Latest Forum Posts by: Bastelfan

So far, I’m doing fine, except right now—after the late shift—I’m totally wiped out. There were only two of us for over 25 residents, one qualified staff member for two floors (because of the meds).
My feet hurt, and I barely made it onto my bus. I had three minutes to spare.
Staff shortages, illness. It’s awful.

On Sunday, I went with my parents for afternoon coffee and dancing. It was a really nice afternoon. It did me good. I recharged my “batteries.”

I hope most of you are still healthy, and I wish those who are sick a speedy recovery.

Sleep well
Best regards, Andrea

My very best wishes for your birthday—wishing you good luck and good health.

Warm regards, Andrea

Thanks, and have a great weekend too, despite the time change.
I don’t need this change either. An extra hour is fine, but losing an hour is really tough until your body gets used to it again.

I have the weekend off and am enjoying it. On Sunday afternoon, we’re going with my parents to an afternoon coffee and dance. I’m really looking forward to it—it’s been ages since I’ve been. It’ll be great.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Hi everyone,

those are really great tips—thank you!

Inge’s idea is interesting. I’ll give that a try when I get the chance.
I sew so rarely that I wasn’t familiar with Vlisofix. It helped me a lot. Thanks

Best regards

hello Monika, I feel exactly the same, and I’ve already been thinking about the best way to do it (if I ever find the time).
Years ago I bought a pretty T-shirt on the Baltic Sea coast, black with an anchor motif, with little glued-on rhinestones that sparkle in the sunlight. Unfortunately it doesn’t fit anymore.

My idea is: to cut out this motif generously, and then sew it back onto a well-fitting black T-shirt with the sewing machine. Either round or oval.

Maybe someone has a tip on how to sew it on more or less wrinkle-free and straight in the center.
I don’t have such a large embroidery hoop to stretch it in.

It’s too nice for me to throw away, and as a small cushion cover, I already have so many. Maybe a small bag—far too nice for that.
So I’d rather use it as a shirt for summer.

Do you use a regular stitch or zigzag for sewing around it? I have no idea. I don’t have an embroidery machine.

I’m also looking forward to ideas and tips. Thanks in advance.

and I wish everyone a lovely weekend

So cute you just want to hug him. It looks great on him.

Good morning

Thank you for your feedback.

Exactly, Monika—I brought along the blue sky that I love sooooo much. It just looks gorgeous.

Wow, Ina, you always manage to pull this off so well. Great job. It looks fantastic, and the colors all go together perfectly.
I have a sewing machine too, but it’s mostly for personal use—I rarely sew anything because it acts up with the bobbin every now and then.

You’re going to become a sewing pro. Thanks for the tips—if I ever do sew something, I’ll know what to do.

Have fun, everyone!

Mmm, that looks delicious, Marlies . It makes you want to take a bite right away.

Thanks, and I wish you all a wonderful weekend—or the rest of a lovely Sunday.
I have the late shift again tomorrow, but I’m off on Monday. Then I’ll sit out on the balcony in the sunshine, enjoy some spaghetti ice cream, and do some crocheting.

Warm regards from me

Dear Monika,

I was working the late shift, so I’m just now sending my warmest birthday wishes for today. Wishing you good luck and good health—stay just the way you are.
We’re glad you had a wonderful day today, with delicious cake and coffee.
The weather was sunny, too, despite the wind.

Please keep joining us here on the forum—it’s always a pleasure to admire your creations, and everyone else’s, of course. We’re like one big family here.

Cheers—here’s to you



Best regards from Andrea

Spring is slowly arriving here, too.

My husband and I went on a lovely bike ride to Radewege today. I had the day off, and the weather was gorgeous. We took a break and enjoyed some delicious food.
Here are a few photos

 
 

hello Ina, congratulations on your grandchild. She looks so adorable. Thank you for showing us. The little one is now the center of the family and now has a little brother who looks after her..
Yes, time goes by far too quickly, and then they’re grown up. Enjoy this time, all the very best for your family happiness.
Your picture frame looks beautiful. A wonderful idea.

