Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

These ladybug oven gloves are real eye-catchers. They’re a great help in the kitchen and very easy to make, even for beginners with basic skills.

To the crochet pattern

I was away for just one day, and there’s already soooo much to read and look at again. :-)
With this summer weather, the garden was simply much nicer than sitting at the computer.

Ina , your temperature blanket already looks huge. Now the warm colors are starting. You’ll be able to see exactly how long it was cold later on. I’m really looking forward to the final result.

As for the little dress, I’d already thought that Juna’s doll would get the smaller one. Let’s see how she reacts to her own little dress. Since the family lives next to a horse farm, comfortable clothes that wash well and quickly are usually the order of the day. Little dresses are more of an exception for the girls there, at least at home. My Lena definitely looks very cute in it. I’ll post a photo of her in the next few days.

Ines , Sunny’s partner isn’t going to be a bee?? That’s interesting. Will it maybe be… a butterfly? Your mother’s eyes must have lit up when she received that beautiful jacket from you. That must have been such a joy. She’ll always think of you whenever she wears the jacket. You probably couldn’t have given her a more beautiful loving gift.
Your pool is great. 12 degrees—that’s what Lake Constance was at on Sunday when my granddaughter Linja (5 years old) went swimming in it. I got photos of it and was really amazed. Because that certainly isn’t warm.

Sandra , the Paris motif looks great even when crocheted. I’m curious to see what you’ll make with it. Maybe a pillow cover?

Marion , and I’m curious to see what secret projects you have on your needles again. You really do keep it exciting. :)

Anja , have you emerged from your slump yet? I’m sure the sun kept smiling at you until you gave in, right? Was there another UFO coming in for a landing on Sunday? Cheer up—Ina’s right. It’s a law of nature that every low is followed by a high.

My jacket was so tempting that I’ve already started it. The raglan is growing and growing, and it already looks great in this yarn. Since I’m knitting stockinette stitch at the top for now, it’s perfect for watching movies. The pattern starts further down. I’ll post a progress photo soon.

One more thing: Over the last few days, I’ve sent my nests and squirrel nests to the appropriate animal rescue centers. Imagine—a little bunny is going to live in one of the nests. So cute! I’ve already seen him. And all four squirrel nests are going to a brand-new private squirrel rehabilitation center that currently needs a complete set of equipment. I’m really happy to have been able to help. Unfortunately, baby squirrels often fall victim to forest clearings during this time—for road construction, for example. That’s really sad. Their mothers don’t take them with them when they flee, so the babies end up at animal rescue centers.

Have you heard of the mowi heel, which is ingeniously easy to knit? You absolutely have to give it a try. You can do it even if you’ve never knitted socks before.

The pattern covers several sizes, so you can surprise the whole family.

Go to the knitting pattern




And once you’ve had fun trying it out, you can move right on to knitting the pattern-mix socks with the mowi heel.

Go to the knitting pattern

Socks with a heel that’s really easy to knit—it’s a real joy. You can surprise your family with these, even if you haven’t dared to try it before. Various size examples are explained row by row, complete with photos.

To the knitting pattern

Raglan from the top is also a wonderful way to knit doll clothes without seams. Here are a few designs that are quick to make and will delight every doll mommy.

Knitting pattern for overalls for dolls or teddy bears measuring approx. 45-50 cm




There is also a design for small teddy bears or dolls. It can also be knitted nicely from leftover yarn.
Knitting pattern for overalls - teddy bears or dolls measuring approx. 25-30 cm




This colorful jacket for dolls measuring 43-50 cm is also knitted with raglan from the top and a mix of patterns. The doll looks absolutely adorable in it. There is a matching hat to go with it.
This set also fits small newborns or preemies.

Knitting pattern for jacket with hat

Thank you, and I hope you all have a lovely Mother’s Day evening. I enjoyed the day in the garden at 27 degrees.

I really don’t even want to write this… it was 27 degrees in the shade here today. It was absolutely wonderful in the garden! Andrea, it’ll be that warm where you are soon, too, and then you’ll be able to really enjoy it.

