Latest Forum Posts by: dievomdeich

Jüchen  (rutabaga stew)

Bean soup

Xarda (mackerel)

Whole-grain bread

Sauerbraten... yum! We’re having that for dinner tonight =)

Irish Coffee

Happy birthday and all the best for the coming year.

Best regards, Marlies

Buttermilk pudding

Potato salad

Chicken soup

Dear Claudia,

I think it’s great that we can share our wishes.
I’m a bit late to the party, but unfortunately I’ve been out of commission for a while.

I’ve often seen sailing ships in filet crochet online.
Sometimes there are patterns, but only in Russian, which I can’t make head or tail of. They come in various sizes and with different numbers of masts.

If something like that were available here, a big wish of mine would come true.

Otherwise, kudos again for your great ideas.

Best regards, Marlies

I think it’s great that I’m in such pleasant company here with this “addiction.” ;)

Somehow, there’s always one color missing. Once you’ve bought it, new ideas pop up, and just like that: another color is missing...

I just received another “surprise bag” — or rather, a “surprise sack” — as a gift. That will turn into lots of nice little things again.

Best regards, Marlies

Dragon fruit

Dear Ina, you really had a great idea with this topic—thank you!

I’d like to add something to my post:
Today we performed at the summer festival (in the pouring rain) at the senior living facility where our founder now lives. She’s 97 years old today and came up with the idea to start our dance group 30 years ago.
She now has dementia, but fortunately it’s not too severe yet. The dance group is still very close to her heart. We were able to surprise her with the performance today, and she was given a seat of honor.
You can’t imagine what a wonderful feeling it was to see the sparkle in this elderly lady’s eyes and to witness her joy. That’s when you know you’re doing the right thing.

Best regards, Marlies

For me, it was a 5 g ball for crocheting handkerchief edging and a 500 g monster ball that my grandma had found somewhere. She later got a sofa cushion made from it for her birthday.

As a child, I always wanted to be a dancer. Whenever I was at Grandma’s, I always had to dance for her.
Then, at some point, the end of school was in sight, and I had to choose something “serious.” I wanted to become a foreign language correspondent for English and French. I was accepted by the school in Hamburg. Then came the big disappointment: students from Hamburg had also applied, and as someone from Lower Saxony, I was out of the running. Even the accommodation and everything had already been arranged. I was supposed to stay during the week with my dad’s boss and his wife (a super-nice older couple) and go home on the weekends.
I was a bit undecided after that. Then the career counselor came to school. Amazing what a guy like that thinks he knows about a teenage girl. Well, he recommended office clerk, and my parents thought that was a great idea.
I quit my first apprenticeship during the probationary period. The boss was quite fond of alcohol, and basically, I was always the one who messed everything up—and I was even blamed for the money missing from the cash register (which the boss’s wife had taken out without a receipt).
It’s a good thing I quit, because the company went under anyway.
I then continued my training in the office of the head of the KZ guild. I wasn’t happy there either.

About six months before the end of my apprenticeship, I got married and soon became pregnant. The contract expired on July 31, but the final exams weren’t until the fall. It took a lot of effort to get an exam date. At the Chamber of Crafts, the opinion of the men was, “She’s married and pregnant—why bother with the final exam?” But I stood my ground and earned my qualification.

For many years after that, I was a “little housewife,” taking care of our two children and helping build our house. Through the construction project, my husband had come into contact with a heating contractor for heat pumps.
As a master electrician, he was able to build control panels and commission the heating system on the side. Eventually, there were quite a few control panels, so I was “trained” and then worked away building them too. That was really fun. I eventually got into it and started drawing up the technical plans for the systems.

Then came the divorce, the second marriage, the third child, the second divorce, and a trip to the social services office. Through a reintegration program, I got in touch with the tourist information office in a North Sea resort town. I was able to do a few internships there and eventually got a job.
Looking after guests—that was great. That was my world, and if I’d had different conditions and different coworkers, I’d probably still be there.

Now, at sixty, I’m back where I was as a child: dancing. I’m in a senior dance group and am trying my hand at training to become a dance instructor. Then I’m supposed to take over the group.

Somehow, the dream job didn’t quite work out, but needlework (especially crocheting) has been with me all those years, through all the ups and downs.

Best regards, Marlies.

I think it’s great that things sometimes get this personal here and that we learn a bit about our fellow members. You hear so many different life stories and sometimes think, “Wow, I know that too.” Thank you.

Congratulations and all the best on your birthday.

Best regards, Marlies.

All the best and warmest birthday wishes!

Best wishes, Marlies

...when the door to your yarn closet won’t close properly anymore.

Actually, I wanted to buy “gray” today...
But: besides the usual Carina (125/50), I also picked up some Cotton 8 (170/50) today.
It’s new in the store. I bought both types today for €1.69. That’s not too bad, right?

And this is what “buying gray” looks like:

Did everyone weather the storms okay?

