woolly santa gnome

woolly Santa gnome

NOTICE: As of January 1st, 2015 I have taken the Santa Gnome PDF off my website for downloading. My new book, Whimsical Woollies, is coming out in May 2015 and will have all the gnome adaptions in it. They are new and improved and all in one simple location. Thanks!

Today I completed the last of the PDF downloads for all the adaptations to the Woolly Gnome and Mushroom pattern. Many of you may already have this one, but for those who don't, here it is, just in time for the holidays!

This pattern has been a lot of fun to play with: Matilda the Witch, the Leprechaun and now the Santa Gnome. Remember that you need the Woolly Gnome & Mushroom pattern to complete the little guy. This pdf download is a supplement to the original pattern.

This Santa gnome's beard calls for curly mohair locks. If your local yarn store doesn't carry them, email me and I will direct you to a source. You can usually pick up a small bag or two at a local sheep and wool festival.

Happy knitting!

needle felting trick

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I couldn't find a direct source for this pin from Pinterest, sorry to say. I was so looking forward to whatever else this site had to offer. For all those that needle felt in the crowd, this idea is quite clever and will save you some time!

What's clever about this technique is Step 1, first tying the loose roving into a knot. This gives the ball a firm center right off the bat. Next the 'tails' are simply needle felted to the center knot.

The difference between Steps 2 and 3 is the continual needle felting: poking the ball until it is round, solid, and the desired size. Judging from the size of the above felting needle, I'm guessing the roving ball in Step 3 is about the size of your thumb nail.

The above technique is great for the addition of wool beads to whimsical jewelry creations. Or how about a unique fringe on that one-of-a-kind scarf?

I plan on using this technique especially for the little needle felted eggs in my Woolly Nest Ornament Kit. Who says this technique is limited to a ball-shape?

 Happy knitting!