Wowww, Ina! You have such a beautiful garden! You’re already harvesting so many vegetables and lettuces. It’s no wonder they’ve grown so well—you give them so much love. Even the paving stones are lovingly laid in place. Truly unique. I can just picture you sitting in your favorite spot by the pond, enjoying the beautiful atmosphere. That makes crafting twice as much fun.

The flowers and tree blossoms are also absolutely fantastic—a feast for the eyes—and the bees can feast on the delicious pollen. I could watch that for hours, too. Our apple tree is really giving it its all this year.

It was 27 degrees in the shade here today, and I wore very light summer clothes for the first time. It was such a treat to enjoy the garden today.

Oh, Ina, those three cuties have surely found a loving home with you. And now they can definitely look forward to some beautiful new clothes. I can totally understand why you couldn’t resist them.

Wishing you all the best on your birthday, and may this new year of your life bring you many moments of happiness.

Best wishes
Monika

Dear Petra,

warmest wishes from me too on your birthday. Above all, I wish you good health, lots of joy in life, and loving people by your side. And, of course, may you continue to come up with such wonderful ideas that bring joy to others.

Warm
regards, Monika

Wow, Petra, it looks so colorful over there. You’re giving the flowers a run for their money. :)
Yeah, I’m looking forward to the weekend too and plan to enjoy the garden. It’s supposed to feel like summer, even if only for a few days.

Dear Svenja,

happy birthday and here’s to a wonderful new year filled with many lovely surprises.

Warm
regards, Monika

Oh, Ines, that’s so sad. And you have to offer comfort—that’s not always easy when you’re personally involved in some way. Someone on our street also took their own life last year because of C. I wish you lots of strength now—and especially to those directly affected.

Anja, better times are definitely coming that you can look forward to. Summer is almost here, and so is the blossoming of the trees. That will naturally bring a sunnier mood. Sometimes it’s just okay for us to feel down. The more we can accept that, the easier it is to work our way out of it. That’s my advice.

Ruth, you always have such great ideas for these little touches. Egg cozies for summer—now that’s something completely different. They look great.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback on the little dresses. :)

Now I wish you all a cozy evening with soft wool and the right needles.

You can easily crochet this pretty sleeping bag for dolls up to 50 cm tall while watching TV. It even fits in a doll stroller.

Go to the crochet pattern




This children’s sweater made from sock yarn for 4- to 5-year-olds is also easy to knit while watching movies.

Go to the knitting pattern




This one-size poncho is very practical and lovely for cool summer days. It is also knitted from sock yarn. A great project while watching movies.

Go to the knitting pattern

Not a night goes by without me popping in here. It’s gotten late again…

Christina, I get stressed out too when I think about everything I still have planned. I’d have to be at least 200 years old. Well, we’ll just do what we can. And that’s already quite a lot, I think.

Andrea, it’s a shame that things are turning out to be so complicated for you with the business. You design such beautiful things, and you’ve got a real knack for photography, too. The most important thing is enjoying the process, and I’m sure you do. It was just an idea, after all.
My sample piece is for my cardigan… I’ll definitely be showing the different stages here.
It sounds as if you’d like to move back to Germany. I can certainly understand that. But there are pros and cons everywhere. You can definitely get wool much cheaper here, and… maybe you’ll end up becoming one of the authors after all. ;-)

Ines, yeah, that’s actually true. My Lena is sitting next to me and has already tried on her little dress today. It looks great on her, and she’s looking forward to it getting warmer so she can wear it.
I’m really looking forward to seeing your Waldemar. He’ll definitely be just as cute as Sunny. I’m imagining the two of them lying in the tree while the little bees fly up curiously and marvel at them. As decorations, they’d be the ultimate eye-catcher. They probably wouldn’t stay there long, though, because the temptation for someone to take them is just too great.

So, now I’ll show you Lena’s finished little dress—and Juna’s next to it for comparison.

 

I ate my first strawberry cake of the year today. Mmm... it was super delicious!

I dug out my quick recipe for cake base again, so the cake was on my plate within half an hour. I’ll post the recipe here in the next few days.

Andrea, it looks so beautiful and natural where you are. And now you can look forward to the arrival of spring, which will come your way very soon too.

Thanks for sharing. There really is a very special atmosphere where you are in Norway.

