Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

Knitting teddy bear and doll clothes is always a joy, especially when they’re beautifully colorful. We can already picture the sparkling eyes of the doll or teddy bear’s mom—not just at Christmas.

These two patterns are quick and easy to knit using leftover yarn.


So that your teddy bear and doll (45–50 cm tall) won’t be cold anymore, you can knit them this cute onesie. It just arrived in my shop.

To the knitting pattern




There’s also a onesie for smaller teddy bears or dolls (25–30 cm). It has no buttons and can be put on and taken off very easily. Also knitted top down with raglan shaping, and easy to make using the pattern.

To the knitting pattern

You did a great job, Akela. You really are a sewing artist.

Oh, that looks so cute. You did a great job on that, Sandra.
I’m glad you’re active here again. We really missed you.

OMG, Andrea, those look so delicious!! My mouth is watering.

Now let’s just keep going with the first round—there are still plenty of gifts waiting for us:

I open the 10th door and find delicious vegan cookies inside, baked by the Christmas elves.

Tina, that’s a great solution. And yes, I also think you’ll really enjoy this cake.

You definitely shouldn’t skimp on the gingerbread spice in this recipe—that’s the key to it. And now I’m really in the mood to bake one for us again; yours looks so tempting now that it’s done,

My usage so far in 2020:

• in January 2020—a total of 11 projects—735 g
• February 2020—total for 5 projects—405 g
• March 2020—total for 4 projects—359 g
• April 2020 – total for 6 projects – 1,291 g
• May 2020 – total for 11 projects – 1,932 g
• in June 2020 – total for 13 pieces – 1,413 g
• in July 2020 – total for 2 pieces – 395 g
• August 2020 – total for 1 piece – 154 g
• In September 2020 – total for 8 small pieces + 1 large piece – 476 g
• in October 2020 – total for 2 pieces – 334 g
• November 2020 – total for 6 pieces – 819 g

November projects:

• 4 onesies for dolls and teddy bears—292 g
• Women’s sweater – 452 g
• Socks – 75 g

Total wool used this year: 8,313 g.

Thanks, Ruth, for the link!

Yes, Marion, the link is in my bookmarks too. Still, I couldn’t find it there either. Kind of strange... I probably just have too much stuff in there.

Thanks for helping!

By the way, I finished the socks. Now I just have to crochet the coaster she asked for, and then the package will be on its way to my friend.



Have a great day, everyone! It’s snowing here.

Tina, the gingerbread definitely looks delicious on your two baking sheets. Well, gingerbread spice does taste different from the spice blend used for Christmas stollen. It’s much more intense. And the nuts have a unique flavor of their own, too. Maybe that’s a reason for you to bake a third batch? It’ll be gone faster than you can blink. :-) Your mix definitely sounds unique.

Enjoy!

Dear friends, I have a favor to ask:

Does anyone have the link where we can enter how much yarn we’ve used each month?
I just can’t find it.

Marion, you always enter your numbers there, don’t you?

I open the 5th door—and find a finger guide for 2 strands for double knitting.

Ines, I might have an idea for your scraps.
This year, I’ve crocheted a lot of scraps into animal nests. There are wildlife rescue centers that are very happy to receive them. I found a group like that on Facebook. They’re very grateful for them, and I’ve really enjoyed making them.

Even those of us who love crafts would surely be delighted to receive a very special Advent calendar that grants our wishes.

Here, we can write down what such an Advent calendar might look like. That means we’ll write here what we’d like to find inside. (Maybe a few Christmas elves are reading along, too.)

December has already begun, but let’s just start with the first door. Then we’ll move on to the 2nd, 3rd, and so on. Once we reach the 24th, we’ll just start over from the beginning. I’m sure we’ll end up with quite a few items.

I’ll start with the first door—and open it:
A CraSyTrio (3 needles) in size 4.


Now let’s move on to the second door… what would you like to find inside?
Then the third, and so on.

Here (in southeastern Bavaria), it was cloudy but dry today. Snow is forecast for tomorrow. I’m already looking forward to it.

