Latest Forum Posts by: Bastelfan

That was a kind gesture, Marlies. Tears of joy immediately welled up in my eyes—I know exactly how that feels, because I’ve worked in many nursing homes in Germany, and I always put my heart and soul into it. It felt so good to see the elderly residents happy when I was on duty.
They’re so grateful, and they deserve our respect and love.

Thanks so much, Petra. I hope soon—we’ll see.

We hardly had any snow at Christmas either—which is unusual for here—but then we’ve had some in January up until now (though still less than usual).

That’s why we’re going to crochet something great with colorful yarn.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone.

I'll answer too, a bit late. I had to work over the weekend, but now I'm doing well because I have 3 days off to relax and crochet, and I want to try a few exercises (joint mobility).

Peppermint tea, for me it's more the other way around. As long as I'm crocheting something for myself, everything is great, and I'm motivated too, I can let my creativity run free, but as soon as I crochet something for someone else, e.g. for a colleague, you have to work more carefully, with as few mistakes as possible, and wonder whether they'll like it the way they wanted it—then I lose motivation now and then because the project “drags on,” since I really want to make something for myself again.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing weekend.

In Germany, everything is already blooming and turning green, and for most people, gardening season is just beginning, but there’s no sign of spring here—the weather keeps changing constantly. Still, as soon as the sun peeks out this weekend, we’ll definitely go for a walk or a short bike ride, even if we still have to wear gloves.
That’s just how it is here in Norway.

Nadeleule, that’s a good idea with the frame and the balloon. I’ll have to remember that, thanks. I also need great inspiration now and then.

I knew the idea of making a million out of banknotes too, but I did it with play money.

That just gave me another idea: you could also make a kind of novelty raffle as a quick gift. You often have small items at home, such as a ballpoint pen = a travel typewriter; 2 packets of soup and 1 small mini candle = a candlelight dinner for two; 1 box of matches = an evening by the fireside for two; 1 spring from the ballpoint pen = so there’s always some spark between you, or something like that;

I made a kind of survival suitcase for my parents’ golden wedding anniversary (an ordinary children’s cardboard suitcase), with little things inside wrapped in a funny way. Take a look on YouTube for “funny emergency suitcase”; maybe you’ll find something there.

I still have some yarn left, too. Plenty of it. I’m working on a crochet commission right now, though, so I’m not sure if I have enough purple. It has to be enough. After all, I’m still sticking strictly to my yarn diet.

Oh, so that’s what it looks like. Thanks for showing me. You never stop learning.

Well, I mostly crochet for myself, too. I put my figures and dolls on my wall unit and enjoy looking at them every time. Or when I have guests, they have something to marvel at. I’m also attached to many of them and can’t bring myself to give them away.
I like to crochet for family and friends who appreciate it, or when I need a little gift for someone.
I occasionally take orders from coworkers, but then I have to work more precisely and neatly than usual. After all, I want it to be well-received. Sometimes it just happens by chance. When I show pictures of my work at the office, I often hear: “Oh, I want one of those too—can you crochet that for me…?”
I turn down difficult crochet requests that I can’t manage. I don’t want it to turn into stress—after all, the point is to relax.

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

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.

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

Yes, I bought exactly 4 balls of crochet yarn today. I actually still have plenty of yarn in stock, but I needed those for my amigurumi and ladybugs.
Otherwise, I’ll be fine with what I have through the winter months.

I wish you all a pleasant week too, despite the bad weather. You’re still doing pretty well there.
Here in Norway, winter arrived 3 days ago. Today I shoveled snow for the first time. Actually, the snow was long overdue, although it could have waited a bit longer. Oh well.
The next few days are supposed to bring yucky sleet weather, and then the whole thing might freeze over too. We’ll see.
That makes crafting just the right thing to do, along with a nice cappuccino—perfect.

In sunshine, which is missing at the moment, it looks so wonderful in winter.

@:Arni, wishing you a speedy recovery

Hey Nina, I just read this. So I’d also like to wish you a belated happy birthday, lots of luck, and above all good health—that’s important, because without it, nothing works.
Keep up the great work with your shop. Yes, the budgies are so cute. I hope you had a wonderful day, and that you still have many, many great ideas waiting inside you that we can then bring to life through crocheting.

Have a lovely Sunday

Warm regards, Andrea :-)

Thanks, Ina and Claudia, for your tip. That’s a great idea.

Definitely, Ina. Thanks. Hope you have a great weekend. I have to work.
I just had two days off.

I’m glad you like the pictures. I enjoy sharing my impressions and letting you in on the experience.
Now we’re back to our daily routine. But we’re always looking forward to the next vacation, which will come eventually.