Yesterday I thought the storm was going to shatter my windows. Here, it got dark almost instantly, and then it all started: a storm, a downpour, hail, and thunder. I’m such a “scaredy-cat” when it comes to thunderstorms—childhood memories, and just a few weeks ago, lightning struck the copper cap on a neighbor’s chimney. Everything was rattling here, and the power went out. I was so scared I almost crawled under the table.
Nope, thunderstorms and me—we just don’t mix.

It’s still blowing pretty hard today, but the temperatures are pleasant. Tomorrow I’ll need some nice summer weather again, because we’re dancing at the summer festival at the retirement home. It’s all supposed to take place outside.

Even summer temperatures can’t keep me from crocheting. I just discovered some new cotton yarn—170 meters per 50 grams. I’ll give it a try soon.

Best regards, Marlies

Dear Josefa,
It’s usually the case that everyone has a basic supply of yarn. That’s how it is for me, too.
For a new project, I’ll buy what I need—sometimes even double the amount if I know I’ll be crocheting that piece again.
When you’re out and about, you often hear a quiet voice calling, “Take me with you, take me with you”… (laughs). A certain type or color catches my eye. For me, that’s when I can hardly resist.
Every now and then, I’ll buy just one skein to experiment with. If I can’t come up with anything useful to do with it, I’ll simply crochet around a tin can. I already have quite a few of those—in various sizes—sitting on my shelf. You can always “hide” or store something in them.

Best regards, Marlies

I learned how to darn in school. But we only practiced on pieces of cardboard covered with wool. I even got an “A” for it. Man, was I proud!
When I started knitting socks, my daughter was the first to get them. Her feet were always freezing when she went to the wholesale market to buy flowers. So the socks were in high demand because they were nice and warm.
I darned that very first pair several times. Eventually, of course, it just wasn’t possible anymore. So I simply cut off the foot section. I’ll never forget the horrified look on my daughter’s face—she was 20 at the time. With tears in her eyes, all she could
say was, “My socks…” It didn’t comfort her at all that I’d knitted a new foot section onto them.

She never developed such a “close bond” with any of the other socks I made. Those first socks were probably something truly special to her.

I still mend most of the knitted socks I make today. With store-bought ones, it’s usually not worth the effort.

Needlework class at school was definitely not my favorite subject. We girls also thought it was “really mean” that we had to sit in school in the afternoons when the weather was beautiful and be “tormented.” During those two class periods, the boys were jumping around outside the windows, happy that they didn’t have to sit in there.
My pot holders didn’t deserve to be called that. My mom threw them away right away and gave me a scolding for wasting good yarn. It wasn’t much different with knitting. There were deep grooves on my fingers where the yarn “ran,” and the stitches on the needles were so tight that it was hard to knit them properly. As a result, I always ended up with holes.
When it came to sewing, I did manage to finish my apron, but only with my mom’s help—she sewed a seam or two for me at home. She was probably afraid I’d ruin the nice fabric…grin. Somehow, that little gem got sewn and embroidered to completion. I was able to embroider reasonably well. But I got scolded by the teacher because I kept changing the color of the thread. But I couldn’t help it—my aunt still had some gradient yarn at home that I used up.
One thing my teacher said has stuck with me: “Girl, you’ll never manage to make a single pot holder in your whole life.”
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to show her my first christening gown…

My early days with needlework were often accompanied by scolding, so I’m very glad I’ve overcome that “trauma.” The teacher had her favorites—the ones who could do everything and always got it right. That’s not a particularly good way to introduce children to needlework.

I think it’s great how things are handled today. There’s no separation between boys and girls; everyone does everything.

Best regards, Marlies

@ Ina: The christening gown really was very beautiful. Unfortunately, there are no other photos of it anymore, and the good piece itself is gone too.
There should still be a photo of my daughter's christening gown somewhere. That one is now 40 years old as well and is hanging in her closet.

I also found my needle book from elementary school. That must be from around 1968/69.



I was so glad when that thing was finally finished. It still serves me well today.

Best, Marlies

My PiAs seem to be multiplying in the box. Maybe I should pack them separately...

My apartment is currently being plagued by a “mouse infestation”... lol.
For my dance group’s 30th anniversary, I crocheted dance mice as personal gifts for the two “original members.”
When I showed them, the response was, “Oh, how cuuute. I’d like one too...” So now there are dance mice for birthdays.



Best regards, Marlies

@ ChristinaE: Nice dress. I had a similar one back then too, though in “piglet pink.”

At school, I was absolutely against needlework, but I also had such a super-sweet grandma. She encouraged me to crochet or knit for the “whole stable full of sisters” that people seemed to think they had to saddle me with from the age of 12 onward. My youngest sister is even four months younger than my daughter.

Well, that’s how sweaters, little suspender skirts, little dresses, and christening gowns came to be. When I started crocheting for my daughter, “the little ones” always had to have the same thing. So for a while, there were five identical sweaters in different sizes running around.

