Latest Forum Posts by: Bastelfan

Wool, of course

I finally got around to trying out the entrelac crochet technique (following a video for beginners). It wasn’t nearly as hard as I always thought it would be.
My test piece is now going to become a cushion cover.

Sewing silk

Jacquard pattern

I definitely want to stick it out too, like Monika. So far I haven't had any problems, although it is tempting sometimes. Then I tell myself: "no, you're going to crochet up what you already have first".
Right now I'm crocheting with very thin yarn, hook size 1.75. That yarn has to get used up sometime too.

Have a pleasant week, everyone; I have 2 days off, so I can keep crocheting.

crocheting a simple double crochet

Sock yarn

I’m not really a fan of having wire inside the crocheted body. As Diana mentioned, pipe cleaner wire is a good solution.
You could also use green floral wire, taping the ends with a bandage (to prevent it from poking through), depending on how big the amigurumi is and how durable or sturdy you want it to be.

I once ordered “elephant wire” online somewhere. Yes, that’s actually what it’s called. I haven’t tried it yet, though. They’re thin but sturdy, flexible wires (all the same length). I can’t get everything here either.

Weaving in loose ends

Wow, you’ve all been busy again. These crocheted nests are a great idea, and so colorful too.
I also like the pillow with its varied crochet arrangement. Retro is “in.”
Thank you so much for liking my doilies. I’m quite happy with the final result, too. It’s quick to make and looks beautifully colorful. I crochet a lot with a 2.25 mm hook. Stiefwolle yarn, 100% cotton (50 g / 160 meters), and leftover Bobbel yarn (50% cotton, 50% acrylic), 200 g / 800 m, 3-ply or 4-ply.
I’ll use them as coasters.
Here’s a little tip: you could also crochet 2 pieces, sew them together and stuff them a little, and you’ve got a small pillow as decoration or for the doll mommies.

And here’s a crocheted blanket made from a pattern (but it’s not finished yet). I used up 3 leftover Bobbels.

I’ve finished crocheting something again. I’m using up my unloved “stepchild yarn,” which I really don’t like (I’m doing the yarn diet, after all).

Here’s the finished piece (pattern: ursulapetra)

Overlock thread (is that how it’s spelled?)

Quilting

We’re going to take it easy, too. I’ll be relaxing after a stressful week at work, doing some crocheting (to work through my yarn stash). Sleeping in, then enjoying a nice, cozy breakfast for two tomorrow morning. Some crafts are on the agenda.
Feet up—housework can wait for now. Taking some time for myself.

Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend!

Hemming

Fitting

I’m crocheting a square blanket based on a pattern by “Häkeln mit Meti” (crochet magazine).
Using up leftover yarn—I’m on a “yarn diet,” after all.

Gobelin embroidery

I’m in too, but I don’t think I can stick with it for a whole year. We’ll see.
I’ve already started crocheting away some unloved “stepchild yarn.” Just one skein—it was a bad buy (color-wise). The crochet project isn’t quite finished yet; I’ll post a picture later.
It actually feels good to clear out some space.

Together we can do this, and I wish everyone a healthy New Year, full of new ideas.

I wish everyone a wonderful start and all the best for 2020.
I was starting to think we were the only ones celebrating alone at home.
My husband and I also curled up together on the sofa and watched the New Year’s Eve show on TV. It was quiet and relaxed—we had some snacks and drank cider—and at midnight we Skyped with my parents to toast the New Year and congratulate my dad, whose birthday was on January 1st.
After that, we went to bed—I had to work, after all.

Wollwunder Petra, it really looks cozy at your place, and that delicious cake—mmm, yummy.
Arni , that’s not so great to hear. Well then, get well soon. Things can only get better.

It’s just the two of us—my husband and I—so we’ll curl up on the couch and watch the New Year’s Eve show on TV.
I have to work anyway, so I won't be going to bed too late.

Here in Norway, fireworks aren't really a big deal anyway, because of all the wooden houses. The Norwegians set off fireworks before midnight because they get together afterward to celebrate. So after midnight, it's dead quiet here. That's fine, too. I have to work on January 1st this time as well.

