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.

Getting ready for back to school makes me think about pencil crafts, so let’s take a look at some pencil themed knitting patterns!

I recently made a pencil on a circular knitting machine, and it was a fun, quick, easy project that uses little bits of leftover yarn (and if you don’t have yellow you can make it a colored pencil using whatever color’s your favorite). And if you want to make a bigger version check out this pattern from Orange Olive Road on Etsy.

If you want to knit a pencil pillow by hand, check out Sketchy, available on Ravelry from Shana S. Cohen. This one uses worsted weight yarn and has two size options and the choice to make a pencil with an eraser or a colored pencil.

Pencil scarves seem to be the most popular kind of pencil knitting pattern, and there are lot of cute ones. This one from Cosy Craft UK mostly uses garter stitch, with some welts to add texture and what looks like an I-cord edging. It calls for DK weight yarn.

If you want to go all garter stitch try this version from Emsley Co Creations, which uses five colors of DK weight yarn and just a little shaping to make the point of the pencil.

There’s also this fun, mostly stockinette so it looks like it curls a bit, pencil pattern that looks like it’s worked in chunky yarn from Little Knits Studio. This one uses just a little garter stitch and easy shaping for the point.

If you don’t want a pencil scarf, how about some pencil socks? The No. 2 Pencil Socks from The Yarn Enabler are available from Ravelry and use five colors of sock yarn. They feature wide ribs to mimic the texture of a pencil and have options to be worked from the top down or the toe up.

Needs Sharpening by Alexander Walker is a free pattern on Ravelry that uses five colors of sock yarn to make a sort of shortie sock. The little bit of black at the tips of the toes inspired the name. These, too, can be worked in either direction and are available in three sizes.

Have you read?