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.