March Projects 2022, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group

Here is Part 3 of the crafting group
March Projects 2022, Part 3: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group (No Advertising)

Dear users, dear authors,
we're continuing here with the crafting group.
You can find the earlier posts at the link.

I worked on the crochet jacket again today, but I’m not really in the mood. I’m still not feeling quite right. And yet there are only two rows left and a small center piece. OK, and then the tassel. So, almost done.

How are our COVID-19 patients doing, by the way? Is everyone healthy again? Any lingering effects? Hopefully everything’s fine! 

Argh, I just sent this off without checking the box, so here’s a quick addendum—otherwise I’ll miss everything again...

Reminder to myself: Don’t forget to check the box!!!!!! 

Oh man, you’ve all conjured up some amazing things again.
Steffi: That sweater looks great.

I’m totally stuck on my Easter wreath right now, so I’m putting it aside for now.

I finished a dinosaur bag:

I could imagine that Anton’s birthday will be a dinosaur-themed birthday (yes, it’s not until September), and for that I’ll need party favor bags. And even if it doesn’t end up being a dinosaur birthday after all, I’m sure I’ll find people who’ll want them anyway. 😃

Hi everyone,

Anja, thanks for checking in. I’m healthy and back at work already. I’ve recovered from COVID—no lingering effects. Fingers crossed. I’m in the mood to crochet again, too.
I’m sure you’ll be able to get back into it with full enthusiasm at some point and finish your jacket. I’m certain of it.

Sandra, those dino bags look great. I’m sure you’ll find buyers for them.
My kids used to be crazy about dinosaurs, too. Maybe you could color the dinosaurs—then everyone would have their own unique dinosaur bag.
I like them.

Have a nice evening!

Dear all,

it’s amazing how clueless you can be sometimes! Yesterday I had to redo the jacket band three times. Even though I was knitting exactly according to the pattern (ribbing with slipped stitches), the wrong side was always in front and the right side was on the inside. ARGH! I was already about to get upset over a poorly written pattern until I realized that I—myself—couldn’t read it properly. Because on one side, the slipped stitches were done with the yarn in front, and on the other side, with the yarn in back. *slaps forehead* It didn’t help at all that both were in bold—I probably would’ve figured it out right away if one had been in bold italics... Just sharing this story with our designer ladies, along with a question: Can patterns also be written in colored text? Yes, right? 

I once used color in the patterns, and one customer didn’t like it. I think this is a matter of personal preference. One person might prefer bold text, while another might want more subheadings. It’s difficult to find the perfect balance for everyone. 

Jacket body finished. It doesn’t fit. Different yarn than in the pattern; despite the gauge, it turned out differently. Now I remember why I don’t like finishing projects: it’s always a 50:50 gamble whether it fits or not. 

And even though I bound off loosely, the waistband still pulls in. 

Jacket tossed into the corner. 

Anja, do you mean the side band on the front pieces?

You probably didn’t pick up enough stitches from the side pieces.
The jacket is a beautiful color.

Thanks, Marion—it’s denim blue. 
None of this is working, so I’m starting over—not following this pattern, but a tutorial on YouTube instead. It also covers the i-cord border that someone mentioned here recently... 

What do you do if the yarn isn’t long enough for a row? Tie a knot, or start with a new piece of yarn and weave in the ends later? 

I usually use the Frankfurt knot. 

I’m making that one too, but it looks silly if it doesn’t lie flat against the back. 

With yarn cakes, you also have knots, even if they’re smaller. And weaving in the ends isn’t always completely invisible either. It might also depend on the pattern whether you knot or weave in the ends.

Yeah, with stockinette stitch, you can really see it. Yeah, that’s true—stitching it up isn’t invisible either. I’ll try using 2–3 stitches with double thread, like I read in the forum. 

It looks to me like too few stitches were cast on as well. In that case, it always helps to use a needle one size larger when binding off. That makes the finish loose and even. 

Well, I picked up one from every edge stitch. I had the feeling it was because of the slip-stitch cuff. The resulting stitches didn’t look very nice either—not like a chain.

Using a larger needle to bind off is a great tip—I’ll try that!