You all really do have a lot to do, with gardening, trees, hedges.
And yet you still find time for crafting. Hats off to you.

Monika, I really had to smile and can picture your husband sitting next to you and your “babies,” amazed at how quickly you dress them all. You really do whip up one pretty piece after another. I admire you for that again.
When you get a chance, please post a group photo of your “babies” with their outfits.

kind regards from me

Good morning, fellow craft lovers!

I hope you all have a lovely, sunny Sunday.
At least here, the sun is shining, though it’s a bit chilly for the balcony.

My parents invited us to go bowling yesterday with their group. First, we had a delicious meal, punch, beer, and schnapps, then some exercise.
Everything was arranged in advance, including the use of the bowling alley.
It was so much fun. I think the last time I went bowling was maybe 15 years ago.

The funniest part was that all three top spots—along with the certificates—stayed within the family.
My mom took first place, I took second place by just one point, and my dad took third place among the men. Crazy, and I hadn’t practiced beforehand—which everyone joked about.
They even crowned the “Rat King.” We’d missed having such a cozy get-together for a long time, and I was able to really unwind from my daily work routine.


It was a fun and successful evening

—now it’s back to crocheting.

Wow, it looks like you all have quite a lot planned for the weekend.

I’m taking it a bit easier—my job is exhausting enough as it is, and I’m also a bit laid up. So I’ll be staying on the couch or out on the balcony, working through my crochet orders (I’m just a little pressed for time there).
Maybe we’ll also go on a little bike ride. I’m really in the mood for that, and I’d love to stop at an ice cream shop along the way for some ice cream. Exactly.

You lovely people, I wish you all a wonderful, sunny weekend

Best wishes from me

Thank you, Inge, for sharing. The blossoms aren’t quite that far along here yet.
But the hedge is already showing little green leaves.
From our balcony, we can watch the birds. A pair of blackbirds and two turtle doves are constantly perched in the tree, making their calls.

There’s just a light breeze today, but the sun is already strong. It’s cold in the morning, and by the end of the workday, you’re sweltering in your thick jacket.

I have the weekend off now. If the weather’s nice, we’ll go for a bike ride. We’re not used to temperatures like this at this time of year anymore. But it’s lovely.

Enjoy the sunshine!

Marlene, if this is going to be a shawl, I’d leave the edge as is. The pattern and the jagged edge alone already make it look so great.

Thank you. Unfortunately, the bunny has already left me today and found a new home.

Petra: The idea of using socks as tights for the baby dolls is brilliant. I’ll have to remember that. Thanks for sharing. She looks so cute in them.

Monika: I feel the same way. There weren’t such pretty dolls in such a variety back in the day. Now we’re making up for all that. I used to love dressing up dolls, and I even hand-sewed clothes myself for a used “Art Barbie” doll I was given back then.

We’d play “mom, dad, and child” with the little dollhouse dolls and set up the dollhouse just the way we liked it as kids. My dollhouse even had a light (that flat battery with the metal contacts you had to bend and the wires attached).

How quickly time flies. Once a doll mom, always a doll mom—no matter how old you are.

Have fun with your little darlings!

Well, I like to use these colorful plastic stitch markers. They come in different sizes, though. I prefer the larger ones because the end is thinner and longer—better for my crochet stitches.

I need them when I’m crocheting in spiral rounds, or when I take a break from crocheting—I place the stitch marker in the last stitch.

For example, when I’m crocheting a garment and want to check the fit, I use the stitch marker to pin the two crocheted pieces together, or if I want to create sections, they’re really helpful.

I even use them for my little amigurumi.

That’s right—back in the days of the GDR, this was celebrated in a big way at work. Afternoon coffee and cake, and every time you’d get these little flowers to pin on your clothes. A different one every year. I used to save and collect them.
Unfortunately, those flowers got lost during all the moves.

Today is just a workday for me. I wouldn’t really consider it a holiday either.

But… the women residents at our care home each received a rose today, and everyone—including us caregivers—got a glass of punch. A buffet was set up for us, featuring cold cuts, salmon, scrambled eggs, fried eggs, fruit, meatballs, small sausages, something sweet with strawberries, and much more. I was absolutely stuffed.
So the nursing home really went all out. Hats off to them!

