Dec 21 2005
A Time and a Place for Everything
Fun Fur and various other eyelash yarns. These little synthetic yarns can elicit strong opinions and emotions from many knitters – I have read many a blog tirade on this very subject. Me? I am of the "ilk" that there is a time and a place for everything; yes, even furry yarns.
Last week, I was browsing my Bloglines list, and was really taken by CraftyModster Anjo’s holiday decorations. She is so talented (scroll down to see her finished Josephine Knitty cardigan!) Her adorable knit trees, decorated with metallic sequins really caught my eye. What a novel idea! Perfect for ornaments, or a holiday centerpiece. I told her she should win the best use of fur yarn award!
With Anjo’s generous assistance, I made my very own trees. I like Anjo’s models better – they are more whimsical and even a little reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, while mine are like furry cone hats. Practice makes perfect, however!
I used Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick, held together with Fun Fur for the tall one, and the smaller one was Lion Brand Homespun held together with the same Fur Fur. I knit the tall tree with size 13 DPNs, and the small one with 10.5 DPNs. The taller one took about 2 hours, and the small one was done after 45 minutes – you could definitely fit this in before Christmas!
**Make sure to check Anjo’s blog – she posted the pattern and shows off some more trees. Also see Maryse’s tree! So cute!
Polyfil (the pillow stuffing from the craft store) fills out the form of the tree, and completes the wintery snow scene above. Another little tree is in the works – and I am planning a few decorations for that one.
I have had experience with furry yarns in the past (my Boa hat - I love it and wear it often; a Trendsetter scarf for my sis; a headband/neckwarmer and even a Cha Cha cardi for my niece) and while it was not always pleasant to work with because of the loose threads everywhere, the final results were cute and fun; especially for kids, and for little accent pieces.
Not all fun fur sucks; it just needs to be used correctly, and in moderation! I am all for more people getting involved in "the craft", even if it takes fun furs to bring them in! So, why all the vitriol? 
Knitting is not the only Christmas craft happening at the Lolly haus. Thanks to Myra’s crafty inspiration, and Megan’s gift of origami papers, I have been a paper folding maniac!
Christmas Origami: Holly leaves, Santa, and Poinsetta
The reindeer I made a few weeks ago was fun, but it was done with the wrong kind of paper. Thanks to Megan for sending the right kind! It really made a difference!
I also got some beautiful new Christmas ornaments from my parents; and they are pomegranates! Kris and I did not put up a tree this year. We are planning to get a new one after the holidays; our old one is quite ugly, and has been used and abused by some little cats. So, the lovely ornaments are now serving as a table centerpiece. Thank you mom and dad!
aww girlie you beat me to it! i too made a fuzzy tree. and i was so pleased with myself.
i’ve got a couple more planned.
LOVE the tree! What an awesome idea. Have either of you written down any instructions?
Now that is actually kinda cute, you could make an entire fun fur tree forest. oh if I had all the time in the world to knit, but house would be one big knitted object I think.
oh thank you Lolly. I just received my free skein of Disco yarn in a very odd shade of green. I can’t imagine knitting anything wearable with this but these little trees will be perfect.
Your trees are so very cute!!! What a wonderful use of Fun Fur, the trees sure are fun! I think your may be right – a time and a place for everything.
Those trees are so, so cute. I bet you could go crazy at the craft store with things that you could get to decorate them with. It would be great if you could find a little star to put at the top. The trees and ornaments are destined to become family heirlooms.
I made some furry trees with squiggle, It worked great.
http://flyingwombat.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/knitting.jpg
I am of a similar “ilk”- there is a time and place for Fun Fur, and you’ve found it. Cute project!
oh my goodness, you are on a roll with making so many wonderful, fun things!! enjoy!!
Schools out for sure Crafty girl! Love the trees. And the pomegranates – oh how perfect!
Super cute trees. I love them! What a great use for fun fur. I’m going to have to remember that for next year.
Lolly – love the little trees! I think yours are whimsical…..and full of the ole holiday spirit! Happy Holidays!
i love your trees! i wish i had time to make some. definitely an acceptable use of fun fur.
and the glitter pomegranate is the best.
Your origami is beautiful and those trees are adorable!
Those trees are great, and those oragami christmas items are too cute. I agree that there is a place for fun fur – and I’ll tell you I’ve sold many scarves in the winter and the ones which go the fastest are the fun fur!
i agree that there is a time and place for every yarn – even fun fur!
I love the trees!
I love the origami things you made. While I was cleaning off the bookshelves I found origami paper and and instruction book and it totally made me think of you!
That IS the perfect use for fun fur!! Thanks for the link, I definitely want to make one of those. Yours turned out so cute! And I love all the origami Christmas decorations you’ve been making! That is really pretty origami paper. I like the subtle variegation- it really stands out on the pointsettia, especially. And the pomegranates look fantastic! As Bossy always says, a little glitter makes everything better.
Take care, L! 
Love, C.
LOVE those trees, Lolly! Amazing!
Glad the origami papers made it to you, and even more glad you’re enjoying them.
Those trees are a great idea. My only problem with them is that I would have to go shopping again to get the ingredients! I have had enough of that for now!
I love the seasonal origami.
Cute, cute, cute, and super cute. The trees, the origami, the ornaments…you are so cool!
those ARE cute trees. I ended up sewing a christmas tree of sorts, but it’s not as cute as those knitted ones. the same technique can be used to make a little cactus as well.
great fur fun.
I am right there with you…a time and a place for everything. While I’m not going to be sporting a fun fur sweater anytime soon, I am all over making a fun fur Christmas tree!
Oh.My.Goodness! Those trees are incredible.
