Recycled Sweater Christmas trees...or hats? Inspired by Nicky Epstein's Knitting Block by Block

I make a bunch of Christmas trees every year and this year's group is inspired by one of my all time favorite knitting designers-Nicky Epstein and her latest book of absolutely amazing eye candy bits in the form of knit goodness-Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More! How you say that a book on knitted blocks do I come away with inspiration to make Christmas trees? I will tell you. The spectacular details and dimensional textures in the book make me think of all sorts of objects and with my stash of sweaters I can grab the scissors and I am off and crafting. That's not to say the knitting needles aren't going to see some action soon too.
Today I have my Recycled Sweater Christmas tree tutorial for you.
First I made some cardboard cones with some recycled shipping envelopes and cereal boxes and Duct tape.
From the sweater stash I found a sweater that had a similar rolled edge as my inspiration swirl block from Knitting Block by Block. This is where the idea came from. The circling around ruffle made me think of a Christmas tree.
All that was left to do was hot glue the sweater edge strips to the cardboard cone starting at the bottom and working up. I liked the first one so much I went back to the stash and made 2 more with more green striped sweaters. The little top curved over part just happened and I decided to leave it.

The other unintended tree came from all the cool zipper crafts that are around now, one of my sweaters had a green zipper so I seam ripped it out and popped it on a cardboard cone too.

If you like lots (150) of knitting patterns and textures along with the great concept of working modularly in blocks you will LOVE this book! I will be savoring mine!
Knitting Block by Block: 150 Blocks for Sweaters, Scarves, Bags, Toys, Afghans, and More
by

Nicky Epstein

More about the book from the publisher- Potter Craft:

"Create gorgeous sweaters, bags, afghans, and toys just by knitting the simplest of shapes—a square!

No one forgets the sweet victory of completing their first knitted block, but most of us quickly move on to more complex constructions, only making swatches for guage. In this comprehensive volume, celebrated designer and innovator Nicky Epstein reimagines the humble block with 150 new patterns and masterfully demonstrates how to mix, match, and easily combine them into stunning one-of-a-kind garments and accessories.

Inside you will find:

• 150 original block patterns, from simple textures to embossed pictorials, intricate lace to cables, colorwork, double knit, and more, all with Nicky’s signature wit, verve, and style.
• More than ten exclusive project designs that will make you say “I can’t believe that is made out of blocks!”
• Detailed guidance for creating exciting pieces out of block knitting, without using increases or decreases.
• Exclusive cut-and-paste project design pages. Simply cut out the printed blocks and arrange them to help create your own masterpieces.

Blocks are quick to knit, portable pieces perfect for group and charity projects, and now not limited to just afghans! Knitting Block by Block gives you the tools to unlock a world of creative possibilities and confidently build your own design “blockbusters,” one block at a time.

Beloved knitwear designer NICKY EPSTEIN is the bestselling author of numerous books, including Knitting on Top of the World, Knitting on the Edge, and Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch. Her designs have also been featured in Vogue Knitting magazine and many other knitting publications, on television, and at art exhibitions. She currently resides in New York City and travels extensively, teaching and lecturing. "