My yarn is doing great—it’s deeply loved and looking forward to being worked up. After stocking up twice—and I mean really stocking up—I’m all set for a few more months.

How about a little bear as a door guard? This is especially practical when working from home. The bear then shows the whole family whether the room’s occupant may be disturbed or not. Door hangers are especially popular with children.

Go to the crochet pattern: Door Guard Bear




If you prefer owls, that’s covered too. The owl can be crocheted very creatively in different colors, so a different one can hang on each room.

Go to the crochet pattern - Door Guard Owl




This cuddly little bear for babies is a true beginner’s project. It’s very easy to knit, even from leftover cotton yarn. What could contain more love than a little bear knitted by Grandma or Mom?

Go to the knitting pattern

Every toddler from 1 to 1 1/2 years can really use knitted pants like these made from sock yarn. They have high-cut straps, so nothing can slip out of place. A cable is knitted into the side, which is not only an eye-catcher but also helps the pants fit nicely around the legs. They grow with the child at least until the age of 2.5 years, since the straps are adjustable.

To the knitting pattern




Children's clothes are wonderful to knit with sock yarn. It is lovely and soft and also machine washable. This sweater fits 4- to 5-year-olds, and it is fun to knit and to give as a gift.

To the knitting pattern




This jacket + hat made from 6-ply sock yarn fits babies from 3-12 months and even a little longer. It has a pretty pattern of knit and purl stitches. There is also a pair of pants to go with this jacket—both together optionally available as a value set.

To the knitting pattern

Sonja, I’ve now decided on the patterns for the jacket, but just for the upper part and the collar for now. I actually wanted to knit a mix of patterns, but since the yarn is already multicolored, that would be too much. For the lower section, I’ll probably go with the two-color pattern. I’d love to take a photo of the two little dresses side by side once I finally finish the smaller one. There’s not much left to do.
You really are a busy little bee. 49 rows across—you’ve already made quite a bit of progress, half of the boring part, after all. I’m super excited to see what pattern you’ve come up with. The blanket is sure to turn out beautiful, just like everything you make.
Wow, your cloverleaf looks just as beautiful crocheted as it does knitted. Crochet fans will definitely love it and want to make one themselves. The colors look great, too—as pot holders or coasters, they’re a real hit. I’m thinking about knitting some for our RV. But first I have to finish my dress projects.

Ines, thank you so much for your feedback! As I said, a mix of patterns would be nice too, but since the yarn is already multicolored, that would be too much. I’ll definitely include the two-color pattern. It was important to me to see what the yarn looks like when knitted up, and I’m already thrilled with it.
Yes, maybe Juna’s doll will get a little dress like that too. Unfortunately, neither of the girls is really into dolls. So I guess Lena will get this little dress.
Ohhh—I’m so happy that your cute bee is now named Sunny. The name just popped into my head, and I think it suits her perfectly. She has such a sunny, cheerful vibe—a real little good-mood bee. She’s going to have lots of fans.

 Andrea, I’m totally impressed by your granny squares. Wowww! Did you come up with them yourself, or is there a pattern for them? They’re real works of art! And the cookie as a coaster—a very original idea. Is that your idea? I’d definitely believe it. Why don’t you think about becoming an author yourself? You definitely have the talent for it, judging by your amazing designs.

Marion, your yarn looks great—that would be right up my alley too. Knowing you, you’ll definitely work your magic and turn it into a really pretty tunic. Yeah, it’s a shame we only have two hands. I think that a lot.
And now I really have to laugh—and I’m so happy for you that your yarn diet is over! You actually went all out on the Drops yarn—and how!! Awesome! Such beautiful colors and sooo much of it!! I’m thrilled! I love knitting with this yarn, and it still looks great even after lots of washes. I know that from making kids’ clothes and, of course, doll clothes. You’re going to love it.

So, now I’m going to work on the doll dress tonight so it doesn’t turn into a UFO. Lena is already sitting next to me, looking forward to trying it on. :)

Have a wonderful evening, everyone, and keep those needles clicking away.

I could use test knitters for a colorful little dress for a two-year-old. Would anyone like to knit it? The pattern is almost finished. You’ll need cotton yarn (160 m/50 g)—I used Drops Safran in several colors. The dress is knitted with raglan sleeves starting from the top and has colorful stripes at the bottom.

