December Projects 2022 + November Projects 2022, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Craft Group

Here is the new thread:
December Projects 2022, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Craft Group 

Dear users, dear authors,
here is the new thread for the November projects.
You can read the earlier posts at the link below:
November Projects + October Projects 2022, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Craft Group (No Advertising)

Test test

Thank you, everyone....
It was really fun to knit this. Since something was worked in here and there, I actually had relatively few stitches on my needle.... Max. 165 stitches.... It knits up pretty quickly, and since it was an MKal, I didn’t know beforehand what was coming next or what the finished shawl would look like... 
Now my knitting needle is empty for the time being. Yeah, I have absolutely no idea what to put on it next 😂 

Steffi, I admire your shawl, too. It looks absolutely fantastic!

Ruth, you had another great idea that you executed beautifully.

Right now, I’m busy with a lot of things that need my attention. That’s why I’m only here briefly to read. I haven’t finished anything new to show yet, either. I have a few things on the needles—as is often the case with me, I’m working on several projects at once. What I’m really enjoying right now is trying out new patterns—on washcloths. Two are almost done, but I’m planning to make six different patterns again.

Have a wonderful weekend and get some rest.

A photo in daylight—though the word “light” is more of a joke at the moment.... I have a feeling it never really gets light, and I only have the “5:00–5:30 p.m.” time slot....

Still haven’t washed it 😁 

That’s a really beautiful shawl, Steffi, especially when you show it off in all its glory. I really like the color combination, too.

Steffi, your shawl turned out beautifully. The colors are even more gorgeous in daylight. 👍👍👍

I don’t have anything to show yet either. But my soul warmer is 98% finished. I didn’t think it would take me this long, either. But the work is worth it.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Steffi, 175 sts is too few??? For me, “too few” is 40–80 sts. 

Oh, Anja.... For a shawl that size, that’s really not many stitches....
I’m knitting with sock-weight yarn—400m/100g—so I’d need a few more stitches 🤷

  My needles are getting pretty bored right now… and I haven’t quite found the “right” pattern yet 🙈
A hat has already made it onto my shortlist; I actually have some yarn in stock—I should be able to “find” two skeins of thicker yarn.
 I kind of envy those who keep exact records of exactly what they have, how much of each, which different colors, etc. I think I’d be completely overwhelmed by that and probably shocked afterward at everything I’ve accumulated.... 😲😁

Man, sock yarn and thin needles really drive me crazy... but thank goodness tastes differ. 
I’m working on a draft stopper, crocheted. We actually need one right now—funny enough, since we’ve lived here for 16 years and only NOW need a draft stopper. Tsss. Other than that, I’ve got two shawls on the needles and a sweater (in reality, way, way more, but hey... you know how it is). I actually have NO knitting needles left in my stash; they’re all parked in projects, and I have LOTS!!! That has to change now. 
I’m also looking for two 5 mm crochet hooks from my favorite brand and have ZERO idea where they could be. Everywhere I’ve searched, they weren’t there. 
Crocheting a sausage like this is a bit boring too, but I just have to get through it. I keep switching to the shawls in between. But those are a patience game too (220 sts—A LOT for me), so I’m making two at once in two different colors. 

I haven’t done anything more with the stick weaving; it’s hard on my back. How far along are you, Steffi? With the sticks? And I need to get back to my spool-knitted rug sometime too, because it’s really fun, but I’m not making much progress. That project has slipped down in my pile at the moment; I need to drag it back up again. 

With the shawls, I’m kind of hoping I’ll be more in the mood for them and can use up lots of leftover yarn, make things a bit emptier here, and then give them to friends. I need SPACE!!!! 

I thought I’d just quickly crochet a “Zugluftwurst,” and now I’ve been working on it for four days already. I didn’t expect that—I thought it would go faster. Patience isn’t really my thing, either.🙃 

Well, a “sausage” like that is really monotonous—the only interesting part is a color change.... 😂
I have a similar problem… I wanted to crochet a bag; I’ve already finished the flap and the strap, but the “body” of the bag 😤—it’s supposed to be crocheted with cream-colored yarn using single crochet stitches… I just can’t get it right—it’s the easiest thing in the world, and yet… It just won’t get done, it’s unbelievable.
Right now I’ve got a headband on my needles. I’m not really happy with my knitted hats, so I’m trying a headband instead… It’s starting to get chilly around my ears on my daily walk with the dog… 

The boring sausage is finished: 

So, what’s next on your needles?

