ones. I hope you treated yourself to some coffee and cake.
Stay just the way you are, and keep up the great work with your creations.

Warmest regards from me

Hello, everyone,

You’ve all been busy again. I haven’t been completely idle either. Mosaic technique is so much fun. 
And I’m smitten with this candy heart pillow. It reminds me of that candy. Both are English patterns.

Wow, Inge, you’re so hard at work. Your penguins look great. I think it’s a great idea to use them as decorative pillows. I really like them.

Ulm

Oh, Monika, she looks so adorable. Wonderful

Thank you, Josefa

smells unpleasant

I’m so glad to hear that, Steffi, and everyone else.

Hasi was a huge hit. The little lady was absolutely thrilled with it.

I’m not really into monsters, but yours, dear Inge, looks great.
And that’s where the “worries” go—inside that little pocket. It’s got something to it. I like it. What kind of material is that (the red one)?

Thank you so much for your congratulations

—we had a lovely day/afternoon with sunshine, a walk, and a delicious meal. Now it’s time to relax—crafts are always a good option. It did us all a world of good.

For me, it was also my second marriage. For my husband, his third.
We still love each other just as much as we did on the first day. We have three grown sons who are all pursuing their own paths. Everything’s great.

Oh, then congratulations to you both as well. Thank you

That’s a great idea, Inge. You really have to think of it first.
I had no idea there were such nice bags.

Good morning,

I received this gorgeous bouquet of roses from my husband today for our 4th wedding anniversary. We’ve actually been together for 11 years.
My parents had their anniversary last week, so the four of us are going out to eat together today.

Good morning,

everyone! I’ve finished a new bunny for a coworker, and just like that, it’s already left my hands. It’s for a little girl.
Crocheted with Catania yarn and a size 2.5 hook.

Here it is (the big one with the purple pants)

Inge, I’m totally thrilled. You’re creating such cute little animals in the blink of an eye. You’ve really kicked it into high gear—admit it :-))

What kind of sewing machine do you have? I only have a simple “Singer” for home use.

Inge, I think your little bears are so beautiful. Such a variety of colors.
I used to have a plush teddy obsession too (only small ones because of limited space); now I crochet some for myself now and then.

I admire all the more how quickly you create these teddies. That's felt, right? Do you also sew with plush?

I tend more toward sewing dolls. Maybe later, when my hands can no longer crochet/knit.

Oh, Inge, then I wish you many days of pain relief, too.
I really admire you for delighting us with your sewing projects despite the pain, and that it helps distract you.

Handicrafts do me good, too—I try to switch off when I’m doing them, and most of the time it works.

I think it’s wonderful that this forum exists.

Exactly, Ina, that’s what I’ll do. :-)

The “MAPINA” knitting yarn is 50 g / yardage 195 m, 100% acrylic
10 x 10 is 30 stitches x 43 rows (according to the Tedi label)

It feels really soft. I’m always sensitive to scratchy wool, but this one is great.
I still have to try out whether it knits up well. I’m usually more of a crocheter.

Good morning!

Yes, I was also delighted by these wonderfully vibrant colors. They practically smile at you.
Exactly, Monika—these are such spring-summer colors.

The swap package was sent off today.
Kerstin, you have something to look forward to. I hope you have lots of fun with it.

Wishing you all a pleasant week

Mmm, those croissants look delicious. They’re making me hungry.

Is that a secret recipe? I’d love to try baking them myself.

Thank you. This pink is 100% polyacrylic and very thin.

I’d like to crochet a little teddy bear out of this pink.
As for this green and yellow, I’m imagining a striped doll sweater—we’ll see.

I also still have some swap yarn left over from last time.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday.

Well, I finally managed to find something after all. It wasn’t easy to decide.
There are still some great wool treasures in there.

Here’s what I found.

Oh man, that really makes your mouth water. Haven’t been here in a while, and the whole forum smells like your delicious baked goods.

I’ve noticed that I bake less here than I did in Norway. The selection of cakes here is just sooooo huge—simply delicious.
But soon I’ll start baking bread rolls again, or my apple cake made with a simple batter.
Today it’s store-bought peach flan and cherry Swiss roll.

Have a wonderful, indulgent weekend, everyone!