Ina, I think your saddle is great, too! I hadn’t even thought of that yet. Really cool!

As for practicing double knitting, I’m sticking with it. Simply because it looks really great. I could definitely see making a blanket with it. It’ll definitely be super cozy and warm. But for now, I’m starting with the little things, and it’s actually getting easier and easier. What looked so hard at first isn’t really that hard at all. And if you really can’t knit with two strands at once, you can just use them one at a time. It’s explained well on YouTube.

Yes, I’d actually like to encourage you all to at least give it a try. Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit either, but when I really want something, I see it through.

I haven’t quite finished my friend’s socks yet—other projects took priority. Today she mentioned a request that I’ll also include in the package—something very simple: a slightly larger coaster. I’ll crochet that one evening while watching a movie.

Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Dear Charli,

I’d like to belatedly wish you a very happy birthday. This new year of your life is sure to surprise you with wonderful moments to look forward to.

Best wishes
Monika

This colorful cardigan made from soft merino wool is knitted with raglan from the top down. It has built-in pockets and a hood. The cardigan grows with your child and fits from approx. sizes 92 to 104. It’s a lovely project for experienced knitters.

Go to the knitting pattern




This baby cardigan is also knitted from soft merino wool, has a hood, and fits up to approx. 1.5 years. Easy to knit if you have knitting experience.

Go to the knitting pattern




This pretty first baby cardigan is the ideal gift for a birth. The cardigan has a lovely heart lace pattern and a hood. It fits up to approx. 4 months and later then a doll.

Go to the knitting pattern

I checked, and I’ve actually already made it past one year. I’ve been in my second year of the “wool diet” since the end of November. And now I’ll see how far I can go. 

I’d like to belatedly join in the birthday wishes. May this new year of your life hold many wonderful moments for you.

Warm regards,
Monika

Oh my goodness, there’s quite a buzz here. And one thing is even prettier than the next.

Ina, that shawl looks absolutely stunning, especially the color! It’s one of my absolute favorite colors. And the shoes for your grandson—soooo cute and pretty. Did you make the patches yourself, and how? So awesome!

My husband really enjoyed punching holes in the soles, and he does it really well. My arms would have been sore afterward. So it was a good division of labor. He really appreciates what I knit for him, even without this project.

Andrea, your test piece with the heart looks great. So you’re trying something new, too.

Petra, your little boot turned out beautifully and is a great idea for a quick project.
I made the leather soles for the Filzies following a pattern by Ina. It works great, in any size. I ordered some leather scraps for this from a.....n. That way, the Filzies last longer and don’t slip. 

Now about Doubleface:
I actually was about to give up because it’s pretty tedious at first. But somehow my determination kicked in because I just love this technique so much. Luckily, Sonja didn’t let up, and with her motivation—and her way of holding the yarn—she actually managed to get me doing it really well now. I’ve decided to knit a few practice rows every day now, because that really does the trick. It’s actually going pretty quickly now.

This is what my swatch looks like now. The heart is finished.



However, I’m not really satisfied with it, because there are already a few mistakes at the beginning. So I’ll just keep practicing with it a bit longer and then rip it out later. Next, I’ll try my hand at Sonja’s cat dishcloth. I’ll either turn it into a coaster or a pot holder—we’ll see. Only after that will I tackle the hat.

Tonight I want to keep knitting the second sock; it’ll be done soon and is supposed to be sent off to my friend this week.

A colorful little skirt for 3- to 4-year-olds is a great project that's already fun to knit. And even more fun to give as a gift. 

View knitting pattern




Leggings like these, made from sock yarn, are indispensable for toddlers in winter. They're comfortable, cozy and warm, and quick to knit. They even grow with the child and fit from about ages 3 to 5.

View knitting pattern




This baby pinafore dress will still fit at age 3 because it can be transformed and grow with the child. It has knitted-in hearts and no seams. It looks adorable when worn.

View knitting pattern

On a sleigh ride, little children absolutely need warm leggings, even under a snowsuit. These are very easy to knit from sock yarn and even grow with them—from ages 3–5.