It’s important to me that the pattern is easy to understand and simple to follow.

Here’s what the dress looks like:

If you want to knit cute, sporty summer clothes for your teddy bear (25–30 cm tall), then I have a beginner-friendly project for you here. It’s very easy to knit. All steps are explained clearly.

To the knitting pattern and more info




This striped pair of pants for 40 cm teddy bears is also easy for beginners to knit. It even has a hole at the back for the little tail.

To the knitting pattern




This diaper for baby dolls (43–50 cm) is also very easy to crochet. A few bits of leftover yarn are enough, and the doll mommy is sure to be delighted.

To the crochet pattern

Happy birthday, and may the coming year be filled with many wonderful moments of joy. That’s what I wish for you, and much more.

Warm wishes
Monika

That’s definitely a highlight and something special, Petra. A tit that’s so trusting and has chosen your awning as its sleeping spot. So cute!

Happy Birthday and all the best! I wish you lots of joy in the coming year and plenty of time for the things you love.

With love
Monika

Dear Ina,

today is your birthday, and I’d like to wish you a very happy birthday. You enrich the lives of so many people, not just through your beautiful patterns. Yes, it’s wonderful to have you here—including here at CP.

May this new year of your life bring you many joyful moments and plenty of ideas that you can happily bring to life. The new garden pond is already a highlight that you’re sure to enjoy.

Warmest regards
from Monika

Oh wow, there’s quite a bit going on here again. My evening reading begins...

Sandra, kids’ preferences are always changing. But if Anton has been into firefighting and everything related to it for so long, just keep him happy until his birthday so your preparations still work out. :)

Oh Ina, you guys have quite the construction site in the garden. That’s going to be a very professionally designed pond, even with fish and water lilies in it—and lots more besides. It’s a chance for you to get creative in a whole new way. I’m sure you’ll show us the result at some point. It’s definitely going to look impressive. You can already look forward to it and be very proud of it. A pond in the garden does take work (and not just when you’re building it), but it’s also something very special and beautiful. I know that from past experience.
At some point, doubleface will appeal to you so much that you’ll give it a try after all. I can totally picture that. At first, it almost drove me to despair, but once I started knitting DF with the finger attachment, it went really well.

Ines, I really have to smile when I read this: “needle standstill.” Now that’s a funny neologism. :)

Christina, I also find your term for using up your stash—
“yarn stash reduction campaign”—very delightful. :) There’s really a lot of creativity in the air here, as I can see.
Your pot holders look very pretty; you’ve really done a great job with them. Using two colors is a great idea, too—that way you can use up leftover yarn. By the way, I’m also suffering from DF withdrawal right now. The Paris set will be next, but first I want to finish the little doll dress.

Marion, wow, those pot holders look amazing! Did you crochet them using Tunisian crochet? The pattern is really something special—absolutely fantastic.

Andrea, you really do come up with something new all the time—you’re so creative when it comes to designing. The bag looks gorgeous in that pattern. Are you going to give it away, or are you keeping it for yourself? The yarn for my jacket kept calling out to me all weekend—I’ve already wound up a few skeins. And that got me so excited that I sat down and sketched out a preliminary design for the jacket and even calculated the raglan sleeves. I’ve already used up half a ball of yarn this past week trying out different patterns. So now I’ve been able to start the first few rows, and I have a great project to work on while watching videos in the evenings.

Here’s what my swatch with the different patterns looks like:



The little doll dress is almost finished, too. All that’s left are a few rows at the bottom and the finishing touches on the sleeves. My Lena is already looking forward to it, because this time she’s getting the dress. Here’s what it looks like so far:

Pinky, I’d also like to know more about this shoebox drive. That sounds great. Is it happening everywhere? Do you have to send the boxes somewhere, or how does it work? Would you mind telling us more about it? I’m sure there are plenty of others here who’d like to participate.

How cute is that? Oh, I’m a little jealous of you two. We’re surrounded by nature too, but we haven’t been able to spot any cute guests like that yet.

I’d also be delighted by visiting squirrels or nesting great spotted woodpeckers.
Well, who knows, maybe that’ll still happen.