Oh Monika, it’s such a joy to watch your “family” grow.
They look so adorable, and the way you always dress them up is absolutely charming. And you get it done so quickly—it’s amazing.
That wicker cart looks great, and they all fit right in there. I’m sure you dress your little doll kids according to the season, right? Like summer or winter outfits.
You can’t even blink before the clothes are done.

We’re both so lucky to have such understanding husbands. Mine has his own hobbies, too, which I totally get because I like miniatures myself (with his model train set).

Today was such lovely spring weather with sunshine that we spontaneously moved our coffee break out onto the balcony. The sun was really strong—we even sat outside in short sleeves for a bit. Absolutely wonderful, and I had the day off. I really enjoyed it.

Naming your twins: my suggestion—Jan and Tini
(the names remind me of a former East German children’s show: “Jan and Tini on the Road”). I think they’d be a good fit.

Have a lovely afternoon, everyone!

Hi everyone,

I have something new to show you again. AL from the blog

Well then, get well soon, Inge.

Hi Marion,
warmest birthday wishes—may you have good luck and good health.
Let yourself be pampered today, and enjoy the time with your family.
Stay just the way you are, and keep up the great work with your shop—I love your patterns.

Cheers!

Warm regards from
Andrea

I have to work this weekend, but I have Monday off, and then it’s back to the early shift.
I’ll be crocheting every free minute I have—if I don’t fall asleep from exhaustion after work.

Otherwise, enjoy the weekend, everyone, and do whatever you feel like doing

Best regards

Hi everyone,

Anja, thanks for checking in. I’m healthy and back at work already. I’ve recovered from COVID—no lingering effects. Fingers crossed. I’m in the mood to crochet again, too.
I’m sure you’ll be able to get back into it with full enthusiasm at some point and finish your jacket. I’m certain of it.

Sandra, those dino bags look great. I’m sure you’ll find buyers for them.
My kids used to be crazy about dinosaurs, too. Maybe you could color the dinosaurs—then everyone would have their own unique dinosaur bag.
I like them.

Have a nice evening!

Inge, that’s a really lovely idea.
My personal favorite is the yellow one embroidered with dark blue. It really makes the dove stand out.

The recipients are going to be so happy. Great job.

Ina, we were all curious to see what would end up in your package. A very nice mix. My wool/yarn has also already found new homes along the way, which makes me happy.
I would have liked to try that Drops Safran myself. But that’s what this swap is for—to feel and test things you’d never otherwise buy in a store.

I’m sure you’ll show us some of your finished projects made from the swap yarn. We’re really looking forward to it.
It’ll still take me a little while, though. First up are my Easter bunnies and the blanket for Krümel.

I’d like to echo the sentiments of the previous commenters and thank you once again from the bottom of my heart, dear Ina, for starting this “Swap Package” event. I’ll definitely be joining in again next time.
Exactly, Monika—it’s like Christmas and Easter rolled into one. The element of surprise.

Warmest regards to everyone here

my doll is a full 52 cm tall and has sleep eyes. So when you lay her down, her eyes close.
This one has a hollow body made of lightweight material. The arms and legs (which are sturdier than the head) can only be moved up and down. You can comb her hair.

As a child, my dolls always had to have real hair so I could style it.
My mom also had a Käthe Kruse doll. I have no idea where it ended up.

Have fun with your precious little dolls!

Dear doll moms

Then I’ll show you my Susi too.
The little jacket is still from my children’s going-out set. The hat is from another crochet doll (it came with her). My mom knitted the sweater back then, and the knitted undies are still from my late great-grandmother.
Please don’t be surprised that my doll no longer has fingernails on her right hand. I cut them off when I was a kid, thinking they’d grow back. Fat chance.

Here she is



She’s 50 years old now

What a magnificent display of blooms. Unbelievable. Beautiful.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had any luck with the orchid I was given. Well, it only had 4–6 blooms, and they’ve all fallen off. I like orchids—or is it too warm for it here? I have no idea.
My Christmas cactus had blooms; I thought they’d open up more, but no—they just dried up.

