Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

Ina, that’s a great idea. I’m going to do that, too. That way, a lot more cucumbers fit into the jar.

How did you handle the olive oil? Do you add water to it as well? Now you’ve got me curious again.

Those are truly impressive photos, Sonja. Great job. Marlene’s photo is great, too.
We have that orange butterfly on our butterfly bush as well.

I’m going to take a stroll through the garden over the next few days and try to capture a few of them on camera.

By the way, this morning a baby common toad was hopping around right at my feet. It was totally cute. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me. Now I walk through the garden very mindfully, especially in the mornings.

Oh Sonja, I love Steinhuder Meer. I used to go there on vacation quite often when my son was little. And I went back there again a few years ago. It’s a very special place for me.

We have a friend visiting, and on Sunday we’re going to the farm festival at the Winklhof. It’s an organic farm with its own café and alpacas that you can go hiking with. They also have lots of special treats there, like different kinds of fine vinegars.

Since the temperatures here are moderate—around 25–26 degrees—it’s the perfect weather for it.

This weekend, you can make a doll mom very happy by dressing her dolls (35–40 cm) in new outfits. For example, with this little dress, which is very easy to knit. It is described in different sizes, even for a 46 cm doll.

Go to the knitting pattern




To match this little dress, you can knit an outfit in the same size. It consists of leggings, a sweater, plus a headband.

Go to the knitting pattern




And because a doll baby like this needs a blanket too, you can knit this pretty blanket with a heart pattern to go with it. It would also be a lovely head start on a Christmas gift.

Go to the knitting pattern

Oh, how lovely, Sonja! Just yesterday I was thinking about taking pictures of all the butterflies. We have a butterfly bush with lots of colorful species on it, as well as blooming marjoram. There are also lots of bees flitting around there. It’s just beautiful! We really enjoy it, too.

Thanks to you and your husband for sharing!

Yes, Ina, I thought so too—experience shows that’s how it tastes best. I’ll probably preserve zucchini this way, too. It should be seasoned similarly to the cucumbers.

Here you can add a very special owl to your collection. It’ll be a hit with your family, since it reliably guards the room door. That way, everyone can see right away whether visitors are welcome or not. Even when the baby is sleeping, the guard owl clearly signals “STOP.”

The owl is very easy to crochet—even beginners can do it. Basic crochet skills are required.

To the crochet pattern

Here’s a photo of my pickles. The pot is already set up—the next batch of jars will go in soon. What really impresses me is that after 10 minutes, I was able to finish the process on just setting 2 on the stove. The temperature held up great.

They’re just very large jars, and I really packed them full.

Yes, Steffi, that would be something for a cat too. :)

I knitted the following set from cotton in Swap Package 1: a guest towel with a washcloth.

Marlene, you sure had a very special visitor today. :))

Dear Marlene,

How wonderful that it’s your birthday today. I wish you lots of joy and a wonderful day just the way you want it.

Of course, there are flowers too, this time photographed by me. I know you love nature very much and also have an eye for photography.



Warm regards from Monika

I’m staying calm too, but I’ve already given it some thought. Since our heating system failed last spring during a major cold snap, we ordered a heating picture as an infrared heater. It works well during the transition season and currently costs less than oil. So it was a good purchase, and we’re already grateful for it.

We always keep a few supplies in the house. Right now, I’ve started canning my own fruits and vegetables. That way, I won’t have to buy them at high prices in the winter. Because prices for everything are going to go up—let’s not kid ourselves.

I was born in 1954, so I grew up in a time when there weren’t the same luxuries we have today. So I’m fine with that.

The fact that all sorts of things are being advertised right now—for example, space heaters and generators—is, in my view, a business model I don’t want to get caught up in. What I am doing as a precaution, however, is setting aside money for the heating bill adjustment, which is sure to be higher than before. Putting something aside each month is better than possibly not being able to pay it later.

Christina, yes, Sternchen’s one is made from thicker cotton (100 m). I showed the very snug version here. I’m currently knitting another version with the same yarn, which is also a bit longer.

Oh wow, those are beautiful pictures—it looks amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Best regards, Monika

Here’s a photo of the gelling powder I use to make jam. It’s called Konfitura. You can decide the sweetness yourself, including how much of it to use.

A triangular shawl that can also be worn like a poncho—that’s something special. With its pink waves and pretty lace pattern, it’s a real eye-catcher. Ideal for cool summer evenings and walks on the beach.

