Honey Handwarmers

Almost New Year… and something warm for the hands ✨

Hello, it’s me again.

We’re right at the edge of the New Year—that strange moment when everything feels both like an ending and a beginning, even if in reality it’s just another day with better marketing.

Still, it’s a good excuse to make something cozy.

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Simple, practical, and very necessary

Today’s project is as simple as it gets: a pair of soft, warm handwarmers—also known as fingerless gloves, for those who prefer proper terminology.

They’re perfect for those moments when your hands are freezing, but you still want your fingers free to type, crochet, or do anything that requires actual precision (which is… most things).

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The making

I used a thick yarn in a warm honey colour, and somehow even found a matching ring, which felt like a small but very satisfying detail.

No pattern here—just an idea and a bit of improvisation, as usual.

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The result (and what comes next)

I really like how they turned out. Simple, comfortable, and actually useful—which is always a good combination.

I’ve already started another pair in a more neutral grey, with a slightly simpler shape. Those are for my boyfriend.

There’s something about handmade things that feels a bit more personal—especially when they’re practical and made with someone specific in mind.

Warm hands, small details, and a quiet way of showing you care.

Not a bad way to end the year ✨

New sweater, work in progress

Between Christmas and New Year… and a new project begins ✨

Hello again—right in that strange, quiet time after Christmas and just before New Year’s Eve, when days blur together and nobody really knows what time it is anymore.

Somewhere in that in-between space, I’ve started a new project: a simple sweater for myself. I’ll share more photos and progress soon, but today I just wanted to show the stitch combination I’m using.

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The stitch (simple, but very satisfying)

I’ve completely fallen for this motif.

It’s easy to crochet, flows nicely, and creates a texture that looks much more complicated than it actually is—which, let’s be honest, is always a win. I can already tell it would work beautifully for scarves, shawls, or even throws.

This might be one of those patterns I come back to again and again.

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The yarn (yes, I have a favourite now)

For this project, I’m using Himalaya Everyday Rengarenk acrylic yarn. I bought four 100g balls, which should be enough to finish the sweater.

I say “should” with cautious optimism.

I’ve recently developed a bit of an obsession with Himalaya yarns. They come in these really beautiful melange colours, they’re soft, slightly shiny, and very pleasant to work with.

The only downside? It can be surprisingly hard to find more of the exact same shade once you run out… which is how unfinished projects are born.

So for now, this is just the beginning.

A simple sweater, a stitch I really enjoy, and (hopefully) enough yarn to see it through to the end.

We’ll see how optimistic that assumption turns out to be ✨

 

 

DIY: Winter Lanterns

Quiet holidays and glowing jars ✨

Holiday season, Christmas time.

It’s a very big, very family-oriented period in Poland—but not really my thing. I don’t celebrate, I don’t cook, and I don’t even eat much differently than usual.

What I do enjoy, though, is the quiet.

It’s one of those rare times when everything slows down and nobody expects anything from you. No interruptions, no pressure—just space to read, watch something, play a game, or simply exist in peace.

And, of course… craft.

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A simple upcycle project

Today’s project is one of those “use whatever you have” kind of creations.

I made a few winter lanterns to decorate my room, using things that were already lying around:

• empty jars
• tealights
• pieces of lace and textile flowers
• some yarn
• star-shaped pasta (because why not)
• glass buttons
• and… a slightly questionable amount of glue

It’s the kind of project where there’s no strict plan—just layering textures and seeing what happens.

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The result

Soft light, a bit of sparkle, a mix of materials that somehow come together into something cozy and slightly magical.

Nothing complicated, nothing perfect—just simple decorations made from ordinary things. 

I may not celebrate the holidays in the traditional way, but I do appreciate this quiet, creative version of the season.

A calm room, a small light, and something handmade—that’s more than enough ✨

 

 

Panda Hat

Panda mood 🐼

I love pandas.

At this point, it’s less of a preference and more of a long-term condition. I collect panda-themed accessories, little gadgets, anything I can reasonably justify bringing into the house. The only real limit to this obsession is… space. 