Picking up one stitch from each edge stitch probably isn’t enough, since one edge stitch corresponds to two knitted rows.
Depending on the pattern and gauge, you’d need to knit approximately 4 stitches from every 3 edge stitches.

Interesting. And how do you knit 2 out of one edge stitch? 

Try Googling “picking up stitches from the side edge.” There are videos on that, too.

Hey there, everyone, I’m back again. I’m just running out of time right now...
You’ve all created such lovely projects again—they’re all gorgeous.

Sandra, your ideas for the kids are truly impressive. Anton’s birthdays must be very popular if there are such great party favors.

Marlene, the Bruges crochet for the eggs looks really great. Thanks for the explanation. They look especially pretty on the branches.

Anja, I hope you’re feeling better again? That thing with your hat is so annoying. It probably won’t happen to you again, right?

Petra, our hedgehogs were only out for a little while. It’s so cold again around the clock that they’re back to sleeping. Just to be safe, we left some dry food outside, but they’ll probably only come back once spring really begins. Instead, the starlings are eating the suet balls off the bush. ;-)
I see you’re back from vacation now, as I’ve read in the meantime.

Marion, I’m already familiar with your tunics. But seeing the blue one here in full size—it’s just gorgeous. I really like the colors, too. Mine’s growing too right now, but only one round at a time. The dolls absolutely have to be dressed.

Steffi, when I order yarn, it has to be worth it—without shipping costs, of course. ;-) Well done. Your sweater turned out absolutely gorgeous. I’d love it too—the color as well. It’s kind of a masterpiece of yours.

Ruth, another pretty thing has come off your needles. Your grandchildren are in for a treat. A hand puppet is always a special treat for kids.

Now I finally have something to show, too. The tunic is slowly taking shape.



In the meantime, I have quadruplets plus the baby for Juna to dress. Yes, you read that right. All four are staying with me. The talking twins don’t have names yet, though.
I’ve finished a suit with a sweater, pants, and a hat, a jacket with a hat—and the second jacket is still on the needles, but it’ll be done today as well. Here’s what it looks like now.




And here’s what they both look like together—one of them in the outfit.



I was given an old basket with wheels to put them in. All four of them are sitting in there now.



I left the doll for Juna (the same one as here in pink) in the box for now. ;-) I have enough models to try things on, after all. The two talking twins have batteries. And I already know that my son and his wife wouldn’t be too thrilled about them. So I have these four here to play with when the girls come to visit. Maybe you can think of a name for the cheeky twins...

Well, I wish you all a wonderful week!

Monika, your doll family is really growing by the day! The dollhouse is going to get too small soon. But your dolls have it good with you—they always get such beautiful clothes to wear! Are your talking twins girls or boys? Or a couple? That would be important to know if they’re going to get names.

Oh, Ruth, that’s a good question. I’d say they’re a girl and a boy. It just kind of suits them. They don’t have names yet because they weren’t actually supposed to stay with me. But now… sigh… I’ve decided I won’t adopt any more, though.

Luckily, the basket is pretty small and fits in our living room. We both always have a good time when the twins “talk” to each other. It’s guaranteed to put us in a good mood. And my husband is—thankfully—very understanding. I’m the same way with him, though… grin. Knitting for the four of them now is really fun. Juna will get some clothes for her doll and crib for her 3rd birthday. I’ll also make a blanket for the crib. I ordered it last week and it arrived today. I’m curious to see what she’ll say about it. She loves dolls, especially dressing them up and taking their clothes off—just like I used to. When she came to visit us for Christmas, she headed straight for the dolls and teddy bears and started changing their clothes right away. I have plenty of clothes to choose from, after all. By the way, Juna also likes to dress up.

Hi everyone,

I have something new to show you again. AL from the blog

Oh Monika, it’s such a joy to watch your “family” grow.
They look so adorable, and the way you always dress them up is absolutely charming. And you get it done so quickly—it’s amazing.
That wicker cart looks great, and they all fit right in there. I’m sure you dress your little doll kids according to the season, right? Like summer or winter outfits.
You can’t even blink before the clothes are done.

We’re both so lucky to have such understanding husbands. Mine has his own hobbies, too, which I totally get because I like miniatures myself (with his model train set).