Go to the knitting pattern




With this pattern, you can knit a scarf, a stole, or a cowl—just as you like. The pretty lace pattern can even be extended in any direction.

Go to the knitting pattern

Dear Sandra,
I also wish you a speedy recovery and hope your vacation works out. It’s great to have you back—we really missed you.

You’ve been very hard at work, as always. Crocheting can certainly be a great comfort.

Warm regards from Monika

Dear Ina and everyone reading this,

today my pickled cucumbers are making their debut! I did it—yay!
I used larger jars and packed them pretty full. I followed your instructions to the letter. It was really fun. And now, unfortunately, I have to wait… which isn’t exactly easy for me. I think I’ll open the first jar in two weeks at the latest.

As for the vinegar, I just poured it in little by little and tasted it as I went. There’s some cucumber brine left over—I’ll put that in the fridge. We ate the rest of the cucumbers in a salad tonight.

With the large jars, I had to use the extension ring on the pot, and that worked great too. I’ll post a photo tomorrow.

Thanks, Susann and Ina—I understand that, of course. Now I just need to know how much vinegar I should put in there. A tablespoon at a time, or a good amount?

And here is the finished felted home for squirrels that are being cared for or raised.

Now I’ve finished two more boleros. I wanted to try out different sizes. For Sternchen, I knitted it a bit tighter and shorter; for little Merle, I made it wider. What I noticed is that cotton isn’t very stretchy. Acrylic, wool, or a blend works much better for this.

Here’s Sternchen with her bolero and little dress:




And here’s little Merle:

Dear Ina, today I bought the ingredients, including the cucumbers. However, I just noticed that the vinegar is actually flavored. Darn!

Can I still use it, or should I get some new vinegar instead? I still have some vinegar essence (organic) on hand that can be diluted. Would that work in a pinch?

And what’s the approximate ratio of vinegar to water?

This colorful skirt for 3- to 4-year-old girls can be knitted with lots of colorful leftover yarn. Just according to their favorite colors. It is easy to make for anyone with a little knitting experience.

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These socks are very easy to knit—with the mowi heel and 3 needles. You get four different sizes shown step by step, as well as a table with other sizes.

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This circular collar / shoulder warmer is knitted from one skein and is a great project for beginners with basic knowledge.

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A pinafore dress that can be transformed so it fits for several years—from 1.5 years and up. It is knitted from the bottom up with a heart pattern made of knit and purl stitches.

Go to the knitting pattern

Dishcloths and washcloths can also be decorative when they’re hand-knitted. With this pattern, you can knit six different patterns and use up colorful cotton scraps. Very easy, and also suitable for beginners with basic skills.

To the knitting pattern




These washcloths with a heart are just as easy to knit and, of course, also make lovely gifts.

To the knitting pattern




There’s also this matching guest towel. As a gift set, it makes a very pretty gift for your favorite people.

To the knitting pattern




Make a statement for peace with this knitted peace dove—a very special washcloth, dishcloth, or potholder.

To the knitting pattern




This doll blanket, or baby blanket, with a heart is always well received as a gift and is sure to bring joy, even while knitting it.

To the knitting pattern




A bright and colorful patchwork blanket made from lots of thick leftover yarn can be knitted very easily with this pattern. All the pieces have different patterns and colors thanks to the different balls of yarn. That brings color and good cheer into life.

To the knitting pattern




A colorful spring meadow in every season—you can crochet that for yourself with this pattern. All the pieces are easy to make, even for beginners with basic skills.

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These beetle oven mitts are an eye-catcher in any kitchen. A great beginner project.

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Eco-friendly, decorative, and quick to crochet from scraps: this small pouch for 10 tissues. Fits in any jacket pocket or handbag.

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This large decorative cover for a tissue box goes very well with it. It can be crocheted very easily from leftover yarn in any favorite color.

To the crochet pattern




This decoration invites you to play. The cute little gnomes made from colorful scraps are perfect for crocheting as an Advent calendar. The house can also be used very well as a storage basket for leftover yarn, needles, and small items.

To the crochet pattern for the value set
(Note: The pattern for the house and the gnomes is also available separately.)




These two door hangers that guard the room are especially popular with children. They protect the room’s occupants from unwanted visitors. Also a great idea for the home office.

The door guards are available as either a bear or an owl. It’s best to crochet both right away, because they probably won’t stay with you for long. Also suitable for beginners.

