Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

@Claudia:

I’d be happy to share my experiences with you, too.
What you absolutely need to contribute as an author to keep your shop running is a lot of time. And you should enjoy writing the patterns as well.

In my case, I first became a customer here and was thrilled by how detailed the patterns are. That’s exactly what I need—for everything to be shown with photos. And then I thought to myself, why not just give it a try? Because I’ve always taken notes whenever I’ve knitted or crocheted something.

So I started by creating a free pattern and uploading it here. On the one hand, that piques users’ curiosity and leads them to your shop. Plus, the reviews let you see how your patterns are being received. And that went really well for me at first.

Then, little by little, I added more patterns. They were always projects I’d made for myself, and I wrote the patterns for myself too—so I could easily follow them. Yes, I actually work from my own patterns every now and then. I’d never be able to recreate them from memory.

I just did it on a whim because I enjoy it, and I figured a little pocket money for my yarn fund would be nice.

Over time, I’ve learned a lot here by observing other authors and being active in the forum. One important realization was that the shop really took off once I found “my niche.” On the one hand, that means creating brand recognition—in other words, a unique selling point. On the other hand, it means offering a product that solves a problem for the customer. Once that pattern takes off, the other patterns will follow.

By “my niche,” I also mean specializing in certain categories. For me, for example, that’s doll clothes—and sometimes clothes for babies and toddlers as well. That’s what I enjoy most, and it builds a base of repeat customers who come back looking for exactly that—provided the patterns are good and appealing. By now, some customers have bought doll clothes or children’s clothing more than 20 times.

On the other hand, there are patterns that took me a lot of work but hardly ever get bought. You just have to accept that. I guess I wrote those ones just for myself.

I started in March 2017, and things got off to a very slow start—despite having a Facebook page. Things really took off in my third year. Now, after five years, I’ve (finally, in my opinion) reached just under 9,000 sales. I never would have dreamed of that at the beginning.

The time I spend here isn’t a “must” for me—it’s very valuable. I’ve made many personal connections through this, received a lot of help from my colleagues, and being here is one of the joyful moments of my day. It’s almost like a second virtual home. :)

If you can bring a lot of joy and time to it, then I recommend you just get started and see how it goes. In this case, the only way to find out is to try. I’m already wishing you lots of success.

Warm regards from Monika

Steffi, your gloves are absolutely amazing!! You really need to hide them well—otherwise, they’ll find a new owner in no time.

I’m currently gathering some swap yarn and already have a few ideas for what to make with it.

Dishcloths / washcloths are a great beginner project. Here you’ll learn six different patterns along the way while knitting, and you only need knit and purl stitches for them.

Go to the knitting pattern




This collar scarf is also a great project for beginners. You only need one skein, and you’re ready to get started.

Go to the knitting pattern




A beginner crochet project that also makes a great gift is this lucky ladybug as an oven mitt. You should have basic skills.

Go to the knitting pattern

Anja, I could never knit with such a thick knitting needle. My joints would give out. I admire you!

I mostly knit with needle sizes between 2.5 and 3.5—sometimes even 4. Right now I’m using 5.5. But that’s still just barely within the comfortable range. I’ve used 7 or 8 before, too, but I can’t keep that up for long.

Ina, you’ve inspired me so much with that canning attachment that I can’t stop thinking about it. I actually still have a lot of larger jars sitting around and am already thinking about all the things I could can. This year, I’ve discovered my absolute love for gardening and self-sufficiency.

Yes, it’s true—everything in the stores is getting more and more expensive, and it doesn’t taste as good as homemade. We have a really good farmers’ market with lots of stalls selling their own vegetables. So I think I’ll go get one of those preserving attachments and start filling my jars.

A recipe for the brine for cucumbers would be great right now. Sweet and sour sounds good—I definitely won’t use refined sugar, probably birch sugar instead.

Ines, that was a really great idea you had with the frog. You have to think of something like that first. Yes, the little ones have incredible energy—they’re full of pure life force that we’ve partly lost along the way. Enjoy this time; unfortunately, it’s over way too quickly.

Oh, Ines, what a sweet idea! Your frog is such a great little discovery for your grandson. He’ll definitely love it. Later on, he can cuddle with it. Do you put it behind your grandson when he’s sitting in his high chair?

I’ve now finished the complete set for my Merlin, and the quadruplets are all fully dressed. Here’s what it looks like now. He’s sitting in the back left.




Here’s another photo of three different outfits with the doll babies.



Last night I started knitting a home for squirrels again using the swapped felting wool. It’s a great project for relaxing in between other things.

Oh Ina, that’s such a great tip! Thank you so much for your valuable contribution.

What’s the diameter of your awesome lid? I have a large pot, so I could try that too. Instead of freezing, this is definitely a brilliant alternative. And yes, I’m really getting into it too.

