March Projects + February Projects 2022, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group

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March Projects, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group

Dear users, dear authors,
here is Part 2 of the February projects.
Have fun with it.

You can read the earlier posts at the link:
February Projects 2022 + January Projects 2022, Part 3: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group

Oops... Josefa, have we really written and crafted that much again 🙈😍🙈
And we haven't even “finished” half of February yet ... 
Always lovely to read and see what the rest of you are creating... 
😘

It’s great that you’re all having so much fun with needlework and writing it down.

Hello everyone,

Josefa—it’s truly wonderful to share the joy of crafting with others here. Unfortunately, I often don’t have time to leave a comment right now, but now I have a little time to catch my breath before I get back to my duties as a grandma this afternoon. I’m really happy about the trust my daughter has placed in me, because our Wim is only 6 weeks old and still practically brand new, haha, but I can manage for 2.5 hours.

But now on to your creations:
Andrea, your bunnies are so cute—it’s amazing you still have time for this with your pretty demanding job, but I’m sure it helps you relax, right?

Steffi, I wish I had your patience—another dragon, and so intricate! I don’t have a knack for that—hats off to you.

Oh, Sandra, your ideas are always really great, too.

Petra, there’s a balloon underneath that ball—it’s nice when you get a “template” like that, so you can work exactly as you want.

I took a photo today of the rug I’ve crocheted so far; I still have a little over 100 rows to go, and I can already say that my next projects won’t be orange and black for a while—though it’s also fun to see the little kitten slowly emerge. The project is pretty heavy on my lap, haha, and I guess I won’t decide on the right spot—the living room or the entryway—until it’s completely finished. I also haven’t decided yet whether to add fringe or not—what do you think?

Ines, your tiger is awesome. (I’ve already had a chance to see it.)

I’d like it better without the fringe—it’s also easier to care for.

I’m sure you’ll find the perfect spot for it.

I’m working on another tunic. Once it’s come along a bit, I’ll show you a photo.

The rug is great. I’ve never dared to take on a project like this before.

I’d make it without fringes, though. Not because I don’t like them, but for maintenance reasons. I’d be worried that they’d always get tangled up and that dust bunnies would get caught in them. 

I also like the rug better without the fringe, Ines.

My current project is another triangular shawl:

The tiger is awesome.... wow 😍
I wouldn’t have the patience for that, though... It’s way too big for me to crochet; I’d rather make lots of little pieces....
I’m a bit frustrated right now with a yarn order.... Yeah, that’s possible 🙈
I ordered two knitting kits for a hat 😊 and a surprise bag. According to the product description, it’s supposed to be pre-packaged—the photo shows a paper bag—and it should contain: two patterns with matching yarn, for a scarf/cowl, hat/arm warmers.  Sounded good 😊
What I received, packed in two plastic bags, was a hat (the third one in this package) and a pair of arm warmers.....
So much for them being pre-packaged.... Zero surprise....
Now I’m wondering, did I read it “wrong,” or did they pack it “wrong”? 

It’s annoying either way, Steffi.

.... I’ve put it in the yarn stash cupboard for now, out of sight, so to speak.... 
Yours will definitely be lovely, Marlene; I really like mixing patterns, otherwise knitting gets boring for me.... 

Ines, I’d definitely leave the rug without fringes! Somehow, that would be almost too playful for the great tiger motif.
Steffi, too bad the surprise didn’t work out. Hopefully at least the color and quality are right.

Two dishcloths, two hearts, two versions of the same yarn in different colors, two different designers (a-mano, Tanja Steinbach): both quick and easy to knit. I learned a new technique: the cord cast-off edge.

Your tiger is awesome, Ines. I’d leave it without fringes, too. Fringes just don’t really go with the tiger.

Marlene, I really like how your shawl is starting to look. It’s definitely going to turn out beautiful.

Oh, Steffi, that’s too bad about the surprise. Don’t let it get you down too much.

Christina, your dishcloths look great. I especially like the gray one. A cord-edged cast-off sounds interesting.

I’m currently trying my hand at a filet pattern by Frieda. But I’m not quite happy with it yet.
I’m taking a break for now. I have quite a headache. My eyes probably still need to get used to my new glasses. I was able to pick them up this morning.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.
Love, Marlies

I don’t like Marlies’ new glasses either. If the headaches are really bad and won’t go away, then the “optical center” of the glasses is probably off. I’ve had that happen to me before. Then you won’t get used to them. I had that once—I was walking around like I was totally drunk. They had to remake them.

I totally missed that there’s already a new forum thread here.

  Hey, today is my silver wedding anniversary! Considering everyone said back then, “You and HIM? That’s a total mismatch and it won’t last anyway.” Blechhh *sticks out tongue* Well, it did last—so there!

