Every now and then, I get stuck knitting . . . something . . . on repeat. Usually a small something. And often between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s my own little, private binge.
This year, I knit a whole neighborhood!
The idea was hatched just before Christmas, when I saw a post by Terhi Montonen, a knitter I follow on Instagram. (Terhi has great style, and she always inspires me with her simple-but-lovely projects.) Anyway, Terhi had knit 3 tiny houses as ornaments for her tree, and . . .
I. Was. Smitten.
Absolutely freakin’ SMITTEN.
So I looked up the pattern she’d used . . . and sighed a big sigh because it’s a DROPS Design pattern and I hate DROPS Design patterns generally. But I downloaded it anyway because (a) it’s free, and (b) the whole SMITTEN thing. I thought the directions were a bit whack (because DROPS Design) so I decided to use the pattern as a suggestion . . . and figure out how to knit the houses my own way.
I knit one little prototype.
I made a few tweaks.
And then . . . I proceeded to knit 11 more!
Totally addicting. Extremely satisfying. And charming, to boot!
Now. What am I going to DO with my “neighborhood?” I really don’t know, of course. I gave one away (the prototype) to a friend as part of her Christmas gift. (The little houses look just great tied around the neck of a bottle of Proseco. Just sayin.) I’m considering making some sort of . . . garland or bunting . . . with them. Or maybe I’ll keep giving them away, one at a time. For now, I’m just leaving them as is . . . randomly displayed in a basket on my table.
I can almost guarantee you, though, that this binge isn’t over quite yet, and I’ll probably make a few more before the winter is over.
You can find my “modifications” and other assorted details for making these houses here in my Field Notes. (Y’know. Should you want to make one – or a dozen, even – for yourself.) (More photos, too, if you’re interested.)
Oh. My. Gosh!! These are just so fun Kym. I love the embroidery and the button additions! I am not showing this post to the Gnomes in the Great Blue Cupboard, because I fear they will all be clamoring for their own houses! Ha!
They remind me of the beach huts on the coast of Wales! (and elsewhere in the UK, but I’ve seen them in Wales)
So, there goes your Christmas tie in 😉
The houses are charming! I’m tempted to try as I have a small collection of houses made of various materials that make up my Christmas decorations. I have a “thing” for houses made by artists or in a unique way so I’m always on the look out. I think I’m going to join your housing revolution this year. Your neighborhood is so cute!
These are so whimsical and cute! I immediately thought about a mobile. They would be fun no matter how you use them.
I’m glad this mystery has been solved! I saw some of the unadorned houses in a photo back on 12/23 and I wondered what they were. I tried to make them into odd mitten tops or even sock toes, but houses make much more sense. They are really charming and it’s possible I might even make some myself. I took a look at Terhi’s ig page, and I’m quite taken with those fish. I bet Nugget would like a catnip sardine!
These are adorable. They remind me of Cape Town’s Bo Kaap neighborhood of bright houses.
What a darling neighborhood you’ve created Kym. I love it! I had seen the fish that Bonny mentioned and ev en printed out the pattern (Iris loves anchovies and sardines), but I have not knit any yet. I like Becky’s idea of a mobile too. FUN!!!
Freakin’ adorable! I love Terhi Montonen… so inspiring. I’ve gone on binges like that — a few years ago with bulky stars & more recently with dishcloths. Like you, I used the stars to adorn gifts/doubling as ornaments. I gave away a bunch of dishcloths but still have some in a little stack… someone will notice them & I’ll say, “Do you want one?” And they’re always so happy to have a new dishcloth!
I can see how these can easily become addictive! You know, these would look charming with a handful of gnomes and maybe some knitted trees …
What a charming neighborhood! I totally get why you would want to make them over and over!
They are adorable and of course I want to knit them now too.
Those are so stinking cute! And very tempting. I wouldn’t be able to display them, though, because Fred & George would think they were cat toys!
What a delight to open your blog and see such an adorable assemblage of pure charm. I think Felted Tweed is made for charming small pieces like these. And are probably lovely to hold in the hand as well as view (plastic-y acrylic is Not the same). Thanks for locating Terhi for me. Years ago when she still had a blog, i was regularly astounded and inspired by her sophisticated interpretation of so many patterns. Then she fell off my radar. I think your houses would look beautiful on a mantel. Year round or just for the holidays. Or sprinkled around your home in unexpected places. And that birch branch backdrop (say That three times!) is perfect!
Oh, these are adorable ! My sister gave me a set of mini skeins for Christmas that will be perfect for making these little houses!
The little houses are charming. They would make a sweet little garland.