That looks really professional. Three machines—is one of them for embroidery?
I only have a regular one (Singer) for home use—for little sewing projects, alterations, or hemming curtains...

chic chic

Exactly, Ina—it gets dark early here too, and it’s cold, but I can only report snow at higher elevations; here we’ve got just a few flurries here and there, with some slippery spots. Yesterday we had sleet and temperatures ranging from -1 to +2 degrees.
But I’d love to have spring-like temperatures like you have, and some sunshine—though that doesn’t really get you in the Christmas spirit; it’s more like Easter.
It’s a bit of a bummer for the kids—no sledding or building snowmen. Just come on over, everyone, and we’ll have a real snowball fight.

Thanks for now, Petra. Maybe someone else will chime in with some tips.

I stumbled across these spool-knit animals online by chance.
They’re animals made from these knitting cords (Strickmühle).

Has anyone had any experience with these, or tried making them before?
They actually look pretty cute, but how do you hold it all together—sewing or gluing?

Yeah, exactly—baked apples. I’m going to try those soon, too, with some delicious vanilla sauce. Thanks, Claudia

Wollbaerli, the baking cocoa is only for baking, not to be confused with drinking chocolate or Trinkfix. So check the baking supplies section.
I hope I was able to help you.

Oh my gosh, Sandra—it took me two looks to realize that’s wool. At first I was wondering, “Where are the wool pom-poms?” It looks soooo real. Great idea.

Thanks, Monika—that really gets us in the Christmas spirit. Santa Claus, who’s reading aloud right now, is so cute.

Wishing all of you here a wonderful St. Nicholas Day and a cozy second Sunday of Advent. Make yourselves comfortable by candlelight with some homemade cookies.

Warm regards from Andrea

Late in the evening, I’d also like to join the crowd of well-wishers and wish you all the very best on your special day today. May it be a wonderful day for you. Well then, cheers to you!

Monika, we feel exactly the same way. We often watch “Traumschiff,” Herzkino movies, Pilcher movies, “Nord- und Ostseereport,” and all the “SOKO” episodes via the media library (I didn’t know them before, but my husband always watched them, and I like them too).

Back in Germany, I used to watch “Dschungelcamp” too—that was still possible seven years ago. Now I’m not really up to date anymore.
Here in Norway, we don’t have the German TV package. We don’t need it either.
I also liked “Bauer sucht Frau.” The same TV format exists here on Norwegian TV too; translated, it’s called “The Hunt for Love.” I still don’t watch it.
We often watch great documentaries about animals and things like that.
With the media library, you don’t have a lot of commercials in between.
We also do a lot of crafts (I do handicrafts or beadwork; my husband works on his model cars, and recently on his model train set).
So I don’t miss those annoying TV series in Germany at all.
Instead, I listen to a lot of radio, SAW.

Yes, that's true Monika, a little glimpse into your Advent rooms. Such gorgeous Advent wreaths. Thank you for showing them. There's something for everyone.

Ina, I think your Advent arrangement with those green-and-white candles is really wonderful. It doesn't always have to be red. It really has something special.

Even simple and understated Advent arrangements. Sometimes less is more. When you have pets at home, you do have to keep a few things in mind, I understand.

Then I wish you all a lovely 2nd Advent in advance.

Here’s my honey cake recipe (freshly baked yesterday).

Ingredients : 250 g flour
1/2 packet baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger you can also use
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon these ingredients in a jar as a baking mix
               1/2 tsp ground cloves to give as a gift
 1/2 tsp baking cocoa
100 g brown sugar

You’ll also need : 100 g softened butter
150 g liquid honey
2 eggs
                                       100 ml cold milk
200 g powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp lemon juice

Cream together the butter, sugar, honey, and eggs until smooth, then alternately stir in the flour mixture and the cold milk.
Pour the batter into 2 small loaf pans or 1 large loaf pan.
Bake in a preheated oven at 175 degrees until done, about 50 minutes.
Finally, pour the glaze (lemon juice and powdered sugar) over the top. Add sprinkles if desired.
Enjoy!

Hi there, everyone!
I also have my handwritten recipe book with stains. I’d like to join in too. Here’s the little gem—and the recipe.

I'd love to see how you've decorated your Advent wreaths.
Here's mine

Dear ruthk, on your birthday today
we wish you all the very best.
Put a bottle in the fridge now,
because your guests will be here soon.

Happy birthday and best wishes from me too.

Dear Akela, I hope you’re feeling better soon. Fresh air is always good for that.
I also wish everyone else a wonderful First Sunday of Advent.

