Latest Forum Posts by: mowi 19

Dear Silvia,

I wish you all the love and joy on your birthday and many happy moments today and throughout the coming year.

With love,
Monika

Ines, you’re so hardworking and active. I’m taking it a bit easier these days, at least now that it’s winter. Starting in the spring, it’ll be time to tend to the garden again, but more on the side. I’ve always worked very hard in my life, so now I’m allowing myself more time for the nice things, like crafting and sleeping in in the mornings. ;-)

But this spring, the contractors are coming to our house to install new skylights. So we’ll at least have our hands full with clearing out, tidying up, and cleaning.

You’re definitely going to have a really great bathroom—one you probably won’t get out of so quickly in the mornings.

schnatter_design, I graduated from school 41 years ago—funny. That means we’re about the same age.

My granddaughters don’t play with dolls much at home either. When the older one was visiting us recently, she was especially taken with Sternchen, mainly because she can do so many things. She was totally fascinated—just like me. :)

This raglan sweater made from cuddly-soft alpaca wool is knitted top-down with raglan shaping, very simply with knit and purl stitches and pretty stripes on the upper body. It fits sizes 40/42.

Go to the knitting pattern




A baby wants to lie in bed in a warm, soft sleeping bag in the evening. This sleeping bag fits up to one year and is knitted from cuddly-soft merino wool.

Go to the knitting pattern




This sweater for 4- to 5-year-olds is knitted from very soft sock yarn—with a collar and button placket, it is comfortable and keeps the neck nice and warm.

Go to the knitting pattern

A while back, a friend gave me a bunch of glass bowls in various sizes. They do come with plastic lids, but I think this alternative is great. Everything is tightly sealed and stays fresh longer that way. The lids are, of course, reusable and very sturdy.

But if you don’t have those, the fabric alternative is absolutely fantastic.

Yes, that’s exactly how I do it, too. I just discovered it recently in a video on “elastic bind off.” It’s really interesting, especially for cuffs. You can easily find it on YouTube by searching for “elastic bind off.”

What Ina wrote could have been written by me. That’s exactly how I feel, too. Since I’m on a “yarn diet” and want to use up as much of my stash as possible, it’s now time to use up the acrylic yarn too. I’ve been using it for doll clothes, which it’s well suited for. You can also make little doll blankets or similar things with it. Yes, decorations are another option, but I prefer to use cotton for that.

I also still have some mohair yarn that I used to like, but don’t like at all anymore. I might turn it into a doll blanket someday. ;-)

Clothes for dolls or teddy bears can be knitted nicely from leftover yarn. Just like this overall, which fits dolls about 45-50 cm tall. If you’ve knitted before, it’s easy to make with the pattern.

To the knitting pattern




This overall is similar, but without a button placket. It simply slips on over the head. It fits teddy bears or dolls about 25-30 cm tall.

To the knitting pattern




This adorable summer outfit fits dolls about 45-50 cm tall. It has a tie at the top, so no buttons here either. That makes it easy to put on and take off.

To the knitting pattern




This clothing set for doll girls (45-50 cm tall) will also make doll moms’ eyes light up. It is knitted entirely from leftover yarn.

To the knitting pattern




To go with it, there is this matching-look skirt for the doll mom (3-4 years). 

To the knitting pattern




And here is a Schlüttli for the baby doll (45-50 cm), just like one for a real baby.

To the knitting pattern




This sweater with a side button placket could also have been knitted for a baby. It fits a baby doll about 45-50 cm tall.

To the knitting pattern

Ines, you just whip up these pretty things off the cuff—and on top of all that, while you’re in the middle of your home renovations. The clothespin pouch looks fun; if I understand correctly, the clothespins go into the front of the apron. Did you design that yourself? And that butterfly—wow! I’m sure you’ll all sleep better now. The chicks are cute too, with so many little details. I really admire that.

I actually tried to learn Tunisian crochet once. But I realized it’s just not my thing at all. And I can’t really picture doing it in rounds. On the other hand, DF knitting is really addictive for me. Especially when such beautiful things come out of it. I’m excited to see what new creations you’ll come up with next.

Of course, I also knitted those little socks using the mowi heel. And they fit perfectly. It’s funny—when it comes to knitting such tiny things, that’s never an issue for me...

I’m sending you my warmest birthday wishes. May this new year of your life bring you much joy and nothing but good things.

With love,
Monika

Happy birthday, and may you find joy in everything you do. May this new year of life be good to you.

With love
Monika

Petra, thanks for the link to the olive muffins! They’re on my to-do list.

Stephanie, that sounds really delicious. We could bake those for ourselves sometime, with spices and salt, of course.