Crochet hooks are so handy. We’re always having to push ours out of the way....... 

Yeah, I saw that thing with the hooks on Pinterest. I thought it was super handy, too.

Right now I’m working on two shawls, patterns from Ravelry. It’s a lot of hard work. Something with geometric shapes—I really like that. 

...how nice that the “olle wurst” is off the needle. And the idea with the hooks is great.
I’ve finished my headband. Nice and cozy, soft, and windproof because it’s double-layered 🙈😁—just right for the next few days; it’s supposed to get pretty stormy and chilly here... well, it is already mid-November, after all 😉

Yeah, we’re just not used to it getting cold anymore...

I’ve put my crochet hooks aside for now and done a little knitting. Now the little dolls are nice and warm and cozy, too.


That was fun again. I think I’ll knit something else right away.

Anja, you stuck with it! And on such a “boring” project as your sausage, no less. Awesome!

Steffi, the headband turned out great. I really like cable patterns, too.

Ruth, such tiny knitted clothes. That would drive me crazy. And probably with a set of double-pointed needles, too! Your dresses look great.

I’ve now finished 3 of the new dish towels with very pretty patterns. I’ll show them to you when I can take some good photos. It just wasn’t possible today.

Ruth, I can only say it again: when I see your creations, I immediately want to go back to playing with Barbie dolls. I loved that so much as a kid!

As a kid, I wanted a Barbie sooo badly, but my mom wouldn’t buy me one. Now, at least, I can dress her up.
And Monika, these days I only knit such tiny things with the Crazy Trio needles. I think it works much better than with a set of double-pointed needles.

😤This is already the third time I’ve picked up stitches for a blanket using a set of double-pointed needles—and now the third time I’ve unraveled it again....
I’m supposed to cast on three stitches, then knit two stitches out of each stitch and distribute them across three needles... 😤 Then keep increasing diligently.... I struggled up to row 6, with 16 stitches per needle, and then gave up every single time....
With so few stitches, it’s really 😤😤😤—I can’t even knit using the magic loop method. It’s supposed to be a hexagonal double-face blanket. I’m practically at my wits’ end... Stupid set of double-pointed needles... 

That’s why I switched to the Crasy Trio needles. The stitches are only on two needles, but they’re flexible. I slide the stitches on the needle I’m not knitting with onto the flexible cable—that way, they don’t get in the way while I’m knitting, and they can’t slip off either.



Yesterday evening I switched back to the embroidery needle. 

The 2nd gnome sweater is hanging on the line

I’ve never been able to get the hang of a set of double-pointed needles. Everything always slips off. I’ve always knitted with two short circular needles—it works great. You have to get used to sliding the stitches back and forth a bit, but that’s really the lesser evil compared to those stiff, inflexible double-pointed needles. 

So cute, Petra! 

...I didn’t knit the first stitches but crocheted them in rounds, down to 12 stitches, and then distributed those stitches onto the knitting needle... 
I had no idea you could get needles so tangled... 😤🙈
I’ll try that again later with two circular needles, but I don’t think it’ll work very well with so few stitches either... 
My needles are so bored right now. 
I have a really great pattern for a mosaic crochet blanket... But I’d have to order all the yarn 😕 and that’s just not really “in the budget” right now.... 

Oh Petra, how tiny... they turned out so cute 

Steffi, regular circular needles won’t work for this—you’ll need the extra-short ones.

Guess I’ll have to place an order after all… but just buying needles is kind of lame, too… 🤔😂

No, Steffi, just needles aren’t worth it! That’s not eco-friendly either. You absolutely have to add yarn to that!!! 🙃😇🤩

And I’ve just fallen in love with some microfiber yarn. 100 g for 3.25 €, free shipping. BUT I already have NO space right NOW! And that’s stressing me out like crazy! So I have to stay strong. 
I’m also realizing right now how the tediousness of these two shawls is boring me. I’ve already found another pattern—also a mosaic pattern—for a scarf; it would be perfect for using up lots of colorful yarn.
BUT then I’d be starting something new AGAIN *sob*, and that’s just not how it works. 

You’re right, Anja... So I didn’t order either of them. I checked my patterns again, and now I’m crocheting a large blanket using the overlay mosaic technique 😁
Just with the yarn I wanted to use for knitting...
My shopping cart showed a total of 70€ for the yarn and the Trio needles... That was too much for me. I’m a bit stingy when it comes to that. Maybe I’ll wait for it to go on sale again, and then I’ll reconsider whether to order it. 

