Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

Sweet doll clothes are a really good idea for leftover yarn of all kinds and are guaranteed to bring lots of joy. I prefer knitting them, since they are finished quickly too, and I love my dolls. :)
Here are a few of my popular models:

Overalls for dolls 43-50 cm -
to the knitting pattern




Matching raglan sweater - in different sizes for dolls or teddy bears
To the knitting pattern




Diaper for baby dolls 43-50 cm
To the crochet pattern




One-piece outfit for dolls or teddy bears 40-50 cm
To the knitting pattern




One-piece outfits for small teddy bears 25-30 cm
To the knitting pattern




Sweet outfit for dolls 43-50 cm
To the knitting pattern




Clothing set for dolls 40-50 cm
To the knitting pattern




For the doll mommy, there is also a matching partner look - a colorful little skirt for
3- to 4-year-olds.
To the knitting pattern




A Schlüttli with hat for baby dolls 43-50 cm
To the knitting pattern




Raglan sweater with button placket for dolls 43-50 cm
To the knitting pattern




Sweater for small teddy bears 25-30 cm
To the knitting pattern

Warm children's clothing will still be needed for a while. These knitted pants made from organic merino wool fit from about age 2 for a long time. The straps can be adjusted and even removed, and the waistband can be folded over.

Go to the knitting pattern




These knitted leggings for toddlers from 1.5 years old are knitted with sock yarn. They have cable patterns worked into the sides, and the straps are adjustable too. This means they will fit for at least 1 year.

Go to the knitting pattern




This pretty newborn jacket with a hood for babies makes a lovely birth gift. It has a heart lace pattern and fits up to about 4 months. Later, it can be worn by a doll.

Go to the knitting pattern

Steffi, the pattern already looks really great, but I can’t quite picture what it’ll look like when it’s finished. I’m excited to see it! I’m also curious about your craft project. What are you making?

For the first time in a long while, I baked bread using baking ferment. The starter had been waiting eagerly in the fridge to be used. The result was two delicious loaves of bread.

Wow, Ines, your hat collection looks great. It really makes a difference to have a fur pom-pom. I have a hat like that, too, but with a plastic pom-pom that looks great. I used to hate it when my mom was so obsessed with getting a real fur coat. Even back then, I felt sorry for the animals that have to die for it and don’t have a good life leading up to that.
Your table runner looks great, too. Knitting for your grandson may come later, when he needs his first cardigan. Maybe a stuffed animal from Grandma would be nice, too...

Ina, thanks for your kind words! :) I basically have you to thank for the cardigan, because without that swap package that was going around, I wouldn’t have had the yarn. I wore it briefly yesterday morning and actually didn’t want to take it off—it’s that cozy. But now I’m waiting for the buttons I found in the swap group.
Your baby blanket is definitely going to be absolutely adorable. I’m already looking forward to seeing your first picture of it.

Oh Anja, you have a teddy bear, too! How lovely! A little project like that is always the most fun for me, too—it’s done so quickly. I like the yarn for your cardigan even better than the one for the first one. It looks great.

I’m currently working on making little nests for the baby birds that fall out of their nests. The second one is almost done—I’ll take some photos then.

Since it’s pretty tiring to crochet with such thick yarn (2 strands), I’m going to design and start working on the triangular shawl for my friend today. I’m really looking forward to it. She’ll love it.

I wish you all a wonderful Sunday!

Dear Strickzauber,

I’d like to join in on the birthday wishes, even if a little late. Have a wonderful, healthy new year filled with lots of joy in crafting.



Warm regards
Monika

I’ve now finished knitting this jacket from the beautiful pink and purple alpaca yarn. Since 350 g wasn’t quite enough, I added 3 more skeins of my own. Now I just need to find the right buttons.

I’d really love to find out who I have to thank for this beautiful yarn—feel free to send me a private message. There were 2 1/2 large pink skeins and 1 dark purple one.

So, everyone, my jacket is finished... yay! :) I tried it on today—it fits great.
(The thread in the sleeve—those are my row markers from the decreases.)
Unfortunately, the lighting isn’t great for taking photos today. I wanted to show it to you anyway.



Now, though, I’m missing the color-coordinated buttons. I’ll probably have to go get some, since I don’t have any in dark purple.

This sweater made from sock yarn fits 4- to 5-year-olds and is fairly easy to knit—without seams. Each sweater is one of a kind, as the sock yarn always creates different patterns.

