Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

So, everyone, this is what the package looked like at noon today after it arrived. It’s already taken quite a beating, but I think if I tape it up properly again, it’ll make it through the next round. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lightweight cardboard box in this size.



This time, I’m going to do things a little differently than before. I’ll let you in on the whole process of how I make my decisions—one skein at a time. Since I’ve made my selections very quickly in the past, I realized afterward that I really should have taken more time. Sometimes a yarn feels right at first glance, but then I’m stuck for ideas on what to do with it.

I’ve made an initial selection. This yarn is staying with me—that much is certain.



There’s a story behind this, too. I kept this exact yarn—in a different color—in one of the first swap packages. I originally planned to send it back out this time, since I didn’t know what to do with such a small amount. And now I see the same yarn—in a matching color mix—in this package. It’s exactly the addition I needed. I’ll be knitting both of them together into a soul warmer, which I’m already looking forward to.

Here’s a photo of the two large skeins; I already had one of them.



I’ll also keep the following leftover skein without a label, since I have other skeins that match it in color. They look exactly the same, and I can only assume they’re the same quality. The skein was included in a bag with the Drops yarn, but it feels completely different.




So, that’s today’s selection. I’ll continue tomorrow and share more with you then.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to Andrea for the lovely lucky gnome. I was really happy to receive it. I’ll post a photo tomorrow.

Oh, Ina, that’s so nicely put. :)
For now, I’m enjoying the garden and finishing up some projects I’ve started. Tonight I’ll take a look at everything and make a preliminary selection. Tomorrow I’ll go through the selection again and think about what I could make with it.

Yeah, and then I’ll have to pick out a selection from my stash to send on.

On Friday, I’ll drop the package off at the post office first thing in the morning. That’s when we’ll be driving to the market, so we can take it with us. With diesel prices what they are, every car trip has to be carefully considered these days. If everything goes as quickly as it usually does, the package will reach the recipient as early as Saturday.

Wow... the swap package has already arrived!! I set it aside for now and just opened it carefully. This time, I’m going to take my time and think carefully about what I choose. I already know that the next recipients can look forward to some lovely items. There are some great things inside.

I’ll check in again… this time you’ll need a little patience. Because I’m enjoying taking my time to choose. Of course, I’ll share my selection with you in a series of photos.

Dear Petra, my deepest condolences on the passing of your friend. Yes, there’s a void at first when a loved one leaves us. But we’re still here, and as you say, every minute is precious and should be lived and enjoyed mindfully. I don’t put anything off “until later” anymore either—I live the life I want to live right now.

You’re doing a wonderful job of this by revisiting all those beautiful moments. In doing so, you’re honoring your friendship in a special way.

Warm regards from Monika

Oh yeah, that’s great, Andrea. I’m already looking forward to it. It’ll definitely be here soon.

Anja, I’m doing the pillows the same way as Petra. Otherwise, I’ll fold over one side and sew buttons on it. I’ve made sewn pillows just by folding them over like that without a closure. It works great. Maybe that’s the “hotel closure”?

Marlen, your dishcloth has a beautiful pattern—it could also be a coaster or a doily.

I don’t have anything to show yet. I’m going to start a tunic soon—I bought the pattern here at bunte-fussel. It just caught my eye. And since I unfortunately couldn’t find any suitable yarn in my stash, I bought two skeins in my favorite colors from her shop yesterday. I’m really looking forward to it and will finally get started on it.

For now, I’m finishing up the counting chain for Linja’s first day of school and a few more glass coasters. Because mine keep getting snatched away from me. :)

For Linja’s first day of school, I found two books in my swap group that she’ll definitely like. She loves the Conni books. These ones will be hers to keep as a keepsake. She can write in them, draw, and paste pictures herself. Since she loves crafts, this will surely be something special. These are the books:

Dear Petra,

I’d also like to wish you a very happy birthday and bring you a bouquet full of good wishes. Above all, I wish you good health, a zest for life, moments of happiness, a wealth of ideas, loving people by your side, and everything else that enriches life. You enrich the world with your colorful creations and spread so much joy. It’s wonderful to have you here.



With all my love, Monika

Happy Birthday and have a wonderful day with your guests.



All my love
Monika

Wow, Andrea, that was quick. It looks great.

Wow, what a great photo, Marlene.