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Finally, something panda-ish

I’ve wanted to make something panda-themed for a while, and it finally happened—a crocheted winter panda hat.

Simple in structure, but very fun to put together.

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The making

I used thick acrylic yarn and built it as a basic beanie shape, then added ear flaps for extra warmth. After that came the important part - the details.

Little ears, eyes, and a nose, all attached to bring it to life.

No pattern, just figuring it out as I went (which is becoming a theme here).

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The result

It’s not perfect - this is my first attempt at an animal-style hat - but it turned out really cute.

The kind of cute that feels slightly dangerous, because now I’m already thinking about making more.

And honestly, I think any child would absolutely love something like this.

Practical, warm, and just a little bit ridiculous - in the best way.

A solid addition to my growing panda universe 🐼

Holiday ornaments Part 2: Tiny Butterflies

Hello again (tiny project, big colours) 🦋

Today’s post is a short one—and appropriately, the project is tiny too.

I made a few more ornaments, although calling them “Christmas ornaments” might be a bit generous this time. These turned out… not very wintery at all.

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Yarn scraps strike again

This was another attempt to use up leftover yarn, and honestly, it worked out perfectly.

I made a bunch of small, simple butterflies in bright, colourful shades. The kind of project that’s quick, easy, and strangely addictive once you start.

At some point I realized these butterflies have absolutely nothing to do with winter. No snow, no sparkle, no festive drama.

But they are really pretty.

And sometimes that’s enough.

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Little ideas for little things

They can work as small decorations, keychains, or pendants. You could also attach them to other crochet pieces - bags, headbands, maybe even scarves - just to add a bit of colour and personality.

And the best part? This is a very beginner-friendly project, so it’s perfect if you just want something simple and satisfying to make.

Not everything has to match the season.

Sometimes a tiny, colourful butterfly in the middle of winter is exactly what you need 🦋

Holiday ornaments part1 Crochet Stars

I’m back… and officially in ornament mode ❄️

I’m back, slightly recovered and finally allowed near yarn again - always a good sign.

Just as planned, I’ve started working on simple crochet ornaments. Small projects felt like the safest way to return, and honestly, they’re perfect for easing back into things without overwhelming my sinuses or my patience.

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Small projects, big satisfaction

This is where yarn scraps really shine. All those little leftovers suddenly become useful, which feels both practical and slightly magical.

I found a few simple patterns online to get started, but to be honest, you don’t even need anything complicated. Basic flower patterns can easily be adapted into ornaments, which opens up a lot of possibilities without much effort.

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Keeping it simple (and blue)

For this batch, I went with blue and white shades, playing a bit with soft gradients. There’s something about that combination that just feels calm and wintery without trying too hard.

To finish them off, I used spray starch on the stars to help them hold their shape. It makes a big difference - suddenly they go from “soft and floppy” to “actual ornament that knows what it’s doing.”

Simple, quick, and oddly satisfying.

Sometimes the smallest projects are exactly what you need to get back into the rhythm… and to remind yourself that even yarn scraps can turn into something worth hanging on a tree ❄️ow or room decoration.

Of course I could hang them on my Xmas tree if I had one.

For me, making this project was just another way to use some yarn scraps.

The pattern is extremely simple. You can easily figure it out just from the pictures I posted, but if you have a problem, please leave a comment and I will send you description how to make these stars step by step.

Something different

Hello again (taking an unexpected break) 🌿

I’m still here—still creative, still making things—but at the moment I’ve had to take a short break from crocheting.

Not exactly by choice.

Recently, I managed to make myself properly sick. It seems to be some kind of allergy reaction. I hadn’t really thought about it before, but processed yarn creates a surprising amount of fine dust, and after working with it for a while, my sinuses decided they were absolutely not okay with that.

The result? A pretty bad sinus inflammation.

I rarely get sick, so of course when it happens, it feels like the end of the world. Slightly dramatic, but also… not entirely wrong.