Go to the knitting pattern




These knitted pants for toddlers from 1 year and up are also knitted from sock yarn. They have adjustable straps and an extended waistband, so they’ll grow with the child for a while. A pretty cable is worked into the sides.

Go to the knitting pattern




A cuddly sleeping bag made from merino wool that fits both dolls up to 50 cm and small newborns, always keeps them nice and warm, and is also a very welcome gift.

Go to the knitting pattern

Thanks, Petra. The stripes happened as I was knitting, simply depending on how far the yarn would go.

Just a few more rows on the bottom cuff, then the finishing touches—and I’ll be able to wear it. Perfect for these temperatures. I was still missing a pink one among my winter cardigans. And since I gave away a cardigan that my daughter-in-law liked so much, I now have a replacement. I gave my blue poncho made from sock yarn to Uta (the children’s book author). She really liked it. :) So I was able to make two people happy again.

Marlene, I’m looking forward to seeing your egg cozies.

I’m going to rip out something I knitted that I didn’t really like anymore (the chair cover) and then crochet the nests out of it. But first things first:

I have to finish the cardigan. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone.

I’m looking forward to the weekend, spending time with my yarn and knitting needles. :)
We’re supposed to get some snow here, too, and I’m looking forward to that as well.

Once again, there’s plenty to read and look at here. You’ve all been very busy over the last two days.

Marlies, your little piggy is absolutely adorable. What a lovely gift. :)

Steffi, your sweater looks really great with that fantastic pattern.
Your birdhouse is a luxury villa! Wow, I wonder if the little birds realize they’re moving into something truly special?
Knitting a slip stitch pattern with two different types of yarn—I’m not so sure about that. I wouldn’t dare try it. I really like the colors of the yarn you picked out—and the pattern is just amazing! Awesome! I love slip stitches too; you can do so much with them.

Marlene, I really like your table runner as well. And you’ve even finished the cowl already. Wow! And I was only away from here for two days.

Ina, it’s great to see you back here reading along. Your baby blanket for your new granddaughter is sure to be adorable, just like everything you make. Knitting for a girl is so much fun—there are so many possibilities.

Sonja, you’re so incredibly hardworking—it never ceases to amaze me. Every piece is to die for. No, the cardigan won’t become a UFO—it’ll be finished soon. :)

Anja, you’re not trying to tell us that all 60 or so needles are tied up with UFOs, are you? Well, then you’re sure to be crowned UFO Queen this year. ;-)
Oh dear, gymnastics isn’t exactly my favorite hobby either. I’d much rather go for a walk with Nordic walking poles—if the weather gets me outside, that is. Otherwise, I give the trampoline a workout every now and then for a few minutes. I have to admit, I’m more flexible in the summer than I am now.

Christina, that little piggy is so cute. I haven’t worked with sponge yarn yet—I don’t even like the feel of it.

So, now I can show you my cardigan, which is almost finished. I’ve actually knitted some parts of it twice. Tonight I’ll knit the bottom cuff, and then all that’s left is the buttons and weaving in the ends. It feels soooo cozy and warm that I’m really looking forward to wearing it. The pink and dark purple alpaca yarn is from Ina’s yarn swap. Since I didn’t have enough, I added a skein of gray and a skein of dusty pink merino wool. So it’s a real leftover-skein project. Maybe the person who donated the yarn is here with us?



Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

Oh, Mel, do you have a new little kitten? Yeah, they’re usually after the yarn. :-)

A great and easy project for leftovers is washcloths or dishcloths. These look great, and each of the 6 cloths has a different knit-purl pattern.

Go to the knitting pattern




A loop scarf can also be wonderfully knitted from leftover yarn. It even looks great in two colors.

Go to the knitting pattern




This collar+scarf is also a great leftover-yarn project. It can be worn in different ways—as either a collar or a scarf. That way you always have a nice, warm neck.

Go to the knitting pattern

Dishcloths and washcloths are always needed and make great gifts. These ones are easy to make using knit and purl stitches. You can even use leftover yarn. Plus, you’ll learn 6 different stitch patterns along the way.

Go to the knitting pattern




For crochet beginners and doll fans, this diaper is a great starter project. Toddlers with a baby doll (43–50 cm) can’t get enough of it. Right now, it’s my granddaughters’ favorite toy.

To the crochet pattern




These leggings for a doll (40–50 cm) are also very quick and easy to knit—much to the delight of the doll’s “mom.”

