Christmas Knitting

Where Can I Find Inspiration For Last Minute Christmas Gifts For Knitters In the Absence of a 55 Christmas Balls To Knit pdf?

December 22, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

This morning I finished a sock.

It’s a pattern I’ve tweaked rather extensively. It started as an Elizabeth Zimmermann and Meg Swansen pattern. I’ve made them before, but really didn’t care for the toe or the heel. The original pattern called for a flat toe, with the ends woven with the Kitchener stitch. And the heel is a saddle heel.

In looking for a toe that might be more comfortable, I came across a pattern in a needlework book from the 1940s. It suggests a rounded toe can be made like a mitten.

And you know what?

I like it better!

As I was casting on this morning for the second sock, inspiration for this post struck…

This is a provisional cast on. And when I cast on double pointed or circular needles, I like to cast on a straight needle. The stitches for the cast on row stay better formed, and I don’t have to mess with twisting the stitches. After knitting one row, they tend to lie flatter when putting them on the double pointed needles.

I do however find that point protectors can also keep the stitches from sliding off the needle until they are knit onto the 3 or 4 needles.

The inspiration?

Well, the point protectors would make a gift for a knitter. They could be tucked into a stocking.

What are some other budget-friendly last minute Christmas gifts for knitters?

Stitch Markers. You can get real fancy if you like. My personal preference are the plastic cabone rings. They are the rings that are used for making curtains and drapes. Lightweight and smooth, they are easy to use and move without catching most yarns.
Locking Stitch Markers. Locking stitch markers are handy for complicated patterns, when you need to keep track of where to start the next group of stitches. They’re especially helpful for cables and lace knitting. You can mark the stitches a row or two below your working row, and move them as needed. Often they don’t need moved every row, unlike stitch markers like cabone rings. Those are placed on the working row, and moved each row so you don’t knit the ring into the knitted fabric!
Embroidery Scissors With Scissors Point Protector. Embroidery scissors? Yes, they are handy to cut yarn especially fine yarn. And their point can come in handy for snipping one stitch at a time as in making steeks.
Knitting Accessories Kit: You can often find a knitting accessories kit that includes several of the items above. And more! Some include handy carrying cases or other tools a knitter can find useful.
Knitting Downloads. Kindle has knitting books and even knitting patterns. Maybe the ultimate last-minute gift for a knitter because there’s no waiting for delivery!

One of the hottest books this year is “55 Christmas Balls To Knit” by Arne and Carlos. Unfortunately for last minute shoppers, there is no 55 Christmas Balls To Knit pdf. Sadly because downloads are an almost instant gift for Christmas and other occasions.

For knitters, my “Snowflake Christmas Balls” knit up quickly with small amounts of yarn. The pattern makes a last minute gift, as can the snowflake Christmas balls! Click here now for more information.

To your healthy knitting and caregiving,

Dr.Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

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Why Should I Knit Christmas Stocking Patterns?

December 14, 2011 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

Wouldn’t it be nice to knit a Christmas stocking for each child in the family?

One that can be personalized for their favorite colors, names and more. Hand knit Christmas stockings can easily become a Christmas tradition. One you can’t buy in a store.

They can be as simple or as complicated as you wish. The patterns can be plain, stripes or even complex patterns reminiscent of Fair Isle knitting.

Before last year, I never tackled Christmas stockings. Then a friend suggested I create some. And before I knew it I had three different versions!

What are three reasons you should knit Christmas stocking patterns into Christmas stockings?

Start a Christmas decorating tradition…
Share your love of knitting with another generation – and maybe even get someone interested in knitting!
They’re a great way to practice the techniques for socks on larger needles and heavier weight yarn.

You can create a unique Christmas tradition and lasting keepsakes.

And you might just interest someone in knitting or another craft!

If you’re just learning to knit socks, a simple pattern can be a nice way to start knitting. Christmas stockings are larger than socks, and you can often use larger needles and yarn.

Christmas stockings knit with larger needles and yarn than socks are often easier to handle than the fine needles and yarn of regular socks. Especially if you’re new to knitting socks.

These stockings were designed to be easy enough for knitters beginning to knit in the round, or for those who are more advanced. Click here right now to get your own patterns in a download.

And start creating your own Christmas tradition today!