You might also like these popular designs from my shop.


An ideal stash-busting project that can be knitted quickly and easily. 6 different patterns and colors make sure everyone can easily recognize their own washcloth. Also ideal as a dishcloth.

To the knitting pattern




The socks with the mowi heel are very easy to knit with 3 needles and fit perfectly.
To the knitting pattern




A shoulder warmer / cowl made from one skein that can be knitted up very easily.

To the knitting pattern




The tissue box cover with butterflies and hearts—it's already a true classic and is also very popular as a gift.

To the knitting pattern

Here are a few designs that the parents of my two granddaughters were very happy about.


Baby pinafore dress that grows along for a while, from 6-18 months
To the knitting pattern




Convertible pinafore skirt for toddlers from 1.5 years, fits for several years
To the knitting pattern




Grow-with-me leggings for toddlers from 1.5 years (fit my granddaughter until age 3 and were very popular)
To the knitting pattern




Comfortable hat with a shawl collar for babies, buttons at the front - most of them don’t like having anything pulled over their head
To the knitting pattern




Raglan cardigan with a great pattern, fits from about 2.5 years, with hood and pockets, for advanced knitters
To the knitting pattern




Baby jacket and hat made from sock yarn with a pretty pattern, fits from 3 - 12 months - for advanced knitters
To the knitting pattern




Convertible pinafore dress with knitted-in hearts, fits from baby up to a 3-year-old toddler
To the knitting pattern




Leggings made from sock yarn for toddlers from 3-5 years, grows along comfortably
To the knitting pattern

I love knitting for dolls and children most of all. Here you can browse popular designs.


Raglan sweater for dolls and teddies in various sizes; you can choose from 25 to 50 cm.
Knitting pattern




Overall (RVO) for dolls and teddies 40-50 cm, very cute.
Knitting pattern




Overall (with RVO) for small teddies or dolls 25-35 cm - great for leftover yarn.
Knitting pattern




Cute summer outfit for dolls 43-50 cm or preemies
Knitting pattern




Colorful summer clothing set for dolls 40-50 cm
Knitting pattern



The matching mommy-and-me look for the doll mom (3-4  years)
Knitting pattern




Sleeping bag for dolls (or newborns) 43-50 cm - or also for teddies
Knitting pattern




Pants (2 different designs) for dolls 43-50 cm
Knitting pattern




A matching RVO Schlüttli with hat (size 43-50 cm) to go with them
Knitting pattern




Little sweater for teddies 25-30 cm (raglan from the bottom)
Knitting pattern

Dear Ingrid,

how wonderful that it’s your birthday today. I’m sending you a whole package of wish-fulfillment gifts, and you get to unwrap it. It contains exactly what will make your life more beautiful and colorful. Let yourself be celebrated and pampered—you deserve it.

Of course, flowers are a must, too. :)) They’re coming along with a little angel.



Warm regards from Monika

Warmest congratulations on your special day from me, too. Enjoy this day—it’s all yours—and let everyone celebrate you with joy.



All my love
Monika

A little devil to fall in love with—and so cuddly, too. You really have to think of that first.

Yes, Ruth, the pants are being knitted to match in that darker turquoise.

Marlene, I’ve learned something new again—I wasn’t familiar with that one.

Oh yes, Marlene, I’d love your yarn for a soul warmer, too. It’ll turn out really nice and cozy.

Ruth, yet another project that makes me admire your craftsmanship. You never seem to run out of ideas, do you?

Since one of my quadruplets is sitting naked in the stroller and also waiting for clothes—namely Merlin—I’ve now started an outfit for him, too. The sweater is already finished—this time I went with a different color scheme. I’ll knit the matching leggings tonight and tomorrow.

With this cute little dress, you can make a doll owner very happy. Maybe you are one yourself? I knitted it right away for 4 different dolls—ranging in size from 35 to 46 cm.

You’ll have so much fun with this pattern that you won’t be able to stop.

To the knitting pattern

Brand new in my shop is the pattern for this sweet little doll dress. You can knit it for dolls measuring 35-40 cm and even for dolls measuring 43-46 cm. The pattern is very easy and you’ll love it. Make a doll mommy very happy and get started right away.

To the knitting pattern




This hat is also knitted with the same pretty pattern. The pattern describes several sizes - for dolls from 35 cm and for newborns.

To the knitting pattern




And another sweet design for the doll child - a sleeping bag. The doll baby (35 cm) absolutely has to wear it, of course, before coming along to bed. Very easy to put on and take off.

To the knitting pattern

Thank you, Josefa :))

I wish all of you here a wonderful weekend, too. We’re having summer weather again, so we’re enjoying the garden… with knitting needles, of course. We pick a few berries every day, and the raspberry harvest will start soon. That always turns into a lot of work, because sometimes we pick up to 1 kg a day. But I love them so much that I’m happy to put in the effort.