Oh, Andrea, apple cake with crumble topping!! You’re giving me new ideas again... right now I’m still working on the American ones; tomorrow will be the last ones. Then I’ll take a few days off, and we’ll have something delicious again.

Thanks, Petra, for sharing this brilliant idea. It’s really simple, and every household has fabric scraps lying around.

I’d also be interested to hear about your experiences. But I already think that if the fabric is thick enough, this could work well.

Oh, Andrea, I only just discovered that you knitted Krümel a scarf. Yes, you really don't forget how to do it. I started again after... hm... at least 20 years, and it went great right away.

I'm currently knitting a very simple sweater for Sternchen, matching the diaper. I'll probably knit matching underwear, or rather diaper pants, for it later too. I'm writing the pattern for it at the same time.

Now I've knitted something small—socks for Sternchen. Now she has warm feet too—in the same outfit as the overall.




And then I'd also like to show you the little bag, what it looks like from the bottom and from the inside.

So, now I can show you the photos of the warm little socks—now Sternchen always has warm feet.

Wow, schnatter_design, you have a really beautiful doll collection. I think the little ones are cute, too. My dolls from when I was a kid were designed just like that. They were all too stiff for me, though. I prefer the soft ones because they’re more flexible and kind of feel like a real baby.

Yeah, Andrea, that’s what I love about knitting, too—it really goes faster and is much easier on the arms. Maybe you should give the raglan sweater a try—or the pants? It’s easier than you think.

Today I knitted some little socks for Sternchen so her feet stay warm. They’re made from the same yarn as the onesie. I’ll post a photo of them later.

I wish all you doll moms a wonderful Sunday! I’m going for a walk now.

That’s great that Anton gets to help out already. That must have made the muffins taste twice as good. And he’s already helping with the cleanup, too. Awesome!

Akela, your sponge cake looks delicious, too. I’d love to try that one as well.

OMG, Ruth! 480 stitches—that’s crazy! That must really be some veeeery thin yarn. Big projects like that are always great for me as a way to unwind, because you don’t have to pay so much attention.

Andrea, yeah, I take my ideas to bed with me, too. And often the solution just comes to me the next day. As for DF, I’d recommend you start by just trying your hand at knitting first. Then you’re guaranteed to want more. A test swatch like that really does make a difference. You’ll see that knitting is much more relaxing than crocheting. Ina’s tip about propping up your arm is great (thanks, Ina!). For simple knitting, cotton yarn is always enough.

So—my little gift bag is finished—yay! And it looks really good. I’m really proud of it, because it took some patience in a few spots. Unfortunately, I didn’t finish until tonight, so the photos didn’t turn out as well as they would have during the day. Here’s what it looks like now:

Oh, how delicious, Marion! Pineapple cake..... hmmmm! Unfortunately, you live so far away, too. What a shame!

Andrea, you really got me so excited about these cookies that I actually baked them today. Now we’ve saved our coffee afternoons for 3 days (and one to freeze).

This time I tried a new variation that tastes really delicious. I used 280 g of VK spelt flour and added 40 g of ground apricot kernels. They taste like bitter almonds—so, like marzipan. We polished these off this afternoon.

Well, Andrea, how about you dig out your knitting needles again for your little one and knit her something pretty? It’s way more relaxing than crocheting. It’s easier than you think. :)

I still need to write something for “T”:
Teddy bears! :)

I feel exactly the same way—knitting is therapy for everything for me, too, and simply my favorite thing to do.

I know all about those shawls; that’s exactly why I’ve only knitted four so far and given one of them away.

Dear Kirsten,

belated happy birthday to you, and here’s to another year filled with lots of ideas and joy in your creative pursuits.

Warm
regards, Monika

Hmmm—a really delicious collection of recipes has already come together here.

Sandra, I’m familiar with Labskaus too, and I loved it. We used to have it when we lived in Bremen. Since we haven’t eaten meat in a long time, I didn’t know until now how to replace it. Josefa’s suggestion with smoked tofu might taste good, but it certainly won’t come close to the original. Maybe someone here can think of another alternative. Corned beef does have a special texture… I’d really appreciate any suggestions.

We had oatmeal pizza yesterday. It tastes absolutely delicious and is super quick to make. I’ll write down the recipe for you guys—I just need to find it. It’s also a great tip for anyone who can’t tolerate wheat flour, since it’s made entirely with oat flour.

Andrea, I’d better not live near you. It would just be too tempting with all the delicious treats you always have on hand. I’d need 1-2-3 new outfits in no time. ;-)
Another reason would be that Sternchen wants to play with Krümel. And the third, of course, is that I’d show you how to knit. :-)

I usually bake Amerikaner with birch sugar; that makes them crispy too. Now you’ve made my mouth water so much that I’m going to whip up a batch right away too. Hmmmm.... a weekend without cake? That’s just not an option!