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

Filed Under: Christmas Knitting Tagged With: ambassador of elder care, christmas stocking, christmas stockings, ina gilmore, knit christmas stocking patterns, the knitting dr, www.caregivingwithpurpose.com, www.howtoliveonpurpose.com, www.theknittingyarn.com

What About 55 Christmas Balls To Knit pdf?

December 8, 2011 By Ina Gilmore 5 Comments

One of the most popular knitting books this Christmas is a book for knitting Christmas decorations.

Here’s one of the best reviews I read…

55 Christmas Balls to Knit: Colourful Festive Ornaments * Tree Decorations * Centrepieces * Wreaths * Window Decorations
by Arne & Carlos
Search Press 2011
ISBN: 978-1-84448-781-3

This book was first published in Norway in 2010 and was a huge hit. Under the title Julekuler it sold 37 000 copies, and was on the Norwegian bestseller list for four months. To follow up this success, versions of the book are now (October 2011) available in Finland, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, France, UK and USA. So, what’s the appeal?

The concept is very simple. The book contains just one pattern – the shape of a knitted ball to use as a Christmas decoration – presented as written directions. Then there are 55 different stranded knitting motifs that can be worked on the basic shape. These appear in charts, which also show the basic shape. This simplicity hints a one aspect of the phenomenon – people get hooked. You make your first ball, then just have to get started on another one with a slightly different design.

The way the book is presented also adds to the enjoyment. We meet Arne and Carlos, a pair of knitwear designers who live and work in the Norwegian mountains (this video is worth a look). The book is full of photographs of their knitted balls artfully arranged around their home, or together with related items. I especially like the photo on p115. I thought a first they’d made a very large ball – but it turned out to be a normal sized ball inside a dolls house. As well as photographs, there are quotes from seasonal poems and even a little story from Arne’s grandmother.

The introductory material assumes some experience with knitting in the round and stranded colour work, but includes instructions on how to increase and decrease and how to stuff and finish your ball. Then the different motifs are presented. They have been arranged into 16 chapters of related designs, e.g. “Reindeer” and “Hearts”, and many are traditional designs. Most of the motifs are accompanied by a comment on the source of inspiration or a little seasonal reminiscence.

Arne and Carlos note that they could have come up with more variations, but chose to stop at 55. Clearly they recognise that once people have worked a few of these they’ll be coming up with their own designs – there’s an empty chart at the back of the book, ready for when inspiration strikes!

I’ve made one ball from the book – so far! The instructions were clear, it was easy to knit and took just a couple of evenings (faster knitters can produce two or three a day). The yarn used in the book is a sport weight (100 m to 50 g) yarn, but any yarn can be tried – the ball will come out smaller or bigger. Just choose a needle size to give a tight fabric so the stuffing doesn’t leak out.

So. Avoid the book if you just want to knit a Christmas ball – other patterns are available. But get a copy if you like the tactile pleasure of books, great photography, traditional designs, winter scenery and the charm of something just that little bit different.

I loved it.

Disclosure: I purchased this book. My review is of the Search Press paperback edition.

Original Post:
Helena Callum: Book Review: 55 Christmas Balls to Knit

When I first read the reviews, I thought it would be popular. So much so that as of this writing, it is available at Amazon in one to three months! There are some other online stores that have it in stock – at a higher price. Significantly higher. The ones I saw started at 50% higher before adding shipping!

In looking further I wondered if there is a 55 Christmas Balls To Knit pdf.

The answer is no. It’s not on Kindle, and a search for a pdf or eBook format confirmed it’s not available.

Why not?

There are several possibilities. Many knitters like books. And it’s possible the publisher didn’t think about it. Or maybe didn’t anticipate the success of the book.

With today’s digital printing it would be an alternative to not being able to get the book for months – long past this Christmas knitting. If you’re of a certain age you may recall the frantic searches for “Tickle Me Elmo” or “Cabbage Patch Dolls” in years past.

Looking at this book as an outsider, it seems as though a digital version whether pdf, Kindle or something else would be a great alternative.

A Snowflake Christmas Ball in White Christmas Tree

Wondering what to do?

Instead of buying the book, I decided to create my own knitting pattern. Last year I created some Christmas knitting patterns for Christmas stockings, and decided to use the snowflake patterns in designing my own Christmas balls.

The pattern makes a nice ornament in sock yarn 2-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. And fits nicely in my tree, which is mostly decorated with handmade ornaments. Or those given to me by special people in my life.

