Another Knitted Christmas Tree Ornament Tutorial (sort of)

A while back, I felted a Fair Isle sweater to make a sweater pumpkin decoration.  I loved the pattern on this sweater and had a lot of material left.  So I couldn't wait to use the same felted sweater to make some Christmas tree decorations.

The process for felting a sweater is quite easy and the materials to make these Christmas ornaments are quite basic.  All you need is an old ( or new) wool sweater, some coordinating fabric for backing your ornament, and some embellishments.  I have all the directions on my Hubpages!

I really love this little Christmas tree ornament!  The knitted Fair Isle pattern looks great on my little tree.  Check out the full tutorial!

2015 Christmas Ornament Exchange and Knitting Patterns

Last night was my knitting group's annual Christmas ornament exchange.  This is our fourth year having an ornament exchange and the rules are pretty simple.  Everyone who wants to participate brings a handmade ornament.  The ornament does not need to be knitted or crocheted, but it must be handmade by the group member.

I didn't have any great ideas for my ornament until I came across this super cute knitted mouse fairy (free!) pattern from Alan Dart.  I knew this pattern would be perfect for the ornament exchange.  The pattern is pretty quick and easy.  The finicky part is attaching the ears, wings and legs.  The main change I made was making a snowflake wand for my mouse.  I just used an eye pin and glued a small plastic snowflake to the top.  I'm really happy with how it came out.

Once I decided on my furry fairy, I came across even more wonderful knitting patterns for Christmas ornaments.  Here are some of my other favorites (not all free):

Holiday Stars and Ball Ornaments from Redheart (free)

These colorful Balls Up! by General Hogbuffer (free)

This cute Basket of Yarn pattern from RedHeart (free)

This Pretty Pink Ewe by Susan McClaskey - this pattern has a fee, but is a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. A great way to give back during this holiday season!

And these tiny wooden animals and the sweater patterns to dress them from Susan B. Anderson - the sweater patterns are free, but the wooden animals are for sale through the Juniper Moon etsy shop as a fundraiser for Heifer International.  These guys are so cute, and such a great fundraiser.

I hope these patterns give you some great ideas for your holiday decorating and gift giving!