Dear Pinky,

I too would like to express my sympathy to you. Yes, it is sad when your mother is suddenly no longer there, especially so suddenly and unexpectedly. But someday we will meet again; at least, I firmly believe that. She will definitely always be with you in your heart. And she would be happy if you now make the best of your life. Just ask yourself from time to time what your mother would wish for you now. If she could see you now, what would make her happy?

Maybe that will make your heart feel a little lighter.

Feel lovingly embraced. You are not alone here.

From the heart
Monika

Ina, I totally understand how you feel. We always had the same experience with our little nectarine tree. Last year, for the first time, we had small fruits on it that tasted really delicious. I don’t know yet if we’ll have any this year, because there was snow on the blossoms. The fig bush isn’t showing any signs of life either. It’s just too cold. It feels like we’re having the Ice Saints non-stop.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that there are very few bees around. Our apple tree is covered in blossoms, and today I spotted just two bees on it. That’s never happened before. They’ve probably all gone into lockdown. ;-)

Children like colorful things. With this colorful little skirt for 3- to 4-year-olds, knitting with the bright colors is really fun too. It has a lovely bell-shaped drape and can also be knitted in favorite colors. Just be creative.

Go to the knitting pattern




This pinafore dress has many advantages. The best one is that it grows with your child for a long time; it fits from approx. 1.5 to 5 years. It is knitted from the bottom up in one piece. The knitted-in hearts are created from a pattern of knit and purl stitches.

Go to the knitting pattern




Knitting socks always puts you in a good mood, and after all, they are needed all year round. If you haven’t really felt like making them before, that could change very quickly now. That’s because these socks are knitted with the mowi heel, which is brilliantly simple. Just give it a try.

Go to the knitting pattern




This cowl is a popular beginner project. One skein of cotton is enough here, and you’ll get a pretty result you can be proud of.

Go to the knitting pattern

It’s unbelievable how much is going on here. My goodness, that’s enough to fill an entire evening. :)

Sandra, thanks for your feedback on my photo. I’m truly honored, especially since you’re usually so sparing with your words. You’re always so diligent about crocheting ahead of time. You’ve even got quite a few things ready for Anton’s 4th birthday. Is the theme “firefighters” this time, or is he just generally into that? He’s gotten sooo big already—my goodness.
Coasters are always useful; that’s a great gift idea for any occasion.

Anja, a bee named SaBiene—that’s a great idea, too.
It’s unbelievable—two of you here have the same couch? I wonder what other things we’ll find in common. It’s really exciting.

Marion, that’s also a cute idea—Stupsie. That could be a name for a bee, too. Although… it could also be a name for a male bee. It doesn’t sound exclusively feminine. Ines’s bee, however, is very feminine. ;-)
I think Ines also started a thread here about herb-studded bread, at least I think so. You’ll find it, or Ines will post the link again.

Have a great rest of the weekend, everyone!

Dear friends, I also wish you a wonderful rest of May 1st and a wonderful Sunday. I’ve only just gotten around to checking in here.

I’d love some rhubarb cake, too. Petra, your pan looks really interesting.

Wow, I have to scroll up soooo far again here. You guys sure are hard-working writers. :)

Marlene, your doily is another work of art. This is a great way to use up some thin yarn, and it’s fun—especially when giving it as a gift, like for Mother’s Day.

Christina, I’m impressed by your gift. You had a lovely idea that’s sure to bring joy. Little cakes—and with a recipe, too—in this pretty packaging. That must be for someone really special.

Sonja, I don’t have the recipe for the rolls in the Bakery section yet. It’s actually Ines’s recipe for the herb rolls. But I’ve adapted it quite a bit since then, and it’s now our go-to roll recipe. I’ll post it in the Bakery section when I get a chance.
You really are a jack-of-all-trades!! You even play the accordion—how wonderful! I love listening to it and admire everyone who can play it. I’m really curious about the design on your blanket. Feel free to complain about it—we’ll just ignore it. ;-) You’re absolutely right—something made by Mom herself has a whole different energy, and there’s so much love put into it. That’s the best thing ever for kids, and I totally get it.