I finally started decorating today—I hadn’t had time yet. At least I put the string of lights in the window and set up a few figurines with color-changing lights. I still have to bake some cookies, too.
Everything’s a bit late this time.

Well, then, make yourselves comfortable, everyone. We’re not going out tomorrow—brrrr, it’s -5 degrees here and freezing cold.

Best regards
Andrea

I use these colorful crochet hooks with the soft grip—they’re great and feel comfortable in my hand (at least for me right now). The hook itself is nice and round and smooth, so there are no sharp edges where the yarn always gets caught. These ones are fantastic.
I have trouble using those thin aluminum hooks because of my osteoarthritis.

Yeah, I’ve had the idea of using a shelf like that as a dollhouse, too—but I just don’t have the space for it yet. We’ll see.
Ruthk, seeing your living spaces as a whole is really impressive.
It makes you want to dive right into that play world. Wonderful.
I think you’re never too old for dollhouses.
For guys, it’s just model trains.

First of all, thank you so much for liking my snowman.
I only looked away for a moment, and already you’ve created some more beautiful pieces.
The Kasperle puppets turned out really well. The little crocheted hearts look so pretty—a great idea for thank-you notes.
That St. Nicholas boot already looks interesting just from its shape; the recipient is sure to be delighted with it.
As we get older, it’s the little things in life that bring joy to the heart.

Hey Ruthk, that looks so cozy, and what a pretty dollhouse. I really like that style of furniture, too. The Christmas wreath and everything else—it’s all decorated with such love. Beautiful.

I only have one recipe for sweet muffins on hand right now. It’s quick and easy (I got the recipe from the nursing home where we used to bake for the residents to go with their coffee).
You can enjoy muffins during the Christmas season—or really, any time.

Ingredients for 12–15 muffins (depending on the size of your muffin tin)

150 g softened butter
150 g sugar
1 packet vanilla sugar
1 egg
250 g plain yogurt or similar
220 g flour
2 heaping tsp baking powder

For the filling: Fruit of your choice, small apple pieces, or raisins (as desired, or omit the fruit)

Instructions : Beat the butter, sugar, vanilla sugar, and egg together with a mixer; then stir in the plain yogurt; finally, fold in the flour and baking powder.

Divide the batter among muffin cups (I use these silicone cups—you can fit them all on a standard baking sheet, and it’s enough for 15 muffins).
Bake at 180 degrees Celsius on the convection setting for about 20 minutes until golden brown (or adjust based on how dark or light you prefer them).
They always turn out perfectly. Enjoy them—you can top them with powdered sugar or a glaze, or sprinkle with streusel.

These are wonderful recipes.
Thanks, Ina—I’ll have to try those quark rolls.
Until now, I’d only known about these quark pretzels (my aunt always used to bake them and take them along as travel snacks).
I’ll see what other recipes I can find.

Don’t worry, I haven’t put up any decorations yet either. But I’m in the process of crocheting some decorations.
Here’s a start. A snowman based on a pattern I found online.





One with glasses and one without. All that’s missing are the arms and legs.

Thank you so much, Ina and ruthk. That really motivates me. I want to finish this project soon so I can enjoy it—and so can you, of course.

Best regards, Andrea

Here are the individual pieces for the dollhouse again, so you can get an overview.







And this is what it’s supposed to look like

Hi, everyone. Here, as promised, is a picture of my oven and stove.


I didn’t have any matching silver foil for the sink, so I used this hologram adhesive foil instead—no big deal.


I’ve also placed a casserole dish on top—it stays in place because the pot is made of heavy material (I found it by chance in the store and bought it), and it’s the right size, too.

Yes, Monika, you can also use little tin cans for that. A little “pocket-sized dollhouse to go,” so to speak. I’ve already seen that online. A little crocheted doll you can dress and undress, complete with bedding (pillow and blanket) for on the go.
Or repurpose those little children’s suitcases into a living room or something similar—there are so many possibilities.

My oven and sink are ready for the dollhouse—I’ll post a photo soon.

I’m totally thrilled with this homemade dollhouse. All the little details—it even has a little rope ladder. Kudos.
I used to have some of those little dolls, too—no idea where they went.
So, the dollhouse craze never really went away.
It’s so nice when you’re not alone in your hobby.

Wishing everyone here a wonderful weekend