  Turbo-Moni , now tell me how you manage to stick to a yarn diet for so long. I’m totally overwhelmed by all the yarn by now, but (you know how it is) I never have the kind I actually want to use. For example, I have lots of bright, colorful yarn, BUT none of those are colors you can wear. And yet another blanket... oh no... Anyway, I want to knit with a certain color right now, and there’s a special offer, and 25 skeins of 100 g each would cost me 50 €, and maaaaan... I’m picturing that package with all that yarn.... *sighs and daydreams* But this way I’ll never end up with less yarn!!!!
  The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak—but in my case, everything is weak. Then I think: “Oh, this stupid pandemic, and my daughter will be moving out soon (how am I supposed to cope with that *sob*), I need one of those big yarn-joy-for-the-soul packages...” And then I think again: “You don’t even have room for that much yarn.” It’s a dilemma. And I don’t even have a project planned for it. It’s just: WANT IT!
Maybe we should start a support group for yarn addicts:
“Hi, I’m Anja, and I like buying yarn. A lot. And preferably bargains, because then it feels twice as good.” 🙈

I'm popping back in too, to distract myself. Can't spend all my time in bed, after all.

Oh Anja, your writing style is a real blast again. That's kind of how it is for all of us, isn't it?
I'm not doing a yarn diet anymore, but it still isn't getting any less.

The tiger blanket is amazing. I would leave it as it is, even without fringe. The border already makes it look great; the fringe would almost be too much. I've fallen for this tiger blanket too. The colors are fantastic. But I don't like crocheting with black; it's hard to see.

The dishcloths look great.

You were all so busy. I'm taking a short break because of my cold.

Best wishes
Andrea

Thanks, Marlies :)
It’s also fun to knit this pattern.
I’d used a different yarn before, but then realized it was a bit too rough for this project.

I-cord bind-off edge — I’ll take a look at how to do that, Christina.
I really like your dishcloths.

The corded bind-off makes a lovely finish. I watched a video.

The shawls turned out lovely. They’d also make a great gift for Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.

@Anja—congratulations on your silver wedding anniversary. Good thing you didn’t listen to the others.

I’m casting on a new hat now. I get to make clothes for a pair of twin dolls for the doll mommies at a kindergarten.

I’d also like to extend my best wishes for your silver wedding anniversary—that’s quite an achievement. All the best to you both.

Congratulations, Anja, on your silver wedding anniversary, and best wishes for the next 25 years!

I’d also like to send my congratulations on your silver wedding anniversary 💒...
Hope you were able to enjoy the day a little bit too 💖

I recently bought and printed out a papercraft pattern, but the result was so bad that I wrote to the seller, who promptly “helped” me.... That is, he sent me a “new” file that I can now “edit” myself. ... I know he meant well 🙈
But I JUST CAN’T DO IT!!!!! 😤 Computers and I aren’t really compatible—yes, I can write here, I can order yarn, and I can find the occasional website too..... But editing files is a total mystery to me..... I have no idea how to do it.... whether my computer can even open the file 🤔 is a mystery.... Oh dear, this is going to be nerve-wracking....

Thank you, everyone ❤

I also wish you all the best on your silver wedding anniversary, Anja :)

Anja, I’d also like to offer my heartfelt congratulations and all the best for your silver wedding anniversary!
I love reading your posts.
Support group for yarn addicts: count me in.

Steffi, I understand you all too well. When someone says a computer is just a thing, they have no idea about all the little colorful characters that live inside it and do whatever they want...
It took me a long time, too, to get the hang of this thing.
You can also find help with RAR files from Aunt G....e. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Sandra, the tiger rug is fantastic! That must have been a ton of work! But it was worth it. I’m also in favor of “no fringes.”

Marlene, you’re almost giving Monika a run for her money. First the tulips and now the triangular shawl. I’m knitting one right now too, but I’ve taken a break because I have a pretty bad cold and didn’t feel like knitting. (It’s probably not COVID—I’ve already taken a few rapid tests—but I’ve been sniffling quite a bit and have a throbbing headache.) A
Andrea, fellow sufferer, get well soon!

Christina, the dishcloths turned out really nice. I hadn’t heard of the corded bind-off edge before either, but I Googled it right away. Sounds interesting.

Anja, best wishes from me too for your silver wedding anniversary. I hope you celebrated it in style.

I did manage to finish crocheting one little thing: colorful cutlery pouches for Easter:

Anja, I’d also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your silver wedding anniversary.

Ines, the tiger rug is simply fantastic. I wouldn’t tie on any fringes either…

Andrea, I wish you and all the other “snotty noses” a speedy recovery.

Ruth, I love the little cutlery pouches for Easter. Will you be sharing any patterns? 😚

Sunny greetings to everyone,
Silvia

Yes, Silvia, it’s already been uploaded.