Wow, Ina, you’re joining our secretaries’ group—how wonderful! It’s almost as if we were looking for each other and found each other here. I’m also glad I know how to type on a typewriter—I can type really fast. You and Andrea put that so well… it just flows from your fingers, exactly. By the way, I wasn’t always a secretary. For quite a while, I worked at my husband’s massage practice, and I really enjoyed interacting directly with people there. Later, I also started offering seminars—first in person and then online. I still do that, and it brings me a lot of joy.
Oh, Ina, you’re making me blush… and I’m so happy to hear your kind words about my photo and about me. I really enjoy being here, and motivating people seems to have been in my blood ever since I was born under the sign of Pisces. I still have letters from my grandpa, who wrote to my mom back then saying that I bring joy into the house. And I’m more than happy to pass that on. Especially right now, so many people are missing that sense of joy.
If you didn’t live sooo far away, I’d invite you over right away for a breakfast of rolls—and everyone else here, too, of course.
And now about your jacket—it’s really stunning with that beautiful color contrast. I’d definitely wear it myself. I’m sure it looks absolutely wonderful on you.

Marion, unfortunately you live too far away too; otherwise I’d bring you a few samples of the rolls. I hope you enjoy your UFO top. Be sure to keep at it—we all want to admire it.

Ines, that’s quite something. I’d already thought about whether to include a note with it, because I usually forget to do that later. But then I decided against it. That way, there’s room for spontaneous ideas.
The joy on Mother’s Day when you give her the jacket will be huge for both of you. I can practically see your mom’s wide, amazed eyes and her asking, “When did you knit this? I didn’t even notice you were working on it.”
Your little bee is soooo cute!!! The name “Sunny” immediately comes to mind for her. “Bieni” is nice, too. I’m curious to see what you end up calling her. Waldemar is definitely a very cute name for her boyfriend. Your colorful soccer scarf is just the thing for when you’re out and about. I hope you have a great time with your friends.

Anja, yes, there’s a baking thread—it’s called “Backstube 2” now. It’s guaranteed to make your mouth water—everything looks so delicious. Just like in a bakery window.

Ruth, the bright colors of your temperature blanket look great. It’s really grown quite a bit by now. By the end of the year, it’ll have grown even more—and gained a few more colors, too.

Well, I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Have a great time and do what you love.

Here’s the correct image for the clothing set above:

With doll clothes, you can get very creative using up leftover yarn. There are no limits to your imagination.

This overall fits dolls or teddy bears measuring 45–50 cm. It is knitted top-down with raglan shaping.

Go to the knitting pattern




This overall is a little smaller, has no buttons, and fits dolls or teddy bears that are 25–30 cm tall.

Go to the knitting pattern




This cute outfit fits dolls that are 43–50 cm tall, as well as preemies. It is also knitted top-down in raglan style.

Go to the knitting pattern




And here is another clothing set for 45–50 cm dolls, where you can play with colorful color combinations. The result will definitely be something to be proud of.

Go to the knitting pattern

Even though time is short before Mother’s Day, you can still easily knit this collar scarf. In winter, it replaces a scarf, and when folded over, it’s a pretty, warm accessory for low-cut garments. It’s quick and easy to knit, even from leftover yarn.

To the knitting pattern




Another option is the collar scarf made from a single ball of cotton.

To the knitting pattern




Another very popular and extremely useful item is this cover for a tissue box. It can be crocheted very quickly and easily using your mom’s favorite colors. She’ll love it and think of you every time she takes a tissue from it. It’s so pretty that it can even be displayed on the dining table. Always a much-loved gift.

To the crochet pattern

What beautiful pictures, Christina. They really warm the heart. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Mel, I’m truly so happy for you that everything is moving forward and you’re already living in the house. That’s fantastic! You’ll probably never stop wanting to spruce things up or add the odd touch here and there. I suppose that’s perfectly normal. The best part is that you’re now living in your own home and probably know every nook and cranny. You’ve really accomplished a lot, because I know what it looked like before. And I’m so glad to have you back here—I really missed you.

Have a wonderful start to the weekend and enjoy the nature around you.

Fresh out of the oven: fresh rolls (made using a modified version of the herb roll recipe).