Yes, Ruth, I love the CraSyTrio needles, too. I’ve never really gotten the hang of a set of double-pointed needles. For smaller doll clothes, I often need the Trio. They work great! But your little dolls really are the super-mini version.

Petra, what are you doing with those little gnome sweaters?

I’ll have something to show in the next few days, too. I’m working on several projects and am starting to lose track of them all. ;-)

Steffi, Anja, and everyone else, I hope you have lots of fun knitting.

Monika: They’re currently hanging on a crocheted string in the living room as Christmas decorations. I’d like to hang a hat on there too and maybe crochet a pair of pants as well. 

Oh, that’s such a nice idea, Petra. I’m still so far from Christmas. I was already wondering yesterday why the Christmas lights were already up in town... I guess that’s because we were still having summer-like temperatures just a few days ago. I’m completely confused this year.

Hi there, everyone!

I only have a little something to show you—a few 🧡 hearts.
The larger heart, front and back (AL by Elke Eder).

Steffi, what kind of mosaic blanket are you crocheting?

The Harmony Mandala by Ashley Brotzell.... I’ve totally fallen in love with this blanket... I started it with Kauni yarn, but I’m not really fond of it—the yarn always looks so “lumpy” and uneven while I’m working with it... but after it’s been washed, it’s wonderfully fluffy and soft. It’s just pure new wool... 
Maybe I’ll order some yarn for it after all—then it’ll be easier to wash....

This blanket is beautiful. I took a look at it. Amazing. Happy crafting!

I’ve already started on it... I’m crocheting it from the center—I think it looks nicer with gradient yarn than working in rows... I really had to “force” myself to put it aside last night, but I had to get some sleep eventually. It’s crocheting so “smoothly” right now... 

Andrea, hearts are always needed; they’re sure to bring joy. I hope your hand gets better again soon.

Now I can show you all something too.

I’ve now almost finished the 4th washcloth as well. 2 more to go. Here are the first 4—each with a different pattern. I love trying out different patterns.






And here is the fitting on Lara. She’s getting a winter overall. A smaller doll child and Sternchen are already looking forward to their overalls too.

Oops, my post is gone. I must have typed it wrong again on my phone... Darn 

The hearts are very pretty, Andrea—you could even hang them on the Christmas tree.

I’m already looking forward to seeing your blanket, Steffi. You always pick out something really special. I admire your patience!

Monika, you’ve come up with some lovely patterns again. I like the red one best.
And the doll’s onesie turned out absolutely adorable. The other two are surely already waiting impatiently for theirs. 

Funny, the gray pattern caught my eye right away.

Yes, I’m also looking forward to seeing Steffi’s new project.

Andrea, I’ve already admired your hearts in the gallery. I really like them.

I’m currently working on a new collar. Let’s see if I’m happy with it. I like the pattern, I’m just not sure if the stitch count is right. 


Now I just need to squeeze in a “quick” paper project....
Take 8 sheets of paper plus the matching template 🙈 Who needs a plotter anyway? With a craft knife and plenty of patience, you can do it without one...
Only the paper could have been a little sturdier 😁😇
And now, off to the crochet hook 

I have a first photo of the blanket....
The first 11 rows 🙈 out of 120 😁 

Wow, this is going to be great. I’m curious to see how much it weighs when you’re done. And, of course, how the blanket is coming along.

I’m going to unravel my collar again—it keeps curling up.... The journey is the destination 😅

Hey there,

you’ve all been busy again.

Monika: Your jumpsuit looks absolutely stunning. I love it.
What kind of yarn are you using for your knitted washcloths? Cotton?

Hey Steffi, that already looks gorgeous. I love mosaic crochet. Maybe I’ll crochet that blanket someday, too. The pattern really appeals to me.
What kind of yarn are you using? Because cotton is pretty heavy.


Everyone: My hand still isn’t any better. Unfortunately. I’m going around with a bandage on it.