Thanks, Ruth—I’d only looked in your shop at first, but now I’ve found what I was looking for in the new arrivals. 😊

Thanks for your feedback on the tiger rug regarding the fringes—I’ll make it without them now, so I won’t get annoyed if they don’t lie neatly 😀
Marlene, I’m excited to see your shawl—looking good so far 👍
Steffi, too bad about the surprise bag—that would’ve annoyed me too.
Ruth, I really like the cutlery eggs too—a lovely idea.

Oh, Anja, your refreshing way of writing... I’m also on eBay again, keeping an eye on some yarn. I don’t need any, there’s no space left either, and I actually got a red card when it comes to buying yarn, but even in the Bundesliga that loses its validity after a few weeks, so what—if I can get it.

Well then, have a great weekend, everyone!

Ruth.... The silverware holders are cute—where do you always get these ideas....
Christina... is the I-cord edge the same as an I-cord? Pick up 3 additional stitches, then knit 2, knit the third together with one from the shawl, slide it back to the beginning, and repeat the whole thing?

So...I just opened this morning’s file 😲
“Nobody” can edit this in any way—I took a photo. If anyone can make out anything from it, feel free to let me know 😤😂😤

Oh, words fail me.....
...and yes, I know we’re not allowed to post parts of a pattern either.... But who would ever think this was supposed to be one? 🙈😤😂😤🙈
I really messed that one up.... 

Hi, my name is Anja, I’m (still) a yarn addict, and I managed NOT to buy ANY yarn yesterday *ta-daaa fanfare*—but now I’m bidding on two auctions on eBay, and can you believe someone actually has the nerve to bid against me!!! Unbelievable! That’s going to be MINE!!!! Go away, other bidder! 😡 Shush!!!! Be quiet! (Fans of Hape Kerkeling from the ’80s will remember the Maumau sketch: “Be quiet, Melanie, be quiet right now”).

  Earlier, I’d already upped the purchase—which I held off on yesterday—from 12 skeins to 37. 😯 Yeah, what can I say? That awesome color comes in two thicknesses... hehe. So I’ll let fate decide; if it doesn’t work out on eBay, THEN I’ll go for the other yarn. Maybe. I’m strong. I don’t need yarn. I don’t want yarn. I’m happy with what I have. Ommmm!

Listen up, friends of the art of yarn:
If I want to knit one of those triangle things, I just don’t have a clue how to go about it right now. So, starting from the bottom (where you can see my thumb), I’d increase 1 st on each side—then it’ll quickly become isosceles. But what about the rest? How do I make it longer at the top? Decrease every other row on one side?
I need this as a side panel for a pointy sweater. 

That weird combination of numbers after “ommmm” was supposed to be a woman doing yoga in the cross-legged position... I guess the chat here was a bit overwhelmed by that.... 

Maybe just knit three stitches together in the middle???? And then every other one???? That’s my idea right now. But I wonder if the length will work out....

Oh yeah, the yarn addicts.... ahem 😇
So you’ve just doubled your yarn purchase—the very same yarn you “turned down” just yesterday....
That could have been me 😂😂😂😂

Ines: The rug looks great. What kind of yarn are you using to crochet it?

Ruth: I just bought the cutlery pouch pattern. They’re perfect for using up my leftover yarn.

We’ve modified Anton’s respirator. Now it has a mask, too 😃


And the whole thing gave me an idea:


A firefighter’s axe.


I crocheted the fire extinguisher 1.5 years ago for his 3rd birthday.

Now I’m working on a belt to hold the axe and the radio.

After that, I’ll work on the cutlery pouch 

Yes, Steffi, that’s exactly how the corded edge is made. I’ve knitted the cord itself several times before, but the cast-off edge was new to me.

Ruth, the cutlery pouches are pretty. I don’t really need something like that, but for a change of pace and to use up leftover yarn, I’m going to crochet two anyway for Easter. Maybe I’ll come up with other uses for them then, too!

Sandra, you always have such great ideas! Don’t be surprised if Anton ends up becoming a firefighter!

Sandra, the yarn is from Woll but (50g) with a length of 85 m, so it’ll be pretty sturdy; I’ll also be adding a non-slip mat underneath.

Ruth, your cutlery pouches—so cute. The table decorations for Easter will be great. A great way to use up scraps.

Sandra, your axe turned out great. Now all you need is a real fire truck.

I’m continuing to knit and sew for the dolls. The hat for the boy is finished. Now I’m going to try making a pair of pants and create a sewing pattern. 

 Okay, the firefighter’s belt is finished.

Now I’m starting on the cutlery pouches. 😃

And here they are

Good morning....
Sandra, how fast are you? You’re giving Monika a run for her money 🙈

Christina, I really like this border. I used it as a cast-off edge at the neckline of my sweater (the one that’s currently on the needles and just won’t seem to get finished)
But there’s a new “resident” in my room.... 