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Finding something else to do

Since I’ve decided to stay away from yarn (at least until I feel better), I needed something else to keep myself occupied.

So I started experimenting with some new software instead. Lately, I’ve been making small animated GIFs and even a few screensavers. Nothing major, just playing around and learning as I go—but it’s been surprisingly fun.

It’s nice to stay creative, even if it’s in a completely different way.

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Hopefully back soon

I’m really hoping this is just a short pause.

With Christmas getting closer, I already have ideas for ornaments and decorations, and I’d love to get back to crocheting in time to actually make them.

For now, I’m resting, trying new things, and avoiding anything that looks even remotely dusty.

Not the plan I had—but not the worst detour either 🌿

Pink & Black winter socks

Greetings, fellow crocheters (and cold feet survivors) 🧦

The days are getting colder, which means one thing: it’s officially time to start making things that keep us warm and cozy—starting from the ground up.

Literally.

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Crochet socks? Yes, really.

I know most people instinctively reach for knitting when it comes to socks. It’s the “proper” way, the traditional way, the way everyone quietly agrees on.

But honestly? Crocheted socks deserve more respect.

They can be just as pretty, just as practical, and—most importantly—just as warm. This particular pair falls into the category of stay at home, stay warm, and refuse to move unless necessary.

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The idea (with room for chaos)

I started with a simple short sock-slipper concept, something easy and functional. Then, because I can never quite leave things alone, I added a longer leg section for extra warmth.

No strict pattern here—just building it up row by row. You can make them as long or as short as you like, play with different stitches, mix colours, combine yarns… there are no rules. Which is exactly how I like it.

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The result

They turned out soft, warm, and very comfortable—perfect for slow days at home. And I have to admit, they look quite interesting too, in that slightly “did you make those yourself?” kind of way.

Which, yes. Yes, I did.

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Yarn & details

For this pair, I used Red Heart Lisa yarn (100% acrylic), exactly two 50g balls.

They’re made to fit:

• EU size: 39–40
• UK: 6–6.5 (women)
• US/Canada: 8.5–9 (women)

And yes… I am fully aware that I should probably start writing patterns down before they vanish from my memory forever. That would be the sensible thing to do.

Unfortunately, that also sounds suspiciously like another part-time job.

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Final thoughts

For now, I’m just enjoying the process—making, experimenting, and somehow still sticking with crochet longer than any of my previous “phases.”

Honestly, I’m a little impressed with myself.

In the photos below, you can see the different stages of the project, along with the final result 🧶

Gothic Fingerless Gloves

Halloween mood (and disappearing gloves) 🕸️

Halloween is coming.

It’s not traditionally a big celebration in Poland, but that’s slowly changing—especially among younger people. Every year there are more decorations, more themed events, more cosplay parties lighting up the cities. It’s quietly growing into something much bigger.

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From inspiration to idea

I’ve always been drawn to the gothic side of things, so this time of year feels like the perfect excuse to lean into that style a little more. Lately, I’ve been noticing these beautiful lacy, fingerless gloves—both short and long—that instantly give off that elegant, slightly vampiric, gothic vibe. They pair so well with both simple and more extravagant outfits that I couldn’t resist trying to make a pair myself.

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The making

For this project, I chose a black acrylic yarn with a delicate silver thread running through it, just to add a subtle “bling” effect. I decided to go for a longer version of the gloves, adding a decorative stitch along the palm side for a bit of extra detail.

To make them more adjustable and interesting, I finished them with corset-style lacing along the arm. It gives them a more fitted shape and adds to that dramatic, slightly theatrical look I was going for.

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The part where they disappear

Unfortunately, I didn’t even get the chance to take proper photos.

One of my friends saw them, immediately decided they were perfect for her Halloween outfit… and that was that. Gone.

At this point, I’m starting to accept that making something pretty often means I won’t be the one keeping it.

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Final thoughts

Still, I’m really happy with how they turned out.

And since I clearly need a pair of my own, I’ll just have to make another one. Hopefully this time they’ll survive long enough for a proper photoshoot 🕷️

International Octopus Day!