Thanks, Ina, for sharing in the joy. Yes, the yarn really isn’t quite as soft as it looks. It would be too scratchy for me as a scarf or loop. I used just a little more than one ball for the hat. I’ll knit wrist warmers from the rest to match the hat. They’re perfect for those first cold days when it’s not quite freezing yet. Since I don’t have anything in blue yet, this is a nice change of pace.

Warm regards from Monika

Andrea, that’s a lovely selection. I would have liked the mottled yarn in the top right, too. Now, of course, I’m really excited to see what’s in store for me and I’m already looking forward to it.

Wow, that was fast, Andrea. You’ve got a lovely yarn weekend ahead of you. I’m curious to see what you’ll pick out.

Then it’ll arrive at my place as early as next week. Ooh, I’m already excited—I’ll let myself be surprised.
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!

I’ve now finished a hat using alpaca yarn from the last swap package in May 2022. It’s the yarn in the bottom left of this photo.



And here’s the result. I can wear the hat as a beanie or with a rolled brim.

Your granny squares turned out great, Anja. Your cat is clearly good for you if you’re already incorporating her into your granny squares. I’m so happy for you.

So, now I can show off my hat, which I knitted from swap yarn. It’s a very simple one that I can wear as a beanie or as a hat with a rolled brim.

Sandra, I really admire your creativity when it comes to kids’ birthday parties. Wouldn’t that be a good business idea for you? Since you enjoy it so much, I could definitely see that happening. There’s certainly plenty of demand. It’s really lovely what you’re preparing for Anton’s birthday.

How cute is that, Anja! Congratulations on sticking with it. The granny square is already turning out great.

My hat is almost finished—it’s going to be a very simple one. Since I only have thick hats, this one will be a regular thin one made of alpaca yarn (from a yarn swap). At the same time, I’m also finishing the bag for Juna (motivation, where are you...). And for Linja’s first day of school, I’ve started a counting chain. When it’s done, I’ll show it to you all.

Have a great weekend, everyone. We’re going to a fish barbecue at some friends’ house tomorrow.

You can make this decorative tissue box holder very creatively and colorfully. You can use up leftover yarn or your favorite colors to match your décor. It’s sure to be well received as a gift. The box is easy to crochet, and all steps are clearly explained.

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The doll mommy will be delighted when she gets such a pretty little summer hat for her darlings. It’s quick and easy to make, even for beginners, and leftover yarn is enough. The little hat can be crocheted in any size.

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This sweet summer hat for doll children has just arrived in my shop. Even beginners can crochet it very easily and quickly—to the delight of the doll mommy.

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Brand new in my shop is this cute little summer hat for dolls. It’s easy for beginners to make and a great project for using up leftover yarn.

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These Christmas stars are quick and easy to crochet, even for beginners. Scraps of yarn are more than enough for this project. The stars can be hung on the tree—or on a gift—and also make lovely table decorations.

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Soon it will be time to wear hats again. How about this balaclava for toddlers, which conveniently buttons at the front? Of course, it can also simply be pulled over the head.

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These baby booties with a heart appliqué are a lovely stash-busting project. They are quick and easy to crochet from leftover yarn and are sure to make mom and baby happy.

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This knitted teddy for a baby or toddler is a great beginner project. It’s very easy with the pattern. Leftover yarn is more than enough here.

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Wow, that really looks like a lot of work and dedication.

Oh Josefa, are you in Bavaria too? Me too! :))

Yes, a warning has been issued, but so far the rain hasn’t reached us yet—except for a few drops last night. Well, it’s still to come. And nature really needs it. We’re hoping for the best and that everything goes well.

Tomorrow we’re invited to a friends’ place for a fish barbecue. Of course, it’s a shame that it’s supposed to rain then of all times. We’ll make the best of it anyway—

I wish all of you here a happy weekend!

Wow, Veronika, that would have been my exact choice, too. You’ve really scored a treasure there. Congratulations! I’m getting more and more curious about what might be in this joy package for me.

Now, of course, I’m also curious to see what will come of it.

This cowl / shoulder warmer is as simple as it is practical. A good idea when you have a skein left over. Also easy for beginners to make.

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For this collar, which can also be worn as a scarf, you’ll only need one skein. It’s easy to knit and very versatile.

View knitting pattern

You can easily knit this cloth with a peace dove from one skein of cotton. It is very easy to make.

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These cloths with a heart motif also need just under one skein of cotton. Just as easy to knit and a truly heartfelt gift for many occasions.

