Book Review – Scandinavian-Style Christmas Knits

Scandinavian-style Christmas knits are becoming increasingly popular due to their timeless aesthetic, natural inspiration, and simplicity. The minimalistic and functional style of Nordic design is a refreshing contrast to the commercial and over-the-top Christmas decorations that are often seen in other cultures. The use of natural materials, earthy colors, and geometric patterns are a reflection of the Nordic landscape and culture.

In this book “Scandinavian-Style Christmas Knits: Ornaments and Decorations for a Nordic Holiday”, the author presents a collection of hand-crafted accessories for the tree, the windowsill, holiday place settings, and more, inspired by Nordic customs and the natural world. The designs are beautifully coordinated and can suit any interior. From classic stars and Christmas balls to glittering trumpets and miniature stockings, these wonderfully quick projects are satisfying to make, to hang, and to gift to others.

The book also provides instructions for all special techniques and stitches, guiding you through increases, decreases, short rows, and more, so even if you are not an experienced knitter, you will be able to make these projects. Additionally, there are suggestions for embellishing with embroidery, beads, and shimmering metallic yarns to make every pattern shine its brightest. The full-color photographs illustrate every project with ideas for decorative holiday looks and festive arrangements.

In conclusion, the book “Scandinavian-Style Christmas Knits: Ornaments and Decorations for a Nordic Holiday” is a perfect guide to create unique and beautiful decorations that reflect the Nordic traditions and culture, and that can be enjoyed for many years to come.

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Knitwear designers can get inspiration from almost anything when it comes to re-creating a color scheme, an image or a texture in stitches. Sometimes the inspiration isn’t always obvious in the finished project, but sometimes it’s more literal.

That’s the way it is with the Tin Ceiling Blanket from Purl Soho. Not just because the inspiration is in the name, but if you’ve ever seen one of these old ceilings you can see that the design of the blanket is quite similar to the pattern of the tin tiles.

This is also a good example of the idea that you don’t have to use fancy stitch patterns or lots of color to make a big impact with your knits. This single-color blanket (designed by Gianna Mueller and inspired by a washcloth and towel set designed by Sandi Rosner) is made completely with knits and purls, other than slipped stitches at the beginning of rows to make neater edges.

The pattern is written out row by row, but there’s also a chart, which means this project is a great opportunity to practice reading a chart where you can check your work against the written pattern if you need to.

It comes in two sizes, a crib blanket and a throw. The yarn used in the sample is an organic cotton sold by the cone, which is a great way to get a large quantity of yarn and have fewer ends to weave in. In fact, you can knit either size of the blanket with just one cone of yarn, which isn’t inexpensive but makes you a great, sturdy, heirloom quality but still washable blanket you’ll use for years to come. (Of course you can use any sport weight yarn you like to make this blanket.)

Check out all the details and grab the free pattern from Purl Soho.

[Photo: Purl Soho]

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