Hugs, Andrea

Get well soon, dear Andrea 💖
I’m crocheting with pure virgin wool… it doesn’t feel that great right now, but it really blooms beautifully after the first wash.
Kauni effect yarn comes in 150g skeins and is available in amazing colors—both solid and gradient. I reordered two skeins today; together with the ones I have in my stash, that should be enough for the entire blanket.
I actually crocheted up to round 24 today 🙈
Andrea, how do you crochet the “corners”? I’m supposed to crochet a single crochet, a chain stitch, and a single crochet into the back loop.... It’s no problem “in the round,” but… why am I always missing a stitch at the beginning? According to the pattern, I’m supposed to start with the corner and then continue following the crochet chart, but no matter what I do, after the corner there’s always one stitch missing—and it’s always right after the first one 😕
I’m crocheting the first stitch of the corner into the chain stitch from the previous round, right??? 

Thank you all for the get-well wishes.

Steffi: I don’t know why you’re always missing a stitch. I crochet the corners the same way (1 sc – 1 ch – 1 sc).
Maybe the turning chain counts as the first sc that you’re missing. I don’t know.
But you can always crochet one more stitch in between—that’s still possible.

Mosaic crochet is addictive. That’s true.

Well, my dears, I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing Sunday of crafting.
I have to head out for my late shift soon, and big snowflakes are falling outside. It’s unpleasant.

See you tonight.

Steffi, could it be that you’re crocheting the last single crochet not into the chain stitch, but into the single crochet before it? 

....I have no idea why that one’s missing.... As I said, it’s always just “the very first” one that’s missing. …especially since I close the round and then start with the new color. Then comes the corner, and after that, the stitch is missing. I don’t have that many stitches on one side yet, so I can still count them, but the more stitches there are, the harder it gets 😲
I’m sure I’ll find the mistake eventually... 


I’ve already crocheted up to row 28....
The color gradients of the two skeins “overlap” a bit here and the contrast isn’t that strong... but in daylight you can still see the pattern quite well. The purple is now turning into blue... and hopefully the gray will get lighter again soon. 
Anyway, the “extra yarn” should arrive on Wednesday 😁 

You’re already well on your way, Steffi. It looks great.

💖 Thanks! 
But it really is addictive, too; I’m always so bad at stopping, because stopping “in the middle of a round” is silly, and at the end of the round, where the color change is, somehow isn’t great either. 
By the way, I “found” the missing stitch. It always happens when, after the corner, I’m supposed to work double crochets into the front loop; those are one round lower, so the round has “fewer” stitches at the beginning.... but it really took me ages to “get it” 🙈😁

Gosh, it’s so quiet here. Is everyone working around the clock on Christmas gifts?

Does anyone have an idea for something quick I could whip up for my therapist? Maybe a quick-knit scarf? 

.....I thought you had two projects on the go. 🙈
You’re right, it’s very quiet here. I’ve been busy crocheting and did a little Christmas decorating this morning. Other than that, I’m pampering my sick cat. Yeah, even a cat has days when he’s not feeling so great 😞 He’s just old—12 years is already “old” for an outdoor cat. Sometimes I think there’s a bit of an act going on, though 🤔 Being pampered is nice every now and then, at least according to “the cat.” 

Since I want to skip the string lights on the window this year (I don’t have LEDs, just little bulbs), I needed some more window decorations. Here’s what I came up with:

They turned out so cute.... 😍

Steffi those really are big
shawls—they’ll take forever. I’ve gotten sidetracked again… I saw a rainbow rug and didn’t want to buy the pattern, so I figured out how to make it myself. Now I’m working on that and on the sweater. Oh well, then I just won’t give anything as a gift. I’ll just treat myself to great projects that bring me joy.

Ruth , those are amazing!!!

Ruth, your pendants turned out beautifully. I can definitely see them as great gifts. 

Well, I’m back here again and have something new to show. Yes, I’m in a bit of a gift-giving rush because I only give handmade gifts. There’s still quite a bit to finish.

Steffi, you’re so hardworking and versatile. You’ve made some beautiful things again. Your mosaics are amazing!

Andrea, regarding your question about which yarn I’m using for the washcloths: it’s the recycled cotton from Drops. It works well for this and washes up great, too. I hope you get well soon so you can fully enjoy your favorite hobby again.

Ruth, your decoration looks very pretty. Another lovely idea from you.

I’ve now finished the winter overalls for two of my doll babies. They look sooo cute in them. The only one missing is Sternchen—she’ll get one too.





And my 6 washcloths are finished, too. Here are the last two patterns:

Monika, I really like the top pattern.

I’ve had a week full of schedule changes and am totally behind on my Advent preparations. My crafts right now are decorating and baking.

I’ve already eaten Stollen No. 1 and baked Stollen No. 2 today. 



