December and there's still plenty to do.

I was born into a family that knitted. My mum, granny, aunts and cousins always 'had something on the go'. If they were sitting they were usually knitting and I never remember a Christmas when my sister and I didn't receive knitted dolls' clothes or a pretty sweater and hat from at least one of our relations. Most of the knitting relatives I remember from my childhood have now sadly gone but they have hopefully found a happy place to knit and natter together as they did in life. I'm sure they would be pleased to know that their enthusiasm for all things woolly has rubbed off on me and over the years I have amassed a large selection of yarn into which I frequently dip.

 
Nothing is wasted and I always squirrel away the smallest lengths of yarn. I'm particularly fond of odd balls like these. Dozens of different colours which provide dozens of different knitting possibilities. Here are just a few examples that I can show you.

Striped gloves with extra long cuffs, just right for chilly days. 

Striped shawl with multicoloured tassels, warm and cosy.

Striped jumper and woolly beret for teddy. You wouldn't think he'd need it with all that fur but he assures me he does.

 
Traditional  Fairisle. I always like use 'traditional' real wool for this. Shetland wool is my favourite.

A crochet blanket. I have to confess I did buy the black yarn for this as I needed more than the amount I had in my woolly stash. It was great fun to make, one square at a time in any colour combination that took my fancy.

 
From very large to very tiny. These knitted toys are for a dolls house and measure 4 cm (just over an inch). The arms and legs only required 4 stitches. I used my finest yarn (4 ply) and and my finest needles. Fiddly but fun!

I prefer making something just a bit larger than 4 cm. These two friends measure approx 12 cm (just under 5 ins)

 
And these happy sailors are about the same height (the teddy is shop bought but his togs are handmade).

 
And for Christmas, what better than Santa bringing a tiny doll for a little girl in a red dress, woolly coat and beret. Doesn't she look pleased.

Time to make the Christmas cake, but first the rum must be poured over the fruit and left overnight. It looks like there is no lack of volunteers for the rum pouring! Santa takes charge... "Yo Ho Ho and a bottle of rum".

Comments

[Martha]

Oh wow! All of this is just right up my alley!!! I LOVE the minis!!! How nice to have so many helpers...I hope they aren't sneaking a quick nip of that rum!!!! I guess with Santa there, things are under control! :o) Have to go back and look at all the pictures again. Amazing stash of yarn!

[shelley]

Thanks for sharing all your lovely and sweet creations.You are very talented! I'm sure your knitting relatives would be very proud of you,indeed!

Blessings,Shelley

[Redwood House]

what a delightful blog, just love the little people, and my daughters would love the gloves. The black on the crochet blanket looks very effective, what a busy time you do have.
The little people mixing the cake would make a fabulous Christmas Card don't you think.
Jan

[Suzanne]

I have been sick for the last few days and got NO knitting done. You have inspired me to get projects out today and click away. Your knitting is so lovely!

[asti]

Hello Wendy!
Thanks for your comment..I much prefer my old things to buying new (plus, it's the saving money too !)
We used to live in Chesham till I left home, then went to Ley Hill, Amersham, Wycombe and Marlow before moving down here about 8 yrs ago (gosh is it that long ago ?). It's great here, but I miss the hustle and bustle on occasion. Where did you live ?
Your blog is lovely, love all of the knitted toys and especially the crochet blanket. I keep all my old wool scraps too, they always come in handy.
Sorry, had to reply this way as I couldn't get my email to work...
See you out there !

[Jayne]

What lovely knitted things! I particularly like the gloves & the cosy blanket - all the toys are so sweet too!

[Paula]

Dear Eli,
What a gifted knitter you are!!! I love the gloves, the shawl, the blanket and all the little folk you made!!! Just amazing!!! Oh, and teddy looks rather dapper in his jumper and beret!

Santa looks like he is having fun in the kitchen along with his friends! Thank you for sharing all your sweet and lovely creations in wool!

Love, Paula

P.S. The little bird I made is stuffed well with bamboo fiber and made with an type of slightly rough cotton fabric. I used vintage lace gathered up for the wings, trim around the neck and a vintage button to finish it off.

[Maria]

Ha, ha. It's very funny, all the toys around the rum. I understand them. It's very cold these days.

They are beautiful.

Greetings from Bo-Peep and her sheep, for you and for the tiny toys.

1kiss.