It’s me again… and apparently it’s Octopus Day 🐙

So, fun fact: October 8th is officially International Octopus Day. 

I love octopuses. After cats, they hold a very solid second place in my personal ranking of “creatures that make this planet worth staying on.” Which is impressive, considering they look like they accidentally arrived from another dimension.

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Naturally… I made one

I decided to celebrate in the only reasonable way—by making an octopus plushie.

Is it hyper-realistic? Not even close.
Does it look like it has already attended a full day of celebrations and questionable life choices? Yes. Very much yes.

And honestly, I’m fine with that.

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The pattern (or lack of it)

This was another “pattern in my head” situation. No written instructions, just improvising as I went—and surprisingly, it turned out to be very simple in structure.

I might actually write the pattern down one day… assuming I manage to sit still long enough to translate chaos into instructions.

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The result: large, purple, and slightly suspicious

This is definitely not a tiny amigurumi. My octopus is on the larger side, properly stuffed with that soft silicone filling used for plushies, which gives it a nice squishy shape.

And now it lives on my bed.

Proud. Purple. And, for reasons I cannot fully explain, looking completely stoned.

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Final thoughts

Could I have made a more realistic one? Probably.
Do I like this slightly unhinged version more? Also yes.

Sometimes perfection is overrated… and a mildly chaotic octopus just has more personality 🐙

Lacy cap/hat

Autumn thoughts (and a full-circle moment) 🍂

Autumn is here. The days are getting shorter, the light is softer… and my bedroom is slowly transforming into what can only be described as a yarn storage facility with a bed awkwardly placed inside.

So today, I wanted to share a small project—but also a little story that’s been sitting quietly in the background for years.

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Back when crochet felt like rocket science

There was a time when all of this felt completely out of reach.

Back in high school—an arts school, full of incredibly talented people—some of my classmates could do everything. Drawing, painting, crafting… and not just for fun. In those slightly chaotic, budget-stretched days of renting rooms and counting every coin, being able to make something useful was a real skill. Sometimes even a small source of income.

And then there was one girl.

She made the most beautiful crocheted and knitted pieces—scarves, sweaters, dresses, vests… and these delicate, lacy caps. The kind that, worn over long hair, made you look like you’d just stepped out of a medieval painting.

Naturally, I wanted one.

So I asked her to make it for me—and she did. I loved it. I kept it for years, quietly wishing I had the patience (and the skill) to make something like that myself.

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Fast forward to now

Last week, I finally learned how to make those caps.

Which is slightly surreal, if I’m being honest.

What once felt impossibly complex turned out to be simple, quick, and full of creative possibilities. The patterns can be endlessly adjusted, and they use very little yarn—dangerous knowledge, considering my current yarn situation.

So I made three.

Black, red, and purple. Light, decorative, a little nostalgic.

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Letting them go (gracefully, I hope)

They’re the kind of pieces that really shine on long hair—which I no longer have—so I passed all three on to a friend.

It felt right. A small loop closing somewhere in time.

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Final thoughts

I keep getting more and more ideas, faster than I can possibly make them. There’s always another pattern to try, another shape to test, another “what if” waiting in the corner.

And, as usual… not nearly enough time.

But for once, I don’t mind that so much 🍂

Triangle chrochet shawl

A small shift… and a very green shawl 🍃

Lately I’ve been busy with everyday life things—you know, the kind that quietly steal your crafting time without asking for permission.

But here’s the news. Depending on how you look at it, it’s either progress… or the beginning of a slippery slope:

I’ve started buying yarn in regular stores.

Yes. Proper, planned purchases. Specific colours. Even favourite brands. The chaos of random second-hand treasures has been (partially) replaced by intentional choices. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about this level of responsibility.

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Enter: Himalaya yarn (and a rare moment of discipline)

While browsing online sales—strictly for research purposes, obviously—I came across acrylic yarns from Himalaya, and I have to admit… they’re really nice to work with. Soft, good quality, and surprisingly cooperative.