Today was such lovely spring weather with sunshine that we spontaneously moved our coffee break out onto the balcony. The sun was really strong—we even sat outside in short sleeves for a bit. Absolutely wonderful, and I had the day off. I really enjoyed it.

Naming your twins: my suggestion—Jan and Tini
(the names remind me of a former East German children’s show: “Jan and Tini on the Road”). I think they’d be a good fit.

Have a lovely afternoon, everyone!

Oh, Andrea, your little Easter bunny is so cute. You did a great job! I’m admiring you all over again—for the little figures and decorations you conjure up.

Yes, the quadruplets bring me joy every day in their little basket. They’ll get all sorts of things, including seasonal items. I’m sure I’ll come up with plenty of ideas. By the way, my husband is also a train fan. :)) You were out on the balcony—in short sleeves??? I’m amazed!!!! It’s so freezing here, almost zero degrees. No way we’re going out on the balcony. I was completely frozen through after our walk. But it won’t be long now. Things will look completely different again next week.

I’m going to write down some name suggestions on a list and then decide. Jan and Tini sound cute. Let’s see what else comes up.

Andrea, your bunny is so cute. So sweet.

Monika, congratulations on the “new addition to the family.” Is dressing up dolls addictive? It sure is for me right now. I’m always coming up with new ideas I want to try out. Right now, I’m trying my hand at tights and sewing up old socks. And the doll from kindergarten got a slipover, too. 

Oh, Petra, she’s such a cutie. :))
You’ve dressed her so adorably and beautifully.
Yeah, it’s kind of addictive. You see results quickly, and you can put a lot of ideas into practice right away. It’s also fulfilling a childhood dream of mine. Dolls like this didn’t exist back then, and doll clothes were very limited, too.

Monika, I really have to pull myself together so I don’t go out and buy a baby doll for Selina and dress it up… And then there are my own babies, who wouldn’t mind a new outfit either. But there’s just sooo much else to do… We’ve also started going through the children’s books in the attic and, in some cases—with a very heavy heart—putting them in the paper recycling, since they just don’t fit in with today’s world anymore. The days are definitely always too short!

Andrea, you’re very busy too! Your bunny looks cute—I’ll be able to show mine soon too (it’s waiting until its travel companion is finished!)

Thank you. Unfortunately, the bunny has already left me today and found a new home.

Petra: The idea of using socks as tights for the baby dolls is brilliant. I’ll have to remember that. Thanks for sharing. She looks so cute in them.

Monika: I feel the same way. There weren’t such pretty dolls in such a variety back in the day. Now we’re making up for all that. I used to love dressing up dolls, and I even hand-sewed clothes myself for a used “Art Barbie” doll I was given back then.

We’d play “mom, dad, and child” with the little dollhouse dolls and set up the dollhouse just the way we liked it as kids. My dollhouse even had a light (that flat battery with the metal contacts you had to bend and the wires attached).

How quickly time flies. Once a doll mom, always a doll mom—no matter how old you are.

Have fun with your little darlings!

Oh yeah… I’m raving. My dollhouse had little lights like that, too—even wallpaper and carpet. I loved it. It feels like it was just yesterday.

Christina, I don’t think I could have brought myself to throw away old children’s books. It’s something special for grandchildren, too—showing them what people used to read back then. I was interested in that as a kid, too, but unfortunately my parents didn’t have any of those books left. Why not buy a little doll for your Selina and dress it up? It’s a piece of cake, and she’ll be able to play with it. That gives you plenty of time to make some nice clothes, and you can enjoy working on them in the meantime.

I’ve finished the last knot and am wondering whether to add a border (if I have enough yarn) or not:

Marlene is that a shawl? 

Marlene, if this is going to be a shawl, I’d leave the edge as is. The pattern and the jagged edge alone already make it look so great.

Marlene, we can’t see much of your shawl yet, but I really like what I can make out so far. I wouldn’t add a border either.

I have something to show you all again today. Our neighbor’s son absolutely loves white sausages, so I crocheted some for his toy kitchen:

Great, Ruth! 

Marlene, I wouldn’t add a border either. 

Thank you, everyone :)
Then I’ll leave out the border on the shawl.

Ruth, your snack is 👏✊👍

Marlene, I’d leave the shawl without a border. I also think the jagged edge is something special and makes the shawl drape beautifully.

