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Monday 7 January 2013

Nordic Julekuler: 54, 55/55. Grande finale with the Christmas tree

Yes, I've finally reached the end of my knitted balls marathon. Here are my last two knitted balls closing off the project of all 55 knitted balls designed by Arne and Carlos from Scandinavia.

The first ball shows a reindeer pulling the sleigh. The pattern spreads over two walls.

("Christmas Run" 54/55)

 ("Christmas Run" 54/55)

The second ball features a witch/troll . 

 
(The Thirteenth Day Kari)
In the Scandinavian culture 13th Day Kari is a creature - a witch or a troll - who can't join the Christian society and comes out only once a year on the 13th day after Christmas. They are let to make a run through the snowy town. It is unusual to have this motif on a Christmas ball but looks like witches, fairies and trolls are a big part of Nordic culture. In old vintage Scandinavian Easter cards you can sometimes see a witch giving presents to children.
And the both balls together.


Now, time to show what my Christmas tree looked like decorated with all those balls :) Watch out - lotsa pictures! :) My aim was to achieve a Nordic look in my Christmas decorations. There are mostly red n white balls, with some black and white and a few coloured ones.
I'm telling you - those balls need a proper solid Christmas tree with branches pointing upwards as the balls weigh them down. They are cosy, soft and spongy to the touch and the knitted texture of wool reminds me of Norwegian sweaters. 












                   






Well, I've made so many that some of my knitted balls ended up on a platter as a decoration :)



I thoroughly enjoyed knitting those balls, every single one. That's why I've eventually made more than 55. How many exactly - I don't remember right now. I'll be able to tell you when my decs will come down and I'll put them side by side and count :) I want to take a group picture of them all. 
Is it the end of knitting balls? No! ;) Arne and Carlos supplied us with a book with  Easter versions of  balls so now I've moved on to colourwork knitting. I will also be knitting comissioned balls as quite a few people asked me for gift swaps.

Tonight, I'm joining Hand-made Monday 98 (what a great number now!) and I'm looking forward to blog hopping to see some lovely creations from around the Christmas time.


14 comments:

  1. Don't they look amazing all together! What a fantastic project, i admire you for getting them all done in time for Christmas.

    How fun to do Easter ones, i can't wait to see pictures!! x

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  2. Goodness me Marie, that was some knitting marathon there. Maybe when (if) it snows they would look fantastic hanging on a snow leaden tree. I think you should send the photo to a magazine they are brilliant. Now what is your next big project!

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  3. Great balls! I had a real success with mini jumpers, stockings, hats and mittens for the tree this year... Send me a mail if you would links to the patterns, am going to try and make them through out the year in 2013 (no, really!)

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  4. Wow - well done. They are truly lovely and I am not surprised that they are in demand. It is a good job you have the Easter ones to do as I fear that you would be quite lost otherwise!

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  5. What's fabulous tree and your decorations are gorgeous - well done. Hope you have a good week.

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  6. Your nordic tree looks amazing. The baubles all look wonderful and I love the star on top. I bet you were sad to have to take it all down. Have a lovely week.
    Ali x

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  7. Your tree looks marvellous with all its decorations :)

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  8. I dare say, that not even people in Norway would have had a better decorated tree then you ! These baubles are now officially a family hairloom (like it or not !) such a lovely collection.

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  9. Amazing! The balls are so beautiful, I love that I can now see them all finished. That tree is gorgeous. It has a pulled together look without looking like a *decorator* tree (you know, impersonal). I am in awe that you did all of those. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. I am sooo impressed! The tree looks fab, the balls are amazing and I can't believe you knitted so many (all of them beautiful). Good luck with the Easter balls - can't wait to see them!

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  11. I've nominated you as an Inspirational Craft Blogger. You can read more about it here http://knitstitchsew.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/insiprational-craft-blogger/

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  12. What lovely tree decorations - and you made 55?! Crikey!

    Look forward to seeing what else you come up with this year :)

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  13. I really want to have a christmas tree like yours next christmas season. I shouldn´t start too late this year.
    KATRIN W.

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