I tried that out right away. You never stop learning. Thanks for the info.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend with plenty of sunshine, too.
The weather forecast here is calling for rain, but that’s what rain jackets are for.
We’re planning to head to Eidfjord on Sunday for a few days. We’ve rented a cabin there, and we’ll see what we end up doing. In any case, it’ll be all about unwinding, relaxing, and taking it easy. Of course, I’m bringing my crochet supplies along, too.
I’ll post pictures later. So have a great time, everyone.

Best wishes from Andrea

Christmas is still a long way off—the holidays will be here before we know it.
For now, it’s all about crocheting for summer in all those gorgeous, bright colors.

Before that, there’s still Halloween—but that can wait, too. We’ve got plenty of ideas, but we’ll tackle them all when the time comes.

@Nadeleule and @mowi19  Respect for your perseverance.

After these 3 yarn cakes, I’ll start my yarn diet. I already held back quite a bit when buying them.

We have another 2 weeks of vacation in August, so I can crochet some of it "away."

This is what my day off on Friday looked like. Totally relaxed

hi @Arni, I googled it, and if you enter "Diamond Painting 5D" on the Amazon page, there are pictures that are partially covered with stones. Take a look.

Thanks @melodymia19

I like to crochet with cotton yarns, and those yarn cakes that are 50% cotton and 50% acrylic

But I feel the same way when I order something online (here in Norway, I can’t get everything I want in the few craft and needlework shops, or at least not such beautiful colors), I’m always really excited and keep wondering when it will finally arrive. It’s funny how excited you get, like a child waiting for Christmas presents.
But my husband is exactly the same when he orders parts for his bike. We both have our hobbies. I think that’s nice.

Good morning, thank you all. It’s nice to be back here on the forum, too.

@Libelle11 : Yes, I live in Norway (moved here in 2012). Living where others go on vacation :-)

Have a great work week, everyone—hope you had a wonderful Pentecost holiday.

Andrea

Native American beads for crafting

mowi19, I live in eastern Norway. You definitely wouldn’t want to live here—we have long, cold winters and short summers.
It also took a long time for it to finally warm up here. Today it was even 21 degrees. It was almost unbearable in the sun. But soooo nice and warm.
Super gorgeous, idyllic scenery. It’s only a 10-minute bike ride to the little fjord—the forest is right on my doorstep, so to speak.

I currently have 427 on my wishlist (I’ve been cleaning it up, too), but it hasn’t become much less.

Get well soon from me too. For me, it’s more of a birch pollen allergy.

For us, Maundy Thursday is already a holiday—I have to work then—and Easter Monday means more money (holiday pay). My husband has time off until Easter Monday. But in exchange, we have Friday through Sunday off together. Of course, that means sleeping in, followed by a hearty, delicious breakfast (with fresh rolls, eggs, salmon, cappuccino...)

Colorfully dyed Easter eggs are a must, of course (my mom sent me special Easter egg dye from Germany—you can’t get it here).
In the afternoon, we’ll have homemade cake with whipped cream.

Depending on the weather here (there’s still some snow in places), we’ll either go for a walk or sit out on the patio—I can crochet there wonderfully, and my husband can pursue his hobby (riding his bike or motorcycle, or tinkering with them).
No stress—just taking it easy. We don’t have any visitors planned.

OK, CreatOwl, I’ll give it a try. Thanks for the tip.

Fuchsia

Welcome to the club, Anja—yeah, I know what you mean.
But of course I like winter when it’s dry and cold and comes with sunshine.
I really don’t like that kind of wet, dreary weather at all.
In spring, everything starts to bloom, and when it gets warmer, you can sit outside—I love that.

Every season has its pros and cons. You just have to make the best of it.

 
A Christmas moose in the neighboring town.

That’s so sweet of all of you—thank you for the birthday wishes.
We have a long weekend this time, and we’re really enjoying it—sleeping in. A nice breakfast
with rolls, eggs, and salmon, a cozy evening, and of course a little alcohol with
some snacks.

So thanks again to everyone here, and to CP and the forum—it’s just great being here with all of you.

Thanks for the quick reply

Thanks, Nancy and mowi. Yes, I read about UFO Week—I’ve got something for that, too.
I really need to start cutting back a bit to make room for new projects. Everyone here is so kind and nice, so nothing can go wrong. Exactly—motivation is everything.

I’ve finished another project, and I’m getting started on the next one.
With this heat, I’m going to relax indoors for now, have an iced coffee, and enjoy a delicious fruit tart (homemade).
Luckily, it’s not supposed to get quite as warm today—25 degrees, pleasant, sunny—so
I’ll be drinking cappuccino and crocheting outside on the patio.

Have a relaxing Sunday, everyone.

Exactly. I feel the same way. When I see yarn, I just want to crochet. There are plenty of patterns out there.
One more round here, another round there… which isn’t great, especially when you have to go out the next day. It really is hypnotic *laughs*

Thank you all so much for your congratulations.