Ruth, oh wow, that looks delicious! At least for anyone who likes a Bavarian breakfast. You did a really great job with that.

The second jacket for the twins is finished, and the pants are already on the needles. I’ll take a photo tomorrow.

Have a nice evening!

Just finished:

Marlene, I really like the colors and the gradient.  

A few things have been finished recently:

The little hat, matching the jacket.


   

For the dishcloth from a-mano, I changed the border pattern.


Easter production is underway: small baskets for the knitting group.



Wow, Marlene, your shawl turned out really great. It looks fantastic, especially with that beautiful border.

Christina, I could fall in love with your little one. She looks absolutely adorable in those pretty clothes. And the shawl is beautiful, too. And those little baskets—what a lovely surprise to bring to your knitting group! It’s often the little things that bring much more joy than something big.

I’m now down to the last 25 or so rounds on my tunic. I’ll post a picture when it’s finished. Things are moving a bit slower for me right now because there are just too many other things that need doing.

But my doll babies—the little ones—are gradually getting their outfits. That brings me so much joy. I’ve even designed a pair of pants with feet attached. Here’s the complete set.



And here are the two different little jackets again, for comparison.



Tonight I’ll knit the next hat. After all, there are 5 babies who need to be dressed.

Monika, your set with the pom-pom hat turned out soooo beautiful 😍

The little booties you added are also a lovely idea.

I currently have two more dolls at home, too. But they’re just here temporarily, as long as I need models. I was finally able to return the baby from the preschool. 

Wow, you guys are so hard at work!

Marlene, that shawl looks really unique. The scalloped edge makes it something truly special.

And Christina, you’ve created some absolutely adorable things, too. I especially like the little baskets.

And Monika, your babies are really lucky. The set with the pom-pom hat turned out especially cute.

I haven’t been able to get anything done lately, even though I already have lots of ideas again. The nice weather is drawing me outside, but it’s still too cold to do crafts on the balcony. 

Thanks :)

The baby/doll set looks so cute, Moni :)

Oh, and those ideas, Ruth—I have a few of those myself.
Let’s see which one I’ll make next.

Hello everyone,

here’s another little update from me. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time for crafts or the forum these days. I’d love to really dive into your beautiful creations and study and admire them in detail. But right now, I only have time for a quick look. What I’ve seen has constantly made me pause and marvel. Such beautiful things have been created here! Keep up the great work!

I’m currently devoting most of my time to my family and the garden. We welcomed a new grandchild on March 9. We’re now the happy grandparents of little Lisann. She’s such a sweet little thing who brings her parents and her 3-year-old brother so much joy. She only lets us know when she’s hungry or unhappy. But most of the time she’s content and sleeps peacefully and blissfully.

Since the young parents are also busy building their house and landscaping the outdoor areas, there’s always a need for help.

In our garden, the storm had destroyed the greenhouse. We now have to take it down. Before that, my husband had the idea to replace the entire hedge because it had some damaged spots and gaps. Now all the trees have been dug up by hand and the new saplings (68!) have been planted. We always have so much to do. And now spring is coming… which means we have to take care of the trees and plants, too. I absolutely have to sow the bell pepper seeds today so I’ll have plants for the summer. I always pickle the bell peppers sweet and sour, and with the prices at the store, I’d rather grow them myself.

Well, I’m just telling you this so you know I’m still here and not getting bored. Someday I’ll get back to my crafts. But right now, other things take priority.

I wish you all a wonderful spring and hope you continue to enjoy your crafts.

Warm regards from Ina

Dear Ina,
heartfelt congratulations on your little granddaughter, and all the best to the parents and the baby!
It’s completely understandable that nothing else matters much right now.

There’s already quite a bit to do in the garden. We’re busy with that, too. We still need to remove the old hedge plants and replant new ones.
We’re slowly getting the greenhouse ready.

Have a wonderful day, everyone.
Best regards
Marlies

Congratulations, Ina, and we hope you continue to enjoy spending time with little Lisann!

Congratulations, Ina, on your new granddaughter. What a beautiful and unique name: Lisann. We’ve got more to do here, too—the garden is calling. There’s quite a bit to tidy up and plant.