To the crochet pattern for the bear door guard




To the crochet pattern for the owl door guard *Ruhu*

Toys with a useful function—my grandchildren love things like that. With these crocheted models, I fulfilled their wishes. They gave me the idea for them.


Bag for a Puky, tricycle, or balance bike—with a double bottom. This makes it pretty sturdy, not just for a stuffed animal.

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A bag for kindergarten or walks. There are plenty of opportunities to fill it up. Thanks to the adjustable strap, the bag grows with the child for several years.

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The play store absolutely needed a shopping bag. And it was filled with carrots and lemons. All the pieces are also easy for beginners with basic knowledge to crochet.

Go to the crochet pattern




Of course, the dolls get hungry too and want to eat the same things as their doll mommy. My grandchildren often play with it and are really excited about it. It includes both breakfast and lunch. And everything is very easy to crochet.

Go to the crochet pattern

Dear Inge, thank you! I didn’t dare to write here… until now. You’ve given me the courage.

Of course, I don’t believe in the usual “horoscopes” either. Viewed in such general terms, they simply can’t be right. But I don’t just believe in astrology—I’m convinced of it. Quite simply because it applies perfectly to everyone I know well. Not the zodiac sign in general, but the precise analysis of birth dates by a good astrologer.

When I was younger, a friend of mine who was an amateur astrologer once told me about a reading she’d done on my “innate talents and abilities,” and I almost laughed at her. I just couldn’t believe what she saw there. But looking back, I know she was right. Because everything turned out exactly that way. And it amazes me time and time again.

That’s why I’ve been studying astrology for several years now and looking at the birth charts of my friends and family. They’re all completely different, and they’re really accurate. It’s helped me understand these people better—and why they are the way they are—and it’s also helped me understand myself better. 

Another highlight for small dolls has just hopped off my needles. Now the doll mom’s little darlings (35–40 cm) have cute summer clothes too. The set matches the little dress perfectly, which you can also find in my shop.

The sweater is knitted top-down raglan style. It also includes leggings that can be knitted with or without a ruffle. Both the smaller and the larger sizes are described.

To the knitting pattern

These little dolls, measuring 35–40 cm, absolutely need a cute summer set like this. It was designed to match the little dress, which you can also find in my shop. The sweater was knitted with raglan sleeves starting from the top, and it comes with leggings that can be knitted with or without a ruffle at the bottom—depending on whether it’s for a boy or a girl doll. The set was designed in two sizes, both of which are described in the pattern.

To the knitting pattern

Hihi, you guys are funny... :-)

Christina, I’m writing the pattern right now, including how to adjust it for all sizes. My little star is getting her bolero right now. It’s going to be the prettiest one of all. Photo coming soon.

Yes, I’m also curious to see the result, Anja. I can’t quite picture a pair of pants made from granny squares right now.

Andrea, your bunny is really too cute. I can easily believe it gets cuddled all the time. And your mosaics are always a joy to look at.

I’m busy knitting little boleros right now, so I’ll have one to go with every little dress. It’s really fun and I can do it on the side.

Have a great weekend!

Dear Ina, I’d like to thank you again here for the recipe. I’ll give it a try next week once I’ve gathered all the ingredients.

We don’t have a big vegetable garden, but we do have a great farmers’ market. Cucumbers are on sale there right now. I’m really looking forward to it. We do have some on the balcony, too, but they’re smaller. We’ll probably eat those right away once they’re ready.

We do have plenty of tomatoes, though. I’ll preserve those as well, so I’ll have them for pizza in the winter.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Monika

Hey everyone, I’m totally excited to start knitting soul warmers and bolero jackets right now. Now I finally know what to do with the merino wool I bought a few months ago. I’m also going to knit something like that for my girlfriend for Christmas. She’s coming over in a week, and she can even pick out the yarn herself.

Thanks, Ruth and Anja!

Oh wow, that’s such a cute firefly. I had no idea there was glow-in-the-dark yarn. Very cool! You can go for a walk outside at night with it and won’t go unnoticed.

Yes, you’re right, Ina. I’d better skip prepared dishes then. I rarely have leftovers anyway.

The EM-X powder is really easy to use. It’s the Effective Microorganisms that do the work. I’m always amazed myself that it really works. Experience has shown that. I get the pectin powder at the organic grocery store. There, you can add as much sweetener as you want. I always make jam with 1000 g of fruit and 500 g of birch sugar. It works great! I add 22 g of the jam powder. I’ve been doing it this way for many years.

