Two blog posts in as many days—is this strictly necessary? Yes. Because today, my friends, is Hobbit Day.
For the uninitiated, September 22 is the birthday of both protagonists of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth saga, Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit) and Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings). As a result, it’s become a sort of unofficial international Lord of the Rings day. Those who know me well will recall the phase of my life when I wanted to move to Middle Earth. While I’m quite satisfied with South Carolina at this stage, Middle Earth would still be my second choice of residence. (My part of the state does, coincidentally, does look quite a bit like the Shire.) I did, in fact, design a pattern inspired by Bilbo, which you can find on Ravelry and Payhip if you so desire.
But I bring all this up because, when brainstorming how to celebrate this auspicious occasion, I decided to go through my closet and pull together some hobbit-inspired outfits to pair with Dancing Knits pieces—because English country dancing is something hobbits would totally do. I’ve never been so thankful for my ill-advised boho phase from about ten years ago. So without further ado, six hobbit outfits to inspire your wardrobe (if you haven’t read the books, do that and come back. This post will still be here in a year or two):
Option 1: Picking Apples in the Southfarthing. All that food hobbits are always eating (6 meals a day) has to come from somewhere. Important activities such as this demand commensurate fashion choices.
Option 2: Hobbit Schoolmarm. I have no idea what they teach in hobbit school, since Tolkien says somewhere that quite a few hobbits don’t bother learning how to read. But, in the words of E from The Incredibles, “Well, you’ll look fabulous, anyway.”
Option 3: Job Interview at Shire Bank & Trust. One must look trustworthy to get hired as the protector of safe deposit boxes containing valuable pottery and genealogies to the fifth cousin seven times removed.
Option 4: Go East Young Hobbit, aka The Brandybuck. Everyone knows the Brandybucks are the kooky type. Hiking, riding ponies, talking to humans, boating. If you plan to hang out in the wild Eastfarthing or maybe even venture to Bree or into the Old Forest, at least do so properly dressed.
Option 5: I’m Going on an Adventure! Throw this on in the event you get the sudden urge to step out the door and get swept away by the road. It’s so comfy and practical you’ll barely miss the pocket handkerchief you didn’t bring.
Option 6: Bilbo’s Birthday Party. Because that’s what this whole post was supposed to be about to begin with. Don’t miss it! It’s the event of the season. And Bilbo gives out great presents…
Bonus Option: Anything Involving Maltese Bransle. Nothing says “hobbit” like a good pair of fingerless mitts.
If this little diversion has convinced you to knit yourself some hobbit fashion, patterns can be found below, 15% off with the coupon Knit& Dance until September 30. And if you have any burning Lord of the Rings outfit inspiration, drop it in the comments!
This was a fun post, I loved the different hobbit-y themes you came up with for the outfits and knits! 🙂 happy hobbit day!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it—I had fun putting them all together! Happy Hobbit Day to you too 🙂