Go to the knitting pattern

Steffi, I always wash my woolen items on the wool cycle too, but at 30 degrees. Everything has come out fine so far. It’s interesting that you knit your sweater with the sleeves the same way I knit my jacket. Will you show us your sweater too?

Marion, that’s a great result for your first project with DF. I’m amazed, because your yarn is pretty thick, too. That hat really looks great. Practice really does make perfect here—mine kept getting better over time.

Anja, a size 42 on the lower half is totally normal; lots of people, if not most, have that. Me, too, by the way. ;-) Yeah, it’s really annoying to have to redo something—I could tell you a thing or two about that.

Ines, that’s great that you get to knit for the little one now. What kind of project is it, anyway (I’m not curious at all, of course).

Sonja, right now I’m anything but a speed demon. Yesterday I knitted 15 cm of the body on the jacket and then realized there was a mistake I couldn’t possibly leave in there. So today I unraveled it all and started over. This jacket is really turning into an “unravel-and-reknit” jacket, since I’ve already knitted one of the sleeves twice. Grrrr..... I’d already thought about working on something else in the meantime, but I’d rather not. For now, I want to finish this jacket, and then I’ll work on a few little nests so those cheeky little birds have a home in the spring. Once those are done, I’ll tackle the sweater and the triangular shawl—at the same time.

Have a great week, everyone!

Dear Anli,

I’d like to wish you a very happy birthday and hope you have lots of joy, good health, loving encounters, and plenty of time for everything you enjoy.



Best wishes,
Monika

Dear Marlies,

today is a joyful day for you—it’s your birthday. I wish you lots of joy, good health, and a few miracles in your life.



With love,
Monika

Petra, that looks super neat! I’d rather not take any photos, because I need that creative chaos around me.

Oh, wow—I haven’t checked in here for two days and there’s sooooo much to read and look at!
It’s Turbo-Moni here again. And I’d also like to start by wishing you all a wonderful New Year filled with many happy moments—and may we continue to have such great conversations here as we have been.
By the way, we had amazing fireworks all around us on New Year’s Eve. Yesterday I treated myself to a little rest.

Anja, your poem is fantastic and puts a smile on my face. :) Thanks for that!
The jacket looks great—congrats on sticking with it. I’d still wear it. Maybe you’re being a little too hard on yourself.

Sandra, we don’t really care much about New Year’s Eve either. We watched movies and almost forgot the year was changing. ;-)

Ruth, I just did the sleeves first this time because I’m not sure if I have enough yarn. This way, I can knit the rest in one piece now. By the way, it’s spring here too, and I’m enjoying the sun.

Marlene, your table runner is really taking shape.

Ina, it’s going to be such a joy with your granddaughter. She’ll be a Pisces, too—how lovely! And I’m sure you’ll come up with plenty of ideas for things to knit or crochet for her, right? It’s always a very special occasion when a new little one comes into the world. My two girls were here after Christmas, and they’ve already grown again. It goes by way too fast.
Your felt shoes with hearts look gorgeous—they’re something truly special.
And wow, I really like your temperature blanket—just looking at it puts me in a good mood.

Ines, I’d like to congratulate you wholeheartedly on becoming a new grandma. What a joy! Little Wim arrived in the old year after all. That means in future he can celebrate New Year’s Eve and his birthday together.  Awesome! How did his parents come up with that name? I’m hearing it for the first time.

Christina, you’ve been busy again. The shawl with the llama looks great.

Sonja, the shawl with the bunnies is absolutely adorable! I’m instantly in love with both of them. That would make a perfect Easter gift for the two girls. You’re just so fast—I can’t keep up. I really wonder when you find the time to do all this—despite work, the kids, and the household.

Andrea, the felted items turned out absolutely beautiful. It’s really special that you’ve taken up knitting again. Wow!! Now that you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can definitely keep going. There are plenty of ideas out there.

I (Monika) have now finished both sleeves on my jacket, after having to unravel one of them. Now I can use the rest of the yarn for the body, and I’m curious to see how long it’ll end up being. Tomorrow I’ll take a photo of how it’s coming along.

My next projects will be a sweater for Linja and a triangular shawl for my friend who asked for one. Both have to be finished by mid-March. And in between, I’ll crochet a few nests for a bird rescuer who cares for little birds that have fallen out of their nests. And knowing me, there will probably be plenty of other little things popping up here and there that I’ll think of as I go along.

