The magical woodland knirs are a rare and mystical species found only in the deepest corners of enchanted forests. These charming creatures are known for their luminous purple coats, shimmering wings, and mischievous personalities. They have a unique ability to manipulate nature and can create intricate patterns and shapes with their graceful flight. The knirs are highly elusive and only reveal themselves to those who possess a pure heart and a deep connection to nature. They have a strong affinity for trees and can often be found resting on branches, blending in perfectly with the surrounding foliage. Despite their small size, they emit a powerful energy that brings harmony and balance to their surroundings.
A collection of 15 knitting patterns for lifelike animals and birds accompanied by Claire’s sketches and studies of the natural world. The patterns will identify the specific species of bird/animal and Claire’s designs reflect their true markings and colours. The creatures will be photographed in their natural habitats to enhance their realistic appearance.
Also, a tip I ve learnt I use lockable stitch markers within the patterns, so, to make it easy when it comes to joining the small seams, make a note of which colour marker is which red marker for Neck Marker for example. Also, a tip I ve learnt I use lockable stitch markers within the patterns, so, to make it easy when it comes to joining the small seams, make a note of which colour marker is which red marker for Neck Marker for example.
Despite their small size, they emit a powerful energy that brings harmony and balance to their surroundings. Legend has it that the magical woodland knirs possess the ability to grant wishes, but only if the wish is selfless and will bring happiness to others. They are believed to be guardians of the forest, protecting its inhabitants from harm and ensuring the balance of nature is maintained.
Magical Woodland Knits – An Interview with Claire Garland
I recently acquired a copy of Claire Garland’s book Magical Woodland Knits. I was immediately enchanted by the beautiful image and gold embossing on the front cover. It is a beautiful publication, printed on fine paper and containing creative photos of the complete projects (twelve woodland animals), as well as detailed photos of the construction of each project.
✨Be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter to win a copy of Magical Woodland Knits!✨
Upon entering the magical world of Claire Garland’s creations, it’s not uncommon to stumble across a phrase such as
‘Here’s a very quick and simple little cardigan to fit your little Guinea Pig.’
If that’s not enough to draw you in, I can’t imagine what is. 😍
Claire was kind enough to share a bit about herself and her book below. Enjoy!
B: Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
C: Hi my name is Claire Garland, aka Dot Pebbles (my online presence). I’m a creative soul, living in Cornwall, UK, who loves to knit and wants to knit forever.
Many years ago, I began designing characterful dolls and their clothes and selling them as patterns online and also in books (I wrote the book Knitted Babes) – from here, I moved on to knitting animals, which I’ve honed in on to try and capture them as life-like as possible – this is where I’d like to stay because I love the challenge and there are so many animals I need to capture.
B: What inspired you to write this book?
C: Since I started to knit the animals and take up the personal challenge to create ‘as life-like a creature as possible from yarn’ I found myself veering towards native, wild UK animals; creatures as small as birds and mice and as big as a wolf. The book commission followed from me posting my makes and promoting my patterns on my Instagram account @dotpebbles_knits
B: What were the most challenging/fun parts of creating this book?
C: The patterns themselves were quite challenging not only to create and invent but also to write down because I was always tweaking the shapes, so it was a very lengthy process, and also fitting in with what was a tight schedule was a little stressful. That said though, it was (and is) immensely fun and engrossing and also rewarding!
B: Do you have a favorite woodland creature? I’m quite fond of the badger!
C: Aw yeah, I like the badger too, especially the way he’s been photographed. But my favourite is the rabbit, mainly because this was one of my first creatures – first I’d ever knitted, and this is the pattern that kind of kick-started my success (wee little mouse is cute too!)
B: When it comes to knitting stuffed animals, what do you think knitters should be aware of? Are there techniques required that aren’t commonly used in garment and accessory knitting?
