Book Review – Mini Knits for Christmas

“Mini Knits for Christmas” by Sue Stratford is a collection of 40 adorable Christmas mini knitted figures and decorations to make your festive season extra special. From Mary and Joseph to the little donkey and a stable, or a show-stopping Santa’s sleigh complete with all eight reindeers, you can knit a charming nativity scene. Other Christmas accessories to decorate your home, such as Christmas crackers, baubles, mistletoe and candy canes, will make your knitted Christmas complete.

The patterns in the book are clear, simple, and easy to follow, making it perfect for knitters of all skill levels. The author includes step-by-step photographs of useful techniques, making it easy for even a novice knitter to understand. These cute, pocket-sized knits are quick and easy to make, as well as a great way of using up leftover yarn.

Not only are these mini knits great for festive gifts, but they also make cute decorations that the whole family will love. This edition includes material from two best-selling Christmas titles, “Mini Knitted Christmas” and “20 to Make: Mini Christmas Knits”, making it the perfect guide for your holiday knitting.

“Mini Knits for Christmas” is a must-have guide for anyone who wants to create charming and unique Christmas decorations that will be cherished for years to come. With clear instructions, step-by-step photography, and a wide range of fun and festive projects, you’ll have everything you need to make your knitted Christmas complete.

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When I first started knitting again after a long absence from the craft (which has now been almost 25 years ago!) I really didn’t like garter stitch that much. I found it super boring, somehow even more boring than knitting stockinette stitch in the round, even though it’s exactly the same thing.

Over the years I’ve softened my opinion, and even grown to like garter stitch. There’s nothing wrong with being plain, and actually the texture of garter stitch is more interesting than stockinette.

Also there are fun things you can do with garter stitch to make it more interesting if you want to, such as adding stripes, working on the bias, or doing fun effects to change the look.

That’s the way with the Bernat Twist My Way Garter Knit Blanket. Using combinations of casting on and binding off creates what they call a Swiss cheese effect along two sides of the blanket. This is a lot of fun in the self-striping ombre yarn they chose for the pattern, but it would also be fun in a solid color or making your own stripes.

Despite the dramatic effect, this pattern is rated easy. It’s worked from side to side (if you consider the “cheesy” edges the top and bottom) and has an eight-row repeat that involves binding off and then casting on again to make the holes. They’re kind of like giant buttonholes.

Once you get the hang of it it’s a pretty easy repeat to remember, and it will be smooth knitting as big as you want to make it.

You can download this pattern from the Yarnspirations website for free, or you can buy a kit direct from them that includes the yarn you need (and knitting needles if you need those, too). Bernat Sport Ombre Twist, which is what is used in the pattern, comes in 12 self patterning colors and is a DK weight acrylic yarn.

[Photo: Yarnspirations]

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