Contrary to my usual habits, I only have one project in the works right now. But I’m already eyeing the next one.

Very nice, Gabi.

Dear Mel,

today is a joyful day for you—it’s your birthday. Enjoy being pampered and showered with gifts by your loved ones.

For this new year of your life, I wish you good health, a zest for life, and many moments of happiness. It’s wonderful to have you enriching this forum again.



Warm regards from Monika

Dear Rosalind,

I wish you all the best on this special day of yours. Let yourself be pampered and enjoy the day. It belongs entirely to you.



Warm regards,
Monika

It doesn’t bother me at all when it’s hot. I can do needlework anytime, anywhere. A day without needles and yarn is a day wasted. In the garden, all I need is a shady spot,

You can knit this cute little doll dress for dolls of various sizes, from 35 cm up to 46 cm. You’ll have so much fun with this pattern that you won’t be able to stop. It’s really easy.

To the knitting pattern 

Congratulations on your special day, and here’s to a celebration with all the trimmings. 



All the best
Monika

Oh, Andrea, that looks really pretty with the contrast. Is that going to be a top? 

Dear Steffi,

today is your birthday—how wonderful! I send you my warmest congratulations and wish you a wonderful day. Have a lovely celebration and enjoy this day.

For the year ahead, I wish you much joy, good health, and plenty of time for crafts and the beautiful things in life.



Warm regards from Monika

How sweet, Ines! What a wonderful idea! So that works out perfectly with the knitting needles. :))

You’re guaranteed to have fun knitting this cute little dress for dolls. The pattern includes various sizes, ranging from 35 to 46 cm.
My test knitters also really enjoyed working with this pattern. It’s actually quite addictive, which is why I knitted four of them right away.

View knitting pattern

This cute little dress for dolls just came off the needles. You can knit it for dolls of various sizes, from 35 to 46 cm. The pattern is addictive, which is why I knitted four of them right away. My test knitters had a lot of fun with it.

Go to the knitting pattern

As an addition, this jacket with hat for the little dolls (35–40 cm) is also recommended.

To the knitting pattern

You can also knit the tops using RVO with this clothing set for small dolls (35–40 cm). Great for mixing and matching.

To the knitting pattern




A onesie also looks great on a teddy bear (25–35 cm). It is knitted using RVO, and dolls of the same size fit in it too.

To the knitting pattern




Of course, the larger teddy bears and dolls (43–50 cm) get a onesie too. This one even fits newborns or reborn babies. It fastens with buttons at the top.

To the knitting pattern

I really enjoy knitting with raglan. It’s also a lovely way to make pretty doll clothes. For example, this Schlüttli for dolls sized 43–50 cm.

To the knitting pattern




This colorful little raglan dress fits little girls from about age 2 and then
grows with them as a tunic. It is knitted raglan from the top down.

To the knitting pattern




There is also the same little dress for a doll (50–58 cm), made from the leftovers.

To the knitting pattern

Ines, I just admired your grandma and grandpa in the other thread. That’s a masterpiece of yours—with sooo many little details. I keep finding something new. Simply enchantingly beautiful!

Marion, that scarf looks really elegant. There are plenty of occasions to wear it. The cooler weather is coming back way too soon. Yes, you’ll soon be able to look forward to knitting…
Your different cat-themed shawl variations look great. One of them is Tunisian crocheted, right? That’s my favorite.

Here’s a photo of the twins—one in a little dress, the other in a suit, both in the same colors. They all had a photo shoot today, so I took this one while I was at it.

My goodness, Ines, these are top-notch works of art again! So beautifully shaped—you’re really good at this. And you even used knitting needles, newspaper (?), and glasses! I think the bun is especially cute.

I don’t know if I could part with these… You really put a lot of work into them.

Yeah, it’s funny about the yarn “from me.” I rarely buy yarn—I’ve swapped most of it—on my swap platform. And I had exactly those two skeins left over and didn’t know what to do with them. As I can see, they’ve ended up in exactly the right place with you. Fantastic!

So, here’s the promised photo. This is what the younger of the twins looks like now.



And here’s how the sweater looks compared to the larger one.

I’d also like to send you my warmest congratulations—and flowers, of course.



All my love,
Monika

Dear Michaela,

I’d like to belatedly wish you all the best on your birthday and for the new year ahead—may it bring you happiness.



Warm
regards, Monika

In our household and my son’s family, the knitted washcloths and dish towels are very popular. They’re actually much more comfortable to use for washing than the terry cloth ones. Mine don’t suffer at all in the wash. They hold their shape well and dry quickly, too. I knit them using 100% cotton.

