Are you making gifts this year over the festive season? I have a freebie for you if you are! The idea of making handmade gifts for others during the festive period isn't a new one. A word which has appeared on the UK scene over the last few years is the term 'hygge' (pronounced hoo-gah). Credited to the Scandinavian countries; hygge means to create cosiness, wellbeing and safety - all words synonymous with the winter months here.
Many years ago, I ran my counselling and therapy practice from a clinic which offered office space to a range of therapists. When asked what she was doing over the Christmas period, one of the practitioners shared that she would be spending Christmas Eve with her family, mainly the women of the house, making handmade gifts for loved ones to open the next day and sharing stories of the passed year. Although this practitioner was German and not Scandinavian, I have to admit I felt I was missing out by not spending the evening crafting handmade presents and gifts for others. It sounded simple, gentle and comforting - perfect activities for these winters nights..
Over the past two weeks I've been designing simple, unique gifts to share with others and have created a variety of handmade gifts that are fun to make. One such gift is the Christmas pudding 'bobble hat' (as my husband calls it!) I'm not sure it's that much like a bobble hat, but I'll let you decide! The Christmas pudding is great for covering any spherical item, such as a bath bomb, bauble or chocolate bombe - perfect as a simple, fun gift to make and share with others. I can't share what my Christmas puddings are covering as that would be giving the game away - but I've added a few photos so you can have a sneeky peek!
You'll find the pattern freebie available to download from my shop - just pop over to the menu and take a look!
For ease I've made this pudding in a DK weight yarn (King Cole 100% wool) and used a 3.75mm circular needle. I bought the wool from Knit Nottingham, so a big thanks to Eleanor for helping with wool and encouragement! I've knitted this in the round and decreased as I work my way up to the holly and berries at the top; but you could knit this flat on straight needles, keeping the decreases as you go; and then sew up the side once you've cast off the stitches at the top.
Please feel free to use this pattern. All I ask is that you share your creation with me here in the comments, and, if you're a Ravelry user, or on social media you share and tag me as the designer. Tak!
I'll be curious to see how yours look and even more interested to see what your Christmas pudding bobble hat covers!
Happy knitting! Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2023!
Anna x
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