Well, the summer holidays are over, the children are back at school and my living room is once again echoing to the sound of clicking knitting needles! At this time of year it's become a bit of a tradition for me to start thinking ahead to christmas and so my knitting bag at the moment is stuffed full of reds, greens and creams and I'm having fun with those nordic motifs that I enjoy so much. I like the challenge of coming up with different ideas each year but there are some favourite patterns that pop up a few times.
:: 2007 ::
:: 2008 ::
:: 2009 ::
This year I've been having fun trying out some new reindeer motifs and I have a few other ideas yet to be put into yarn. It does seem a shame to be turning my back on the summer already but there's something nice about autumn's approach with it's promises of log fires, frosty mornings and warm socks!
If you're around later in the week please pop back and visit as I'm planning a little giveaway to celebrate the start of my fourth blogging year!
little cotton rabbits 
Those patterns are just beautiful! I love the colours, the designs, the size!!!
Just wanted to let you know, I made the mini Christmas stockings you posted about some time ago for my friends for Christmas last year, and it was such a hit with everyone. Thank you so much for that cute pattern!
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I found you blog not too long ago and I’m completely addicted. Then I bought your Lulu patterns but have only completed three little ornament stockings. When are you going to do a book? This is insane! Just the cutest animals ever…good for you, you’ve really got some gems here. Book? book? book? please!
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Everything you do is wonderful!
S.W.A.K.
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Your work just makes me smile! thanks for sharing!!
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That looks so beautiful , I love visiting your Blog , it is just so inspiring !
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I love to see what ideas you come up with for the Christmas animals. Some lucky people wil be in for a treat! The minty green works really well with the Christmas motifs, and I like the little holly/ivy dress, very pretty. I always get in a bit of a mess doing colour work. Hopefully you can have a bit more peace and time to yourself with the kiddlies back at school :o)
Love Esther x
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Everything you make is just so lovely! Can’t wait to see what’s next 🙂
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I love your patterns & designs. I made the easter eggs and gave them to a friend for display in his Deli. I am going to make your little Xmas boots as Xmas pressies this year. I`m looking forward to seeing your new designs. I have also made one of your little hedgehogs, he is sooo cute. How is the pattern for the mole coming along??
Love Carole from Rossendale, Lancs xx
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They are just GORGEOUS! I have soooo many people comment on the lovely animals I have been lucky enough to buy from you. They are so very well made and have gorgeous characters to them. You are so very talented!
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So lovely as always. My knitting bag is also full of red, minty green and white. So compulsive isnt it. x
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I am just in awe of your incredible talent! Those Christmas patterns are just beautiful. I could just stare at that those photos forever…. Can’t wait for the give away. Maybe someday I’ll be quick enough to buy one of your works of art. Been watching for a couple of years now and haven’t hit one yet. Someday…..
Patty
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I’m so glad school time is back……we’re able to hear more from you!! You are so talented and your designs are beautiful. You make me happy.
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Your designs just get better and better Julie! I can’t wait to see all your new woolly friends! Lucy x
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Sweet 🙂 yes I’m getting the urge to pick up my needles again. The air has gotten lovely and cool ^_^
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LOVE these little bunny clothes! You do a great job with the designs! Really beautiful work.
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Oh goodness is it that time of year already! I Love your kniting and the colours are fab. Will pop back again sometime – soon!
CKx
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Your work is always so beautiful! I love to watch you create and grow in life. Thank you for sharing. ~Kelly
unDeniably Domestic
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Thank you for my lovely hedgehog pattern. I haven’t knitted since my teens and now that I’m off on maternity leave I have the time to do the things I love! I’ve ordered some tweed wool and bamboo needles especially. Can’t wait to make these as little presents.
Best wishes, Caroline.
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Your animals and their outfits are just gorgeous! I always love seeing what you are making and look forward to this year’s holiday batch. 🙂
Happy knitting!
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I’m now thinking about Christmas too, trying to get all my Christmas stock ready ~ it seems weird but it has to be done doesn’t it!
I absolutely love Nordic/Scandanavian designs & how cute are those little jumpers & hats! I wish I could wear them! Tee hee.
love
Alison
x
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I love the sage green colour it’s beautiful, as is all you do, I love autumn too, lovely time of year x.
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Hope you are going to blog more now the children are back in school.WE MISS YOU!!I check every day for an entry.You are soooo talented and really inspire me.Must get going on a hedgehog.
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beautiful work as always
haha i have to start my list i’ve only written down a few people what I’m making them for christmas >.<
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Adorable! I love the little dress with the red berries on the green vine!
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These are so beautiful I think you might be forgiven for thinking about Christmas already!
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I can’t get the Christmas thoughts out of my head either. I am trying quite desperately to hang on to autumn just a little while longer.
You work is lovely.
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It’s been over 100 degrees here in Southern California for at least two weeks, and fires were raging with smoke and ash falling for miles. I’m so looking forward to jeans weather! Thanks for the sneak preview and the promise of cooler weather ahead.
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These photos are just the best! I have somehow managed to fall in love with half a bunny (the 2008 photo – the lower half of the girl in the adorable red and white skirt/dress) and,in the same photo, the little boy with the striped pants and bunny shoes! They are just too much!
