We have a Christmas tree! Why is this a big deal? Because this is the first tree I have ever had. Growing up, we didn't really do Christmas. No tree, no presents, no lights. I was ok with a lot of that, except for the tree part. I've always wanted a tree. Because we've never had a tree, we don't really have any ornaments, or more importantly, a tree topper. I have a collection of lights from when I used to run shows. It was a great way to light an area without it being too bright. And I talked my Dad into helping me string cranberries and popcorn. But since I'm a knitter, I decided to knit up the tree topper.
I used the Stjärna pattern as a starting point. But I made some mods to make it fit on top of the tree. The star is made in two halves, so I used Judy's Magic Cast On (Which I learned specifically for this project. It's a way easy cast on. I should have tried it out sooner.) After completing the first side of the star, I put 2 stitches before and 2 stitches after the original cast on on a stitch holder. Then I provisionally cast on 4 stitches to make up for the "missing" 4 stitches. After finishing the second side of the star, I stuffed it then picked up the 8 held stitches, plus 2 extra stitches on either side of the held stitches.
I then knit a tube the length of the star. On the last round, I k2tog all the way around, then threaded the yarn through the remaining 5 stitches and cinched it tight.
The toughest part was shoving the tube into the star. I had pulled the yarn at the end of the tube into the star. If I had been a little wiser, I would have threaded the yarn at the end of the tube into the top of the star and used it to help me inside our the tube. Eventually I got it.
Even Scooter has his own stocking.
So does anyone else have any yarn/ knitting/ fiber craft decorations on their tree? Any suggestions? I've got a thread started up on the Bear Ears rav group and I'd love to see pictures or pattern suggestions.
5 comments :
Awww, what a perfect topper for a sweet little tree!
I love this! We were big on homemade decorations when I was a kid, and they continue to be the bulk of the decorations of my parents' tree. I won't be in my apartment for Christmas, so we didn't get a tree, which I'm a bit sad about. There's something so festive and fun about decorating a tree (doubly so if you go to a Christmas tree farm and cut it down yourself!).
I've never knit an ornament, but you're making me think I should. There are some good ones for Fair Isle balls, and I've seen some cut little stocking and mitten ones. So fun.
I love your Christmas tree topper! What an ingenious way to modify that star pattern.
really cute! and i love the cranberries and popcorn too. you'd never know this is your first tree!
Lovely!! I share your sentiments on the tree. We never had Christmas as kids, but it's nice to be able to get the tree up and decorate it. In terms of decorations, I don't know if you remember Frankie Brown's advent ornaments from last year? http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/advent-garland They are soooo sweet. A friend knitted me several as gifts, and they make perfect Christmas tree decorations. The detailing in the patterns are extraordinary.
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