Holly Pattern

A vintage-style, slim-fit cardigan with Fair Isle pattern and contrast coloured edgings.

The PDF of the pattern is available here.

To fit 32” chest.
Finished measurements:
Chest 33”
Sleeve seam 18”
Length 21”

Requirements
2 x 100g balls of Sirdar Country Style DK (main colour) 318 metres / 348 yards per ball
I used shade 502 gemini
1 x 100g ball of Sirdar Country Style DK in four contrasting colours
I used shades 423 light pink, 411 cream, 609 pillarbox, 441 light navy and 595 highland burn
3.75mm and 3.25mm straight needles
8 buttons

It would look good in other colour ways as well.

Mini Christmas Trees

Here are some lovely little Christmas trees I made as a surprise for Christmas Day. 

They are about 5 inches tall.  They are knitted and decorated with star-shaped beads (from old bracelets the girls used to play with when they were very young).  They would also look good with round sparkly beads or sequins.

The pattern is available as a free Ravelry download, here.  OK so you may not want to make them right now - but you could add the pattern to your queue for next Christmas!

I used the trees to decorate the Christmas table and propped some name cards up against them to mark each place setting. 

9 Days of Christmas?

Only one day to go - and I've only completed 9 of the 12 knits of Christmas.  Here's the dancing lady for the ninth day of Christmas. 

No point worrying about the last three days of Christmas - they'll wait until next year.  It's now time to relax and enjoy the festivities.

A big thank you to you all for visiting my blog throughout the year.  I very much appreciate all the kind comments. 

I hope everyone has a wonderful time over the holiday period and

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL.

Sherlock Holmes

Night out, last night, to the pictures.  We saw the new Sherlock Holmes film. 

Robert Downey jnr was wonderful again. 

I thought I might have been disappointed because I was expecting so much.  The first film was brilliant - and this one was just as good.  Lots of over-the-top action, plenty of laughs and a really nasty villain. 

Another film to add to my favourites list. 

Christmas Cards

Time's flying and I need to slow down and start relaxing into Christmas.  But before I run out of time, I thought I'd share with you some pictures of the Christmas cards I have made this year. 

I used various Christmas papers in three different sized squares and made simple origami modular shapes to form a layered Christmas tree. 

I added a little wooden star - and Hey presto - nice and easy, but charming little cards. 

Tonight we're off to the pictures to see the new Sherlock Holmes film - can't wait - I'm so excited - probably too excited, but I've been waiting for so long for this film to come out.  I'll let you know what we thought of it. 

Christmas Cardigan

Some months ago I made a colourful Fair Isle cardigan - but I wasn't happy with it.  I've now reknitted the sleeves and the button bands - and - I love it. 

It's a lovely slim fit - plenty of colour and pattern - and a perfect cardi for Christmas. 

I'm calling the pattern Holly - this seems appropriate as the colours are green and red. 

Bear with me whilst I finish writing up the pattern - I'll publish it as soon as I can - but it will be after Christmas.

Hugo

Eve and I went to the pictures last night and saw the film Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese. 

It's not your usual Martin Scorsese film - this one was charming and whimsical.  Set in 1930s Paris, it's about an orphaned boy living in a train station who is trying to repair a broken automaton.  It's full of details about the history of the film industry, lovely little romantic scenarios and surreal moments. 

A beautiful film that warms your heart. 

The Twelve Knits of Christmas Part 2

Making slow progress with the Twelve Knits of Christmas.  During the day (when everyone is out) I'm busy with all my secret makes, so I only have time for these in the evening.  Next year I am definitely going to start preparing for Christmas earlier!

Anyway, here is part two of the Twelve Knits of Christmas.

Five Gold Rings...

A Goose (not a-laying) ...

A Swimming Swan...

A rather scary Milk Maid...

The next four may take a bit more time to finish but I'll do my best. 

Christmas Wreath

Time's flying and I've still so much to do and make.  In between projects I thought I would share with you a couple of pictures of the wreath I have decorated for Christmas. 

The letters are crocheted.  I used the wonderful patterns in Melody Griffiths' book 201 Crochet Motifs, Blocks, Projects and Ideas.  Regular readers will know that I use these letters on a regualr basis for decorations - they are so versatile. 

The red and yellow flowers also come from the book - based on a primrose pattern - and are quick and easy to make. 

Nice and jolly - the wreath is now hanging up in the porch to welcome visitors to our home. 

Harry Potter Puppet Pals

As a little treat and a surprise for Eve, I knitted some Harry Potter puppet pals for her to have fun with with her friends. 

The patterns are by Darlene Polishak and are avaliable for free, here, here and here. 

They are quick to knit but it's the making up that takes time.  Having said that it was worth all the fiddling around to see the look of delight on Eve's face when she opened the box with them in - she's worth it.