She moved in last night.... much to the amazement of my cat 🙈😂

Oh Steffi, it turned out great 👍

Sandra, it turned out really pretty.

And Steffi, it’s sooooo great ♡♡♡ Oh man, if I had the patience, I’d make this exact kitty. 

Thanks....
Oh, Anja.....
This kitty only has 39 pieces.... and except for two, they’re also quite manageable/large.....
Now there’s a second one too—it stands on its hind legs and gives the other one a kiss....

  An MKal starts on the 22nd, and I really want to join in. And I actually wanted to have the sweater off the needles by then.....
I need more time....

Sandra, with this awesome firefighter outfit, Anton is definitely not just a firefighter for carnival. That was certainly the case with my kids—they dressed up all year round. And the cutlery pouches are already finished, too! (Yeah, when you’re in quarantine, you’ve got to keep yourself busy. Wishing you a speedy recovery!) They turned out really nice—I really like them in these colors. And the asymmetrically placed flower looks great, too.

Wow, Steffi, I’m amazed by your crafting skills! The cat looks fantastic! Does it stand really stable? How big is it, anyway?

It’s “life-size”.... My cat thought it was real this morning “the moment he walked in” 🙈 He was trotting along so “tired” toward his food, and then he spotted it and was suddenly wide awake.... 😂
The models are actually so sturdy that they can stand on their own....
I’ll print out the second cat tonight.... 

The new version of my Midori is taking shape.
It’ll end up smaller because of the thinner yarn:

Asymmetrically placed flowers 😃😃😃😃—yes, exactly. That’s how it’s supposed to be. ... I won’t tell anyone that I just wasn’t paying attention while I was working.

Marlene: The blanket looks great. 

Thanks, Sandra :)

Yeah, why not try something asymmetrical? It’s got a certain charm.

Something different: Does anyone here know about rockrose tea? Have you ever tried it? How did it agree with you? 

Cistus tea is said to be rich in antioxidants and very healthy, but you shouldn’t drink too much of it. It’s also supposed to help with eczema (when applied topically). I tolerated it well, but I didn’t like the taste. I had to add a whole lot of honey to it. 😄

A friend then gave me a tip: you can also add fresh ginger to it. That way, I needed a little less honey. So, it’s healthy, and I tolerated it well, but on its own, it’s not my cup of tea. 

The bag says: “balsamic” flavor. I was already wondering what that would taste like—like a mummy? 😆

I took a sip just to see—I think it tastes—I don’t know how else to describe it—like a church. In terms of taste, it reminds me of the smell of incense. You can drink it if you have to, even without ginger. But since I’ve often had trouble tolerating things in the past, I’m taking it slow today. It’s also supposed to help with colds or bladder infections; it’s pH-neutral—so alkaline—and I should be able to tolerate it well given my histamine sensitivity.

Guess who won the bid on eBay for 24 skeins of yarn... 😇 I don’t even have any room...🙃

24.... 😲
Do you have a “plan” for what this is going to become? With that much yarn, it could easily turn into something big. Are they all the same kind? Or a colorful mix?
I’d rather not even look at what’s on offer right now.... Before another “oops” happens to me 😂😇😂
My sweater is growing again... just 10 more rows on the sleeves and then the bottom cuff 😀 Let’s see if I can manage it with the time pressure—after all, “my” MKAL starts on the 22nd, and the sweater should be off the needles by then. 

Hello everyone,

I’m checking in again today.......
Oh Anja, 24 skeins of yarn—what a deal! Unfortunately, I didn’t have any luck recently and got outbid at the last minute. Well, it’s not like I don’t have any yarn, but it does tempt me every now and then.
Your tea sounds interesting; I’m afraid I’m not familiar with it.

Sandra and Ruth, your little cutlery eggs are so cute.

Steffi, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you’ll finish in time for the KAL.

Today I can finally show off my finished rug.


It’s 150 cm long and 75 cm wide and looks wonderful in the entryway.

Now I’ve started on the blanket I’d planned, using the yarn from the swap package.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend—hope you all weather the storm well.

Steffi , go ahead and get a move on with that sweater. A tight deadline can actually help sometimes.

Ines , the rug is AWESOME—you can be proud of it!

  No, I don’t have a project planned. I just think this yarn is so great. I already have an RVO with it on my needles (which, of course, turned into a UFO). This yarn will also become a jacket someday—I can only make jackets because I have to take everything off quickly due to hot flashes. 

Right now I’m working on a wrap-around jacket—a spring project, since it’ll be warm soon. It’s so much fun, and I’m really into it, but now my arthritis-plagued thumb is hurting again. Argh! Great weather, the weekend, and I’m in the mood, but my bones just won’t cooperate. *sigh* I’m going to push through until the crochet hook falls out of my hand! 

