Nutcracker by Wendy McDonnell

Nutcracker

Knitting
October 2024
28 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette
US 2 - 2.75 mm
0.7 mm
2150 - 2200 yards (1966 - 2012 m)
one
English
This pattern is available for $9.50 USD
buy it now or visit pattern website

This fun 6 wedge shawl is worked flat with columns instead of knit dividers. The center back panel actually has the soldier, he can be decked out in all manner of styles. The kit comes with loads of gold trims for him as well as Kid Silk black for his hat and white for hair and beard. There’s mini silk in blue and red for the rest of the uniform. The top border is a Christmas ribbon candy, Sugar Plum fairy is on 4 of the divider columns. There are twirl candy sticks and lollipops as well as wrapped candy on the collar. Did I say collar? Yes indeed, with candy on top”. Enough different things to keep the most experienced knitter full of enjoyment and the newbies to “just keep knitting”, to see what’s next. It’s going to be fun, come out and play.

Kits available for a short time.

Supplies:
Yarn: Yarn Fairy Soft Sock, 100% SW Merino Sock, 435 yds/100g
Test knitter was able to finish with 11 grams remaining of 5 skeins or
If you’d prefer 6 skeins
Yarn Fairy Kid, 18 yds black for solider hat
Bamboo fur white bead and hair 6 yds
Siren Silk Sock, black, red and blue for solider, 3 mini hanks, 90 yards
Needles: US 2/2.75mm – 32” circular
Hook: Chiaogoo size US 14/0.5 mm and 16/0.4mm for
placement method of beading
Beads: 6/0 clear or clear AB for body of shawl, 612 qty-kit has 680 , qty
4-6mm bead or crystal for Sugar Plum Fairy’s top knot AKA bun, 18 qty
2mm Gold for soldiers eyes, 6 qty
Notions: Photo on website
Gold metallic trims, all under ¼” several trims epaulets for soldier to choose from.
Buttons-flat 3mm
Buttons shank round 3mm
Gold thread 1mm
Gold thread-looks like chain
Balls to string
Bottom left to right
Curved hollow tube
Trim with loops on each side
Trim woven through round circles
Lace trim
3 crowns to top soldier with if desired.
Various sewing thread and needles to adhere all. If you don’t have any needles and bought Kit 1, please let me know and I’ll set you up.
Gauge: 28 sts, 36 rows over 4 inches in stockinette blocked on size 2
Finished Measurements: About 45” nap to hem, 80” wingspan
Fae level: Intermediate
Skills Needed: Cables, lace, reading charts, textured sts, minimum sewing skills just need to whip cord on.

My Story
When I was in the hospital with Covid a few years back, I had vivid hallucinations. In my head the pediatrics ward was hosting the Nutcracker, everyone was dressed up, RN’s, orderlies, doctors, all were in costume. One man was dressed in black and green sorta like a jester. He looked just like Issac, the bartender from Love Boat, I can still see his outfit, emerald green puffy “round hose” which is the paneled bloomers thing. Under all this he was covered black tights. The outfit was complete with a great jester hat and slippers. Like the bloomer they were green, black panels and gold trims as well as bells. There were presents under the tree and I was trying to catch up with Clara (AKA Marie). When my senses returned, I was so disappointed to find out that hospital did away with pediatrics 17 years back. Issac, was no where to be found and no one was in costume. The RN’s brought me back to consciousness with a loud holler of Merry Christmas. And I was bummed, missed time and had to crash down in reality. After I spending time in Clara’s world nothing can compare. So, in honor of that “dream?” I give you, Nutcracker.