C: I think the major difference is the finishing. By that, I mean the whole stuffing and shaping part. What you are, in essence creating is a knitted sculpture, so with that in mind, you’re not just knitting, joining, and plonking on a shelf in a toy cupboard (at least that’s not what they are truly designed for); you are instead creatively moulding and sculpting the yarn and the stuffing and giving character and ‘life’ to the finished item.
B: What is your favorite thing to knit?
C: Animals – I’m particularly enjoying my latest ‘Knitted Dolls’ with clothes. I loved knitting the puppies too, for my Domestika Course.
B: What makes this book a great addition to a knitting library?
I am a great collector of cookery books, in particular ones that are beautifully photographed. I’ll probably only ever make one dish from each these books but I just love looking and browsing through them, I find them totally inspiring – if I may I’d like this to be a kind of analogy for my book.
B: I adore this comparison. As an avid collector of books on a variety of subjects, I think that you’ve truly captured the reason that so many of us love to be surrounded by them; the inspiration.✨
If there’s anything else you’d like to share with the readers, please do!
C: I’d like to say don’t be afraid of the patterns. Don’t be put off by the wording or the seeming complexity of the makes. They are created from just basic knit and purl on two needles, so are very doable.
Also, a tip I’ve learnt: I use lockable stitch markers within the patterns, so, to make it easy when it comes to joining the small seams, make a note of which colour marker is which (red marker for Neck Marker for example). I now write a colour-marker guide within my patterns and it’s oh-so useful.
B: What a beautiful book! I’m looking forward to sharing it with my readers.
Thank you!
I am a great collector of cookery books, in particular ones that are beautifully photographed. I’ll probably only ever make one dish from each these books but I just love looking and browsing through them, I find them totally inspiring – if I may I’d like this to be a kind of analogy for my book.
It is said that those fortunate enough to witness a knir's flight will be blessed with good fortune and a renewed sense of wonder. These enchanting creatures have inspired countless tales and stories throughout the ages. Many artists and writers have sought to capture their beauty and grace, but few have been able to truly convey their ethereal nature. The knirs remain a mystery, their true nature and purpose shrouded in secrecy. The magical woodland knirs serve as a reminder of the wondrous and magical aspects of our natural world. They teach us to appreciate the beauty and interconnectedness of all living things and to embrace the magic that surrounds us. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the knirs offer a glimmer of hope and a source of inspiration. In conclusion, the magical woodland knirs are a captivating and elusive species that embody the magic of the natural world. Their presence brings joy and wonder to those lucky enough to encounter them, reminding us of the beauty and mystery that exists all around us. Let us cherish and protect our forests, for they are the sanctuaries that house these extraordinary creatures..
Reviews for "The Fascinating History of Magical Woodland Knirs"
1. John - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Mabical woodland knirs." The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were poorly developed. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and I had a hard time connecting with any of them. The writing style was also not to my taste, with long, convoluted sentences that made it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a struggle to read and would not recommend it.
2. Susan - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Mabical woodland knirs" based on the description, but unfortunately, it fell short for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and there was minimal action throughout the book. I also found the world-building to be lacking, as I had a hard time picturing the magical woodland and its inhabitants. Additionally, the ending was unsatisfying and left many loose ends unresolved. While the concept was intriguing, the execution was lacking, and I was ultimately disappointed with this book.
3. Mark - 2.5 stars
"Mabical woodland knirs" had an interesting premise, but it didn't quite live up to my expectations. The writing was decent, but I found it to be overly descriptive and flowery, which detracted from the overall story. The characters, while unique, lacked depth and felt one-dimensional. There were also several plot holes that were never addressed, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. Unfortunately, this book didn't captivate me as I had hoped it would.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I struggled to get through "Mabical woodland knirs". The pacing was extremely slow, and the story dragged on without much happening. The magical elements felt forced and poorly explained, and I had a hard time connecting with the characters. The dialogue was also stilted and unrealistic, making it difficult to become engaged in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read and would not recommend it to others.