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Of course, these cloths can also be knitted from one skein. Ideal for beginners, because here you’ll also learn six different patterns using knit and purl stitches along the way.

To the knitting pattern

Wow, you’ve all been busy again!

Sandra, you always have great ideas for kids’ birthday parties. You could easily turn that into a business idea. The police-themed glass—you’d have to think of that first. That’s a really cool piece.

Mel, that mandala looks amazing—especially on such a huge scale. But something that big takes a lot of patience and hard work.

Ruth, you never seem to run out of ideas for such little things. The finger puppets are absolutely adorable once again.

Petra, oh dear—with that yarn, and then you dropped a stitch. That’s not as easy as it looks. It’s certainly pretty to wear something like that, but knitting it...? No, thanks. I haven’t had the best experiences with that.

Marion, your glass covers turned out beautifully. Thanks for test-knitting them. :) We use them all the time. No wasp or anything else stands a chance.
Your top looks absolutely amazing. The colors aren’t really my style, but the pattern—very elegant. You can still put it to good use, since summer’s going to stick around for a while.


I practiced unraveling my work again. I’d already finished crocheting a hat for myself, and then I didn’t like it at all. So… I unraveled the whole thing. And that was really tedious with pure alpaca wool because it kept getting caught. I realized in the process that I much prefer knitting to crocheting, at least for larger projects.

Still, I did finish something. I dressed my doll babies in cute little summer hats. They look so adorable in them. The pattern is in the works and should be ready by the weekend.

Raglan is my favorite way to knit sweaters and cardigans. It has a lovely fit and no seams. These models for children and dolls will bring you joy.


I knitted this colorful little raglan dress for my 2-year-old granddaughter, and she loved it right away. Even now, at 3 years old, it still fits. Next year she can keep wearing it as a tunic. The little dress is knitted from thin cotton yarn, so it’s perfect for summer. In fall, she can wear a shirt underneath.

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The same little dress is also available for a doll (50–58 cm) in a matching look. It’s just as easy to knit as the children’s dress,

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This onesie for teddies or dolls (25–35 cm) is also knitted top-down with raglan shaping—in one piece. I used leftover Drops recycled cotton for it.

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With these 6 dishcloths or washcloths, you’ll have success very quickly. You can make them even as a beginner knitter, and along the way you’ll learn 6 different patterns created with knit and purl stitches. Leftover yarn is perfectly sufficient for this.

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This cloth with a peace dove motif can be knitted just as quickly. It’s also a good idea as a potholder if the yarn is a bit thicker.

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If you know a doll mom with a baby doll (43–50 cm), simply crochet this diaper for it using leftover yarn. It’ll be finished in no time and is sure to bring joy.

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Yes, dear Ines, now I can see the last photo! Great!
That gives us an idea of your haul. You can really do a lot with that.

I hope you have fun knitting with it!

Love, Monika

This morning, the first one from Maxtiger was still there for me—now there aren’t any left. Only the first photos at the top. Clearing the cache doesn’t help.

Unfortunately, still not. I can’t see the photos from Maxtiger (Ines).

The last photo isn’t loading for me, even though I have a fast internet connection. I’ve tried it in several browsers. Sometimes the images don’t show up until after I’ve replied. I’ll give it another try now.

A colorful skirt for 3- to 4-year-olds that’s easy to knit from colorful leftover yarn. You’re sure to enjoy it too, just like many users before you.

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Knitting socks is now really easy—with 3 needles (the CraSyTrio) and the simple mowi heel. You get step-by-step instructions for 4 sizes and will have lots of fun knitting. At last, you can give your whole family socks as gifts.

Go to the knitting pattern

We have a public holiday today—I only really realized it this morning when I was about to put the trash bin out. As retirees, these things somehow just pass us by.

Thanks, Ines, for showing us your treasures. I would have liked the purple and white yarn at the very bottom, too. Now I’m curious to see what’s waiting for me in the surprise package.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Love from Monika

Dear Tanja, I’d also like to send you my warmest congratulations, along with some flowers from my garden.



With love
Monika

Wow, Petra, that really is a super beautiful photo. You really are living in paradise ... with the colorful yarn, and your garden is amazing too. 

I wish you and your husband all the very best for your wedding anniversary and many more lovely colorful ideas. You really hit the jackpot with your husband, since he even lets you knit him in so beautifully. Awesome!