To the knitting pattern




Of course, there are also sock-yarn leggings for babies. My granddaughter wears them under her snowsuit when she sits outside on the sled. These leggings grow with her too—up to at least age 2.

To the knitting pattern




A warm hat is a must too, of course—preferably one that keeps the neck warm at the same time. It should be nice and colorful as well. You’ll find all of that in the pattern for this hat, which can be comfortably buttoned and unbuttoned at the front.

To the knitting pattern

Mmm, how delicious! I could take a bite right now. Too bad it’s only virtual. Thanks, Steffi, for sharing. You did a fantastic job with this. And I’m sure it tastes just as good as it looks.

Tina, I can’t wait to hear what you think once you’ve tried it—and to see the photo, of course.

We’re so thrilled with it that we’ll be making it several times. I’m going to try the vegan version now—definitely before Christmas. Tomorrow, it’s time for Kipferl and cookies.

Thanks, Josefa! You always manage to put a smile on my face when I read your awards ceremony posts. I especially like “The Queen of the Bakery.”

I’d really miss something here if there were only an awards ceremony every three months. After all, it’s incredibly motivating to finish things and stick with it. So we’ll just have to motivate each other.

Sonja, that’s great—donating yarn to homeless shelters. I hadn’t even thought of that. Of course, it’s best if you know someone there and can be sure the yarn actually gets to where it’s needed.

A virgin wool/alpaca blend… wow! That would be right up my alley. I’m already looking forward to it once I’ve made room for new yarn—by next winter at the latest. Right now, I still have a few yarn blends waiting to be knitted up.

Marion, that’s great that you’re sticking with your “yarn diet”! That makes at least two of us. :)

Oh yeah, I have enough yarn to keep going for a second year on this “diet.” It’s somehow melting away much slower than I’d like. I have plenty of color options—I’ve already made sure of that. And different types of yarn, too. Up until now, I’ve given yarn a wide berth, and whenever I did find myself standing in front of it, I’d imagine the selection waiting for me at home. And that was that.

Oh, that sounds really good, Steffi. I’m sure you’ll let us share in it virtually with a photo, right?

I replaced regular baking powder with cream of tartar baking powder a long time ago. After all, the cake should contain natural ingredients, not chemicals.

Oh, that jacket looks really pretty, Renate. Thanks for sharing.

Dear Sonja, thank you for your encouragement and your wonderful support. That gives me hope, since it didn’t go so well for you right away either. :) Well, I’m not entirely satisfied with the test piece, but I’ll finish knitting it. Because I think practice really does make perfect here. Once this is done, I’ll move on to a plain piece, probably the pot holder you shared. And once I’m well-practiced, the hat will follow.

Christina, there’s really something to that—it’s not just contagious, but also addictive, I feel. I’m going to practice every day now so that the next piece turns out absolutely perfect. It’s actually a lot of fun, and best of all, it looks absolutely beautiful. I can definitely see myself making a pillow with this technique—that way, you knit the front and back together at the same time.

We’re glad we could help you, Renate. Enjoy your felted jacket!

That’s brilliant, Petra! I often know I’m dreaming while I’m dreaming, and I’m even in the same place. I’ve just never applied that to my crafts before. I’m definitely going to give that a try now—it sounds exciting. I guess we’re pretty much on the same page there. :)

Yes, I also wish you all a lovely Advent Sunday and St. Nicholas Day. Ina, I’m already curious about your felties for your grandson. You always have such great ideas. 

In the meantime, I’ve sewn leather soles onto 3 felt slippers. My husband helped me with punching the holes. Thanks to Ina’s pattern, it really works great. Now I can finally wear my felties and I’m totally happy with them. They’re so nice and warm, I don’t want to take them off anymore. My husband is very happy with his too. And soon I can send my friend a little surprise package. She doesn’t know anything about it yet and doesn’t even suspect it. So I need to hurry up and finish the socks.

Here are some examples of the leather soles:




And this is how far I’ve gotten with the first sock:




Yes, and then I finally started with double-face knitting. I just couldn’t resist. Honestly, I already wanted to give up. Managing two strands at the same time is definitely a new experience and takes quite a bit of practice. Then I found a video where it’s shown in a way that you knit with one strand to the end first and then with the other one afterward.

