As a child, I loved opening a little bag from the Advent calendar every morning. My mum had sewn it herself and lovingly filled it. These memories are some of the best of my childhood - because there was so much love, anticipation and magic. That's why I'm still a big fan of Advent calendars today. And so it was clear to me that I wanted my children to have one too: A self-knitted Advent calendar.
I also love sewing, and with a sewing machine I could have made 24 little bags in no time. But my favourite thing to do is knit, so I was very happy when I found the free instructions for Julevotter on Ravelry. It's in Norwegian, but thanks to the knitting instructions I was able to follow it very well without any knowledge of the language. (Unfortunately, these instructions can no longer be downloaded. But we found another nice one, in English.)
Translated, Julevotter means "Christmas mittens", and that's exactly what they look like: Like tiny mittens, only without thumbs. Every single little bag is a work of art.
On the front, the numbers from 1-24 are embedded as jacquard elements, while the backs are also all designed in different patterns. It is a real pleasure to knit this Advent calendar
Firstly, you can play around with colours. I didn't stick to the instructions but looked for beautiful colour combinations in my leftover wool. In addition to neutral light shades, I chose strong colours so that the patterns are rich in contrast and easily recognisable. So one calendar was berry-purple-olive and the other has a blue-green colour scheme. Both are similar and yet as individual as the children who are now allowed to empty these bags every year.
On the other hand, the different patterns are great fun! Each little bag is a self-contained design that can easily be completed in one evening. You start by choosing the colour and then get to know a new Norwegian pattern each time. Some will be immediately in your head, others will require more attention. Every single bag is like a tiny new knitting adventure. And you have a constant sense of achievement, because another one is finished in no time at all. I found it great to collect them and spread them out again and again to see which colours I would choose for the next mini glove...
This brings me to the next reason why I like this Advent calendar so much: with each new bag that pops off the needle, the anticipation of the moment when it hangs on the wall, ready knitted and lovingly filled, and the children find it with shining eyes. Or even your partner, mum or girlfriend. We're all never too old for an advent calendar! It's all about bringing joy to a loved one. And that just feels good.
First and foremost, however, we make ourselves happy. Because the Julevotters are not only nice for the recipients, but also make the perfect knitted advent calendar for ourselves. How about knitting a little bag every day during Advent this year? A little knitting meditation for the pre-Christmas period. Make yourself comfortable for an hour every evening, with warm socks, a cosy blanket and a hot cup of tea, and knit the number of the day. And while you're at it, calm down and get into the spirit of Advent. Because that's what it's all about - contemplation.
The fact that you will then have a wonderful Advent calendar ready on Christmas Eve, which you can use to give a very special treat next year, is a great side effect. Now you have all the time in the world to collect beautiful little things to fill it in peace and quiet.
Although my own children are already taken care of, I will definitely be knitting another Julevotter Advent calendar - just so that my little nephew can enjoy it too, of course ;-)On that note: Happy knitting and a peaceful Advent season!
