Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

All the best and lots of lovely things for your birthday, strickbienchen!
Enjoy this special day today and let yourself be celebrated and showered with gifts. You deserve it.

Warm regards 
Monika

I still have a crocheted sleeping bag on my hook that’s been patiently waiting for me to continue working on it for two months now. Right now, other projects are just more important.

I could really use some good advice myself, because I absolutely hate darning socks. I’d be grateful for any tips, since I have a few pairs of socks just waiting to be worn again.

Thanks, Christina, for the clarification. It’s a great idea to knit for such a good cause. The mugs with the covers look really cozy.

Bastelfan, I think it’s great that you’re joining us here now, too. The more of us there are, the more fun it is. Yeah, there’s always plenty to see here. :-)

Marlene, your scarf is great—I really like it! The scarf for my friend was also a long-term project with that thin yarn, but it was still fun.

You’ve crocheted some beautiful things, Claudia. Those are great ideas for felting wool. As you know, I’m using mine up in a giant jacket. :-)

I think your yarn cake basket is brilliant!

I almost finished knitting one sleeve of the jacket last night. Today I’m starting the second one. If things keep going this well, I’ll have the jacket finished by the weekend. My husband is already looking forward to it. He’s always more than happy to help me with fittings. That way, I can knit it to fit him exactly the way he wants.

I also wish everyone a great start to the new week!
It’s foggy and overcast here. I’m about to whip up a delicious mushroom stir-fry with vegetable noodles. The weather is perfect for knitting, and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing today—curled up under a blanket on the sofa.

I don’t like Carnival either, even though I grew up in a Carnival stronghold (Fulda). As a kid, I loved dressing up. And when my son was little, I still thought it was cute.

But as far as I’m concerned, Carnival could be canceled now. Last year, I went to watch the parade here in town again. It was anything but pleasant to see the teenagers on the floats with beer bottles in their hands, loud music and all.

The only thing I watch every now and then—though I prefer the ones from Düsseldorf—are the carnival comedians. There are really a few good ones.

The tissue box with butterflies and hearts fits anywhere and is very popular. It is practical and environmentally friendly, because it can even replace napkins. Very decorative in the bathroom, WC, baby’s room, or even on the coffee table.

Colorful leftover yarn can be crocheted up very prettily here. It’s best to crochet several right away, because this decoration is very popular and always makes a lovely gift.

Easy to crochet, even for beginners with basic knowledge.

Go to the crochet pattern here

The children's pinafore dress that grows with them – a real hit. That way, their favorite piece of clothing lasts a very long time – from ages 1.5 to 5.

The little dress is easy to knit if you have knitting experience. It has no seams and features a knitted-in heart pattern.

Find the knitting pattern here

The socks featuring the super-easy-to-knit mowi heel are always very popular. You can do it too, even if you’ve never knitted socks before.

You’ll get instructions for 4 sizes, explained row by row, so you get a good result.

Go to the knitting pattern

This sleeping bag will make doll moms’ eyes light up, because their little darling will look just like a real baby in it. The sleeping bag is easy to knit and fits dolls and teddy bears measuring approx. 45–50 cm, including Baby Born. Even small newborns fit inside.

Suitable for beginners with knitting experience.

To the knitting pattern here

These leggings for toddlers (ages 3–5) made from sock yarn could become your child’s or grandchild’s favorite piece of clothing. They’ll keep the little ones nice and warm while also being comfortable.

The leggings are easy to knit—everything is explained clearly. Some knitting experience is recommended.

Click here for the knitting pattern

Extremely practical and very decorative to boot—quick to crochet, even for beginners—this tissue box cover offers all these benefits. It also makes a great gift for many occasions that’s always well-received.

Another plus is that it’s a great way to use up leftover yarn.

Just get started right away and crochet several, because they definitely won’t sit around for long. ;-)

Click here for the crochet pattern

A little pinafore dress that fits ages 1.5 to 5—that’s a dream for any knitting grandma or mom. So far, all users are delighted. The little dress is easy to knit from the pattern because everything is well explained. Knitting experience is recommended.

Go to the knitting pattern here

This popular round cowl keeps your shoulders warm and is a breeze to knit. A great project for beginners with basic skills. All you need is 1 ball of cotton yarn, and you’ll have a lovely gift—not just for Christmas.