Maybe it’s because we have a west-facing window. Flowers tend to prefer south-facing windows.
In Norway, I had no problems with the south-facing window location.
I don’t even dare to buy plants anymore. It’s a shame, really.

Oh Monika, you’ve got some wonderful doll treasures there. I know they’ll be leaving you again.
Unfortunately, I can’t help you with that either. But this little boy pee-pee doll, I’d say, looks a lot like my Susi. She could really be from the late ’70s/’80s.
I still have my little doll from that time.
I’ve been meaning to show her to you for a long time, but unfortunately she still can’t present herself dressed.

Well, I hope your little treasures find a loving home.

I didn't know that either. Thank you

Thanks for the info. You’ve been a big help.

Good morning,

thanks, Petra. Let’s see if anyone else can help me out.

Since I crochet with cotton a lot, I’m not sure which of the two types works better for crocheting. You can’t really tell from pictures.

We had homemade lasagna today—it always turns out well, it’s quick, and my husband’s birthday guests loved it.

Since I sometimes work early or late shifts, we have to mix it up with things that are quick to make.
Sometimes it’s stew from a can, sometimes the famous spirelli with tomato sauce, or rice with mushrooms, pizza, or a kebab.
It depends on the time of day and how hungry we are.
My husband wants to eat less again anyway, so a salad and some toast are enough for the two of us, or just a sausage sandwich or a banana slice.

But my famous fried sandwich (a recipe from my childhood) is quick to make and perfect for a snack
Per person, take 2 slices of bread (untoasted), spread mustard on one half and ketchup on the other.
Add 1–2 slices of sausage in between, depending on your taste, then fold it all together. Dip the whole thing in egg, then fry it in a pan on both sides.
We sure like it, anyway.
It doesn’t always have to be a feast. Sometimes pudding, semolina porridge, or rice pudding.
We even whip up a meal out of leftovers.
Back in the day, there was that “Hawaiian Toast”—toast with a slice of salami, a slice of pineapple, cheese on top, and into the oven. Mmmm, delicious.

Anyway, enough about food. I’m going to sleep now. Good night

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between Turkish and Egyptian cotton when it comes to balls of yarn?

Thanks in advance

Sleep well

I’m definitely not in the mood to celebrate. What we’re seeing in the media is truly frightening.
The fact that something like this can still happen in this day and age makes us incredibly angry.
Especially because there’s nothing we can do about it. Those who want to wage war will do so, no matter what, regardless of the cost. We’re the ones who suffer—those of us who just want to live in peace.
We were already restricted because of the pandemic, and now they’re taking away our last glimmer of hope.

I work at a nursing home with many elderly residents who’ve already lived through wars; they keep asking me, full of fear, what’s going to happen next. It’s playing on every TV channel in the rooms.
So in the dining room, we always just turn on the radio or a CD so they don’t hear too much of it, but it doesn’t work. It’s just shocking, I can only say.

When we staff members had a break, we’d go out onto the terrace for about five minutes, and suddenly we’d hear a bang here and there—you immediately think, “Are they already shooting?” It sounded like a New Year’s Eve firecracker, but you didn’t see anything. That’s how far the fear has gone.
People don’t even dare to go out on the street at night anymore.

Thank you, Josefa—I wish the same for you and everyone else here on the forum.

It’s my husband’s birthday today, and we’ll be celebrating a little tomorrow.
Since I had a late shift today, tomorrow I’ll bake my favorite fruit tarts, prep the lasagna, tidy up a bit, set the table, and then it’s time for coffee.

There are six of us, and we’re all vaccinated. I actually have the weekend off—yay!
On Sunday, I plan to sleep in and do some crocheting.

Stay healthy, everyone, and have fun with whatever you’ve got planned.

hey Petra, that was quick with the swap package. Too bad it was already my turn. I would have picked out those two Bobbels too. But that’s how it is, always being surprised anew.
I’m already looking forward to the next swap package going on its travels again.