Larger ornaments can be made with heavier weight yarn and larger needles.

Snowflake Christmas Balls

Even the larger ornaments take small amounts of yarn, and are a quick knit.

Carrying two strands of yarn can be challenging. So next, I’m going to try knitting solid balls and using duplicate stitch to add the snowflakes.

If you’d like a copy of the pattern, click here right now.

And yes, it IS a pdf so it’s available right now.

To your healthy and happy knitting & caregiving,

Dr. Ina

Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com

Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

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Knitting Stitches: Learning Socks By Knitting a Christmas Stocking?

October 21, 2011 By Ina Gilmore 2 Comments

Have you been thinking about knitting socks and don’t know where to start?

What about a Christmas stocking?

Oh, yes it looks like a large project. Basically a Christmas stocking is a sock knit on larger needles with thicker yarn. And because of that it may be easier to knit than using fine needles and yarn. Or “toothpicks” as my sister calls my Size 1 double pointed needles.

Whether you’re just learning to knit socks or want a simpler project because your time to knit is unpredictable like in caregiving, a Christmas stocking may make a good option. It’s still portable, even though it’s larger than regular socks.

Why start knitting socks by knitting a Christmas stocking?

The yarn and needles are larger and easier to hold…
The knitting stitches are easier to see than on sock yarn…
You can use simple knitting stitches like stockinette stitch. It can be jazzed up with duplicate stitch after the knitting is done if you like.

My knitting time has been reduced this past week. However, I did take time after a rain shower to enjoy the view off my back deck -

Which inspired this picture of hand spun wool -

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!

If you have not yet claimed your free membership, click here right now.

To your healthy and happy knitting and caregiving,

Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore, M.D. (Retired)
“The Knitting Dr.”

Founder, www.CaregivingWIthPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
Ambassador of Elder Care at www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com

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Christmas stocking stuffers: What are in your Christmas stockings?

November 23, 2010 By Ina Gilmore 2 Comments

Image by beccaplusmolly via Flickr

When I was a kid, often our Christmas stockings had individually wrapped gifts.

Each gift might be small, but it was exciting to open them! And it was only later we realized Santa used the wrapping paper my mother carefully saved from presents the year before.

Santa was thrifty!

And those Christmas stocking stuffers were often something we could enjoy for more than just a moment or two. I remember practical gifts, such as socks and Chapsticks. I don’t ever recall feeling deprived of toys, although many of today’s children might feel that way.

You see, my parents grew up in The Depression, and so any Christmas gift was a big deal to them. After some prodding, they both had stories of very lean Christmases.

But I never heard one word of complaint.

No, instead they were glad they could have a single gift . . .or could make gifts for other family members. Their families were not poor because they had something to eat and a warm house.

My mother told stories of the poor children in town who walked the railroad tracks to collect coal that fell off the trains. The coal was to heat their houses. Now those children would have been happy for coal for Christmas!

Somehow it gives a different perspective, doesn’t it?

Christmas stocking stuffers can be challenging . . .they can be fun . . .and even both!

Part of the fun is making the gifts unique for the recipient . . .young or older. And any gift should be age-appropriate.

So what are some practical Christmas stocking stuffers?

Crayons . . .markers . . .and/or colored pencils. For drawing and writing of course!
A blank book for drawings or a journal. This can encourage a child to write and/or draw regularly.
The ever-practical toothbrush . . .comb . . .Chapstick . . .or even socks. They can stuff the stocking well!
A small book or puzzle. You might even be able to convince Santa to include one that’s educational!
Sticker, craft supplies, and even play dough.

You might even make some knitted stocking stuffers!

Is this an all-inclusive list? Nope.

Just some suggestions to spark your imagination.

And of course, what’s more personal than knitted Christmas stockings?

Update 12/11/2011: Get my Christmas stocking patterns to knit by clicking here right now.

Keep knitting to your heart’s delight — or someone else’s,

The Knitting Yarn

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: christmas stocking stuffers, christmas stockings, technorati, The Knitting Yarn

Who brings your Christmas stockings?

November 12, 2010 By Ina Gilmore Leave a Comment

Hanging Christmas stockings is a tradition in many homes.

Sometimes the children hang them, and sometimes Santa Claus or St. Nicholas brings them on Christmas Eve. In some countries, children leave out a boot or a wooden shoe instead of stockings.