I took a longer break from crocheting when I found a sweater I’d crocheted for my mom (size 52/54) in the dog’s basket. Given how torn up it already was, that didn’t square with the explanation, “Oh, the dog just got hold of it.” From then on, I only crocheted and knitted for my two kids and myself.

These days, knitting isn’t really my favorite pastime anymore. I’m better at crocheting, much to the delight of my sister-in-law, who has already received several curtains for her wooden house.

Best regards, Marlies

Oh dear, those early days… The chaos started in elementary school:
my pot holders had a rather indescribable shape. Since they were also crocheted way too tightly, I couldn’t even unravel them. Man, was I proud when you could finally “make out” the first piece as a pot holder…

When it came to sewing, I went through a lot of needles, since after 4–5 cm at most—usually after a very “wavy” seam—it would go “snap” again. It’s actually a shame, because I’d really love to be able to sew (with my machine). By hand, it goes pretty well, and I’ve already sewn many meters of curtains and drapes. Of course, it takes a long time.

These days, knitting is going well. I once knitted a great cable pattern sweater for my ex. Back then, I always ended up with cool lace patterns, though they weren’t intentional. My Barbie got lots of knitted clothes. They were so tight, though, that I had to cut them open to get them off.

All the best and heartfelt congratulations!

Best regards, Marlies

Warmest congratulations and all the love and best wishes on your birthday. Enjoy your special day and have a lovely day.
Best wishes, Marlies

That reminds me of my first crocheted christening gown. Unfortunately, back then (1073) there weren’t that many photos yet, so I quickly cropped off my head — and sadly my little sister’s too... I hope you can make it out somewhat.

I’d also like to quickly congratulate you and wish you all the best.

Best regards, Marlies

My personal opinion: I wouldn’t recommend potholder yarn to any beginner.

To me, it’s too “fuzzy,” meaning you have to be careful when inserting the hook and pulling through to make sure you catch all the strands and that no partial strands stick out unattractively. In my opinion, it also doesn’t create such a nice, even overall look.

A woman I know had chosen some potholders and bought the yarn: one time potholder yarn (despite the warning) and one time Catania. You could tell she was disappointed when she picked up the potholders. With those two yarns in particular, the difference in the finished product is, of course, huge.

But the pros here can explain it more precisely.

Best regards, Marlies

A lot of people know that I do crafts, especially crochet. I have a few dear dance friends who every now and then bring me a little bag of yarn. Most of the time, these are small scraps that are hard to use up. So I got out my knitting dolly and turned everything that more or less went together into cords. I use them to make coasters or small rugs. I’ve also wrapped cardboard boxes with them that were sitting on the shelf in the kids’ room.
If the scraps really can’t be used, I use them as washable stuffing. That’s also how I “dispose of” torn pantyhose. Things stuffed with them can be put straight into the washing machine.
I just crocheted a little bowl of strawberries that’s completely filled with leftover yarn.

Congratulations and all the best on your birthday. I hope you have a wonderful celebration with lovely guests.

Best regards, Marlies

Happy Birthday and all the best.

Best regards, Marlies

I'd also like to send warm birthday wishes. All the best for the coming year.

Best regards, Marlies

All the best and warmest birthday wishes.

Best wishes, Marlies

Congratulations and all the best on your birthday.

Best regards, Marlies

Heartfelt birthday wishes and all the best.

Best wishes, Marlies

I’d also like to quickly offer my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes.

All the best and warmest birthday wishes.

Best regards, Marlies

Congratulations and all the best on your birthday.

Best regards, Marlies

Warmest congratulations and all the best on your birthday.

Best regards, Marlies

I was doing fine...before I went to the seniors’ afternoon.
I was asked if I could fill “a little gap” during the May sing-along with a funny story.
Sure, I can. BUT: nobody had told me that the “little gap” was actually a whole hour…
You can imagine that it wasn’t really funny.
The flute group then put the icing on the cake of all the chaos. They played so high-pitched and so slowly that hardly anyone could sing along. Somehow, everyone there was relieved when the afternoon ended half an hour earlier than planned…
I still have that awful squeaking in my ears.

The only good thing was that one of my fellow dancers was thrilled with her crocheted dance mouse.

A cute idea that I’ll definitely try out someday :-)

I have the pattern too, so I’ll just jump in before the author does:
you work the 8 sc (as described at the beginning) into a magic ring.
Good luck!
Best regards, Marlies.

Belated happy birthday and all the best.
Best regards, Marlies

I already have a few little things in my Christmas box, and I crochet something every now and then.
However, the contents of the box will surely be “shuffled around” quite a bit before Christmas, because once again someone needs a gift “reeeally fast” and knows about my box... (laughs).
So for me, Christmas crocheting is a year-round thing.

Just wanted to quickly send my warmest birthday wishes before the day is over... *wink*.