I made it through my first day at work. First I had to find my rhythm again. Everyone was happy that I was back. That’s motivating. After taking some time off, the first day is always hard. Two more, then time off.

sleep well

Hi everyone,

Steffi —your paper figures are absolutely amazing. I’m not sure if I’d have the patience for that, even though I also enjoy crafting with paper—though I mostly make greeting cards.
How big is your masterpiece, the “cat”?

Christina, I used the thin yarn from Hobbii, Rainbow Lace (100% mercerized cotton), or some leftover Rico Garn Essentials Crochet (50g – 280 m)—it crochets up beautifully.

Well then, keep crafting away—I’m starting to get a little anxious about my workday.
See you later

Thanks, Sandra and Monika

Health update: Today marks day 10 for me. I still have a cough and a slight cold.
I went to the testing center today just to be safe—the result was negative. That means
I’m going back to work tomorrow. It’ll be an adjustment, and stress will be back.

Otherwise, I’m doing well. I still have to finish three of the mini bunnies.
But I’m on late shift for the next three days now. I’ll have the weekend off again, so I’ll keep crocheting then.

Stay healthy, everyone, and to those who are sick—get well soon, and I hope everything goes well.

Have a nice evening

You’ve all made such amazing things again. Unbelievable.

Monika, when do you actually sleep, at the rate you’re going?

I have something to show again, too. Mini Bunny No. 1 is finished. Great size comparison. The big ones are made with Catania, and the little one with a 1.75 mm needle.

So, I’m actually knitting garter stitch right now with my fluffy yarn. These stitches are easy to knit, and it’s still fluffy.

So what is seed stitch, then? Alternating knit and purl stitches, but offset?

Hey there,

What a great haul, and so versatile. I recognize some of my own yarn in there too, and it’s interesting to see who ends up with it.
We’re really excited to see what you’ll make with it. Have fun with it

Today was my first time going shopping again after my quarantine. It felt pretty strange. I was quite out of breath, and that nasty cold wind.
I still have a bit of a break until tomorrow, then on Wednesday I’ll be going back to work.
It’ll be an adjustment.

I’m going to crochet a little more on my bunnies. Have a wonderful day, everyone

Best wishes
Andrea

I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday,

Thank you, Ruth, for the photo. The yarn looks so cozy and “teddy-like” when knitted.

Exactly, Marion —I probably wouldn’t have bought this yarn at the store at all.
It feels incredibly soft, too, and I was totally convinced it would be easy to crochet with, but no—knitted, it feels even cozier and is sooooo light.

I can totally understand why Ruth loves wearing her sweater so much.
But this yarn is definitely going on my wish list. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough for a bigger project.

Hope you’re all still enjoying your crafting.

I’m curious to see what the next yarn swappers will choose.

Bye!

Oh dear, Ina, that’s frustrating. The storm really ruined all your hard work.

Around here, trees have fallen on cars, roads have been closed, and roofs have been torn off.
It’s enough to scare you. But everything’s okay here.

Hello, everyone!

Yes, Monika, the fluffy yarn inspired me to knit. To be honest, it was Ina’s fluffy blanket. Some of the yarn also comes from her stash.

The sun is shining right now.

Good evening,

even though it’s late—yes, I’m feeling a bit better already, and I’m in the mood for some crafting. It’s just that staying focused is a bit of a challenge; I still need to take breaks more often. Sitting for too long makes me restless.

First, I’m knitting a blanket for my doll out of my plush yarn. With the leftover yarn, maybe a small, cozy pillowcase.
If I had more of it, I’d knit a cozy jacket, because it’s so fluffy and light to the touch when worked, and it keeps you incredibly warm.
Without this swap package, I would never have known how wonderful this yarn is to knit with.

Oh, oh, Ina, that doesn’t sound good. Yes, the storm is really raging. Up here on the 3rd floor, it’s really windy. I moved my plant down to the balcony below. Up on the balcony above us, an old tin can is rolling around (from the smokers up there)—it sounds awful.
Otherwise, everything’s fine.

I hope the storm spares you from any further danger. Stay healthy, and have a wonderful weekend

—warm regards, Andrea

Thank you very much for your suggestions. You’ve been a great help to me.