Thanks for the feedback on the new doll set. Imagine that—even my husband is really enthusiastic about it and actually said, “I’d definitely buy the pattern.” (Of course, only if he could knit… grin.) I was genuinely surprised and so happy to hear that from him. The baby doll looks absolutely adorable in it, too.

Thank you for your congratulations. I would have loved to show you a photo, but I have to ask the parents for permission first.

Best regards, Ina

I just finished making a 3D picture frame with a custom design inside. I’d like to show it to you here. 

Dear Ina 
My heartfelt congratulations on your new grandchild from me too, and to the parents as well.
Lisann is a beautiful name. I’ve been enjoying being a grandma for three months now, and I’m always amazed at how well and quickly the little man is developing. 

Oh yes, spring brings quite a bit of work in the garden; we grow our own pepper and tomato plants too. My father has a real knack for it. 

To everyone else, I also admire your work and have to say that I really like Marlene’s shawl, Ruth’s snack, and the beautiful doll clothes.
In the next few days I hope to be able to show something again too, because in the evening the needles still need to click a little. 

Have a lovely evening. 

hello Ina, congratulations on your grandchild. She looks so adorable. Thank you for showing us. The little one is now the center of the family and now has a little brother who looks after her..
Yes, time goes by far too quickly, and then they’re grown up. Enjoy this time, all the very best for your family happiness.
Your picture frame looks beautiful. A wonderful idea.

You all really do have a lot to do, with gardening, trees, hedges.
And yet you still find time for crafting. Hats off to you.

Monika, I really had to smile and can picture your husband sitting next to you and your “babies,” amazed at how quickly you dress them all. You really do whip up one pretty piece after another. I admire you for that again.
When you get a chance, please post a group photo of your “babies” with their outfits.

kind regards from me

I’m crocheting a little basket with an open top, since I have absolutely no idea what it will look like when it’s finished:

Sandra, your dinosaur bags turned out great. I’m sure they’ll be a hit.

Anja, are you feeling better? Is that jacket still sitting in the corner? It looks nice.

Monika, your babies are just adorable. The sets are fantastic and in such great colors. I’m thrilled and never cease to be amazed by how fast you work.

Andrea, your bunny turned out so cute. Is everything back to normal for you, too?

Ruth, your sausage platter/snack spread is brilliant. I’m going to make that, too. It’ll make a great birthday gift.

Marlene, your shawl turned out great. I love the jagged edge, and the color gradient looks really nice.

Christina, you’ve got a cute little doll there, and the hat turned out very chic. Your knitting group will definitely be thrilled with the little baskets.

Ina, the picture frame turned out cute. Your princess looks so cuddly. I just want to reach out and hug her right away. Thanks for sharing.

Today I finally get to show something too (and write in peace...):


Test crocheting the “Midori” doily for Marlene. A great pattern.



Test-crocheting a little horse for Gabi. The little horse was immediately adopted by my neighbor’s daughter.


And the little bear is finally for me. It’s dangling from my purse.

Next up is the Unimog for my husband’s birthday. He wasn’t too keen on a sweater. That’s fine—he’ll get a Unimog just like the one he learned to drive in as a little boy.

Now he’s getting bored again and calling for me…

Have a lovely evening.
Warm regards
Marlies

Thanks, Marlies—I really like the color.
As for the little horse, I can totally understand why it was adopted.

Marlies, I don’t know if the doll was sad that she was only allowed to serve as a model for the little hat!

Actually, I also wanted to show you my Arrluk, who is now in Zurich waiting for his big trip to the U.S. But he only made it into the gallery. For you, though, he’s swimming ashore once more:

Oh Ina, what a sweet little treasure you have there. The little one is surely loved by everyone and dressed so beautifully by you. It’s especially tempting when it comes to girls. You really made that picture frame turn out especially pretty.

Andrea, once all four are dressed, we’ll take a group photo. I’ll take care of it. ;-)

Marlene, we’re excited to see how your little basket grows.

Thanks for the feedback, Marlies.
Wow, that doily looks great in that color. The little horse turned out really nice, too. I can totally imagine it getting adopted right away. And the little bear is sooo cute and adorable. You want to crochet a Unimog? Wow—I’m really curious to see that. It’s great that you can make your husband happy with it.