Click here for the knitting pattern

The socks with the mowi heel were rated outstandingly, because they turn even sock-knitting grouches into true sock-knitting masters. It’s child’s play and really fun. Four size examples are explained, row by row.

Easy to knit if you already have knitting experience.

Click here for the knitting pattern

This sweater with a side button placket has already made many doll moms’ eyes light up. That’s because it looks just like clothing for a real baby. The sweater fits dolls or teddy bears measuring 45–50 cm or even small newborns.

Easy to knit with raglan from the top. Everything is well explained.

Go to the knitting pattern here

Wow, Heike, you’ve got big plans! And then there’s sooo much yarn in your stash. You’re really well-stocked for 2020.

Happy Birthday, Kahlan1968!
Today is your day, and you get to celebrate and receive gifts. May the new year show you its best side.

Lots of love
Monika

Happy birthday, Conny! I hope you have an amazing celebration and a wonderful day!

Warm wishes,
Monika

I’ve stocked up well over the last two months. In December, I’ll order a few more skeins of a certain type of yarn. And then I’ll be all set for 2020. :)

Claudia, that’s funny about the hat. I think the idea of crocheting around the string of lights is absolutely great. I like that better than if they were just hanging there on their own. By the way, I have a colorful string of lights hanging from a beam above my desk all year round—it doesn’t just look good at Christmas.

Sofi, thanks for sympathizing about the dentist. Luckily, I found a good one too, 70 km away from us. But it’s worth the drive. It’s still a little while until spring. But then it’ll have to be done.

Ina, the colors of the jacket don’t come out right at all in this photo. It’s wine red, so pretty dark. The bottom has dark gray and light gray stripes.

My husband actually does like bright colors, though—like orange or bright red. He has a cardigan in a gorgeous red with blue and green stripes. He loves that one, too.
I already had the yarn for this jacket, though. It’s Eskimo by Drops. But I won’t be knitting a monster project like that again anytime soon. I’m really looking forward to working with thin yarn. I’ve measured the sleeves, and tonight I’m starting on the first one.

Marlene, that’s great that you’ve decided to join the yarn diet after all. Awesome!

By the way, the rest of the yarn I traded for arrived today. Eight skeins of dark blue 100% wool. I’m still thinking about what project to use it for. I’ll combine it with white and gray scraps. My two granddaughters will probably be happy again.

Here’s another recent photo of the jacket. It’s getting an inside pocket on the right side.



And here’s what the yarn that arrived today looks like:

Happy birthday, Elke. I wish you a healthy, happy, and creative new year of life.

Warm regards,
Monika

First of all, I wish everyone who needs it a relaxing weekend. The weather is practically begging you to relax on the couch.

Ruth, the dolls look absolutely adorable in those outfits. You did a really great job. Hats off to you! Are they wearing wigs, or did the dolls already have hair like that?

Doll clothes are always a great little project to knit in between, and they’re very popular right now as Christmas gifts. Especially when the clothes look as if they were knitted for a baby.

Here are two designs that fit dolls or teddy bears sized 45-50 cm well, for example Baby Born too.

Both can also be made by beginners with knitting experience. 


To the knitting pattern for the Schlüttli with the hat




To the knitting pattern for the pullover with the side button placket.

This popular cowl and shoulder warmer is a very pretty yet practical piece that’s especially nice to wear right now in this chilly season. It can be knitted quickly and easily from a single ball of cotton yarn. Also a great quick project for beginners with some knitting experience.

To the knitting pattern here

With such a sweet, colorful jacket and matching hat, you’re sure to make children’s eyes light up at Christmas. Every little doll mommy will be delighted.

The items fit dolls or teddy bears measuring approx. 45–50 cm, so they also fit Baby Born. Even small newborns can wear them.

Easy to knit, with raglan from the top down. Everything is described in detail.

Go to the knitting pattern here

Babies always need to stay nice and warm and cozy. With these comfortable baby leggings made from sock yarn, which even have room for the bulkiest diapers, they’ll be perfectly equipped. The leggings fit from 3 to 12 months (or even up to 18 months).

You can also use the leftover yarn to knit a lovely set consisting of a hat, mittens, a cowl, and socks. The socks, of course, include instructions for the mowi heel, which is very easy to knit, and the cowl is easy to put on and take off.

All pieces can also be knitted by beginners with some knitting experience.

