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 ❤️
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