Christina, I’m amazed. Your Arrluk (?) looks fantastic! To me, it looks like a dolphin. Did you knit it?

I’m unraveling again… grrrr. I kept knitting on my tunic last night and am now at the lace pattern at the bottom. I wasn’t paying attention a few times and made a mistake. Today, while knitting back, I didn’t catch all the stitches, so now I’m unraveling the whole pattern and starting over. Well…

I hope you all have a lovely evening with your needles and that cozy, soft yarn.

My little basket now looks like this:

Hello everyone,

I’m still in seventh heaven as a grandma. Little Lisann is such a sweetie. We got to visit her for the first time yesterday. Everything is absolutely wonderful.

Our gift for our new granddaughter is that I’m learning to sew clothes. I think it’s wonderful, especially for a girl, when you can sew your own things. That’s why I’ve put my yarn aside and am now devoting myself entirely to fabrics.

I’m breaking new ground, but I’m also finding it very exciting. To share my first experiences and my beginner’s mistakes, I’m making this public. If anyone feels like following along, I’ve created a post about it here, which I’ll be updating regularly: Live Blog: My First Pair of Bloomers for Lisann.

Your yarn projects are, of course, also sooo great. But you understand that I don’t have an eye for them right now. As I wrote, I’m currently in grandma heaven and can picture colorful bloomers, cute dresses, and twirling skirts in my mind’s eye. But I have to learn all of that first. Now the sewing machine is calling…

Have a wonderful day, everyone, and enjoy whatever you can!

Warm regards from Ina

I unraveled the handle again—I didn’t like it.
Now I’m waiting for some “inspiration.”

Marlene: How about a cable?

Ina, I hope you have lots of fun with your first sewing attempts. I’m sure you’ll whip up some absolutely enchanting things for Lisann! And the other grandchildren will gradually be treated to shirts and other items as well...

Cable—that sounds like a good idea, Ruth.

New version:

Marlene – A beautiful color for spring.

For the Easter bunny or as a knitting basket for yourself?

It’s supposed to be a little Easter basket, Petra.

Marlene, your basket looks very pretty—it’s a really lovely spring color. Perfect as an Easter basket.

Ina, I totally get where you’re coming from. A little angel like that is truly something special, and you’re really very hardworking. Your first pair of pants for Lisann already looks very cute. Her parents are sure to be delighted. My desire to sew is reawakening too... but I think I’d need at least 10 hands for that, because I have so many other things planned.

My doll clothes for the quadruplets have grown again. Yesterday I finished knitting this sweater and the hat.



With the matching pants, this is what it looks like when worn:



And here are two of them in the same outfit—they’re two different Baby B. dolls in the same size. One is just a tiny bit chubbier than the other.



Now I’m going to get back to work, and I hope you all have a wonderful spring weekend!

Monika, I really like the light-colored set with the colorful trim!
I’m currently thinking about what to work on next. I’ve finished the second set of little baskets, and now I’d actually like to get back to knitting. My sister’s birthday is coming up soon, but I still haven’t come up with that brilliant idea.

Marlene, your little basket turned out lovely—great color for spring. 😉

Monika, that light-colored set turned out absolutely beautiful; I like it even better than the other one. 👍👍👍

Monika, the light-colored set turned out beautifully. I really like the raglan sleeves. Maybe I’ll try my hand at it someday, too. Do you have a button placket in the back? I’m always unsure about the best way for the kids to put it on.

For my sweater for kindergarten, I’ve now added buttons on both sides. With the lace pattern, I’m hoping it’ll fit all the dolls at kindergarten.

Thanks for your feedback. :))

Petra, your sweater looks pretty too with those bright colors and the button.
I purposely made the sweater without a button. It’s really easy to pull over your head because the cuff stretches well. But I did add buttonholes so a ribbon can be threaded through.

For the quadruplets, I’m going to knit everything in the same yarn—the colorful one and the yellow one—but combine them in different ways. I’m curious to see the final result myself. In any case, I already have a complete outfit set—pants, sweater, jacket, and hat. A sleeping bag, too. Juna will get a set like that for her doll as well.