Warm regards
Monika

Wow, you two have a great harvest! It looks just like something out of a picture book. Unfortunately, we don’t have that many, since we have limited space. We always eat everything right away.

Yes, that’s necessary—I have to agree with Ruth on that. I can say from experience that using the free advertising threads pays off in the long run. That’s because it also helps you get found faster on Google. I often notice that products I’ve just posted in the advertising threads end up selling afterward.

As a designer, patience is absolutely essential here. And, on top of that, a lot of hard work.

Wow, Marlies, that looks delicious. You’ve already preserved quite a variety. Yeah, homemade just tastes so much better than store-bought. :)

Ruth, you’ve got a point there. I hadn’t thought of that either. There’s so much to consider, and I’m sure CP has given it some thought too. But the idea of not having too many similar offers in there does make sense. Then again, it also depends on whether enough designers book advertising at all. 

I like it the way it is now, anyway. Especially because it has a variety of patterns, where almost everyone can find something.

Well, you just can’t please everyone. I guess we’ll have to accept that. :)

@Refugium_Creativum

I’d like to highlight this paragraph of yours:
"I see so many patterns here that are very high quality and still have hardly any sales, probably because they weren’t “caught” right at the beginning, or simply weren’t seen by the right people, or the author just doesn’t advertise excessively (not everyone is a born salesperson). Couldn’t a more targeted newsletter help counteract that?"

I fully agree with this statement; as a fellow author, I see it the same way. I find your thoughts very worth considering. I hadn’t looked at it that way before. The only remaining question is whether enough authors would even book advertising for a topic. Because there are selection criteria there too that we authors have to meet. New items, for example, that don’t immediately have at least 10 sales cannot be booked and then also won’t be seen in the newsletter. Many lovely offers quickly get lost that way, which I also find very regrettable.

At least the suggestion here already makes sense. 

Best regards
Monika

The next thing I’m going to preserve is beans. They’re available at the market now, so we’ll have a supply for the winter. I’m still looking for recipes.

Ina, your tip about the preserving lid is really great. I would never have thought of that otherwise. In a few days, we’ll open the first jar of pickles and give them a try. I’m really looking forward to it.

We’re also just enjoying the weekend, no matter what holidays are coming up. We make our own. :)

The weather is great—exactly how summer should be. Not too hot, sunny, and of course, the garden is perfect for spending time outdoors. Everything else can wait until it rains again (hopefully).

I hope you all have a great time doing whatever you have planned.

These washcloths and dish towels are very easy to knit in six different patterns. You can knit one for everyone in the family in their favorite color. Also suitable for beginners.

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For the doll (50–58 cm), you can knit this colorful striped raglan dress. It’s knitted in one piece. Very easy if you have knitting experience.

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For the little doll mom aged 2 and up, you can knit a matching outfit - exactly the same little dress. It grows with her and can later be worn as a tunic.

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For a doll baby (43–50 cm), this colorful diaper made from leftover yarn is a must-have. It’s also easy for toddlers to put on and take off thanks to the Velcro closure. Also suitable for crochet beginners.

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This colorful skirt for 3–4-year-olds is quick and easy to knit. It’s guaranteed to become a little girl’s favorite piece.

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Using the leftover yarn from this skirt, you can knit a matching outfit for the doll (45–50 cm). This will make the little doll mom even happier.

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To enjoy your drink outdoors without worry, you can crochet these colorful covers for your glasses using leftover yarn. They’re quick to make, and everyone will have their own wasp protection.

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Knitting dishcloths or washcloths is quick, and leftover cotton yarn is perfect for this too. How about this heart motif, which you can easily knit—and give as a gift?

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To go with it, you can knit this guest towel with the same motif and the inscription “For You.”

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This colorful raglan dress is quick to knit, and little girls ages 2 and up are sure to love it. It can later be worn as a tunic, so it grows with the child.

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For the doll (50–58 cm), you can knit the same little dress using your leftover yarn. That way, the joy is twice as great.

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The big sister, aged 3–4, gets this colorful skirt. It has already brought great joy to many users—both while knitting it and when giving it as a gift.

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There’s also a matching outfit for the doll (45–50 cm) made from the leftover yarn. She even gets a complete outfit set.

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For the baby doll (43–50 cm), this mixed-pattern outfit is quick and easy to knit—the raglan top is worked from the top down.

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