To make a long story short, Sonja then showed me her technique, and I tried it again today. Yes, it actually worked now! I didn’t find it explained this well in any of the videos on YT.

Here is my first practice piece now. It doesn’t necessarily look all that neat and great, but for a start I’m already happy with it. As soon as I’m good enough, I’ll start Sonja’s kiwi hat. Before that, I’ll finish knitting the coaster first. This is what it looks like so far:

Oh wow, Christina, this all looks amazing! You didn’t show us any of this in the monthly thread. I’m blown away—especially by the Advent calendar and the two tractor pictures.

Belated best wishes on your birthday. May the new year of your life bring you happiness.

Best wishes,
Monika

Dear Sabine,

I’d like to join in and wish you a belated happy birthday—and hope that this new year of your life will be less turbulent than the last. Change is inevitable and ultimately leads to something better, even if it takes a while for us to see it.

I’m sure you’ll make the best of it. I wish it for you with all my heart!

Monika

Oh yes, Akela, your embroidery is absolutely beautiful and is sure to delight your granddaughter.

I’m also working on doubleface—and thanks to Sonja (a-mano), I’ve stuck with it. Now it’s starting to get fun.

Yes, I’d recommend that as well.

Thank you, Marion, for your lovely St. Nicholas Day wishes. Your St. Nicholas looks charming.

I also wish everyone reading this a wonderful St. Nicholas Day and the second Sunday of Advent. Make yourselves comfortable with candlelight, coffee, and Christmas cookies. And take time for the beautiful things in life—everything that brings you joy.

It’s cloudy here today, too, but we still have to go for a walk—fresh air is good for you.

As you can see, St. Nicholas has already visited us and is sitting at the table with us.



Warm regards
Monika

Petra, you’re amazing! Dreaming up ideas ahead of time—that’s perfect. 

A little good ghost—everyone needs one, as a gift tag, bag charm, keychain, or in the car

Very easy to crochet, even for beginners, and a lovely gift




The bag that fits any Puky, tricycle, or balance bike

With this bag, you’ll make toddlers really happy. It was my granddaughter’s wish, and she gave me the idea. The bag is very sturdy and has a double bottom.




This cushion cover has two different sides.

Both are easy for experienced knitters to make.




Ear pads for headphones—very comfortable on the skin




The kindergarten bag with adjustable strap and double bottom




The lucky beetle oven mitts—a great eye-catcher in the kitchen




The shopping bag for the play store—filled with lemons and carrots

You’re sure to make toddlers happy with this, and not just at Christmas.




The colorful spring meadow on your table

It consists of floral decorations, coasters, placemats, and various egg cups and egg cozies. All pieces are easy to crochet.




The little pouch for 10 tissues—eco-friendly and decorative

The pouch is easy to crochet in different versions and makes a pretty gift or small hostess gift.




The pot cover for the poinsettia—the perfect gift wrapping

It’s very easy to crochet. The star appliqué can also be hung separately on the tree or on gifts.




The baby blanket—knitted with lots of heart

With this baby blanket made from cuddly soft merino yarn, the recipient can tell right away that there’s a lot of love in it. The hearts make this blanket something special, and the baby is sure to feel very comfortable in it.




Cute door guards—ideal for the home office, children’s room, toilet, and bathroom (value pack)

Both the bear and the owl reliably guard the door and clearly show when the room’s occupant does not want to be disturbed. Both are easy to crochet from leftover yarn, even for beginners with some crochet experience.

Both door guards are also available separately.

 


The gnome family with lots of functions

These cute gnomes can be crocheted as an Advent calendar, as gift packaging, as toys, as egg cozies, or simply as mini storage baskets. Any size is possible here, and leftover yarn practically melts away.




Gnome house or storage basket—both are possible




The tissue box with butterflies and hearts

A very pretty gift idea and great décor in any room. This way the tissues are always within reach. An ideal project for leftover yarn and eco-conscious makers.