Tonight, I’m going to rip out my tunic first so I can start over with the pattern. I want to wear that one soon, too.

Hello, and I hope everyone here is having a wonderful Sunday. I just want to stop by briefly and then go enjoy the sunshine.

Your projects are all so beautiful again.

Monika, the light-colored set looks really fresh—I like it a lot.

Marlene, the little basket looks lovely too; I think I can spot some pretty thick yarn, so it’s surely very sturdy—the new handle turned out great.

Marlies, you’ve been very busy with your test pieces too, and they’re all very delicate.

Oh, Ina, I know exactly how you feel—I enjoy every minute I get to spend with our little guy and am thrilled by every milestone he reaches.
It’s great that you’ve taken up sewing—I hope you have lots of fun and success with it. When I get the chance, I’ll definitely check out your live blog—I’m curious, especially since I used to sew a lot myself. These days, though, I mostly use my little sewing machine for repairs or alterations, even though there are so many beautiful fabrics now.

Petra, you’re still knitting for the kindergarten—that’s so lovely. The little ones playing mum to their dolls will be delighted with your lovingly made clothes.

Today I’d like to show you my baby blanket; I more or less adapted the motif from a photo of my daughter with her little son.


Have a wonderful rest of the day—I’m going to grab my dog and head out into the sun.

Thank you, everyone.
I crocheted the little basket using cotton yarn and a size 3 hook.

Moni, your knitting needles are really flying :) You’re making such good progress.

That’s a lovely idea for a baby blanket, Ines.

I’m currently trying my hand at a toe-up sock:

Ines, I’ve already admired your very special baby blanket in the new arrivals section. That’s really a lovely idea and something completely different.

Marlene, the colors and yarn for your sock would be right up my alley, too. Yes, my needles are working overtime as I’m in the final stretch on the tunic. I plan to finish it tonight. Then it’s back to making clothes for the quadruplets.

Here’s a colorful spring greeting for you all—the basket of flowers my husband gave me. I got to pick it out myself at the market.

You picked out a lovely flower basket, Moni :)

My sock now has a pattern:

Marlene, your sock looks great. Are you making a Mojo sock?

I finally finished my tunic today. I still need to iron the hem a bit. Unfortunately, you can’t see the lace pattern at the bottom now. It fits me perfectly, and with this weather, I can wear it over a shirt.

Monika, your tunic turned out really beautiful. I made something similar for myself many years ago.

It’s great for wearing a shirt underneath. I really have to try raglan sleeves sometime. When you describe it, it sounds so simple. 

I had to look up what “Mojo” meant first.
Yes, but I want to try something out with the heel.
Let’s see if it works.

Ines, the pattern on the baby blanket is really something special—I like it a lot.

Marlene, you’ve picked out some lovely sock yarn there.

Monika, I really like your flower basket, too. You finished your tunic pretty quickly after all.
It turned out beautifully. When you wear it, I’m sure the lace pattern will show up even better.

You could always knit another one in different colors—that pattern works great for that.

I’ve just got another little jacket on my needles right now; I’ve already made good progress.

Just wanted to quickly say hi here…

Thanks for the feedback on my blanket. I’m really glad you like it.

Marlene, I also really like the yarn for the socks.

Monika, the tunic turned out great—just like everything else you make. I also love those natural colors, but as Marion already said, you could knit it in another color too—you’re a pretty fast knitter after all.

I’m currently knitting cushions to match my throw, but in three different colors. I’ll take a photo soon once I’ve finished the third color. This time, I’m using different types of yarn—one is new wool and the other is chenille. My daughter found the chenille very pleasant yesterday, although new wool isn’t always itchy either.

I hope you all have a sunny afternoon....

Thanks, Petra and Ines, for the feedback on the tunic. :)

Marion, I also think the lace pattern stands out nicely against dark pants. The tunic fits great and feels nice. Thanks for guiding me through the knitting—it really helped me. Especially trying it on along the way. That saved me a lot of work.
Wow, you’ve got another little jacket on your needles?! I can’t wait to see the photo! :))

Ines, pillows are a great idea. I’m sure they’ll look beautiful in your home again. I’m sure you’ll show them to us here. I really don’t like knitting or crocheting with chenille at all. I once crocheted a teddy bear with it and was glad when it was finished.

