Sooooo how are you supposed to get the blue thingies?

I think its intentional. Level 1 required 180 schematics to level up to level 2. Level 2 only requires the 175 to level up to level 3. Im not a betting man but if I was id say you need to be at level 4 by the end of act 1, level 8 by the end of act 2 and level 12 before the event ends. Btw- you can craft one of each no problem while leveling at the same time but if you want to get 1 of each item and complete the levels I suggest buying 1 of each item available in the level and leveling up when you have less schematics than the cheapest prize but enough of them to auto level. This way any remaining schematics can be used for the next craftable that unlocks at the new level. Hope that makes sense. Its worked for me in the past event and its working out so far...