Knitting for dolls or for children is always a great joy. They are grateful recipients of knitted items. The following models are very popular—with the doll mommy and the doll child.


A complete clothing set with different variations—for dolls measuring 35-40 cm. The Deer sweater is knitted raglan from the top down.

To the knitting pattern




Simple overalls for dolls measuring 43-50 cm

to the knitting pattern




Matching raglan sweater for the overalls. You can use it to dress several dolls and teddies; it includes different sizes.

To the knitting pattern




A crocheted diaper for doll babies 43-50 cm. Great for leftover yarn.

To the crochet pattern




Top-down raglan overall for teddies or dolls measuring approx. 45-50 cm.

To the knitting pattern




Top-down raglan overall for small teddies or dolls measuring 25-40 cm.

To the knitting pattern




A pretty summer outfit in a mix of patterns for dolls measuring 43-50 cm.

To the knitting pattern




Colorful little raglan dress for dolls 50-58 cm—made from the leftovers of the doll mommy’s following little dress.

To the knitting pattern




This little raglan dress fits from age 2 and later grows with the child as a tunic.

To the knitting pattern




Colorful clothing set for dolls 45-50 cm—made from the leftovers of the doll mommy’s following little dress.

To the knitting pattern




Here is the perfectly matching partner-look style for 3- to 4-year-olds.

To the knitting pattern




Top-down raglan Schlüttli with hat for doll babies 43-50 cm or preemies.

To the knitting pattern




Raglan sweater with button placket in the same size.

To the knitting pattern




Here is a raglan sweater, knitted from the bottom up, for the small teddies measuring 25-30 cm.

To the knitting pattern




A crochet jacket for the small floppy teddies 20-25 cm or small dolls.

To the crochet pattern





Now it’s the doll mommies’ turn again—with very popular models.


Babies are guaranteed to feel comfortable in these comfy, stretchy leggings. They are easy to knit and grow with the child up to the age of 2.

To the knitting pattern




These leggings made from sock yarn fit 3- to 4-year-olds and were still worn in our family at age 5.

To the knitting pattern




A garment that fits for a long time and can therefore become a favorite piece. This convertible pinafore skirt fits from 1.5 years old for several years.

To the knitting pattern

Send a clear message of peace and knit this peace dove. It’s a real eye-catcher, whether as a washcloth, dishcloth, or potholder. It even looks great as a coaster.

View the knitting pattern




Do you have colorful leftover skeins? Then why not knit these 6 different dishcloths or washcloths? You’ll also get to know 6 different stitch patterns along the way.

View the knitting pattern




Knitting socks without the complicated heel—that’s a big wish for many. You can have a lot of fun knitting here. It is knitted with 3 needles, the CraSyTrio.

View the knitting pattern




Autumn is just around the corner, and then your neck will need to stay nice and warm. This collar and scarf combo is versatile and very easy to knit.

View the knitting pattern

Fall is coming faster than you think. Then your neck will need warmth again. This easy-to-knit scarf also works very practically as a collar. Just however you like.

Go to the knitting pattern




You can knit these dishcloths / washcloths from less than one skein and make someone happy with a true gift from the heart. Very easy to knit. And if several colorful single skeins are looking for a project, then this is exactly the right thing.

Go to the knitting pattern




Of course, this peace dove can also be knitted from less than one skein. A real eye-catcher—whether as a washcloth, coaster, dishcloth, or potholder. Easy to knit.

Go to the knitting pattern

Oh Christina, everything looks absolutely beautiful. Little things like these are always needed and make great gifts, too.

I’ve finished another sweater and leggings set—this time for a tiny baby who’s 35 cm long. I’ll post a photo tomorrow; I just need to weave in the ends first.

Have a great start to the week, everyone.

Andrea, that’s such a wonderful idea. I just love surprise boxes like that with lots of little things inside to unwrap.

Have a great time celebrating the birthday.

I’m also only taking day trips to nearby areas. With gas prices what they are, I’m not planning any longer drives. Plus, our garden needs tending.

In September, we’re heading to Lake Constance for a family gathering, but only for a few days.

Since I don’t have anyone nearby to talk to about crafts, this is a wonderful place for me to do just that. I’ve already been able to make many nice personal connections here, which makes me especially happy.

A sanctuary away from the world... hmm. That’s what my lovely home is, too. There, I enjoy our garden, the vegetables I’ve grown myself, and the berries. And I can do my crafts in peace in the garden or on the balcony, forgetting about the world.

That’s such a cute owl, Inge. Your grandson is sure to like it.

We had thunderstorms and rain, too, but it’s all over now. The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, so it’s time to get out in the garden.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend and hope you enjoy whatever you have planned.

Wow, Steffi... I’m amazed!!! That’s a work of art. You did an aaaamazing job! Your gloves turned out unbelievably beautiful.