The origin of Christmas stockings has several variations. Most involve St. Nicholas, a poor man, and his three daughters.

Do you know the Legend of Christmas Stockings?

According to tradition, long ago a penniless nobleman was concerned about his three beautiful daughters. His wife had died. After her death he became despondent, losing his inheritance to bad investments. And he worried that his daughters could not be married.

You see, in his village it was traditional for the father of the bride to provide a dowry. The bride would give the money or property to her husband when they were married.

Unfortunately, this man had no money or property. Apparently he worried quite a bit about his daughters who took good care of him and never complained.

One day, St. Nicholas passed through the village. He heard about this man and his daughters, and wanted to help. Because he knew the nobleman would refuse charity, he decided to help him secretly. So, he waited until dark. During the night, St. Nicholas tossed three pouches of gold coins down the man’s chimney.

The pouches fell into the girls’ stockings that they had washed and hung by the fireplace to dry. The girls showed their father the coins the next day. He used the money to marry off each girl. Everyone lived happily ever after — as they usually do in these legends.

Children throughout the village starting putting out their Christmas stockings hoping St. Nicholas would stop by and fill them. Since then, the tradition has spread. Children all over the world hang Christmas stockings year after year also hoping St. Nicholas will leave them gifts.

It’s a cute story.

Is it true? Well, it is a legend.

How do Christmas stockings vary?

A Christmas stocking could be as simple as a child’s regular stocking hung up Christmas Eve. Or more often it could be a special stocking or sock that’s hung with the Christmas decorations.

Are your Christmas stockings throw-aways? Used only once or twice, and then discarded?
Or are they treasured heirlooms, meant to be lovingly passed down from one generation to the next?
Maybe they’re in-between the two. Sturdy enough to last several Christmases, but not likely to survive from generation to generation.

Sometimes it makes a difference in whether your Christmas stockings are store bought or handmade. And sometimes it doesn’t —

Who made your Christmas stockings?

A relative or friend, probably a crafter. Ah these stockings may be destined to be treasured! Carefully wrapped and stored each year, and brought out with the other Christmas decorations. There may even be a story like how Great Aunt Martha made them for all the children.
Special ordered and personalized, either by hand or machine. These may have motifs and colors to suit the recipient. While it may take less time on the part of the giver, just as much care may go into choosing the right one.
Mass produced Christmas stockings can be nice, too. And no, that’s not just an afterthought! If you’re a crafter, you can personalize them with a child’s name. Sometimes it’s enough to know you picked out this stocking for a special child.

So, who brings your Christmas stockings?

Santa Claus or St. Nicholas is traditional in many places. The children often hang the stockings and Santa Claus or St. Nicholas fills them.
Sinterklauss brings Dutch children gifts in their wooden shoes.
The Three Kings fill some children’s shoes with presents in France, Spain, and Mexico.
La Befana visits Italian children on Epiphany, January 6.
And there are more stories designed to teach children about the Christmas story. How Jesus is The Gift to the world, and how He received gifts at His Birth.

Candy Cane Christmas Stocking

Christmas stockings are a neat way to create memories and to remember past Christmases. And you don’t have to have a lot of expensive presents to do so.

Keep knitting to your heart’s delight — or someone else’s,

The Knitting Yarn

Update 12/11/2011: Get my Christmas stocking patterns to knit by clicking here right now.

Bibliography for Christmas Stocking Legend: Christmas socks, accessed 11-12-10.

Bibliography for information on who brings Christmas stockings and gifts: Legend of Christmas Stockings, accessed 11-12-10.

Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: Christmas, christmas stocking, christmas stockings, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, technorati, The Knitting Yarn

Looking for knitted Christmas stocking stuffers?

November 6, 2010 By Ina Gilmore 1 Comment

Remember the childhood excitement of Christmas?

Being so excited you were sure you wouldn’t sleep? And suddenly waking before dawn, ready to see what Santa brought in your Christmas stocking?

Maybe even under the Christmas stockings.

In good times, sometimes it’s easy to forget that simple is exciting too. This year many folks are considering cutting back for the holidays.

When thinking of simple Christmases, I think first of the Christmas Laura and Mary spent in Kansas Territory in Little House on the Prairie.

