Had a nice family weekend – woodland walks, roast chicken & apple pie – that kind of old-fashioned spending time together kind of affair. It’s been wonderful to see Toby growing in confidence since he started school. A few months ago we would only take him out on walks where there was a good enough path for his special needs buggy. He’s always much preferred to ride than walk and as he can be very unpredictable and has no sense of danger with roads and rivers etc, I’ve been happy to let him sit in the buggy – it’s seemed safer. This weekend though we opted for a woodland wellie walk rather than our usual sojourn along the canal tow path and Toby did brilliantly. He seemed so grown up toddling along on his own and he was especially excited by the wind in the trees and the falling leaves.
On the knitting front I was suddenly seized by the desire to try something new. I’ve had a play with different animals before – sometimes with pretty disastrous results: poor old Charlie Cat – he’s never been quite right!
But at the end of last week I was inspired and thought monkey! I’m still working on tweaking the pattern and may have to make a few more prototypes but it’s getting there I think. Looking at it now this photo is a little gruesome looking – a row of decapitated heads! Sorry! I’ll be working on bodies and hopefully will have a finished monkey template by the end of the week.
little cotton rabbits 
Love the monkeys – personally I like the head on the left (with ears). Look forward to seeeing a completed one 🙂 I have a son very much into Curious George at the mo!
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The monkey heads are gorgeous. You are very clever to be able to formulate patterns like you do. Well done.
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My sister’s daughter is mad on monkeys. I’ll let her know. They are very good. How about foxes with big bushy tails – they are my favourite?
Looks like the walk was fun.
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Brilliant news that Toby is getting on so well. The monkey heads are great and I’m looking forward to seeing the finished result. But, I have to say that I really loved Charlie cat, he is soo cute!
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they don’t look gruesome at all… just adorable.
Actually charlie wasn’t bad either!
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Ditto Zoe’s comments. Fantstic news that Toby was so happy walking and really enjoying nature at its best. Maybe you could name them hear/see/speak no evil, I do love the head with the ears, very cute and cheeky looking. Charlie reminds me of the black and white cartoon cat (circa 1950’s) – although I can’t for the life of me remember his name.
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Would that be “Felix the Cat,” perchance, Kirstlah?
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love the monkeys julie, my sister would love them! the cat is great too!
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Another triumph. How you create that with what amounts to a length of string and two sticks is amazing.
You can’t beat a leaf kicking session with the family. x
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Just wonderful Julie that Toby enjoyed his walk so much, noticing the wind and leaves is BIG. School is agreeing with him if it’s bringing him out of his safe cacoon.
Love the tree shot too, has me yearning for autumn.
I think your cat does look like Felix, if it was black and white with some red, it would be a dead ringer.
The monkeys are going to be so cute too, I can’t wait to see the finished product.
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Loving the little monkey heads!!
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Hi Julie!
This is absolutely wonderful! It’s my first time on your site! Your finishing is impeccable. Oh I wish I could hide ends and sew things together so neatly and invisibly. Your monkeys are great, but your bunnies…Wow! I’m a BIG bunny fan. We own 9. One is angora. You can see a picture of him on my website.
Do you sell the pattern for your bunnies?
Keep up the great work!
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Julie I love your blog. Look at your precious daughter, she is adorable. I love the picture of your family, I am so happy that Toby is doing so well.
And the Monkey’s???? Don’t get me started on the Monkeys. They. Are. Great!!!!!!
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Julie I LOVE the monkeys, the heads look great and I REALLY love the cat too and I can see your “bunny” style and personality coming through in these other toys, very you. just gorgeous.
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I love the monkey head trio…just as they are…sans body!
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i just stumbled here looking for some other thoughts on knitting a small stocking (i’ve been procrasti-knitting all day. one more gift washcloth or sweater seam and i’ll scream!) and wanted to say how breathtaking i find your desgns. your stuffed animals honestly look like art. as soon as you have more available i will purchasing some of your creations for my own daughter. you really inspired me today,
thank you.
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hello, the monkeys are great but I’m sorry, I’m just in love with Charlie Cat!!! I did a search on google for cat, woolly, hat and he popped up, although not actually in a woolly hat but no less georgeous for the lack of it!! I have a cat who I think looks just like him, I just have one question, how can I get my own Charlie Cat, is there a pattern I could follow to make one or do you sell them? pleeeeaaaaasse say you do :o)
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