Have a great start to the week, everyone!

Dear friends, I, too, wish all of us a wonderful, creative, and healthy New Year—and lots of joy together here.

Warm regards from Monika

Belated best wishes and a year full of wonders.



Warm regards,
Monika

All the best for your birthday and lots of joy throughout the whole year ahead.



Best wishes
Monika

Oh wow, Petra, those are some pretty things you’re showing us here. The baby hat and booties are absolutely adorable. And your ideas for New Year’s Eve with the little pig are great, too.

Ruth, your blanket looks fantastic. Now I can picture the temperature blanket even better. It’s roughly the same on the front and back, but completely different in the middle. It’s huge, though. You can wrap yourself up in it perfectly now.

Taking a photo of my jacket with the finished sleeve wasn’t that easy, because the body is pinned in place with such big safety pins. Here’s the photo. Since I’m running pretty low on yarn, I’ve added the dusty pink yarn for the cuffs. It’s turning into a scrap project, so to speak.

Marlene, that’s a lovely idea for a Valentine’s Day table runner. It already looks very promising.

Anja, I’m familiar with those “mistakes.” I don’t think I would have unraveled it, but I also know how frustrating it feels to have to make that decision. I’m currently working on an unraveling project with my jacket, too. Now I have to check if the sleeve fits right before I bind off. Anyway, I knitted it twice because I’d miscalculated.

As for discipline… well, I’m still working on that, too. Unfortunately, I tend to do that as well. But I’ve gotten much better. I don’t have any UFOs anymore, thanks to those UFO threads that ran here for a long time.

Wishing you all a happy start to the new year.

That’s lovely, Inge.

I’m in the same boat as Petra—my scraps are scattered everywhere. Let’s see what I can make of them. Right now, I’m knitting a jacket out of various balls of leftover yarn. Does that count too?

What a beautiful poem, Marlies!

Thanks for sharing!

With that in mind, I wish you and everyone here a joyful transition into 2022 and a healthy, happy New Year.

Dear Inge and everyone reading this,
I wish the same for you all.

I also wish everyone here a joyful transition into 2022!

Yes, Sonja, you’re right. It’s really nice that we have each other here. I appreciate that very much, too. I wish you, your family, and your friends a happy start to the new year.

Anja, that’s great that you’re already putting your New Year’s resolutions into action by sticking with your lovely project. Just look forward to wearing it and having others admire this great jacket. That’ll keep you motivated. I’m already excited to see what your jacket looks like when it’s finished.

Yeah, you’re right about the weather. We’re having spring-like weather here too, unfortunately with rain. In a few days, it’s supposed to turn back to winter—I much prefer that right now.

Yesterday, my son and his family came to visit us. We enjoyed spending time with them, especially with Linja and Juna. It was such a lovely day! The girls got their mouse-themed loop scarves and were really happy about them. First, they put them on as hats, and that’s when we realized they also work great as headbands. When we were at the playground, they wore their hats along with the loop scarves. It looked sooo cute! I was totally thrilled.

Next up, Linja is getting a new sweater for her birthday. Her current ones are slowly reaching the end of their life. I’m already looking forward to designing and knitting it.

I can’t show you my jacket yet, because I had to unravel the first sleeve. I miscalculated the decreases. What a bummer! Grrrr.... But now I’m almost done again. Tomorrow I’ll take a photo of how it’s coming along.

Have a great time ringing in 2022, everyone.

Yes, highlights are probably a matter of personal taste. The models I’m presenting to you now are highlights for me because they were especially well received as gifts—or because I simply love them myself and enjoy them.


First, the children’s clothing

The organic merino knitting leggings for my little granddaughter. They fit from age 2, have adjustable straps, and have since become a favorite piece.

Go to the knitting pattern




The colorful raglan dress for my granddaughter, which she got for her 2nd birthday and has been wearing with great joy ever since.

Go to the knitting pattern



Of course, the doll (45–50 cm) needs to have a matching-look dress too. So I knitted this one here for the doll.

Go to the knitting pattern




The colorful skirt for the big sister (fits 3- to 4-year-olds), which is dearly loved and is a lot of fun to knit.

Go to the knitting pattern



Of course, the doll (45–50 cm) also has to wear the matching look for that. That’s how this pretty doll set was made from the leftover yarn from the little skirt.

