When the first signs of spring appear on the fjords, gnomes travel from far and wide to the picture-perfect village of Gnomehaugen for Gnome Shearing Day. The day is filled with fun activities to celebrate the end of the long, cold winter, and finishes with the traditional axing of the beards. When the last beard has been axed, the Gnomehaughen Fiber Festival begins!

These finger-sized gnomes are a very quick, easy knit. They are knit in the round on dpns from the bottom to the top with a bobble nose and I-cord arms. For the beard you can use locks or I will teach you how to separate your plies to make them curly. I source my locks from Highland Colors which I highly recommend for both price and quality.

A Guide To Gnome Shearing Day

• The day usually starts with the gnomes standing in a gnome-pen. In the old-days someone would dress up like a sheep dog, and chase them all into the pen barking, but gnomes decided that was too scary. Gnomes are glad they are not sheep.

• Next they all pose in a line to show off their beards to the local wildlife, and to each other. They are proud of their beards which kept them warm all winter.

• Many games now take place. One of the most popular is to roll down the hill, and try and get as much snow attached to yourself as possible. The gnome that looks like the biggest snowball wins. Sometimes it’s easy to see who the winner is.

• After much ale and food has been eaten the gnomes take turns axing each others beards off. Hopefully keeping a steady hand after all that strong, gnomish ale.

• When the last beard has been axed the Gnomehaughen Fiber Festival begins. This week long festival celebrates knitting and friendship. It brings many visitors to the small village every year. At the end of the week the gnomes start their often long journey home. They are already dreaming about next year.