Thank you, Andrea, for the note about the 5 meters. That makes it a different story, of course. I must have skimmed over it too quickly in my hurry. You’re making me want to bake new Amerikaner again. This time flavored with lemon zest, and yes—there still has to be chocolate icing on top. 

Ruth, you’re keeping busy with all kinds of things again. A loop scarf is relatively easy and quick to knit. You can always use one. 

Ruth and Ina, it’s really exciting to watch your temperature blankets grow. That uses up quite a bit of yarn stash.

Sonja, your 2nd little bag looks just as charming once it’s finished. The large one is already coming along quite well for me. The lettering is knitted, and my goal is actually to finish it this weekend. Yes, Marion is right about that. :-) It works really well with the circular needle. I don’t know yet whether I’ll make the smaller one. If I do, then with different yarn. Unfortunately, my stash doesn’t have such suitable colors.

Ines, I also admire everything you’re doing all over the place. On the one hand helping with the construction, and then crocheting too. But it’s also a really nice balance.

Now I wish you all a lovely evening and a wonderful weekend.

Quantum Healing

I think the three of them are very pretty, too, and they really do have different personalities. I don’t know your daughters, of course, but I’m sure they’ll recognize themselves in them.

Wow, Stephanie, that’s really impressive—you finished it so quickly. The shawl looks amazing! It’s a real eye-catcher with that pretty pattern.

It’s a shame about all the shawls you don’t wear. I generally only knit things that I can either use myself or give away.

Thanks, Josefa—I wish the same for you and everyone else here, too.
Make yourselves comfortable and get creative. It doesn’t matter what the weather’s like.

We’re supposed to get snow again, and I’m looking forward to it. Today we got a taste of spring in the air. That was really nice.

How about starting this cuddly-soft raglan sweater this weekend? It is knitted from alpaca wool, though of course other yarn can be used as well. With the pattern, it is easy to make and fits sizes 40/42. Since it has a nice loose fit, it could even fit size 44.

Go to the knitting pattern




Doll clothes are quick to finish and popular with doll mommies big and small. This jacket with the matching hat fits dolls approximately 45–50 cm tall. Leftover yarn can be used up nicely here.

Go to the knitting pattern




This overall also fits dolls of the same size. It is started from the top with raglan shaping and then continued knitting—in one piece, without seams.

Go to the knitting pattern

Marion, your blanket is really a hit! You did a fantastic job on it. Especially the figures on it look great! Right now, Sternchen has two sleeping bags, so she doesn’t need a blanket. But who knows what else I’ll come up with.

I think it’s really funny that we have triplets. One boy and two girls. So cute!

Ines, thanks for the compliments! :) Yes, I’m also happy that I get to test-knit for Sonja. I see things from a different perspective than Sonja, and I’m still kind of a beginner, after all.
Your little chicks are adorable again! I’m in awe of you once more for crocheting such tiny things. That’s just not my thing, though.

Ina, you really have a lot planned for your blanket—wow! Over 5 meters!! Is it going to turn into a rug in the end, like Ines’s?

  Christina, thanks to you, too, for the feedback on the little bag.
Your kitten is surely so cute that you can’t stay mad at him. How nice that your husband is there to cuddle him, too. I have so much yarn and little knitting bits lying around right now—a little furball like that would be an absolute disaster. But I hear there are cats out there who aren’t into that at all.

By the way, the little bag is coming along, and I’m halfway through the lettering. It’s fun now that I can keep knitting with circular needles—at least for the big bag.
Other projects will have to wait for now. First, I want to finish this pretty little bag.

Since I’m retired now, I have more time for knitting and crocheting. That’s my favorite thing right now and a great source of comfort. And designing new patterns, of course.

I really don’t feel like going shopping right now, but luckily our organic grocery store delivers to us and a farmer just around the corner has a farm stand. Everything else is ordered online.

What makes me sad is that I see my granddaughters so rarely. The time when they’re this little can’t be made up for later—unfortunately. 

Andrea, I can see that knitting is the solution for your arm. ;-) Crocheting tends to make my arm hurt, too, but knitting never does.

New Knitting and Crochet Ideas

Andrea, you should become a doll saleswoman. ;-)
That sounds really tempting—a baby who even says “Ouch”... and, by the way, burps while drinking too (I saw that in the video).

Have fun with your babies, everyone. Sternchen is going to sleep now.

Andrea, the jacket turned out really cute and even matches the suit in color. Krümel looks adorable in it. I’d thought about making a jacket with a zipper before, but I don’t really feel like sewing one in.  

