Latest Forum Posts by: Bastelfan

Well, up here in the far north, it was “normally” windy. Most of the snow is gone, with temperatures mostly around +5 degrees, and sometimes as low as -6 in the early mornings. At least everything here is snow-free, except at higher elevations. And it stays light for longer now.

Well, that sounds great, Sandra, about your vacation. Massages are wonderful. What exactly is a bio sauna? With herbal infusions and things like that?
I had to smile when I read that your Anton climbed out of bed. Yes, I remember that from my kids when they were little. We took a few bars out of the bed so they could climb in and out more easily without hurting themselves. Kids are curious, after all, and try everything.
Have fun,

and I hope all the forum members have a pleasant working week.

Do any of you know these extended stitches? I tried them out (I saw them in the new “Simply Crochet” magazine). I’d never heard of this type of stitch before.
Once you know how to do it, you can crochet little “landscapes.”

Here’s my little wall hanging (1 front, 1 back) as a test.

Well, I currently have 372 on my list, including free patterns. I’ve “cleaned it up” a few times in between, though.
As Heike says, new ones keep getting added all the time.

Once again, there are so many wonderful creations here to admire.
Claudia, I really like your yarn cake too—those are just my colors.

Of course, I haven’t been idle these past few days either, and I was able to finish quite a few things on my days off (finished a UFO—a makeup bag, used up some yarn stash, learned new stitches—extended double crochet and treble crochet, re-dressed my doll, crocheted a bag from leftover yarn, tried the entrelac technique—cushion cover...)

Here are my creations.

Arni, I hope you have a wonderful winter vacation with your sweet little boy. Snow is becoming increasingly rare in Germany, but here in Norway we have some—though less than usual.

I wish all forum members a lovely, relaxing Sunday. I hear it’s going to be stormy where you are, so that’s just right for some crafts, putting your feet up, and enjoying a cappuccino—perfect.

I hope you all have a great rest of your Saturday, and enjoy your Sunday.
Winter has returned here—yes, there’s snow on the ground.

I baked some quark rolls for Sunday breakfast.
Then I’ll do a little crocheting and put my feet up.

Best regards

Tunisian crochet

Crocheting mandalas

I’ve finished my crocheted mouse—the first one has already left my home. This one is staying with me.

But here’s something else that just came to mind about envelopes.
I used to print on my regular envelopes myself—that is, I’d take a bottle of stain remover (I don’t remember what kind it was) and rub it onto the spot on the paper where I wanted my design to go. Then I’d place the cut-out design, printed side down, on that spot, press it down a little, and just like that, my design was on the envelope.
The ink transfers from the design to the envelope.
I only used glossy paper from magazines—that worked best.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo to prove it anymore.

Yeah, Ina, that’s really a great idea of yours. But I did it the same way as Wollbaerli—I just cut an envelope apart—because I don’t have a template like that yet.
I’m just like that—I can’t throw anything away if I can still make something out of it. I’ve always saved these little mini-envelopes to use as templates.

When I read your post here, I was just in the middle of making gift boxes. So I cut open a little gingerbread box, used it as a template, and ta-da—a new colorful box was created from colorful construction paper with butterflies.
Valentine’s Day is coming up soon, so I still need a little something for my sweetheart.

Hemming

Hey Ina,
I had no idea such mats with a grid existed. Thanks for showing me. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.
I don’t need one quite that big. But it’s great for granny squares, small projects, or table runners.
Can you choose the number of pieces yourself, or are they already packaged that way?

I haven’t re-weighed it yet, but I’m still bravely sticking with it and have held out so far.

Have a great work week, everyone, and have fun “dieting.”

Popcorn stitch

Intarsia embroidery

Those are “copyrighted” characters, but it’s still a shame—I agree.

Entrelac crochet technique

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.