I’ve ordered the book and I’m really looking forward to it. I had to spend 68 years on this earth before finally starting to preserve food—thanks to your great tip here.

Have a wonderful weekend!

My favorite scrap-yarn project is doll clothes. You can use them to create beautiful, colorful pieces that will make any doll mom’s heart beat faster, whether big or small. Here are a few popular examples from my shop.


Knitting pattern - Clothing set for dolls 35–40 cm - various measurements




Knitting pattern - Dungarees for dolls 43–50 cm




Knitting pattern - Matching RVO sweater - several sizes for dolls and teddy bears




 Crochet pattern - Diaper for baby dolls 43–50 cm




Knitting pattern - RVO overall for teddy bears or dolls 45–50 cm




Knitting pattern - RVO overall for dolls and teddy bears 25–40 cm




Knitting pattern - Suit for dolls 43–50 cm




Knitting pattern - Little raglan dress with colorful stripes for dolls 50–58 cm




Knitting pattern - Clothing set for dolls 45–50 cm




Knitting pattern - Schlüttli cardigan and hat for dolls 43–50 cm




Knitting pattern - RVO sweater for dolls 43–50 cm




Knitting pattern - Small raglan sweater for teddy bears 25–30 cm




Crochet pattern - Jacket for small teddy bears with thin arms or dolls 25–30 cm




Go to the knitting pattern - Jacket and hat for dolls 35–40 cm

You can conjure up lots of beautiful things from scraps - here are a few popular examples.


This little bag for the play shop can be filled with lemons and carrots right away and then given as a gift. But it also works well as decoration - perhaps with assorted candies. In any case, every toddler is sure to be delighted with it. Also suitable for beginners with basic knowledge.

Go to the crochet pattern




Dishcloths and washcloths can also be very decorative. They are definitely useful and much more pleasant than terry cloth rags. With this pattern you can knit six different designs and use up lots of scraps. Very easy, also for beginners with basic knowledge.

Go to the knitting pattern




This self-knitted peace dove is a real eye-catcher - a very special washcloth, dishcloth, or potholder, and it is sure to be well received as a gift.

Go to the knitting pattern

Thanks, Petra! :) Yes, exactly—now I’ll have to knit even more, of course, because the other dolls need their little dresses, too. My granddaughter will be happy when I bring this to her.

Now my Lara has a bolero to go with her little dress. I came up with this idea yesterday. It was quick and easy to knit and looks really cute.

It’s gotten much cooler here—18–19 degrees. But that’s fine; it gives me a chance to get back on the computer and do some tidying up.

We’re having guests over on Sunday, so I’ll be baking a cake tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to it.

You can easily finish this pretty little doll dress in a weekend. It’s very simple to knit and also easy to put on and take off. The pattern describes various sizes from 35 up to 46 cm.

To the knitting pattern




A dove of peace is always well received, especially when it’s hand-knitted—as a washcloth, dishcloth, or potholder. You only need to knit and purl stitches for it. It’s very easy.

To the knitting pattern




This guest towel with the inscription "For You" makes a very special gift. It’s easy to knit from the pattern, too, and is sure to be admired.

To the knitting pattern

Wow, THANK YOU so much, Ina, for all this info. I’m going to get that book right away.

I figured there had to be a little water with the fruit. I’ll keep that in mind. I have a lot of experience with birch sugar—I use it to make jam, too. It can be used just like regular sugar but doesn’t have the negative effects on the body.

I make jam in the Thermomix—using a pectin mix. It works great! To extend the shelf life, I always add half a teaspoon of EM-X ceramic powder. It’s always worked great so far, and the jam has never gone bad.

I’m really curious about your cucumber canning recipe. I think this will be of interest to quite a few people.

Of course, I’ll also report back here on my results. I’m taking it slow and feeling my way through it. Another thing I’m going to try is preserving ready-made meals. I prefer this method of preservation to freezing.

Here’s another cute jacket with a hat for little dolls measuring 35–40 cm.

Go to the knitting pattern

Doll clothes are what I love to knit best, or sometimes crochet too. My dolls and my granddaughters’ dolls are always happy to get a new outfit. Feel free to browse through my designs; there’s sure to be something there for you.

This clothing set is described for child dolls measuring 35–40 cm. Sweater with top-down raglan and various measurements.

Go to the knitting pattern



Dungarees for dolls measuring 43–50 cm

go to the knitting pattern




Raglan sweater to match the dungarees - several sizes included for dolls and teddy bears.

