Thistles and Holly Celtic Christmas Stocking:

No one knows for certain how the thistle rose to become the national emblem of Scotland, but one legend has it that a sleeping party of Scots warriors were saved from an ambush by an invading Norse army when one of their enemies trod on the spiky plant. His anguished cry roused the slumbering warriors, who duly vanquished the invaders and adopted the thistle as their national emblem.

There is no doubt that whatever its origins in folklore, the thistle is loved and symbolises the beauty and strength of Scotland.
The Holly tree is one of the most beloved, respected trees in Celtic mythology and is the evergreen twin of the Oak. It is said, that whilst the Oak was the controller of the light half of the year, the Holly tree controlled the dark, winter months.

Traditionally, the Holly tree is highly sacred in Celtic mythology and symbolises peace and goodwill. Due to its resistance to lightning, it was planted near dwellings to protect people from lightning strikes.

Druids believed the Holly tree to possess protective qualities, such as guarding against evil spirits and bad luck. Legend has it that bringing the leaves inside during the winter months would provide shelter from the cold for fairies, who in return would be kind to those who lived in the dwelling.

For centuries this magical tree has been represented by a Holly wreath which was worn as a crown by Celtic chieftains for good luck. Traditionally, it was used to protect new-born babies from harm by bathing them in the water from the leaves.

I do hope you enjoy knitting this design that celebrates the lowly but beautiful Thistle and Holly.

Materials:

This pattern uses Aran weight Shetland lambswool or equivalent.
Actual amounts used are listed below, but please use this as a rough guide only, given that different brands may differ slightly.

The yardage of the yarn used was 95m/104yds per 50g.

Cream: 80g Green: 80g Red: 60g

Knitting Needles:

One set of double-pointed 5.00mm (US 8) knitting needles is suggested for knitting the stocking.

Alternatively, you may use a 40cm long 5mm circular knitting needle, though you may find the DPNs easier to use for the heel and toe shaping and I-cord hanging loop.

Measurements:

Length from top to toe 70cm/28 ins.

Tension:

20 stitches and 22 rows to 10cm over the pattern.

Note: The pattern will knit up equally well using whatever yarn weight you choose, with appropriately sized needles, giving you different tension and size of stocking, according to yarn weight.