Other than that, I’m knitting wrist warmers for my coworkers. They’re really excited about them, and they all have cold hands.

You’ve really been busy with your crafts....
My “rounds” are gradually getting longer—I’m now up to round 46 😊

Here’s how it looks so far. I might work a bit of the solid gray yarn into the color gradient; just two more rounds and then the gray gradient comes back.... 

Petra, <\/strong>“stellen” is probably supposed to be “wrist warmers,” right? Show us something, please ♡

Wow, Steffi, that looks amazing.

Here’s the rug.

Yes, Anja, it’s supposed to say “warmers.” On my phone, I can’t keep the auto-correct in check. Grrrr

I’ve actually written new patterns for wrist warmers—one without a thumb and one with a thumb. We don’t turn the heat up as high in our office anymore, and I proudly showed off my new wrist warmers. Before I knew it, they were gone. Now all my samples have ended up with my coworkers. Here, you can see the color of the wrist warmers more clearly than the pattern. My coworker was really excited about them. 



I’m having fun trying my hand at cable patterns right now. I’m currently working on a new pattern—unfortunately, I haven’t photographed it yet. I think a few more will follow. I’d like to make some for myself, too. 

Monika, the onesies for your babies are absolutely adorable once again! I especially like the one with the wine-red legs.

Petra, I’ve been wanting to knit wrist warmers like those for a long time. I’m just afraid I won’t get around to it until winter is over.

  Yeah, Steffi, it goes fast at the beginning when you crochet from the inside out, but then… you’ve still got quite a bit left to do. I’m curious to see how it turns out in the end.

Anja, how big are you planning to make your rainbow rug? I don’t think I’d have the patience for that. Keep at it!

...if I’d crocheted this in rows, the color gradient would look “silly”—it would end up with stripes. Mandalas and stripes don’t go together, at least in my opinion. I’ve seen a few finished projects that were crocheted in rows, and I didn’t like them at all. 
Anyway, round 47 of 120 is already done 😊 

Steffi , huh? A blanket you can crochet either in rounds or rows???
I really admire your perseverance.

Ruth, no idea. We’ll see—it’s using up a lot of yarn because I’m using double strands.

I just treated myself and bought a very affordable Knitpro needle tip set. I’ve earned it with all my depression and anxiety. AND the day before yesterday (since I sleep so poorly anyway), I ordered a comfort pillow—one of those huge U-shaped ones—because I’m a side sleeper. We’ll see if that makes any difference to my silly menopause hormones. Sleep and I aren’t on speaking terms anymore.

Petra, I’ve also got some wrist warmers on my needles; I’ll have to look for them.  

Go find Anja quickly before winter is over.

I’m almost done with the next pair for a coworker. I really like the color of the yarn. Picture to follow once the sun comes out again ☀️🌞

Wrist warmers nonstop, so to speak... I’ve started a pair, but the yarn is very dark, almost black with a bit of mohair, and it isn’t nice to knit with.... 
I really need some new ones... For walking my dog, they’re simply better than gloves. Sometimes I have to grab my little one “by the sweater” to remind her that I just said something and that I meant it 😁

Anja.... Have a look online for “overlay crochet,” 
you crochet it in rows, but you have to start each row again, so you have fringes at the beginning and end of each row, which you can either “hide” in a border or simply knot.
Or you crochet in rounds from the center out...
And you only crochet single crochet or double crochet stitches, and use only one color in each round/row....

Half of it is crocheted 🙈😊 and I haven’t even started on the new skeins yet 👍

The edge is 66 cm long, and no, I didn’t count the stitches 🙈😁
Somehow, I don’t even want to know.... The rounds take forever; right now, I can “manage” half a round at a time, then I “have” to get up again... I’m having a really hard time finding “peace” right now. Counting at least helps me focus a little.... 

Wow, Steffi, that already looks really great. The pattern is much easier to make out now.
It’s making me want to crochet it myself right away.

That’s the mosaic technique. Once you get “hooked” on it, it’s hard to stop.
But be careful—make sure to take frequent breaks.
I’ve learned my lesson. My hand is feeling better now, and it doesn’t hurt as much anymore.
So I can slowly get back to my two crochet commissions so they’ll be finished before Christmas. I’m on vacation starting next week.

Well, I’m back again, marveling at your new projects. They’re all beautiful!

Petra, your stollen looks delicious—it’s making my mouth water. I’m also planning to make wrist warmers for a friend for Christmas. Your little preview already looks great. I’m sure you’ll show us more soon, right?