Christina, I’m also absolutely not a phone person and usually keep it switched off. But you can take good photos with it. Most of the time, though, I take them with my little Nikon. Our phone is from Panasonic - just like Anja’s and Ines’s.

Yeah, Ines! We have the exact same phone too! What a thing - we have so much in common!
Oh... thanks for the lovely feedback on my photo. I’m so happy to hear I leave that impression on you. I’m already instantly smitten with your little bee! And that normally only happens with teddy bears. It’s soooo cute!
Oh wow - as I can see, my yarn frenzy has been contagious! :) That looks amazing with all those colorful balls of yarn. It feels like Christmas and Easter rolled into one, doesn’t it? I just can’t get enough of this blaze of color. We simply have to treat ourselves to these little joys.

No! Marion, do you have a phone like that too? I can’t believe it! That makes four of us already! Maybe someone else will join us? And you learned shorthand too. Well, we really are a funny bunch here with so much in common - apart from the yarn, of course. That unites us anyway.

Andrea, your time for a yarn frenzy will come too. Just look forward to it now and imagine those colorful mountains of yarn. Maybe you’ll even get some as a gift from your family or friends.

Now I’m going to enjoy the freshly baked rolls first. There’s salad with them. They taste best fresh out of the oven, after all.

I’m knitting a little dress for a doll, and it’s almost done.

Yes, Petra, that’s right. We gardeners are happy about every little flower as soon as it peeks out of the ground.

Andrea, all that will happen soon at your place. That way, you can enjoy the anticipation a little longer. I think the initial magic is over all too quickly—even with the beautiful flowering trees. At least your forsythia bush is already in bloom. And you’ve brought the plants indoors—that’s a good solution, at least as a stopgap until it’s time for them to bloom outside.

Oh Mel, what a lovely surprise to hear from you again. The construction site at your place should be a thing of the past soon, and then it’ll be really beautiful. You can already look forward to that.

Marion, yes, I love all the berries in our garden, especially the Josta. I’ve propagated them in a few spots—it’s really easy to do.

Feel free to share a few pictures of blooming spots in your gardens here. That way, we can all enjoy them together.

Yes, Anja, exactly—Panasonic. That’s our phone, too. It’s funny...

Ines, tomorrow it’s the rolls’ turn. :)

Today I needed something quick, so I baked the apple cloudlets again.

I’d like to share with you the signs of nature coming to life in our garden. Everything is a little late this year, but that makes us all the more delighted by every single flower.

The little apple tree has more blossoms than ever before. They’re about to bloom.




The currants are also starting to bloom; there are even blossoms hanging from the tiniest twigs.



The jostaberry cuttings are also full of blossoms.



The groundcover plants are slowly waking up, too. The first ones are blooming now.



And let’s not forget the strawberries—the ones in pots are starting to bloom now, too.




The little nectarine tree survived the snow and is now being busily visited by bees.



And then there are the tulips and daffodils, and even the peonies, still dormant, are starting to show themselves.

Anja, I think it’s great that you’ve now joined the “UFO motivators” too. If we all join in, no UFO here stands a chance.
I like your scarf—the color on the one hand, and the pattern too. I love patterns like that and try out something new every now and then.

Andrea, I sincerely hope that everything around you will soon be green and in bloom. You’ll blossom yourself too, you’ll see. That makes all the little ailments quickly forgotten. Here, the birds are busy building their nest right now. It’s so cute to watch. We sat in the garden today and admired the nature all around us. I’ll show my garden stroll in a separate thread with photos in a moment.
You’ll laugh, but I still know shorthand, too. And when I need to jot something down quickly, I use that knowledge too. It really is practical.

Say, there are already three of us secretaries now. Wow! That’s really nice. Anja, I can still read quite a bit on your shorthand pad. Andrea, I still know dictation script and speech script, too. Wow, you still have so many notebooks of it. I don’t have anything left at all—I’ve probably moved too often. Petra, and you know shorthand too? That makes four of us already! Too bad we can’t write in shorthand here; that would be fun. Almost like secret writing for everyone else... grin.

Now I can contribute a photo of myself here too. Our apple tree in the garden has sooo many blossoms. So I stood in among them. You can’t see the blossoms very much in this picture, but you can see me.