Hey there, everyone, I’m back again. I just took a quick look at all the lovely things you’ve been making. Wow, that’s quite a lot. I just haven’t had a chance to catch up on the posts here lately. Now I’ll be sticking around for a while. I do miss this group, after all.

Marlene, your tulip is a lovely idea. And they turned out really pretty. Those kinds of fiddly little projects aren’t really my thing either. Your new tablecloth looks great in the photo.

Petra, your doll’s hat has a really pretty pattern. One of your photos gave me the idea that it would also work well for the waistband of a little skirt. And the ball for your grandson turned out great, too. Oh, and you knitted a second hat—that one’s great, too.

Christina, your dinosaur scarves are a real pop of color. Kids love stuff like that.
Both dishcloths look fantastic. Each one is a work of art in its own right.

Tina, your baby mobile with the balloons is a very special idea for a baby shower.

Andrea, your bunnies turned out absolutely adorable. If they’re your own design, I’d say you could write patterns with all your great ideas.

Sandra, you always have such lovely ideas, too. Anton still seems to love the fire department. A great idea for Carnival—and a very original one at that. All the pieces look fantastic. Your cutlery pouches, too.

Steffi, your craft projects are amazing!! You do such a great job and have so much patience. I’m amazed! What do your four-legged friends think of the new competition? Maybe a new love interest for your cat?

Oh, Ines, it’s so wonderful that you get to be a grandma. Enjoy it, because the time when they’re this little goes by so fast. Your rug is absolutely amazing!! Awesome! I think it’s really beautiful even without the fringes.

Anja, I’d like to congratulate you on your silver wedding anniversary! I had that pleasure 5 years ago—it’s already been 30 years. Back then, a lot of people told us it wouldn’t work out. And look how well it turned out—and still is going!
You want to know how to stick to a “wool diet” for so long? It’s simple—just close your eyes and go for it whenever there’s a wool sale somewhere. Don’t look left or right while you’re at it. And then… think about the huge stash you have at home. But honestly—I have more now than I did before. ;-) That’s just how it is with the yo-yo effect and wool addiction. I own it.

Ruth, you’re always coming up with something new. I’m amazed again!! These are such pretty little bags.

Okay, now I’m done—at least with all the photos—and I’ve read a lot, too.

In the meantime, I’ve gotten quite a bit done. Maybe you’ve already seen the bunny washcloths in the gallery. Here’s the second one. I’m giving them to my grandkids for Easter.




And right now I’m in the middle of knitting something simple—namely, the tunic that Marion also knitted. I’m already looking forward to wearing it. I’ll take a photo tomorrow.

I’ve finished the slipover for Linja, which she’ll get for her birthday.



I also have a sweater for the little baby doll on my needles… I’m working on a variety of projects again.

Monika really does have 8 pairs of arms 🙈
Good morning, lovelies....

I actually finished the "upper" part of the sweater 😊

Now I "just" have to pick up stitches again from the lower edge and knit the ribbing.... In total I'm supposed to have 248 stitches on the needle then. And then knit that stupid tuck again, so 4 rounds in knit stitch and then in the next round "knit together the stitches from 4 rows ago with the current stitches".... 😕 it takes forever and it's no fun either.
Should I just leave it out now? Right now I'm at the point where I'd really rather put the piece in a drawer.... 
I'm going to think about it some more...

Keep it up, Steffi! The sweater is going to look great!

Steffi, I have a jacket sitting unfinished—after the pleats, I just didn’t feel like working on it anymore. It’s now in a box, waiting for me to feel inspired again. I totally get it when you just lose the motivation. Maybe you could strike a compromise: do the new KAL for a day and work a few rows on the sweater in between. Kind of a mix of mandatory and optional, you know?

  Here’s my future crochet wrap jacket by Petra Perle. Hopefully my thumb will cooperate today. 

Anja, the colors are a great choice. I’m curious to see how it turns out. 

Steffi, your sweater looks really nice now. You absolutely have to finish knitting it. You’re going to love it.

Anja, I’m looking forward to seeing your crocheted wrap jacket when it’s done. The colors are very pretty.

And here’s a photo of the tunic I’ve started. It still needs a little work...



Have a wonderful sunny Sunday, everyone!

Warm regards from Monika

Monika: The washcloth is great.
The slipover looks very colorful and beautiful.
The doll’s sweater is cute, too.
Your tunic already looks great. I can’t quite make out the color. Is it pink?

Anja: I’m really curious to see how those two pieces are going to become a jacket. I actually can’t picture it yet.

Steffi: The sweater looks so great. Keep at it. 😃

I have something to show, too. I saw a fillable egg here and wanted to crochet my own version.


I’m not at all happy with it. That’s why the egg turned into two flowers 🤣


Anton “is supposed” to bring Schokobons to the daycare carnival. It goes against my nature to just hand them over in the bag 🤣



Sandra, I also like the two flower pieces better than the egg.
You always come up with such lovely ideas. The clown basket turned out really cute. Great idea!
The tunic is knitted from light beige mottled wool. Unfortunately, it doesn’t show up very well in the photo.