Image via Wikipedia

Their home was small, and isolated from their neighbors. If you recall, Mr. Edwards ran into Santa and brought some of their gifts. The girls of course were thrilled, as were Ma and Pa Ingalls.

That Christmas they had such treasures as:

A homemade sugar cookie. Yes, one cookie
A single piece of candy
A shiny penny.
A new tin cup.

Austere?

They didn’t think so.

And more recently, a man I know grew up in The Great Depression as the eleventh of twelve children. In good years each child had an orange for Christmas. That’s all: one orange. Yet I never heard him complain. On the contrary, he was delighted to get the orange!

So, it was understandable why as a parent he favored practical gifts such as clothing over expensive toys. And did his children suffer?

The answer is a resounding No!

Is something missing when only the biggest most expensive toy — for children or adults — will do? And the frustration of seeing it cast aside for something else after only a brief time —

It can become an increasing spiral of spending more and more — for less and less return.

You know taking a page from the past can be enlightening. There’s even a Victorian quote for Christmas stocking stuffers:

“Something to eat, something to read, something to play with and something they need.” ~ Victorian poem

Okay, so knitting something to eat or read probably isn’t the best idea.

What do you knit for Christmas stocking stuffers to play with?

While some toys may be too large to fit inside a stocking, they could be underneath the stocking. And your options include:

Doll clothes
Small toys such as balls
A miniature rug or blanket for a doll house
Stuffed toys
Christmas ornaments

Tip: Consider individually wrapping your Christmas stocking stuffers. There’s more excitement in unwrapping many gifts.

What do you knit for Christmas stocking stuffers they need?

Hats
Mittens and gloves
Scarves — may need to go under the stocking
Socks
Slippers

When you’re looking for basic patterns for multiple sizes. check out The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd. With multiple-sized patterns for socks, mittens, gloves, hats, tams, scarves, sweaters, and vests this book is versatile. And it’s easy-to-use with multiple gauges: the math is done for you! The spiral bound book has a hard cover, and opens flat.
Click here to buy now!

Keep knitting to your heart’s delight — or someone else’s,

The Knitting Yarn

Disclosure:

I may have a marketing connection to a brand, topic or product listed on the website. Through the use of affiliate links contained herein, I may collect fees from purchases made.

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Filed Under: Christmas Tagged With: christmas stocking stuffers, christmas stockings, technorati, The Knitting Yarn

How do you make Christmas stockings?

October 11, 2010 By Ina Gilmore 1 Comment

When my friend Erika asked if I could design a Christmas stocking, I thought, “Why not?”

Why let something small—like never having knit one before—stop a knitting project?

Deciding to start at the beginning with some basic research, I plowed into the project. After studying Christmas stockings’ construction, I decided it wouldn’t be any harder than knitting socks. And was pleasantly surprised to find they were easier to knit than I thought.

So just how do you make Christmas stockings?

Knitting Christmas stockings is very similar to knitting socks. Yes, the original Christmas stockings were actually stockings children wore the rest of the year. So, the overall pattern is roughly the same as a sock pattern.
Modern Christmas stockings tend to be larger than socks. Larger in diameter and leg length, although the foot is often knit shorter.
To hide the stocking stuffers from little eyes, their stockings are often knit in stockinette stitchrather than a lace pattern. Stockinette stitch is also a traditional pattern for stockings. Stockinette stitch even gets its name from knitting stockings.

Candy Cane version of Christmas Stockings

Because most Christmas stockings are knit in the round, stockinette stitch is all knit stitches. Many knitters prefer the knit stitch to the purl stitch.
If this is one of your first projects knit in the round, the yarn and needles are usually heavier than those used to knit socks to be worn. This makes knitting Christmas stockings easier, especially if you’re not used to knitting with either a set of double-pointed needles or two circular needles.
Christmas stockings usually are knit from the top down, although there’s no reason they couldn’t be knit from the bottom up. You might have to adjust a motif or graph if you’re knitting your sock in more than one color.
Because the stocking is for decoration, the heel usually looks squared and is often different than the main stocking color.
The toe is often the same contrasting color as the heel.
And left-handed knitters will be happy to note that Christmas stockings can be knit left-handed, too. If the pattern has an asymmetrical motif, you may end up with a mirror image unless you reverse the graph. The good news is most Christmas motifs are either symmetric or can be just as lovely as a mirror image.