Happy Christmas

Mr S and I have been doing quite a bit of Christmas reading. One of his favorite's is Willow at Christmas by Camilla Ashforth. The story of this very loving and gentle bear has captured his imagination.

So I bought him his own Willow for Christmas (aka 'Little Ted' from Playschool). But Willow needed a hat. So this afternoon I whipped one up.

Willow's Hat Pattern

Designed to fit a 31cm head.

Requirements:

1 ball of Shepherd Lambswool Felted in Red (band info: knits to 16.5cm gauge on 5.5mm needles). You will need less than 1/3 of a skein.

scraps of Sirdar Snowflake Chunky in White

5.5mm and 6mm needles (I'm a tight knitter)

Pattern:

Cast on 50st on 5.5mm needles.

Rib 1x1 for 4 rows in Red Lambswool.

Change to Snowflake. Knit 2 rows.

Change back to Red Lambswool and 6mm needles.

Using stocking stitch, knit 6 rows.

Next row: (Knit 2 tog, knit 9 st) 5 times. (45 stitches)

Next row: Purl.

Then stocking stitch the following 4 rows.

Next row: (Knit 2 tog, knit 8 st) 5 times. (40 stitches)

Next row: Purl.

Then stocking stitch the following 4 rows.

Next row: (Knit 2 tog, knit 7 st) 5 times. (35 stitches)

Next row: Purl.

Keep repeating the following two decreasing rows, reducing the number of stitches between the knit 2 tog stitch, until 5 stitches remain. Run yarn through remaining 5 stitches and pull tight. Sew up back seam using mattress stitch.

Sew a few strands of Snowflake to the top of the hat. Secure them by tying them together.

Here is the original watercolour that inspired the hat:

We also finally put up our Christmas Tree. We went to the Stumpy Gully Road Christmas Tree Farm, which was a bit of an adventure in itself. It's the first time I've had a 'real' cut tree since I was probably about four or five. I'm pretty excited about it.

Many of the decorations are handmade (knitted, sewn etc), but I've also invested pretty heavily in a new collection of so called 'shatter proof' (read plastic) baubles!

I have many glass and china decorations, but with a two year old on the loose they are all safely put away in a box. Still the tree looks bright and happy enough. I'm pleased.




Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!