Go to the knitting pattern




This sweater made from sock yarn is also dearly loved by my granddaughter. She got it for her 4th birthday and now—at almost 6—it only just still fits.

Go to the knitting pattern






Now a few models for dolls and teddy bears—because they want to be nicely dressed too. My granddaughter loves dressing and undressing her dolls. And for that, of course, she needs a large selection. Here are a few favorite models:


A pair of dungarees for dolls (43–50 cm) — go to the knitting pattern




The matching raglan sweater—available in several sizes

Go to the knitting pattern




The diaper for the baby doll (43–50 cm) is especially popular and always in use.

Go to the crochet pattern




The sleeping bag for the doll stroller—fits dolls up to 50 cm

Go to the crochet pattern




The onesie for dolls (43–50 cm) — go to the knitting pattern




The onesie for the teddy bear (25–30 cm) — go to the knitting pattern




The outfit for the baby doll (43–50 cm) — go to the knitting pattern




The cardigan with hat for dolls 43–50 cm — go to the knitting pattern




The sleeping bag for mini dolls and teddy bears up to 20 cm — go to the knitting pattern




The Schlüttli with hat for dolls 43–50 cm — go to the knitting pattern




The raglan pullover for dolls 43–50 cm — go to the knitting pattern




The matching pants for these two models — go to the knitting pattern




The sleeping bag for dolls up to 50 cm — go to the knitting pattern




One highlight is still the bag that fits perfectly on a Puky, tricycle, or balance bike. That way the teddy bear can always ride along.

Go to the crochet pattern

Orange and yellow are cheerful colors and make your inner sunshine shine even while knitting - especially with doll or children's clothing.

This colorful little jacket with matching hat fits dolls measuring 43-50 cm - and also small newborns. It is knitted in a mix of patterns and with raglan from the top down.

Go to the knitting pattern




This sweater for 4- to 5-year-olds is knitted with sock yarn in beautiful warm colors, without seams - with a collar and button placket. You can even do it while watching TV.

Go to the knitting pattern




This hooded cowl made from soft merino wool can be buttoned at the front and looks really sweet on toddlers when worn. It is knitted with a pattern that is fluffy and keeps them nice and warm.

Go to the knitting pattern

Sonja, your yarn is so beautiful again! Sigh...

I love yarn way too much, which is why my stash isn’t really getting any smaller. Quite the opposite! After my “yarn diet,” I naturally went all out, and now I’m enjoying the lovely “view.”

Wow, I’m really amazed at the wonderful things you always sew. The bags are absolutely amazing!

Christmas is now over, and the next holiday weekend is coming up. Many of you are also on vacation between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a great time to start a larger project. Here are a few lovely designs from my shop.

A raglan sweater made from sock yarn—nice and soft and warm. You can even knit it while watching TV. The pattern is written for size 40/42 (M), and the sweater can be worn by both men and women.

View the knitting pattern




This vest with a cable pattern made from merino wool is a must-have for men who feel the chill. It’s timeless and goes with almost any outfit and suits many occasions—both at home and at the office (for example). The pattern is written for size 48/50.

View the knitting pattern




For children ages 2.5 or 3 and up, this cardigan will be indispensable next spring for walks or at the playground. It’s knitted from the top down with raglan sleeves. The pattern requires a bit of attention and some knitting experience. The cardigan fits up to about age 4. It has pockets and a hood.

View the knitting pattern

Nina, I agree with the previous commenters that a poncho is for both boys and girls. I’m looking forward to seeing your finished project.

Ina, your grandson looks so cute in that poncho! It’s a great example of how it can look when worn. Yeah, I can imagine it being a bit tricky for crawling. But, for example, in a stroller or while sitting—and later when standing and walking—it’s very practical and warm.

Anja, it’s always a good idea to learn something new and keep your mind sharp. I’ve always been interested in sign language, too. I just don’t have the time because so many other things take priority. I’ve had those moments where I’ve had a sudden mental blank, but luckily that doesn’t happen often. What I have a hard time remembering are names. I also have trouble finding my way around underground parking garages. Petra’s idea of taking photos with a cell phone is a great one.

Oh, Anja, it’s so wonderful when the child inside us is still alive and we let that child shine. I’m just like you in that regard. I also get totally excited about dandelions and soap bubbles. And I love building snowmen, even if they don’t have to be that big anymore. And yes, sledding is fun, too. And one more thing—flying kites! I love that. And your sense of humor, too!
By the way, your jacket looks pretty complicated. You’re already quite far along with it. Keep at it!