Now I have to make some…
oh my gosh! i love that tree! I am going have to make one!
Have a great holiday, lolly!
I love the trees! I think you did a great job.
Those are cute trees! I never would have thought of using fun fur in that way. Cute!
Your Christmas trees are really cute. I agree with you on the fur yarns. Used in moderation and for the right projects, they look great.
Cute! I like your fun fur knits – it isn’t the easiest stuff to learn with, but it’s such a soft material, it draws people in.
I love the origami, and the pomegranate ornaments are a great addition to your collection.
Lolly! Your trees are adorable!!! I even used Fun Fur this year to make my Grinch’s Holiday Scarf (http://yarnaholic1963.typepad.com/dances_with_yarn/2005/11/the_grinchs_hol.html), so I agree… everything in moderation. Even Fun Fur
Everytime I see pomegranates at the grocery store I think of you! We too plan on a new tree after Christmas!
Those tress are so adorable! And your origami is just perfect. So many projects…so little time:) Have a Happy Holiday season.
Love the fun fur Christmas tree’s. Those are just too cute. I’m going to make some for next year. This one is a lost cause.
Love the trees Lol. They are really cute. You are a crafty girl. Chat with you later. XXOO
The trees are great! I’m adding them to my holiday project list for 2006!
The pomegranates are great – this year I made some holiday pomegranate topiaries for my dining room table.
I love the trees! Good idea…
Amanda
Your trees are really cute. I normally hate fun fur but that is a definite good use for it.
Those trees are great! hmmm Gotta make one!
i LOVE your knit trees – i had a pattern for a crocheted one and had hoped to make one, but never got to it….your origami reindeer is adorable!
The trees are really cute,…the orgami, too! Glad you are enjoying the pom ornaments! XXOO
Love the trees!
Good golly Lolly! I love the trees! It really must be a ‘small world’ because Veronica and I made a “fun fur” tree for her teacher this year-except we cheated and used a styrofoam cone. Next year I think I will knit one instead. They have some great red/silver and black/silver fur combos that I think would make some great centerpieces, along with the traditional green. We put beads on ours, but I love the sequins. V and I have been trying our hand at the origami as well-thanks again for the link.
Tress are already cheap here in Michigan-I can’t believe it!! We always get a real one, but at the prices I have been seeing pre-lit artificial I am giving it a second thought.;-) The kids will never let me though!! Hope the holidays treat you well!
Oh those trees are so cute! They came out great! Thanks for the great link for a new to me blog.
Girl, you are so crafty! The trees are adorable, and the origami reindeer is awesome. Go, fun fur!!!
Everything is so cute but I LOVE the trees! I’m putting those on my list for next year.
Actually, I like your trees better…they don’t curl over on the top. A really cute idea for me to attempt for next year perhaps….
Ohhhhh…..at first when I read “Fun Fur” I was scared. When I read ‘Fun Fur” in conjunction with “ornaments” I was terrified. But I was so wrong. Those are ADORABLE. Love them.
WoW! You have been a crafty little bee! Love the xmas trees!
Happy holidays.
Very creative use of a yarn so many love to hate! Perhaps this would give it a brand new page in its yarn life … LOL!
I love the one on the left…so cute! I’m wondering now about making a felted one with wool and fun fur…a la the SnB Monster slippers…hm…
Love all the holiday decorations, Lolly! The trees are too cute.
Oh,those trees are fabulous! Have a very Merry Christmas!!
I wish You and Kris a Merry Christmas. As we say in Sweden : GOD JUL
Looks like Christmas is in full force at your house! Looooove the trees!! And your Christmas origami looks fantastic!!
Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!!
Darn…I just erased my whole comment. I love the x-mas trees you knit up. They are adorable & so real looking.
I also love the Origami…especially the flowers. Just beautiful. I used to fold paper when I was little. It’s amazing what you can do with paper!
BTW…I love your Beret!
Have a very Merry Christmas!!!
I love the furry trees and the cute little origami folds.
I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season!
I love the tree! So crafty, and it definitely should win an award for best use of fun fur! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
That fuzzy tree is adorable! If I had some fun fur (or the like) in my stash I’d be starting one right.now. The ornaments your parents gave you are lovely. It’s always nice to get something you like to hang on the tree — something unique.
Merry Christmas.
You’re a Crafting Fool!!! Love the trees and the origami.
Merry Christmas!
cute stuff, all of them. have a great holiday season!
Ah! You’re giving me so many reasons to start knitting EARLY next year. The hat you asked about is from Knitty – I’m going to put up the pattern as soon as I’m not at work (they’ve caught on to my blogging- whoops).
Great trees! So cute. Love the leg warmers…I’m reading…but little time to comment!
Happy Holidays!
Happy holidays to you Lolly! I hope you have a wonderful break from school, in the company of family, friends, and yarn!
Love those trees! I think I may try and make a quick one today. (My son is reading with me today and he got very excited about your trees: ‘aren’t they soooo cute, Mom?’…hehe). Love your new ornaments too. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!
Tee-hee – I love the fun fur trees – so cute.
A few days ago Mike’s aunt has asked me to make her a fun fur scarf, and another aunt overheard and said “me, too”, so it looks like I’ll be reacquainting myself with fun fur soon enough.
I hope you and Kris have a wonderful Christmas, Lolly! xoxo.
Lolly, I’d like to wish you and your family a VERY happy Christmas filled, with love and laughter! Cathy
Those turned out terrific! I love them! too cute!
I know this is an old post, but I saw your trees pop up on Ravelry and I couldn’t resist coming over
The trees are so cute, I think I am inspired…
It’s totally acceptable to take a break from gift knitting for something this cute right?