Deck the halls with Scandinavian knit - timeless charm of farmhouse-style holiday decor
Sep 30, 2023The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to dress your home with warmth, love, and a dash of Nordic elegance. Today, let’s delve into the timeless charm of crafting knit holiday ornaments and decor inspired by traditional Norwegian and Scandinavian farmhouse style — a perfect blend of simplicity, tradition, and coziness.
The Beauty of Simplicity
In Scandinavian farmhouse style, less is often more. The emphasis is on simple geometric shapes, subdued colors, and natural materials. It's this simplicity that offers a canvas for your creativity, allowing you to add that personal touch while honoring centuries-old Nordic traditions. If you’ve been with me for a while, you have seen all my holiday projects are just that, made in subdued colors and natural materials.
Traditional Inspirations
Many of these knit designs draw upon Norway's rich tapestry of history and culture. From star motifs reminiscent of old tapestries to patterns influenced by folk art, each stitch connects us to a world that's as festive as it is timeless.
Ornaments that Shine
Last week I shared a free star pattern and several of the patterns I offer have the traditional rose/stars included in their designs. These celestial bodies are not just heavenly to look at but are also relatively easy to knit. Stars are quintessentially Scandinavian and often feature prominently in holiday traditions - whether they’re part of a stranded knit or a three dimensional knit star. The stars in the free pattern ( download here) is knit with 5 tags, but can easily be expanded to 6 for those who wish to do that.
In Norwegian we call them Julekuler, in English Christmas Balls. These iconic ornaments are perfect for knitters of all skill levels and can be personalized with initials, dates, or traditional Norwegian motifs - like the 10 different motifs you get in Anne’s Christmas Ball pattern booklet - read on and find out how to get your hands on that booket.
Another way to cozy up your home is to knit a wreaths. A front door adorned with a hand-knit wreath featuring traditional motifs welcomes not just guests but also the holiday spirit.
Choosing the Right Materials
Natural fibers like wool not only align well with Scandinavian aesthetics but also carry the bonus of being eco-friendly. Opt for muted, earthy tones that echo the Nordic landscape for a truly authentic experience.
The Healing Stitches
And as I cannot stress enough, the act of knitting is itself a form of meditation. The rhythmic, repetitive motions can offer much-needed peace, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Sustainability Meets Tradition
These aren't just ornaments; they're heirlooms. Made with love, care, and sustainable materials, these decorations have the power to become a part of your family's holiday tradition for generations to come.
So, as autumn unfolds, we've got something truly special lined up for members of Anne’s Norwegian Knitting Nook. We invite you to become part of our vibrant knitting community and indulge in some seasonal crafting. Here's a quick glimpse of what the coming months have to offer:
- October 1st: Kick off the holiday knitting season with the release of our exclusive Christmas Tree Skirt pattern.
- October 4th: Join us for a Bonus Knitting Huddle for added inspiration and tips.
- Later in October: Don't miss our Monthly Knitting Huddle, where we come together to share progress and ideas.
- November 1st: Get excited for the Knit Together event, where we’ll be crafting a matching Christmas Stocking for the Christmas Tree Skirt.
- Throughout November: Look out for a Bonus Workshop and our regular Knitting Huddle.
- Plus: We'll sprinkle in small decor patterns throughout the months for those delightful finishing touches.
- Special October Bonus: Sign up this month and receive my Christmas Ball pattern booklet, featuring 10 different traditional Norwegian motifs.
To wrap up, knitting isn't just about yarn and needles; it's a heartfelt expression of culture, community, and personal well-being. As we move into this season of joy and giving, let’s embrace the richness of Norwegian tradition and the shared joy of crafting heirlooms that will last for generations. We can't wait to welcome you to our upcoming events and share this delightful journey with you ... click here to check it out!
Warm Knitting vibes from,
Anne
Want more of Anne's Norwegian Knitting? Click here and read more about the free little corner of Anne's Norwegian Knitting - the Knit Bit.