Summer is my least-favourite season so I’m happy that it’s over/ending. Roll on the falling leaves (but not on my lawn!), the smell of bonfires, lights in houses in the late afternoon, soft scarves …
Thank-you as always Julie for the uplift your blog brings.
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4 years! 4 years of joy, 4 years of kindness, 4 years with great toys, for 4 years I follow your blog, THANK YOU!
Martine x
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Four years? Goodness me! I think your reindeers are lovely – the Christmassy clothes are putting me in a very cheerful mood, and for that I thank you!
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I’m holding out for Wednesday, when the house will be all quiet once again and I get some headspace to begin planning or making or just sitting and listening to the silence! Summer has been fun, but I am ready for a little peace.
Your Christmas designs are glorious – I particularly love the little reindeer motif – one of these times I am actually going to get on your site fast enough to buy one!
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As always, wonderful designs!! You’re just so talented!
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just makes my heart sing! I knitted 25 of your little socks last year (in October) and they looked fantastic against my bookcase. You have to start early when you are creative!! My best wishes to you all
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Christmas?! I’m still hoping to get a few more wears out of my bikini yet =)
Delightful knitting as ever though – my particular favourite is the little jumper in the bottom right-hand corner, cream with the pale mint motif. Very dapper! x
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Knowing the size needles you use I am in total awe of the detail in your reindeer!
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oooh I’m so excited. I love love love christmas – only 109 days to go !!! LOVING your patterns – they are adorable !
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cute as EVER! I love the color green you chose!
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wow, nearly 4 years and your little animals get better and better , gorgeous colours and gorgeous bunnies….
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oh i always look forward to seeing your little bunny sweaters- i love the designs you knit on them! always beautiful.
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I really liked to see the progress of Christmas through the year a-la Little Cotton Rabbits. The reindeer are lovely…but I think my favourite is the little frock with the flowers and leaves. Beautiful! We’re heading into spring around here. Blossoms and buds all around. Planting in the garden this weekend. Half a world away. Hope you’re well – Jen
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Could you perhaps update your miniature stocking pattern with those adorable green/red stocking pattern or one of the motifs? It would make the stockings more interesting… YOu really should come up with a book because you will be making a lot of money… Have you thought of that? I look forward to making the stockings…
Best wishes x
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What beautiful work. I hope I can get a girl rabbit this year to keep my beautful boy company.
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They’re beautiful!
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Oh your christmas toys are my favourites! And it’s funny to hear you talking about wanting winter to roll on because down here we’re coming out of winter and even though I hate the heat, I’m longing for balmy summer days!
Holly xx
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Gorgeous, as always! Loving the new designs!:-)
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Glad to see some wonderful photos of your little creations again – will pop back to see what the giveaway is all about – Cheers Tania
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You have a way with the Nordic theme, all right! Those little sweaters couldn’t be more adorable!
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Beautiful work Julie as always!I cant wait to see what cute bodies will be wearing them!!I also cant wait to see what the giveaway will be for!
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Stunning work as always. Suddenly I have the urge to go and buy myself some new wool.
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Oh Julie, what totally beautiful knitting! I love this time of year – and the gentle sound of needles clicking 🙂
xxx
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Wow, you are so talented. I am in awe of the beautiful motifs on those tiny sweaters:)
Thanks for the hedgehog pattern, queued up there after a few scarves! Also thinking in terms of Christmas giveaways.
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I love all your designs but this years are fantastic!! I love the green. I haven’t got the hang of fairisle so I look on in pure admiration. Enjoy your knitting. Isn’t knitting in front of the fire with a cuppa one of the best things ever? 🙂
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Those are the cutest! And yes, I like to have my knitting needles clacking, but for me this is the worst time of year for it . . . Spring is much better when I’m freezing my patootie at a kids’ softball game or something. That’s when I knit most of my socks! Right now we have Indian summer and its too hot to knit except in the evenings, but now I feel guilty . . . so guilty. Christmas is approaching, what to do? 🙂
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These are so cute. I think my little ones might be getting one in a Christmas stocking!
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What can I say – your designs are just so inspiring and your work is equisite. I’m off to buy a hedgehog pattern so that I can knit some stocking fillers. Thanks for sharing your creativity. xxx.
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Julie – I think I am signed up for advance notice of your sales – but just in case can you sign me up again?
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I’m very partial to red and white and snowflakes – so love your designs. Interesting to see how they change from year to year isn’t it?
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Oooh, I’ve always loved your Christmas designs. I can’t wait to see what you come up with for this year!!!
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These make me want to start knitting for Christmas too! The reindeer patterns are lovely…my favorites!
You’ve outdone yourself again.
I too made the stockings as gifts. They were a hit with everyone 🙂
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You have inspired me so much. Thank you for sharing your patterns, designs and ideas. Whenever I get to spend some time and visit your blog, it is a special treat to me! Oh, and I love “the girls”. Thanks again.
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I love that icy blue and cream on the christmas sweaters. So beautiful. You are such a talented knitter. Your lacy scarf is amazing. Emma
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Merveilleux petits modèles de pull pour les lapins.
C’est une réussite *
BRAVO !
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