I’ll treat you all to a virtual glass of sparkling wine for a toast. :-)

Thanks, Arni—we will. But first, we’re heading from Kiel to Brandenburg/H. to visit my parents; Saturday is their golden wedding anniversary, and then we’ll continue on to the Swabian Alb for a vacation—I hear it’s supposed to be really beautiful there. I haven’t been there myself yet, so I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like.
I’ll be back with some photos.
Have a great time, everyone.

I had to squeeze in another project—my son wanted a unicorn for an acquaintance, and I’m almost done with it. Just one more leg, the mane, and the tail to go, and it’ll be finished by next week before my vacation. It crocheted up relatively quickly—a whole 4 days (from the leg to the horn, about 40 cm). I usually work on smaller figures, but I need
to use up my nice Catania yarn too—there are a few scattered balls of different colors lying around. Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for large projects unless I crochet everything multicolored.

That all sounds interesting here. We’re all infected with the yarn bug, and that’s a good thing, and somehow funny too.
 
I also often buy my cotton crochet yarn online (including bargain offers), since I don’t have a yarn shop right around the corner either. There’s only the Panduro shop on my way to work, but I can’t always get the right yarn there. I mainly crochet with mercerized cotton yarn. I also have a few yarn cakes lying around that I wanted to “save” for larger projects; I ordered them in Germany and had them sent to my parents, since not everyone delivers here. So sometimes I have to be frugal with nice yarn.
So I wouldn’t be able to fit 90 skeins in my home either. My stash is manageable, but I only ever have small amounts of one color. I’m slowly trying to use up my leftovers (the not-so-nice yarn or colors I ordered at some point). You also become more demanding. I always want prettier bright colors, maxi skeins... That’s how it is for me anyway: if I ordered this or that yarn color a long time ago and don’t like it that much anymore now, then I somehow don’t feel like using it for great projects either. Then it gets used for less important projects, e.g. sample pieces for bags or similar things.
Often I see great patterns on CP and want to start right away, but then I don’t have enough of this or that color, which is annoying, and I think, you still have sooo much other yarn, use that all up first.
It’s hard to hold back when you see great yarn. But I’m already insanely excited about our vacation in Germany; of course we’ll go into a yarn shop again, I have to stock up (on yarn that I can’t get here in Norway).
I hope you roughly understand what I’m trying to say. ... it’s an endless cycle, and the pattern list keeps getting loooooonger. :-))

I don’t remember exactly when I first found this site, but it was through Google, because I wanted to know what amigurumi were. I didn’t know that back then.
So I started looking for patterns, and that’s how I ended up on CP. I’ve stayed because this place is so great :-)

I'm currently crocheting "Nemo" the fish—he just needs his fins, but other than that, he's done.

Thanks for the tip about the button—that’s a good idea.

Wishing you all a lovely, cozy second Sunday of Advent and lots of fun with your plans.

Unfortunately, I have to work, but I just had two days off, so I was able to keep crocheting my
Christmas moose.

There’s still snow here, too—I’ll send you a little bit over so the kids can go sledding.
Best, Andrea

Belated happy 50th birthday from me, too. Sounds like it was a wonderful and cozy celebration. It’s nice to be really pampered once in a while.

Unfortunately, I won’t be getting that old—next year I’ll have a repeating-digit birthday.

You’re as young as you feel. Cheers to you!

Oh, a baker and pastry chef in the family.
Don’t you get spoiled with all those sweet treats? :-)

Yes, I also remember crocheting pot holders in “Handicrafts” class at school very well. That’s when I started crocheting (around 1974–1976). We also made blankets out of these granny squares (they used to be called something else—crochet squares).
A friend of mine in 8th grade once gave me a handkerchief case made from these granny squares (it still exists). I then crocheted a shoulder bag together with another school friend—that was in 1978 (we both made the same one).
So, I’d say I practically grew up with yarn. My mom used to work at a worsted spinning mill called Alwo (Altenburger Wollspinnerei), and she’d always bring home these bags of yarn (for a low price)
Later on, I also spent some time knitting those Pumuckl-themed sweaters for my kids—even little cable patterns and scarves. Since I often drop stitches when knitting, I gave it up.
Then, when these amigurumi figures became popular (I had to Google what they were first), I started with a little mini Hello Kitty. Ever since then, I’ve been hooked on these crocheted figures. Mostly, I crochet dolls. Animals, not so much.
I’ve crocheted small doilies, round tablecloths, triangular shawls, dolls, loveys, and a few animals (dog, cat, elephant, mouse, frog, donkey)
Thanks to CP, there are more and more of them, and you get better and better too. My first figures didn’t look as neat as the new ones do now.

Yeah, the profile picture is great.
It kind of makes me want to come over for coffee and crochet with you. So cozy.