One of the things about having an autistic child is that you end up doing things at the oddest times. Part of the reason that I started making small items rather than people-sized jumpers is that when Toby is around I can usually only get a few rows done at any one time. He is very demanding and constantly pulls both Huw and myself around the house. I carry my knitting bag with me (usually with an odd assortment of things inside – I always look in there when I can’t find the T.V. remote control) and end up being a knitting nomad. I knit in the bathroom (when he’s having his bath I usually manage to knit the bottom of a cake or a sleeve for a rabbit jumper), I knit sitting on his bedroom floor, halfway up the stairs, on the wall in the garden, in the playhouse halfway up the climbing frame, in fact the only place I draw the line at is the loo – I do have some limits!
I love Baby Einstein videos because Toby adores them and so for the 28 minutes of running time I’m usually free to sit and can knit up a rabbit head. Autistic children often have difficulty making the distinction between day and night and Toby is no exception. Most nights he’s awake for at least an hour – sometimes as long as 4! This is all good knitting time as he’s tired and content to stack his pyramid or watch videos until the need for sleep overcomes him. I often get my biggest chunk of uninterrupted knitting time in the wee small hours – this is why knitting keeps me sane – it distracts me from focusing too deeply on the fact I’d much rather be in my bed!
Have taken some pics of jumpers that I made for the kids when Toby was still little – just to prove I can knit big!
little cotton rabbits 
Honestly, you are a Saint. I really admire the way you manage to fit all this knitting in and care for Toby and Amy. I love all their little cardis especially the fair isle one. I have kept some of James and Sophie’s ones and maybe later will post about them. They are in immaculate conditon but I cannot bring myself to give them away. Every now and then I wash them to keep them fresh. I love your shop but will wait until I see you new designs that you are planning. Good luck. Oh by the way, glad you don’t knit on the loo!!!
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I’m in awe of your creativity!! Beautiful work.
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You remind of that pussy cat poem :
Cats (replace ‘cats’ with ‘Julie’!) sit (knit) anywhere,
Any table, any chair.
etc etc
I must try and find the whole poem.
x
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your rabbits are all so adorable – glad to see you have a shop set up! hapy birthday to amy!
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Congratulations on the shop – now I know where to come when the next present opportunity arises!
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You knit so well, love the navy cardie, it’s just lovely. I am trying to think of someone I can legitimately buy a bunny for ….. hmmm maybe
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I’ve just visited your shop and your rabbits and cakes are beautiful. I am totally in awe of what you are doing, caring for the children and finding time to knit.
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Wow, you are such a wonderful Mom – and you still have time to knit up sweaters for the kids! I’m amazed. I don’t have any children and it takes me forever to finish one child’s sweater! These are so beautiful – thanks for sharing your stories too. I really enjoy reading about you and your family.
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Beautiful sweaters! YOu are very talented!
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