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 🧶