Sandra, I had exactly the same experience with the egg… I ended up giving it away anyway, decorated with a big bow.

You’ve all been so hard at work again, and I admire your creations!
My little jacket is finally finished after all:



On Saturday, we finally got to see its new owner again. Selina was in great spirits and laughed out loud for ages…
Now I’m working on the gifts for the little Americans. Unfortunately, I have a time-consuming sewing project ahead of me…

Please keep your fingers crossed for me: I had to take a PCR test today…

Quick Crocheted Easter Decorations:

You’ve all made such amazing things again. Unbelievable.

Monika, when do you actually sleep, at the rate you’re going?

I have something to show again, too. Mini Bunny No. 1 is finished. Great size comparison. The big ones are made with Catania, and the little one with a 1.75 mm needle.

Yes, Andrea, that’s how we admire each other. I really admire your delicate little crochet projects. I just don’t have the patience for that. You always do it so precisely.

Christina, your little jacket turned out very pretty. It’s wonderful that little Selina brings you so much joy. You really need to enjoy this time—it goes by so fast. Fingers crossed.

Marlene, your Easter decoration looks interesting. What is it, exactly? I can’t quite make it out.

Oh Christina: Fingers crossed. Do you have any symptoms? I’m still on sick leave. Today is day 15 🥴
I’m really relieved to know I’m not alone with this “egg problem.”
That little jacket is so cute.

Marlene: Aren’t you going to make more of those? They look fun.

Andrea: Your mini bunny is cute.
How are you doing? 

It’s Brügger Häkelei, Moni :)

Yes, I’m going to make more of these, Sandra.
It only takes a few grams of leftover yarn, and I have more than enough of that.

Your bunnies are so cute, Andrea.

Thanks, Sandra and Monika

Health update: Today marks day 10 for me. I still have a cough and a slight cold.
I went to the testing center today just to be safe—the result was negative. That means
I’m going back to work tomorrow. It’ll be an adjustment, and stress will be back.

Otherwise, I’m doing well. I still have to finish three of the mini bunnies.
But I’m on late shift for the next three days now. I’ll have the weekend off again, so I’ll keep crocheting then.

Stay healthy, everyone, and to those who are sick—get well soon, and I hope everything goes well.

Have a nice evening

Those crocheted bunnies are so cute. I feel the same way as Monika—I could never manage something like that. I’m more into the coarser stuff. 

Christina, your little jacket turned out lovely. I really like the color combination. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for your test. 

Wishing everyone else a speedy recovery, too. 

Sandra, your Süssi box is very pretty packaging. The clown looks funny. 

Yesterday I quickly tied something together for my friend, and she actually had a hook right in the middle of the room, so now a little bit of spring is hanging there, floating freely.

Andrea, your bunnies are sooo cute! What yarn did you use for the little one? I actually like crocheting with a 1.75 hook too, but it gets tricky with parts like arms and legs! (By the way, the same goes for thicker yarn. Once I hit about ten stitches per round, it’s fine for me.)

So many beautiful things.... I don’t even know where to start 😇
Andrea, your mini bunnies are so cute....
And Sandra, your candy wrapper is awesome.
The baby jacket turned out sooo cute.
And the Easter/spring decorations are totally awesome

I’ve been crafting again for the last two days... 


Tonight I’ll pick up the sweater again... and I’m also making a paper Easter bunny on the side—I’ve already printed it out. 

Hi everyone,

Steffi —your paper figures are absolutely amazing. I’m not sure if I’d have the patience for that, even though I also enjoy crafting with paper—though I mostly make greeting cards.
How big is your masterpiece, the “cat”?

Christina, I used the thin yarn from Hobbii, Rainbow Lace (100% mercerized cotton), or some leftover Rico Garn Essentials Crochet (50g – 280 m)—it crochets up beautifully.

Well then, keep crafting away—I’m starting to get a little anxious about my workday.
See you later

Petra, you always have such great ideas for turning simple things into gifts. Spring on the wall—just amazing! Did you use glass tubes for that?

Steffi, your cat is a real hit. Your furry friends have some serious competition now. Do you think she’ll stay “in one piece”? (By the way, I sent you a PM.)

Andrea, I hope you have a relaxing start to your workday. You really don’t have an easy job. You certainly have my utmost respect for that.

I’m going to get back to dressing the little baby dolls. Once I’ve dressed one completely, I’ll post a photo.

Monika, yes, those are glass tubes and garden wire.

Steffi, your cat is great. I’ll have to look up online how that works. It seems like an exciting pastime, too.

I’ve been in the garden for an hour now; I found an old hedgehog nest and cut away a lot of last year’s growth. Now the new shoots have light again.

