© Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Advent in Germany
My absolute favourite thing about living in Germany so far has got to be Advent. Growing up in Ireland ‘Advent’ existed purely in the religious sense with the exception of our ancient Advent calender which had picture behind the doors, not chocolates!

In Germany though, it extends far beyond church services and encompasses a whole month or so of festive traditions in the build up to the big day. Christmas decorations usually go up on or about the first Sunday in Advent and the Christmas markets open up just before.

Food and drink is also a big part of the celebrations and there’s nothing like a hot mug of Glühwein (mulled wine) at the Christmas market to stave away the December chill. However, one of the most endearing traditions (to me at least) is that of Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas biscuits).

They are traditionally baked and eaten during Advent and often given as presents to friends or neighbours. Most recipes are for pretty large quantities to ensure there are plenty to go around.

It is also sometimes a family event, with children involved in the easier steps like using the cookie cutters or decorating. Recipes are often advertised as being ‘wie aus Omas Backstube’ (roughly, ‘just like Grandma used to make’).

I spent Wednesday baking some of the classics as pictured here. They passed the authentic test by being appreciatively devoured by my husband’s work colleagues!

Christmas Day 2010
© Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Sea Slope
We spent a week back in Sussex in August with one glorious afternoon at Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters Cliffs.
© Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Sunday Morning Woods Walk
‘Luggala’ published in Twist Collective Winter 2012
Five months ago (almost to the day) I nervously posted my Luggala sample sweater off to Twist HQ in the US. This morning, at 4:30am, my obsessive visiting of their site over the past week finally revealed the published garment!

I’m delighted with how photographer Jane Heller and everyone at Twist have presented my design.

Everything in the latest issue is beautiful and I’m queueing up my favs like crazy!
I’ll write a little post about the design process behind Luggala soon. In the meantime, special thanks to everyone at Twist for making my dream come true!
© Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Holst Garn
The colours shown are Calypso, Lather, Aquamarine and Lather. I’m working on a little something with colourwork that I hope to be able to share with you soon.
© Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Twist Collective Winter 2012
The Winter 2012 issue of the ever beautiful Twist Collective is due to be published very soon. The list of designers is now up on Ravelry and I am so excited to be included! My jumper will appear alongside designs by some of the serious heavyweights of the knitting world.
Stay tuned for more details!
© Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Áine Ryan and knitahedron.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.