Steffi, your blanket is going to be a dream! I might like that one, too. Maybe I’ll make something like that someday, too. Right now I have so many projects lined up before Christmas that I need almost every minute.

Anja, keep at it with your rug. You’re already pretty far along. Keep at it, and you’ll be happy with the result.

Ruth, thank you so much for your feedback on the doll overalls. It’s interesting that so far everyone’s raving about the one with the dark red legs. I like the two-tone one better. It’s just a matter of taste. The larger one, which will be finished soon, will be in completely different colors. Let yourself be surprised.

Andrea, I wish you a relaxing vacation with plenty of time for all the things that bring you joy.

I have to hurry now to get all the requests finished by Christmas. My little granddaughter has asked for a doll that can pee and close its eyes. As her grandma—who’s a doll mom herself—I’m naturally in charge of that. I’ve ordered the doll, and I’ll show it to you later. So cute! Of course, she’ll need clothes, too, since she only comes with a onesie and will get cold. As you can see, I never run out of work.

Have a wonderful day, everyone, and enjoy your needles and yarn.

I’m currently sprucing up my red Christmas ornaments. I’m adding thin crocheted hangers to all of them. 

That’s a really great and lovely idea, Petra.

Monika, when it comes to the doll overalls, I actually like the two-tone one better now—the one with the light-colored pants. That would be perfect for my little one. And those winter capes, too—really cute

Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to show yet. But I’m admiring your creations.

I’ve reworked it again.
It’s going to be another birthday gift.

Dishcloths make a lovely gift. I like to pair them with a mug.

Marion, your patterns are pretty.

I’ve finished the wrist warmers for my coworker. We work at a car dealership, after all… so the dark colors are a perfect fit.

Anja, did you dig out the projects you’d started and get back to them?



Now I’m working on a hat for my grandson. I want it to be nice and colorful this time. 

Petra, how lovely! I can’t compete with that with my 2 purl, 4 knit wrist warmers.
SINCE you asked again, I dug them out—they’re almost done, so I’ll stick with them today.

Otherwise, I felt inspired by Pinterest again yesterday and spontaneously crocheted/knitted something (well, started it).

  I started another Pinterest-inspired project 5 days ago—a granny square blanket whose design fascinated me. Diamonds in the center, then rows over them, and then you crochet back from the other side, creating individual elements that are integrated into a zigzag pattern. Great for colors you don’t love and leftover yarn. I always have so much fun with THIS, even though I don’t need any blankets. If anything, I just use store-bought fleece blankets anyway. My previous granny blanket was starting to fall apart anyway. So whatever—it’s all about the fun.

Yesterday was gift-giving time; I’d gotten another Knitpro needle tip set (great deal—8 needles, 4 cables in a bag for just 40 euros—I couldn’t resist). And I got my Christmas bonus, too.

The day before yesterday, my giant comfort pillow arrived—one of those U-shaped things you probably know as a nursing pillow, only GIANT! That was also a Black Friday steal—20 € off. It’s great for sleeping and for crafting, too, because it supports my arms. I treated myself to it, since I sleep so poorly and the last few weeks have been really rough in terms of anxiety and depression. I needed something nice again. If I don’t pamper myself, who will? 



Marion, I like the dishcloths, very nice “clean” patterns....

Petra.... Your arm warmers turned out really beautiful.... What kind of yarn did you use? They look nice and warm. 

Oh Anja, you really “went all out” during the “Black Weeks.” 

I was “crafting” in the kitchen today 

A Christmas tree made of cookies..... The prototype, so to speak.... The decoration is still missing. 
The recipe is from Ina (you can find it in the Christmas Baking thread....

Anja, those are some exciting projects. Is the yellow one a crocheted granny square and then knitted? I’m curious to see it.

Steffi, the wrist warmers are made with Schachenmayr Merino Extrafine 120. I really like this yarn. Knitted with 4.5 mm needles. Yes, they’re nice and warm.

I’m curious about the tree. I’ll take a look right away to see what Ina has conjured up.

I was still embroidering last night. It’s supposed to be a picture. I still have to sew it together all around—by hand, too.

Um... Only the dough recipe is from Ina... I just had so much dough left over that I used it to make the tree... 

😂 That’s why I couldn’t find anything

I stopped by here for the first time in a while and saw that so many great things have been created.
I’m currently working on a stole / a wide scarf:


I finally ordered some light-colored panne velvet and can pick it up on Monday.