Now I can knit for a while. I’m revising an old pattern. There are abbreviations everywhere. I don’t like that at all anymore. But I have a feeling that revising it will take just as long as writing it from scratch. 

Yes, Petra, the revisions really do take that long—I’ve experienced that myself.
Did you find a hedgehog nest? The hedgehogs are already awake here, too, and we’ve started feeding them. We haven’t actually seen them yet, though.

Tell me about reworking, Petra!

I keep ending up with more and more egg cosies, and I'll have to get some plastic eggs soon.

Petra.... do you also collect “all sorts of things” to turn them into decorations? 😇
Small jars, tubes, moss, pieces of wood, and twigs that look kind of special..... I love that so much.....
I just quickly took a photo to compare sizes.... The “chubby” animal in the front is Murphy, 12 years old and weighing about 6 kg.... 
i
And we craft together.... I think that’s why he leaves the models alone.... 

What a great cat, Steffi!

I checked today to see whether any dry food was missing from the hedgehog house, but no, it’s all still there. I hope “my” hedgehog survived. I’ll keep an eye out tonight. Before he went into hibernation, I marked a few quills green so I could recognize him.

Just checking in briefly from my sickbed (day 6 of a bladder infection), and wishing my fellow sufferers a speedy recovery too.
Has Christina been in touch yet about her test result? 

Steffi, the cat is great. But the real one is also very pretty :-)

Steffi, in a direct comparison, I like the real cat better, but I still admire your perseverance and precision…

Anja, get well soon! I know how unpleasant bladder infections are.

Thanks—your crossed fingers worked; luckily, the test came back negative. I would have felt terrible, since we were visiting our daughter and the baby on Saturday…

Steffi, I collect everything—unfortunately. Maybe it’ll come in handy someday. I love stones, snail shells, and tree branches—especially if they have lichen on them.

Anja, get well soon. Thank goodness I haven’t had a urinary tract infection in years. It’s really very painful.

Christina, I’m glad the test came back negative. That’s something you definitely don’t want.

I found just one nest while cleaning. I think it was from last year—for raising the young. Is it already warm enough for him to come out of his den? Then I’ll have to put out the hedgehog food. 

@Petra.... and then everyone always wonders why you can whip up such little things so “quickly”.... People often ask me, “Where did you get that from again?” 🤷 ...Um, I conjured it up in my craft room....
I’m still thinking about whether I should "craft" a "fairy garden" in a terrarium sometime.... with all kinds of mosses, twigs, and whatever else you find outside.... but then I’d probably have to add an extension after all 🤷😂🤷
I don’t have a single houseplant that doesn’t have some kind of natural decoration in the pot.... Now, after the storm, I “scored” some beautiful tree mosses in the forest—they’re so pretty in color and texture.....
Christina.... it’s good that the test was/is negative.
That would also be my biggest fear—that I might infect someone...

Anja.... Get well soon.... Sending you a big hug.... 

Hi, I’m checking in here again after a long break.
It looks like you’ve all been working hard again in the meantime and have created such beautiful pieces.

Steffi, your purple sweater looks better and better. The little crafts turned out great, too. Your “chubby” Mirphy
is very cute and clearly feels right at home next to the paper tiger.

Anja, I also like your crochet wrap jacket—those are my colors. I’ve admired it quite a few times in the gallery. I hope you feel better soon. 

Sandra, that clown tin is so funny—you always have such great ideas. Hope you’re feeling better.

Christina, that little blue jacket turned out beautifully.

Marlene, you’re already hard at work on your Easter projects—it looks interesting.

Andrea, your bunnies look wonderful in every size. I’m glad you’re feeling better again and that you’re “allowed” to work once more.

Petra, you had another great idea with your spring crafts. It’s always good to have the right supplies on hand. I’m one of those collectors too; you can probably use it at some point. 

Monika, you’ve been busy again. I’m already familiar with your tunic. It’ll definitely look beautiful in a solid color, and it’s already grown a bit.

I haven’t been idle lately either. I’m totally into tunics right now. It’s so much fun that I’ll be starting number 3 soon. The top-down construction is especially practical and easy to make.

Here’s my number 2—knitted from a pattern by a CP designer.

Steffi: That cat is amazing—I wouldn’t have the patience for that either.

Marion: The tunic looks great.

I’m blocked on Easter baskets somehow; I just don’t feel like making them at all. I’m going to crochet something else for now.

I went back to my doctor today. I’m supposed to do respiratory therapy and also have to see the pulmonologist again. I have asthma.
And COVID seems to have irritated my lungs a bit... but I’m going back to work on Monday. 

Marion, your tunic turned out great—I’d wear it in a heartbeat. How much yarn did you use for it?

I really like the color gradient on the tunic, Marion.

I’m trying to decide which yarn to use for the bonnets.