Now I’m going outside into the sun to finish knitting the next pair of doll pants. Yesterday I designed a doll blanket, which I’ll start on next.

Thanks, Ines :)

I’m currently working on the heel—I’ll post a photo once my idea works out the way I envision it.

Here’s a photo of the next jacket. This time, it’s for a different doll. The matching pants are still in the works.

Doll clothes are addictive.......

Today is the first time I’m sitting outside on the patio crocheting

Felting wool...... crochet a row, do a household chore

Marion, I just admired the doll jacket in the gallery, too. It looks great again! It really brings the doll to life—a fantastic color combination. You’re one step ahead of me… I’m still writing the pattern for the pants. ;-)

Yes, Petra, making doll clothes is really addictive—and so much fun! I designed a doll blanket yesterday and today, and it’s already two-thirds done. Knitting on the balcony in this beautiful weather was just wonderful. When it’s finished, I’ll show it to you.

Hello ladies,

I’m in another craft slump. That crocheted jacket has been sitting there for ages. I started the RVO jacket from scratch and had gotten to the sleeves before I lost all motivation. At least I now know that my arthritic thumb doesn’t get worse from knitting or crocheting—it’s just as annoying without any crafting.

But I’ve been reading along here, you busy little bees. You’re making some great things again. I’ve at least been leaving a “thumbs up” on your posts.

After a bladder infection and sudden hearing loss, I’m now struggling with menopause symptoms. Maaaan, I was so glad to be rid of my monthly visitor, but now other challenges are cropping up. Phew!

And I’m soooo tired—oh my, is this already spring fatigue? 

Anja, don’t worry—I’m constantly tired right now, too. Getting up in the morning is especially hard for me. I’m already dreading the time change this coming weekend...
If you tend to lose interest in a project quickly, maybe you should try your hand at smaller projects? That way, they’ll be finished before you lose interest 😉

My sock is taking shape:

Oh dear, Anja, I hope you get better soon and that your enthusiasm returns. The spring weather is so lovely right now. I enjoy it every day on my balcony. Being out in nature will definitely do you good, too. Just seeing all those colorful flowers is enough to lift your spirits.

Ruht, I hope you get your energy back, too. Crafting is always good therapy.

Marlene, your sock is really taking shape. The colors look great.

I’ve finished my next project and I’m really happy with it—and so are my doll babies, by the way. They got a blanket.

The blanket turned out beautifully, Monika! Great pattern and great colors! I could definitely see this in a larger size for real babies, too.
Your socks are turning out really colorful, Marlene. Are those different colors?

I’m knitting with gradient-colored sock yarn, Ruth—the color pattern just comes naturally.

The dolls are sure to love that beautiful blanket, Moni.

Thanks, Ruth and Marlene. :)
Yes, I’ve also thought about how nice it would be for babies. That might happen too.

Next up, I’ve just finished a washcloth. The next one is on the needle. I already know who’s getting it as a gift.



Sunny greetings from Monika

Monika, you’re really quick.

The blanket looks great, and the washcloth is a really nice color.
My doll pants are almost done. Just need to weave in the ends and thread in the elastic.

So, the trousers are finished.
Now she has a suit.

Marion, your little doll is now dressed very nicely. It looks great on her.

I’ve just finished the next washcloth. My friend is getting it for her birthday, along with the scarf. I just need to attach the hanger. And number 3 is already on the needle.

The sock is finished:

You’ve all been so hard at work again ♡ 

Monika, I really like the bold colors of your washcloths.
I’m looking forward to seeing the next color.

Marlene, you’ve also chosen a very nice yarn for your socks—sock yarn. It looks great. 

Marlene, yes, the finished sock looks great—it turned out to be an ankle sock.

Marion, here’s the next color. I actually finished knitting this one last night. It’s mercerized cotton, so it has a bit of a sheen. It looks even better in person than in the photo. It’s a
delicate lilac.

Monika, your dish towels are great. I really like the wide border with the pattern and the smaller motif in the middle. And of course the colors 

So here is Part 3 of the crafting group
March Projects 2022, Part 3: the Crazypatterns crafting group (No Advertising)
Have fun with it.