Doll mommies are sure to be delighted with doll clothes for Valentine's Day. This cute summer outfit for baby dolls (approx. 45-50 cm) is decorated with little crocheted hearts and looks simply adorable when worn.

Go to the knitting pattern




Toddlers who have a Puky, balance bike, or tricycle absolutely need a bag like this to hang on it. It fits perfectly and is also decorated with a small crocheted heart. Recommended for passionate crocheters.

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These cute baby shoes with a heart are quick and easy to crochet and are sure to bring joy.

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This little crocheted pouch for 10 packs of Tempo tissues makes a welcome gift, and you can also hide other small gifts in it. It is quick and easy to crochet. The pattern describes several different versions.

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There is also a pretty and decorative cover for the large tissue boxes. The butterflies and hearts on it show the love with which it is crocheted and given as a gift. This is a great way to crochet up lots of colorful leftover yarn, preferably in the favorite colors of the recipient. Easy to crochet, also suitable for beginners with basic knowledge.

Go to the crochet pattern




This cute little baby dress has knitted-in hearts made with a knit-purl pattern. It is easy to knit and has a perfect fit. It fits babies up to 1.5 years old.

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This convertible pinafore dress for toddlers also has knitted-in hearts, and it really fits from 1.5 to 5 years. It is also easy to knit and has no seams.

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And this pinafore dress also grows with your child and has knitted-in hearts. It fits from 1.5 to approx. 3 years.

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You can then knit a headband with a little crocheted heart from the leftover yarn from this dress.

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And of course there is also a baby blanket with hearts. You can clearly see there is a lot of love in it.

Go to the knitting pattern

Oh, Ines, your little colorful egg cups are just so cute! They look really cozy. The eggs must feel right at home in there and stay nice and warm.

Marion, I just admired your beautiful blanket for Mäxchen in the doll thread. Now that’s a completely different idea. It looks fantastic—very original. I’m already trying to figure out how you put it all together.

Ina, your temperature blanket is clearly growing, and the green color in it blends in very well with the colors so far. The final result is sure to be beautiful. Yes, there’s definitely something special about knitting one row every day...

I’m back to working on Doubleface again. I get to test-knit Sonja’s gift pouch. Honestly—I’m glad I’ve already had some practice! I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a beginner’s project. And I wouldn’t use cotton (like I did), but rather a more flexible yarn. But I’ve already gotten past the hardest parts. This is what I’ve got so far—I started the night before last, and now it’s really fun to keep knitting.



Since I’m still working through my stash of “diet yarn,” I chose a thicker cotton and am knitting with yellow and rust-red/orange. It’s one of the colors from the flamingos. The little bag looks absolutely beautiful—even at this stage—and it’s even occurred to me that the bag itself is a gift. The work is really worth it, and I’m already looking forward to seeing the finished result.

Children 

Wow, Stephanie, that shawl already looks amazing! I really like the color combination, too. I actually like it best just the way it is now. If anything, I’d just add a few more rows of the I-cord.

Oh Marion, how cute is that!! :-)
The blanket looks really original and just great. I’m totally thrilled.
With her thumb in her mouth, your little one looks absolutely adorable—just begging to be cuddled.
Now all three of our triplets are thumb-suckers... 

Happy Birthday, dear Isabella! I wish you a wonderful birthday with all the trimmings and a happy new year ahead.

Best wishes,
Monika

Dear Nadine,

Happy birthday. I wish you a wonderful day with everything that goes with it and a happy year ahead.

Best wishes
Monika

Internet 

These 3 patterns are generally popular with me


Top 1 - Socks with the brilliantly simple mowi heel - to the knitting pattern




Top 2 - The round collar and shoulder warmer - to the knitting pattern




Top 3 - The grow-with-me strappy dress, fits ages 1.5 to 5 - to the knitting pattern

These are my current top 3 favorite patterns


Top 1 - Colorful Skirt for Kids Ages 3–4 - View the knitting pattern




Top 2 - Overalls for Teddy Bears or Dolls 25–30 cm - View the knitting pattern




Top 3 - Socks with the ingeniously easy-to-knit mowi heel - View the knitting pattern

Wow, those are some really pretty clothes you’ve sewn there, Akela. I’m also curious to see what she looks like wearing them.

Oh, Andrea, I’m actually tempted… we’ll see. Sternchen already has a playmate, after all.

It’s really nice that we’ve found each other here with our crazy “doll mom” thing. But the little one really is sooo cute. Of course, she gets a bottle, too. :)

I’m also glad to have a husband who’s understanding about this. No matter what kind of mood he’s in, Sternchen always manages to put a smile on his face with her “Daddy.” Totally crazy, I know…

Well, time for coffee and a bottle now… ;-)