Every now and then I discover something that sparks a flurry of creativity. Perhaps “flurry” isn’t the word…more like a snowstorm! Over the Thanksgiving holiday I found these little cuties and rushed to click on the Free Pattern links.
But when I did, there was no pattern to be found. Not even the website. For some reason, the pattern for knitting a Nisse had been removed and I could only find a paragraph written in Norwegian, which sadly I could not decipher.
OK…so let’s try for a crochet version. Yes! A crochet pattern here indeed! But I wanted some changes…a slightly different single crochet fabric as well as a different shaped hat. So off I went in creating both a knitted pattern and a crocheted version of my very own!! I think my family thought I had fallen down a rabbit hole.
Indeed it felt very much like being transported to another world. I eagerly looked up the definition of Nisse and this is what I found:
A tomte, nisse or tomtenisse (Sweden) (Swedish pronunciation: [ˈtɔ̀mːtɛ]), nisse (Norway and Denmark) (Norwegian pronunciation: [ˈnìsːɛ] or Danish pronunciation: [ˈnesə], Danish plural nisser) or tonttu (Finland) is a mythological creature from Scandinavian folklore today typically associated with the winter solstice and the Christmas season. It is generally described as being no taller than three feet, having a long white beard, and wearing a conical or knit cap in red or some other bright color.
They often have an appearance somewhat similar to that of a garden gnome.[1]
–Wikipedia
How delightful! These would be the perfect mystery make for my knit & crochet students when we resumed classes after the holidays. And yes…they have enjoyed them immensely and now I can share the love with you all!
Feel free to download either the Kork Nisse Knit pattern OR the Kork Nisse Crochet pattern. Or if you are multi-stitchual, grab both!
And I hope you enjoy the fun of making your own little village of Nisses! Share them on Ravelry if you can! I’d LOVE to see them!
Artfully yours,
Jennifer
Oh Jennifer! Your delights, delight me so! Thank your for working out the Nisse crochet pattern. I got your post 15 minutes ago and I have a Nisse waiting for 2 companions to go to a loved one. A flurry of activity is happening. Thank you for all the joy you share!
And what a delight YOU are to let me know this and to be delighted with these patterns! I truly can’t tell you what a delight it is to me to know that others are being delighted from the creative endeavors of my hands. Know that I am grateful for your online friendship and for following me and delighting in creativity. Have a lovely, artful day Margaret! -Jennifer
These little rascals touch your heart! Thanks, Jennifer!!