View the knitting pattern for the baby leggings



View the knitting pattern for the 4-piece baby set

I’m looking forward to the weekend. I want to create and try out some new recipes, because two friends are coming over for brunch on Sunday. I certainly won’t be bored.

I only use the cast-on method these days, mainly because it creates a loose edge. Yes, and I always use a larger needle for it. That’s what’s worked best for me.

Oh dear, Claudia, I totally get where you’re coming from. The dentist—that’s an absolute nightmare for me! Next year I’ve got something bigger coming up that I’ve been putting off since last year. But it has to be done, and the longer I wait (yeah, yeah, my head…), the worse the thoughts get. In my case, it’s not just one tooth that needs to come out, but several.

I hope everything goes very smoothly for you.

Have you ever thought about nitrous oxide? My dentist uses it for anxious patients—in addition to the anesthetic. It’s completely safe, and it takes the fear away. I’m definitely going to do that.

Oh, and I’ll probably use the blue yarn to make hats… Linja will most likely get one. There’s no rush right now, so I’ll have plenty of stash for a yarn diet in 2020.

Ina, your Spiralibus looks great. What a great idea.

Mel, I hope you get some quieter times very soon. I totally understand—I feel that way sometimes, too. Right now, I really only get to knit in the evenings.

The cardigan has grown again. I’ve now reached the hem, so I’m sure I’ll finish that tonight. Then just the sleeves and the inside pocket—well, and the buttons. My husband is already looking forward to it. This is what the cardigan looks like now.



To live up to the “Swap Queen” title again this month, here’s the first part of my swap shopping. The yellow cotton will likely become a summer jacket for Linja or Juna. I’m not sure yet if I’ll have enough. The yardage is 89 m / 50 g. What do you think—how far will that go? Could it be enough for a jacket in size 110/116? Maybe I’ll find some yarn in my stash to combine it with. The yarn cake will be the first one I use—I’m already excited. I’m still thinking about what I might make with it. 



Eight skeins of blue merino wool are still on their way. I’ll use them to make a jacket for my granddaughter, who’s really into blue right now.

Happy birthday, and have a fantastic celebration with all the trimmings.

Best
wishes, Monika

These door guards are especially popular with children, because they’re not allowed to lock their rooms. With these, they can clearly show whether they want visitors or not.

The door guards are very easy to crochet, even for beginners with crochet experience. The pattern describes all the steps. They are available individually or as a value set.

To the crochet pattern for the door guard bear



To the crochet pattern for the door guard owl



To the crochet pattern for the value set with bear and owl

When I started crocheting again after many years, it was the magic ring in particular that gave me trouble. So I figured out a very simple way to do it—completely different from how it’s usually described.

Here’s how I set up the yarn:
The end of the yarn is at the bottom.
Then I make a loop that goes up to the top left, where the ball of yarn is.


 
Insert the hook into the loop from below, then bring the yarn from the top left and pull it through.


Adjust it a little so there’s a loop on the hook.

Crochet a chain stitch into this loop.

 
All subsequent stitches are crocheted into this ring.


For me, this is the easiest way.

Mel, you can still stock up properly this year. ;-) I’m doing that, too.

Josefa, the prize structure is great if everyone who actively participates here wins. That just feels better to me somehow. For example, “Queen” for 500 posts or more, “Empress” for 1,000 posts or more, and some cool titles for everyone. You always have such great ideas for the awards ceremony. I’m sure you’ll come up with something that everyone will love.

I also think extra prizes for great threads are a great idea. 

Congratulations on your very own special day, when you deserve to be thoroughly celebrated. I wish you lots of joy, good health, and time for the beautiful things in life.

All the best
Monika

Josefa, you’re the best! That’s a really great idea, and I’d love to join in.

I just realized that I’ve actually written over 5,000 comments here already. Wow, I really wouldn’t have thought that. It’s definitely worth it to get a title for the 10,000th comment, for example. ;-) I won’t be able to make it in November, though.

Wow, that’s a great idea. I’d love to join in. :)

Of course, little girls are happy to receive clothing too. They especially like it comfortable and in pretty bright colors. My granddaughter is always very happy about it. Here is a selection.