Here it is again, the right way up:

 

pETRA, thanks for giving me another nudge about the wrist warmers. I’d completely forgotten how quickly they come together and how fun they are to make. They were done in a flash, and then while taking photos I noticed that one thumb is shorter—orrrrrr. I simply forgot to knit another 4 cm onto it, argh. So I had to unravel everything again and do it RIGHT this time. And since I was so inspired by Petra’s lovely pattern, I cast on a few more with a slipped-stitch pattern (I’ve never done that before) and with needles 0.5 mm smaller; that makes the stitch definition look better, so I’ll have to do that with the other wrist warmers in the future, too. Somehow I knit more loosely than I used to—strange. 
And yes Petra, granny squares at the bottom, knitted on at the top. It looks good, but the crocheted part lies so flat against the chest and the knitted part is fluffy. I’m not sure what I think of it yet. 

Great idea with the cookie Christmas tree Steffi! Now I’ve got an appetite and went to get myself a coffee and a muffin. Half the day is already over again. 

Why does time always go by so fast on the weekend, while at work everything drags on like chewing gum? 

Wow, you’re all hard at work again.  

Petra, your wrist warmers are lovely too; cable patterns simply always look good. I’m already excited to see what the finished embroidery picture will look like.  

Anja, that sounds great that you’re so happy with your bargains. I’m sure a UFO will be finished soon now.

Steffi, that’s such a fun idea with the cookies. The Christmas tree probably won’t be standing for long. 🤣

Marlene, the colors for your scarf are very pretty.

I’m glad you like the cloths.  These are patterns by Monika that I was allowed to test knit. 
They are washcloths, though. By now I’m really enthusiastic about the cloths; they’re much nicer than terry washcloths. I’m going to knit a few more for myself. 

My neighbor is getting these two for her birthday. 

Thanks, Marion :)

I’m going to include two dishcloths / washcloths in the Secret Santa package.
I’m curious to see how the recipient likes them.

I use the cloths for washing dishes and find them more comfortable than what I’ve used before.

Finished it just last night

I’ve been doing a bit of crafting and crocheting over the last few days....

A frame to use as a Christmas card—there’s space on the back for a few kind words....
And gift tags with a surprise 

And I’ve also managed to crochet a few rounds of the blanket. 82 cm edge length

I really like the color combination and pattern of your blanket, Steffi :)

Hi everyone,

you’ve all been busy again.

My duck is finished. This time I embroidered the design.
Now I just have to crochet the teddy bear. The clock is ticking.

It’s always a joy to admire your creations.

Anja, that’s true—sometimes you just have to treat yourself to something nice. You’ve earned it for your perseverance.
Steffi, your blanket is really “growing” day by day. I’ve totally fallen in love with that pattern, too. Your crafts are so pretty.
Your cookie tree looks so funny. It wouldn’t last until Christmas at our house.
Marlene , that looks great. I think knitted items are softer and more delicate anyway. I just don’t have the patience for it. The pattern looks complicated.

To everyone: I kind of envy all of you for your crocheted and knitted projects, because I’m making rather slow progress right now. You know, I don’t want to overwork my hand again just yet, but I still have to finish one project. Actually by St. Nicholas Day, or maybe a little later—whatever.


Crocheting with Murphy....
Every now and then I have to set the blanket aside—the cat is “important” at those times.... Often he just lies underneath it when I want to crochet... 

Oh wow, Murphy is really cute.

Wow, you’re all so hard at work! I can’t even keep up with commenting on everything. In any case, some great things have been created.

I’ve been crocheting doll clothes for my granddaughter again and, of course, turned them into a pattern right away:

Next up is a knitted Christmas costume for the teddy bear. — So I’m not running out of things to do. That means the scarf from my Advent calendar will have to wait for now.

As always, absolutely enchanting, dear Ruth.

Andrea, that duck is just so cute! 

I can’t seem to get anything done right now. When I work outdoors, I don’t feel like it in the morning, and by evening I’m too tired. 

Oh my, everyone, you’ve been incredibly busy. I can’t even keep up anymore. I’m in the middle of Christmas stress right now because there’s still so much to finish. That’s why I’ll keep it short today...

Marion has been test-knitting again. I really love the colors of her shawls. I’m totally thrilled.

