Simple Traditions and Peaceful Holidays + VIDEO + Knitting Pattern
The winter solstice is here, darkness is here, and Christmas will soon be here. The year’s work is mostly done (we’re just tying up the last little bits), and now comes the time to slow down, to ground ourselves, a screen-free rest period where we bury ourselves in good books, comforting food, knitting, skiing, and cozy blankets. Ah.
At the end of this post, you’ll find a video capturing the mood of this slow, dark season: preparing the home for Christmas, unwinding, and embracing stillness. The beauty of nature shines through snowy landscapes and the northern lights.
But before that, I want to share that I’ve also released a new mitten pattern – the Karsikko Mittens. I found inspiration for them while reading a lot of historical novels, especially about Finland and Lapland, where there’s often mention of carving protective symbols into wood or the beams of a house.
The books don’t go into detail about what these symbols actually look like, but I figured that carving into old wood with a knife doesn’t usually produce very intricate, circular patterns – much like a knitted surface. I wanted to adapt this ancient tradition into a knitting pattern, and that’s how the Karsikko Mittens were born. “Karsikko” refers to a tree marked with protective symbols, often standing at the edge of a yard and the forest, keeping evil spirits away.
Everyone can take from this tradition whatever speaks to them, but the Karsikko Mittens will at least bring warmth and joy to the darkest days of winter, if nothing else :)
The knitting pattern is available in both Finnish and English on Ravelry, as well as below from my online shop. I would love to see what kind of mittens you create! You can send me photos by email or share them on social media with #karsikkomittens, so I can share them with others too ❤️
NOTE; This is a digital product. After purchasing you will be able to download a PDF file of the knitting pattern.
Karsikko means a tree carved with protective marks to guard humans from the forest. Symbols were whittled into its trunk with a knife or axe so that unseen forces would know to stay away from human homes. The karsikko stood at the edge of the forest, where human land met another world. The Karsikko Mittens takes its inspiration from these ancient protective marks etched into old trees.
The Karsikko Mittens are worked from the wrist to the tip following two different stranded colorwork charts. On the palm side, a thumb gusset is created by increasing stitches. When the gusset is complete, place the thumb stitches on a stitch holder and knit the thumb last. The colorwork patterns are simple, rhythmic, and easy to follow.
SIZE
Two sizes – S, (L)
S: mitten length from wrist to tip 26.5 cm (10.4 in), mitten width 10.5 cm (4.1 in)
L: mitten length from wrist to tip 28 cm (11.0 in), mitten width 11 cm (4.3 in)
NEEDLES & NOTIONS
3 mm (US 2.5) double-pointed needles or a circular needle (31–47 in / 80–120 cm) for working in the round using the Magic Loop technique.
Note: The pattern calls for 3 mm needles, but use the size needed to achieve the correct gauge.
You will also need stitch holders or scrap yarn for holding stitches, stitch markers, and a tapestry needle.
GAUGE
24 sts × 24 rows in stockinette stitch worked in the round on 3 mm (US 2.5) needles.
YARN
Tukuwool Sock, 80% Finnish wool, 30% biodegradable polyamide (320 m / 100 g) (350 yd / 3.5 oz)
MC (Main Color) – H20, Hohka (red), 30 (35) g (≈1.1 (1.2) oz)
CC (Contrast Color) – 01, Sake (natural white), 40 (45) g (≈1.4 (1.6) oz)
Or any other Sport-weight yarn.
I wish you peace and love, warmth and gentleness for the rest of the year. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, whether you have time off during the holidays or not.
See you in the new year! 🩵
Here’s a video about northern traditions during the darkest time of the year, with a touch of Christmas spirit and reflections on the season.
🖤 Sanna