I’m almost done with the first sleeve, but I won’t post a picture until I’m finished with the second one.

I’ll have a little less time to be here over the next few days. My granddaughters are coming to visit us on Wednesday with their parents. I’m really looking forward to it!

Hi Bambie,

take a look here—you’ll find all the important info on this topic:
https://www.crazypatterns.net/de/anleitungen-verkaufen

You’ll need to register a business or already have one. And it’s best to start without high expectations, simply because it’s fun. You do need a little patience until things get going. But it’s worth sticking with it.

I wish you the best of luck!

Best regards
Monika

Knitting doll clothes is especially enjoyable. This colorful cardigan with the hat fits dolls measuring approx. 43-50 cm, but also small newborns.

Go to the knitting pattern




If you have toddlers you can knit for, then these leggings made from sock yarn are just the right thing now. They fit for quite a while (from ages 3-5) because they can grow with the child.

Go to the knitting pattern




For a warm head, this eye-catching headband with its clever cable twist is a great project. I sometimes wear it as a loop scarf, too.

Go to the knitting pattern

Anja, you’re really stepping it up! Great job! The headband looks fantastic and came together so quickly. Yes, it was definitely worth the effort.

Sandra, the dragon turned out absolutely adorable, just like everything you make. It’s sure to be dearly loved by Anton’s friend.

Dear Rosalinde,

I wish you all the love and joy on your birthday. May this new year of your life bring you many little wonders.



Warm
regards, Monika

Nice and quiet and relaxing... with good food—mostly vegan.
We’ll see the grandkids on Wednesday and are looking forward to it.

Marlene, that’s the exciting thing about a loop—it can be used in many different ways if it’s a certain height.

Now Christmas is almost over, and we’re approaching the end of the year. I wish you all a truly wonderful end-of-year sprint with your favorite projects.

Andrea, I can totally understand your joy, especially since you’ve had to go without spending Christmas with your family for so many years. Your crochet twins are sooo cute. I feel the same way as Anja. The first one is still fun, but doing the same thing twice would be too boring for me, too.

Anja, keep at it. I know it’s pretty fiddly to knit with a smaller needle. But you’re doing great, and you’ll soon be able to show us your new headband in all its glory.

Petra, the hat and the scarf both look great. I’m always happy when I get to knit something for my sweetheart. He’s always thrilled with it. I just saw your awesome “lucky” coasters. They really turned out great. You’ve been keeping them from us until now.

Marlene, your loop scarf looks almost finished. Great!

So, I’ve made some progress on my jacket too. The raglan section is done, and I started on the first sleeve today. I’ll knit the body after the sleeves, since I don’t know how far the yarn will go. This is what it looked like yesterday.

Dear Claudia,

belated birthday wishes are sure to bring joy, too. So I’d still like to wish you all the best and many wonderful things, also for your new year of life. And since you’re a Christmas child, you’ll get another birthday candle from an angel.



Warm regards
Monika

Petra, that’s such a great idea. They look really great, and I’m always amazed at all the things you make out of old jeans.

Marlies, thank you as well. That really captures how I feel...
I also wish all of you here a wonderful Boxing Day.

Oh, how delicious. I’d love to go on a road trip and try everything along the way.

Anja, I learned to cast on that way too—using two needles—but I haven’t done it in a long time. Yes, that’s right; it makes the first row easier to knit. Most of the time, I do it like Marlene does: I knit the stitches up so they’re loose. I have a good tip for the cross cast-on. For standard yarn weight (up to size 4 needles), I calculate about 10 cm for 10 stitches; for thicker yarn, a little more. Then I factor in the length that needs to be left over. That always works out well for me. Anything that’s too long can just be cut off.

As for yarn prices, it usually comes down to quality. I haven’t had good experiences with cheap yarn, so I’m happy to spend a little more on it. For example, at Finkhof—that’s yarn from organic sheep that aren’t mistreated. You can look up “mulesing” online… ever since I learned about it, I’ve been paying attention to that. Finkhof also uses natural dyes.
Drops yarn is also one of my favorites—whether it’s merino or cotton. It’s good quality (and cruelty-free) and is also quite affordable. That way, I get both things that are important to me.

Steffi, that’s a great tip about hand-dyed yarn. I like using it too, but I’ve rarely knitted with it. It’s really lovely.