Petra, your wrist warmers look great. If I were making them, I’d knit them in a lighter color. Your embroidery turned out pretty, too. I wouldn’t have the patience for that right now.

Anja, you’re making some pretty things with your needles—keep it up. Your wrist warmers would be right up my alley. And that slip-stitch pattern, too.

Steffi, your cookie Christmas tree wouldn’t last long at our house. It looks way too delicious. Your blanket—amazing! And your crafts, too. I really admire that. Your Murphy is really cute—he looks so cuddly.

Marlene, the pattern and color of your stole—I love both. I love knitting that pattern, too.

Andrea, your duck turned out absolutely adorable. If my granddaughter saw it, she’d adopt it right away.

I just finished the last doll jumpsuit. Little Star won’t have to freeze anymore. Marion gets to test-knit again. I’m already excited to see her results.

Ruth, your doll clothes turned out very pretty, as always.

Hi, I’m checking in again—unfortunately, I haven’t had much time for this over the last few weeks....
but hey, you’ve all been super hard at work, and I can’t even pick a favorite—everything is beautiful, whether it’s Ruth’s doll clothes, Monika’s overalls, Andreas’s duck, or Steffi’s shawl—it’s all so lovely...

I also have something to show you—I mostly knitted it late at night so my daughter wouldn’t notice, since she’d pop in every now and then during the day. That way, on St. Nicholas Day, I was able to put this set in my grandson’s boot. My daughter isn’t really interested in crafts, but he put the set on right away, which made me even happier

Now I have an unpleasant topic to address: yesterday, regarding a pattern—which really did originate from an idea my mother had—I was viciously berated in the comments as a “pattern thief.” People claimed this pattern already existed, that it was exactly the same pattern, and so on and so forth. I’ve put this pattern on hold for now. It’s a bookmark that you can slip over the corner of a book. I’d checked online beforehand to see if this pattern already existed—no, only as animal-shaped book corners…This really upset me, because as an author, I know how much work goes into creating patterns, and I sometimes get annoyed myself when I find similarities with one of my own patterns—see the tapestry technique for the dog paw, among others—but so what? These motifs are bound to resemble each other, and even with animals, a rabbit is a rabbit—just to give an example......
Unfortunately, the ladies who commented on my post aren’t CP authors, so I have no way to contact them to address these nasty insults—especially since they’re completely unwarranted.
I didn’t want to start a separate thread about this; I just want to hear if any of you have ever had a similar experience.

I wish everyone a wonderful third Sunday of Advent.

I’d definitely write to Josefa…
I think there are a lot of “patterns” out there that are very similar. People should point that out if they already exist… write to the author, for example… Insults like the ones you experienced are completely out of line. I really can’t stand “people like that.” I find it disrespectful… Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, overlooks one thing or another—hey, it can happen to anyone. No one needs to “act all high and mighty”—it’s something that can be sorted out quite reasonably… 

Thanks, Steffi, for your reply—I hadn’t even thought about reaching out to Josefa, but I’ll definitely give it a try.
I spent the whole day today searching to see if such a pattern actually exists—whether here on CP, pi....t, FB, e..y—nothing. So I really don’t think I’m at fault here.
My mom had seen a corner like that at a craft fair—made of felted fabric, which has nothing to do with crocheting. I just can’t find anything comparable.
What also makes me suspicious is that when I asked if someone could send me a photo, I didn’t hear back—except for the wish that all my crochet hooks would break and my yarn would be eaten by moths. 

What the heck? I thought at least it was peaceful here.

I knitted a shawl by a certain designer, and then the matching twin shawl was shown to me in the ad at the top. I messaged the designer and pointed it out to her (her shawl was there first)—it was exactly the same shawl, except one cable was the other way around; otherwise, it was identical. She said there was nothing she could do about it. How cheeky. But insults are a whole different ballgame. And how can that be? Josefa usually keeps an eye on things like that—we’ve even gotten warnings from her before. Let us know how it turned out, and don’t let people like that get you down. Was that on the forum, or did they send you messages? 

Hello everyone,
In the forum I do keep an eye on these things, that’s true, but I have no influence over comments on product pages / reviews or PMs / email.

I therefore suggest that you contact support.
Support can remove comments on patterns if necessary, also in consultation with management if needed. 

I’m going to open a new thread for the December projects now, because this thread already has over 100 posts. 
See you in a bit.

Here’s the new thread for the December projects:
December Projects 2022, Part 2: the Crazypatterns Crafting Group