Here are two made of cotton:

Sandra, Christina, and Marlene, I’m glad you like the tunic, too.

I used almost 3 skeins, each with 800m of yarn (just under 600g).

Waaaaaaah *sob sob*, my newly knitted hat ended up in the dryer and now it’s just a kids’ hat. Ugh! I’d only worn it twice *stomps foot angrily* 

Oh no, Anja.
What a bummer.

Oh, how annoying....
Stupid dryer.

Marion, I really like the tunic—the colors look great!

Marlene....I might use even thinner yarn. I just love those really fine yarns....

The day before yesterday, I actually continued knitting the sweater, picked up the stitches, and knitted the tuck; now just a few more rows of the knit/purl pattern, and then it can come off the needles.
The MKal will have to wait a bit longer.... It’s already started, and now that I’ve seen a section of it knitted, I’ve realized that “my” yarn doesn’t really work. The colors would “overpower” the pattern....
I need 4 x 100g skeins; two of them should be more solid-colored so the pattern shows up. Otherwise, it’ll be too busy.... So 😁 I have to order two skeins of “semisolid” yarn 😁😇

Steffi , I’m so sorry that you have to order yarn. Please note that it’s extremely important (!!!) to order other yarn as well to make the shipping costs worthwhile. And for environmental reasons, of course.

😇😉

Then I’ll make the little bonnets in different yarn weights, Steffi.
So—something rustic, something finer, and something very fine.
That way—there’s something for every taste.

,......I ordered the yarn 🙈😁—it ended up being 5 x 100g. I wasn’t sure if one color would work, so I had to go with an “alternative”.... I didn’t quite make it to the “free shipping threshold.” 60€ would be too much for my bank account right now 🤷
And actually, I wanted to chip away at my yarn mountain—not add to it.
Now just 31 x 224 stitches to go, and the sweater can come off the needles 😂

Marlene.... I’m curious to see what those super-fine hats look like.... 😍

31x 224 sts 🙈🙈🙈

Yeah, a mountain of yarn... or a yarn swamp here... I’ve got 24 more skeins now. Oh no, 28! I stocked up on extra yarn for the crochet jacket, just to be safe. 🥴

A little bonnet made from 2-ply yarn:

Marlene, I like the little bonnets made with the thin yarn best!

I also have something new to show:
an Easter bunny hand puppet (made at my granddaughter’s request).

Do you play with hand puppets? The bunny girl is so cute in her little skirt.

I’ve been busy packing suitcases and boxes for vacation today. And I’m only taking enough yarn for 3 projects.

I want to knit my new shawl, then I’ve started couples’ mittens and am experimenting a bit. And then there’s yarn for a jacket for the kindergarten doll.

By my standards, that’s very little yarn for so many days of vacation (5 days). But I’ve got a book in my luggage: “Der kleine Strickladen in den Highlands.” Does anyone know this book?

Petra, I read that book a while back. The words “wool” or “knitting” in the title always magically draw me in, and every now and then I need a relaxing read. I wish you a wonderful vacation despite the dark clouds—enjoy your time with the yarn and your book.

Thanks, Christina, for the kind wishes. I’m really looking forward to the book. I’ve been meaning to buy it for a long time—I think there’s even a second volume out now. 

Marlene.... I really like the little bonnet made from that very thin yarn.

Ruth.... that hand puppet is so cute.

Anja, how’s your crocheted jacket coming along?
Last night, my sweater finally came off the needles 👍
Now I just need to wash it, block it, and weave in the remaining ends (I’ve already woven them all in—I do that while I’m changing yarns)

You all really gave me the “courage” I needed; otherwise, it would definitely have ended up in the UFO box.... 

No luck, Steffi. The bladder infection has laid me up. I’m just vegetating in bed. I probably also had sudden hearing loss over the weekend; the ENT doctor isn’t available until Wednesday. Exact words: “If it happened on Friday, it’s too late now anyway.” Well, thanks. 
And my stomach’s acting up when it comes to gut flora. And my nose still isn’t how it should be after the surgery in the summer. I’ve really had enough now. Plus the constant fear of COVID and that ****** Putin. 
I have to go back to the family doctor in a bit.  

Glad you stuck with it. Of course, I’d be even more interested in seeing what it looks like when worn.

Yes, I’d also be interested in seeing it worn. It’s great that you stuck with it and finished it.

Anja, I hope you feel better soon. That doesn’t sound too good. 

I tried taking a photo... the sweater is really comfortable to wear... 

I tried something new with the photos:

Steffi, sticking with it was worth it. It looks great

Marlene, I like your picture

Wow, it really looks much better worn than lying flat. Great, Steffi!

MARLENE you nicely copied your eggs into the photo. That makes it much easier to picture. They look good, I like them!

Thanks, Petra and Anja :)

Your sweater looks really cozy, Steffi :)

Continue posting here:
March Projects, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group