This project was my first proper attempt using “planned yarn.”

I bought two balls in two shades of green and—brace yourself—followed an actual pattern from a crochet magazine. Yes, I even bought a few of those. Who am I becoming?

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The project: a triangle shawl

It took me about two evenings to finish this triangle shawl, which makes it one of my quicker projects so far.

The pattern itself is beautiful—simple but elegant, the kind that lets the yarn and texture do the talking without unnecessary drama.

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Regrets (of course there are regrets)

The only problem? I didn’t buy enough yarn.

Classic.

If I had just two more balls, the shawl would have had that extra size and flow that really makes these pieces shine. As it is, it’s still lovely—just… slightly less dramatic than it could have been.

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Final thoughts

So here we are. From random scraps to planned palettes. From guessing to (occasionally) following patterns.

Growth? Maybe.

Or just a different kind of chaos.

Either way, I’m keeping the shawl—and next time, I’m buying the extra yarn 🍃

Sunny tunic

Hello again (apparently I don’t do “simple”) 🌼

Hello after a short break—turns out crocheting takes time. Shocking, I know. Add life, work, and the rare appearance of good weather, and suddenly I’d rather be outside than counting stitches indoors.

But I’m back, with another experimental project. Because naturally, instead of following a nice, normal beginner pattern like a reasonable person… I decided to invent my own little chaos.

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The idea: somewhere between a tunic and a dress

This piece has been sitting in my head for a while. I wanted to try flower motifs, and somehow that turned into a brown, mesh tunic (or dress? we’re flexible here) with a sun—maybe a sunflower—worked into the design.

No pattern, just vibes and a bit of stubbornness.

The structure came together slowly, with a lot of adjusting as I went. One of those projects where you’re never entirely sure if it’s genius or a mistake until the very end.

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The result (surprisingly wearable)

Against all odds, it actually works.

It’s light, airy, and definitely wearable—though it needs a layer underneath, like a simple dress or a top. It has that soft, summery, slightly boho feel, and I’m honestly quite fond of how the flower motif turned out.

Also, yes—I’m fully aware it would look much better on a mannequin with arms. Unfortunately, my current model (the very budget-friendly Milo Venus edition) is doing its best, and so am I.

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Final thoughts

I might not be following the “proper beginner path,” but where’s the fun in that?

For now, I’ll keep experimenting, making slightly questionable decisions, and occasionally ending up with something I genuinely love.

And this one? This one I actually love 🌿

The whole project spontaneously appeared in my head. I didn't use any kind of pattern for making this piece.

Front

Right side with sleeve

Sunflower motif on front

Crochet summer mini skirt

A little update (and a slightly chaotic skirt) 🌿

Some time has passed, and somehow… I’m still crocheting. At this point it’s less of a phase and more of a situation.

This time I want to share a small project that started as an experiment and ended as something surprisingly wearable—a simple crochet skirt made entirely from leftover cotton yarns.

No pattern. No grand plan. Just me, a hook, and a slightly reckless amount of optimism.

I treated it as practice, trying out different stitches along the way, switching textures whenever I felt like it. The whole process was basically: add a few rows, step back, squint at it, and hope it still made sense structurally. Miraculously, it did.

The result is light, breathable, and very summery. It would work nicely over a bikini or a regular swimsuit, or with a fabric layer underneath if I decide to make it a bit more everyday-friendly. I could also keep going and turn it into a longer skirt… if I had more yarn and slightly less self-control in second-hand shops.

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Thoughts (and mild confusion)

I still don’t have a clear idea of what this blog is supposed to look like. Structured? Chaotic? Somewhere in between? For now, it’s just a collection of things I make and the thoughts that come with them.

Also, small confession: crocheting is currently much easier than writing about crocheting. One involves yarn and visible progress. The other involves staring at a blinking cursor and questioning all life choices.

But I’m here. Still making, still learning, still figuring it out as I go.

Have a soft, sunny, slightly creative summer 💛