Go to the knitting pattern




Colorful diaper for baby dolls 43–50 cm - great for leftover yarn.

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Onesie for the teddy bear or doll (45–50 cm), with top-down raglan. 

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Onesie for small teddy bears or dolls measuring 25–40 cm, great for scraps.

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Summer outfit for dolls measuring 43–50 cm - also for reborn dolls

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Colorful striped raglan dress for dolls 50–58 cm 

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Colorful clothing set for dolls 45–50 cm - made from the leftover yarn from the doll mom’s skirt.

Go to the knitting pattern




Schlüttli cardigan with hat for baby dolls 43–50 cm with top-down raglan

Go to the knitting pattern




Raglan sweater with button placket for dolls 43–50 cm

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Small raglan sweater that is knitted from the bottom up and fits small teddy bears measuring 25–30 cm.

Go to the knitting pattern




Crochet jacket for the little floppy teddy bears 20–25 cm or small dolls

Go to the crochet pattern

Dear Svenja,

for your birthday, I’m sending you a bouquet that will make all your wishes come true. Have a wonderful day with your loved ones and enjoy it.



Warm regards,
Monika

This poncho cape made from sock yarn is definitely TV-friendly. It’s great to knit on the side and keeps you cozy and warm during the cooler months. Plus, it offers plenty of freedom of movement.

To the knitting pattern




The pretty pattern on this little doll dress looks complicated, but it isn’t. You can actually knit it while watching TV. Before you know it, it’ll be finished and ready to give as a gift. Every doll mom will be delighted.

To the knitting pattern




A sleeping bag for mini dolls up to 20 cm or for a stuffed animal, which can be knitted quickly and easily from leftover yarn.

To the knitting pattern

I’ve knitted another felted nest (swing) for orphaned squirrels. This time, I used the swap yarn from swap package No. 2—the purple and pink yarn at the top and bottom. I’ll post a photo of the felted nest as soon as it’s finished.

Oh dear, Anja, I don’t even want to imagine that—it would be a total disaster. I have knitting hands that love holding needles and turning yarn into something beautiful. I guess the only solution is to find something else to do, like reading a book… or going for a walk in nature.

I’ve knitted another home for orphaned squirrels. It just needs to be felted. That’ll make another caretaker happy.



I’ve already decided on my next project. It’s going to be a baby dress. I’ve already picked out the yarn. But first, I want to finish crocheting the bag for Juna. I’m already in the final stages of that.

Ina, you’ve gotten me so excited about your canning set that I ordered one for myself, too. It arrived today. Now I have a few questions for you, since you’re already using it. The brief instructions just don’t give me enough information.

1st question:
How long do you can your cucumbers, for example?

2. Question:
In the pictures, it looks like the contents of the jars are sealed and preserved by steam, so to speak. I don’t see any water being added. Can you actually put fruit like pears in the jars without adding water? Or what’s the minimum amount of water that needs to go into each jar?

3. Question:
I’ve also seen jars filled with jam. Can you make jam that way, too—by just putting the chopped ingredients into the jars and then steaming them in a pot (for how long?)?

4. Question:
Would you share your cucumber recipe with us—or tell us what ingredients you add to the jars with the cucumbers? The ratio of vinegar (which kind?) to water would also be interesting.

I know… there are a lot of questions. But I’m so eager to try this out now, and I don’t want to make any mistakes. Making my own pickled cucumbers has been a dream of mine for a long time. It was just the traditional canning method that always held me back. Now it would be a piece of cake. Tomatoes should also preserve very well this way. Then I won’t have to buy canned tomatoes in the winter anymore.

I’m really looking forward to your answers and can’t wait to hear them. But there’s no rush—it doesn’t have to be right away.

How wonderful, Claudia, that we were able to inspire you so much and that you’re practically itching to get started. There’s a lot of potential there for you to build on.

These are already some special offerings that you don’t find on every corner here. And then there’s your distinctive design style on top of that.

With all these strengths, it’ll be a great start. I wish that for you.

A pair of pants with feet attached for dolls or newborns that are very easy to put on and take off. I show you different sizes in the pattern, so you can easily make them yourself.

To the knitting pattern




These pretty knitted pants with straps fit from about 1.5 years. The straps and cuffs are adjustable, so the pants grow with your child for a while.

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This little strap dress can be transformed. It fits a baby at 6 months and later a toddler up to 3 years. The little dress has knitted-in hearts and is knitted in one piece.

To the knitting pattern