Did you have a Knitting Nancy or knitting doll as a kid? I did. When I lived in Townsville we went to the boat club for their annual Christmas party. Santa Claus arrived by helicopter and presented all kids there with a gift. I got a Knitting Nancy and loved it!

This is the Knitting Nancy I had as a child.

I had to drop the kids off early at school to be home at a certain time to work on things. Due to the twins being early for class they have taken to going to the library to look at books and to colour in. One of the teachers gave Julia a home made knitting doll well, not really a doll but more of a version with a toilet roll holder and paddle pop sticks. She is loving it. She is now taking her knitting everywhere and has announced to hubby that she is going to make him a scarf.

Julia’s knitting. She has done such a great job so far.

Look nearly poking out of the holder. Julia is very proud of the fact that she is creating more and more each time. Daddy will have a scarf soon.

What her DIY sewing doll looks like. Such vibrant pink wool!

Both kids seem very interested in knitting and this technique to create things. I have ordered both kids a wooden doll knitter and in fact they are Fairy Knitting Dolls below that I have purchased from Gumnut Toys

These are the fairy knitting dolls that I have ordered for the twins. Cannot wait till they turn up!

As the above images have shown you can do this type of knitting without any fancy tools or devices. You can make your own. I love this. I searched the internet and found a great DIY Post from Heidi from Hands Occupied. She gives a great guide on How to create a DIY Knitting Loom & Knit with it.

Have you created one of these DIY looms/knitting dolls? I am amazed that Julia is getting such joy doing this knitting and task. She is learning a new skill and creating something at the same time. Her sister also is keen and has given it a go. I loved my Knitting Nancy as a kid. I created such wonderful creations, mainly big snakes. What have you created or remember you made with yours?

With many children sitting and watching screens these days, doing something with your hands and creative is a great idea. I hope that I can remember how to work the knitting fairies when they turn up. I also had no idea that the girls would love doing this. I thank the teacher at the school for giving the girls something to keep them busy, creative and a new skill to learn.

Julia loves it and is even taking her knitting to bed to do it before she falls asleep. So cute to watch really. Such a fussy pot now with her knitting and no one can touch it. I secretly took the pictures of her knitting and have put it back carefully in the bag in her room. Yes I don’t want to get into trouble!

What have your kids tried that you did as a kid? I think that this type of toy is timeless. What are your thoughts?