The grow-with-me pinafore dress, fits from 1.5 to 5 years

To the knitting pattern




Another pinafore dress with hearts that grows with your child - from 6 months to 3 years

To the knitting pattern




A comfortable pair of leggings - fits from 1.5 to 3 years

To the knitting pattern




Leggings made from sock yarn - fits from 3 to at least 4 years

To the knitting pattern




A sweater made from sock yarn with a collar - fits from 2 to 3 years

To the knitting pattern




A sweater with a collar - size 86-92

To the knitting pattern

The baby is sure to be happy when they’re dressed warmly. They probably already have enough toys anyway. Here are a few ideas that will be well received.


A cuddly warm pair of leggings made from sock yarn, with a comfortable fit even for the thickest diaper

To the knitting pattern




A matching winter set made from the leftover yarn - hat, neck warmer, mittens, and socks
The socks are, of course, knitted with the simple mowi heel

To the knitting pattern




A whole outfit made from cozy sock yarn - pants, jacket, and hat

To the knitting pattern




A little baby dress that grows with the child - a wonderful Christmas gift for a baby

To the knitting pattern

Animals and Other Toys


Door hangers that are fun and guard the door—you’re sure to score big with the kids!
They come in two versions. Both are very easy to crochet and well explained.

Go to the crochet pattern for the Guardian Owl 



Go to the crochet pattern for the Guardian Bear 




The elf family and the elf house are very versatile—they can be used as an Advent calendar, for example. Very easy to crochet, even with leftover yarn.

Go to the crochet pattern for the Elf Family with House value pack (also available individually in the shop)




The cuddly bear for babies is very easy to knit, even for beginners. An absolutely unique gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. (35–40 cm tall)

Go to the knitting pattern for the baby bear




There’s also perfectly matching clothing for this bear.

Go to the knitting pattern for the sweater with sleeping bag/swaddle 




To make sure the dolls get a delicious meal too, here’s the perfect menu—it’s very easy to crochet.

Go to the crochet pattern for the play kitchen meal




Of course, you also need a shopping bag for a toy grocery store. This one can be filled right away with carrots and lemons.

Go to the crochet pattern for the small shopping bag with carrots and lemons

A selection of doll clothes for various sizes:


The sleeping bag for small dolls or stuffed animals (20–25 cm tall) – knitting pattern




The striped pants for teddy bears (or dolls), 40 cm tall – knitting pattern




The sweater for bears, approx. 25–30 cm (also for Teddy Fynn) – knitting pattern




The sports outfit for teddy bears 25–30 cm (designed for Fynn) – knitting pattern




The jacket for teddy bears and dolls, 20–25 cm tall – crochet pattern

Bags are also very popular with children. This one in particular is sure to make children’s eyes light up. It fits perfectly on any Puky, balance bike, or tricycle.

Crochet experience is recommended.

To the crochet pattern for the Puky bag




A (kindergarten) shoulder bag is also a great gift that brings joy. On this one, the strap can be adjusted to different lengths. A very nice project for experienced crocheters.

To the crochet pattern for the shoulder bag for toddlers

Doll clothes (also for teddy bears) are always very popular with children. Here’s a selection that is sure to bring joy. All offers here also fit small newborns and dolls/teddy bears measuring 45-50 cm.

Colorful hooded cardigan - easy to knit 




Matching leggings to go with it




Of course, the doll needs a sleeping bag too - here it is




A Schlüttli with a hat - just like for a real baby




A sweater with a side button placket looks very cute too.




These two pairs of pants go well with it

Ina, that’s a great attitude—seeing the yarn as treasures. Yes, that’s how I feel, too. However, I really do have a lot of stash, and I want to work through it properly now. I feel like I’m in a store, and I actually like that. Still… I want to make some space. For what, you ask…? For new yarn, of course. But not until 2021.

Before that, I’m going to go on a real shopping spree in December. And I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. After all, the “Shopping Queen” in me needs to be lived out—and she’s allowed to be. ;-)

Wow, Josefa, I’m impressed by the titles you always come up with. You’ve written this really well again.
I’m especially excited about the Swap Queen (really cool title), the Crazypatterns Queen, and the Grandma of the Month—wow!

Here’s a question: What does it mean to be the Crazypatterns Queen? ;-)

Dear Sandra, I’m so glad you’re back! We actually kind of missed you here...
But sometimes we all need a break to recharge.

It’s totally fine that Anton likes it at daycare. My granddaughter started going there when she was 3. From age 2, she went to a child care provider two days a week. The rest of the week, her parents split childcare duties. That’s how it’ll be for Juna, too.

Get some rest—I hope you feel better soon!