A funny egg cozy set that brings good cheer

Filled with cotton wool or leftover yarn, the two can also be used as pincushions. Easy for beginners to make.

This cute, colorful little skirt fits 3- to 4-year-old girls. You can use lots of colorful leftover yarn in this project.

To the knitting pattern




Scarf or collar? Here you can knit both in one and customize it however you like. As a collar, it’s perfect for wide necklines; as a scarf, it works just as well under jackets or coats.

Easy to knit.

Go to the knitting pattern




These ladybug oven mitts are a real eye-catcher in any kitchen. They’re very easy to crochet and are sure to bring joy when given as a gift.

Go to the crochet pattern

Oh bergli, your slippers look great! I really admire it when someone can felt so well. Very, very pretty!

Ines, I’m so glad your dog is feeling better again. Now you can really enjoy the weekend.

Ruth, I don’t plan on knitting a loop for my chair right now. That was some leftover yarn I didn’t like, and it’s all knitted up now. To be honest, it was too boring for me, and I’m glad it’s finished. 170 stitches per round… phew. Now it’s time for socks, and I’m still thinking about my second project. It looks like I’ll be tackling the Double Face this weekend. Sonja wrote such a great, simple practice pattern. With that, I’m sure I’ll pick it up easily.
Since I’ve knitted lots of Norwegian sweaters before using many different colors, working with two colors should go just fine. I’m really excited and looking forward to it… You’ll get to see the result here.

So, now I can show you the chair-back cover and explain why I knitted it.
We have back cushions, and my husband’s one wasn’t looking so great anymore. At first, I thought about knitting a cover for it, but then I decided it would be better to attach it to the chair back so it wouldn’t slip. It might look a little strange, but it’s very cozy and comfortable. And it matches our orange decor.

This is what the back cushion looks like without the cover (that’s mine).



Here’s what it looks like now on my husband’s chair with the cover.

Thank you so much, Josefa! I, too, wish you all a wonderful second Advent weekend and lots of joy with your crafts.

We’re also making ourselves comfortable and will be baking something delicious. 

Knitting doll clothes is always a lot of fun. Especially when we imagine the doll moms’ eyes lighting up as they receive them as gifts.


This cute clothing set fits dolls approximately 43–50 cm tall and can easily be knitted over a weekend. The sweater is worked top-down with raglan increases, and everything is explained very clearly.

Go to the knitting pattern




This pretty clothing set also fits dolls of the same size. It knits up beautifully using colorful scraps. 

Go to the knitting pattern




With this cute romper, no teddy (25–30 cm) has to be cold anymore. It is knitted top-down with raglan increases and is easy to put on and take off because it has no buttons.

Go to the knitting pattern

My November was a good month. Right now, I’m learning double-faced knitting using a pattern by a-mano. I just printed it out and am really looking forward to it. Of course, I’ll leave a review once I’m done. It looks really good already—she explained it so well.

Gabi, I especially like your yellow Christmas mug. It’s really something special. They don’t make things this beautiful for the Christmas market anymore. It’s a shame it’s not happening this year.

Dear Ruth,

I’d like to add my belated best wishes here. I’m glad you were able to spend the day so relaxed and then celebrate with your family in the evening.

For your new year of life, I wish you above all good health, lots of new ideas, and joy in everything you do.

Warm regards,
Monika

Oh, Tina, your little Leo is already so big! I still remember when you wrote here about his birth. Oh man, time flies.

Sandra, I’m so glad to hear from you. How are you doing now?

Wow, Ina , what a wonderful idea with the photo book! That’s sure to bring a lot of joy. Every year,
I look forward to a new calendar with pictures of my grandchildren. It’s always a highlight for me.

Thank you so much for the instructions for your hat. It’s super easy—I’ll have to try it myself sometime.

For now, I’m working on the soles that I want to sew onto shoes. My husband helped me with the preparations today, and now they’re ready to be sewn on.

Next up are actually the socks for my friend. Since she unfortunately won’t be coming, I’m going to send her a Christmas package. It’ll be a surprise—she’s not expecting it at all.