Preparation time {Knitting}

Tuesday 20 November 2012

How early do you start preparing for Christmas? Because Baby MiH will not have his passport by the time we get to Christmas,we are hosting Christmas eve at ours - and this is in fact my first Christmas Britain! We do have some decorations, but hardly worth talking about (I think it amounts to 6 baubles, and 2 garlands). So let's face it, we could do with getting ready. 

Last year I was planning to make some knitted Christmas baubles from Arne and Carlos' 55 Christmas Balls to Knit. I bought the book, and left it there until this morning. I wanted to see how easy/hard it would be to knit one of those. Well, it involves DPNs, colour work and increase and patterns being knitted simultaneously (but written on different pages of the book) - so it is slightly intense. Two hours later, I am at this stage of the first bauble - hmmm..  



I do like the shape the bauble is taking however, and I am hoping it is a case of getting acquainted with a new pattern - and that it gets easier as I knit more of these. 




 Pattern: From 55 Christmas Balls to Knit, by Arne and Carlos
Yarn: SIRDAR Country Style, Wool Blend DK (40% nylon, 30% wool, 30% acrylic)
Needle size: 4mm DPNs 
Modification: only changed the knitting method, using 3 DPNs and markers rather than 4


Just in case you are considering buying this book, well from this morning experience I would say buy it now so that you can start asap. I am even wondering whether I did not leave it too late - all depends on how many I want make I suppose. 



But there are so pretty! How could I resist knitting them! It is retro Scandinavian, love it. My colours scheme is a bit different - white, blue, teal, black - no green or red (too predictable, of course). 



I may have to add some touches of gold though... 



Well that is provided I finish my first one of course. 


  
So I officially declare the Christmas preparation season started at the MiH home!

16 comments:

  1. Good luck with the knitted baubles and your palette is lovely and sophisticated.

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  2. those will be gorgeous! I am impressed you are giving them a go - I think I would give up in about three seconds!

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  3. Oh, how have I not seen this book before? Must find a copy! Best of luck knitting those festive baubles!

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  4. They will make your first british Christmas even more special!

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  5. I've had many failed attempts using dpn, thus have never knitted a pair of socks before! Knitting those baubles looks challenging, Nat, but I'm sure it'll be so worth it! Look forward to seeing the finished baubles - love the colour scheme you've planned to use!

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  6. Wow - I'm excited to see the progress!

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  7. I try to start my Christmas knitting early but somehow its always a rush. ;) Very pretty, and I think adding gold accent is a fantastic idea!

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  8. I've read about this duo before. I think they're clever for bringing Fair Isle to small projects such as these wonderful ornaments.

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  9. You can totally do it! I was looking at some of the patterns from this book recently on Rav, they really are lovely!

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  10. That looks great and it's never to early to start getting ready for Christmas.

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  11. Hello Nat, how are you doing? I'm sure your home will be beautifully decorate! How exciting that you are hosting at your place! Please keep me posted on the menu and take a lot of pictures...As usual, the fluffy cakes recipe will be immediately passed to Mr. NJAPD...

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  12. Perfect- you're going to have a child-friendly Christmas tree!
    Good luck, I know you can do it!

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  13. I like hand made gifts its express your deep feelings which can make you more important and i always suggest all of you to make own gifts for make some one happy.

    Thanks a lot for sharing
    Christmas Gift Ideas

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