Family life has been full on here over the last few weeks, with various appointments for Toby, plus the usual night-time shenanigans and a few day-time tests of my heart health, once when he got a pea stuck up his nose and then when he climbed over the banister on the upstairs landing. Amy is adapting to senior school life, has had her first unpleasant experiences of the power games of others from someone she thought of as a best friend and has crossed the threshold into womanhood. And I, well I have been being Mum and knitting because it helps keep me on an even keel! In fact along with a couple of scarves, a pair of mittens and my crochet one a day blanket I also seem to have a little army on the go!
I am off now to sew on tails and name those that are finished and then I'll be listing them for sale later this week, most of them lottery style and the rest on Etsy. I'll also pop some better pictures of each up on Flickr.
I'll keep facebook up to date with details of when they're ready and send out the usual emails to the mailing list. I also have a little batch of christmassy, nordic dressed ones which should be ready by early December and I'm also thinking that it's been a rather long time since I had a giveaway so I will sort one out shortly.
little cotton rabbits 
what a basket full of wonderful-ness!
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It,s lovely to catch up I do miss it when you are too busy to post , I am afraid Amy has learnt one of the hard lessons of life that people are not allways what they seem . I remember my younger son now 25 with two children of his own stuffing a vitamin tablet up his nose it seems like yesterday .
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a beautiful basket full of bunnies!!
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Wow! That’s quite a battalion of fluffies!
Poor Amy – the first year of secondary is like that, a great deal of lessons learned and shifting friendships. Not much you can do other than be supportive.
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WOW!I would love them all.You are so talented and creative.I am so jealous.It is good to hear from you again.I check every day to see if you have given us an update.
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Oh the look wonderful!!!!!!! Can’t wait for the lottery!!
Jill
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A busy month! The pea up the nose is always a favourite. The basket is full of hugs, and made me smile. Many hugs to you and your family. Can’t wait for the lottery, I’ll try etsy and of course I’ll enter the give away. Our first grandchild is due on valentine’s day – what better present!
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Much bunny et. al. love from here 😀 And a giveaway … can’t wait!
One of my lot once got a bead stuck in his ear … they do like to keep us on our toes don’t they.
(I’m having my very first giveaway, scary but fun!)
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Oooh, gorgeous little critters! It’s lovely to see how your work gently evolves… the colours and textures of these new little animals are really, really lovely! x
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How lovely they all look. Can’t imagine parting with them.
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Oooo they are all gorgeous :0)
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Take heart, my brother once got a tic-tac stuck up his nose…there was a lot of laughing about it until the blood started to flow!
Your fuzzy army look amazing. How lovely to have a whole basket of them!
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I love the foxes, they are adorable!!
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You have been a busy little cotton bunny. Glad to hear from you again I have missed you.
Sorry to hear that Amy has had problems, it is one of the unfortunate aspects of growing up. She will make other, better friends and look back on this time and wonder why she was so upset. My son (who has tourettes)had problems to begin with at senior school until they all sorted the pecking order out and learned to live together. He now knows who his true friends are.
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I was just thinking about you today and wondering how your gorgeous One a Day blanket was coming along.
That basket full of your animals is beautiful, I don’t think I could pick a favourite! But I do like the bunny at the front with the fluffy ears 🙂
I hope the pea removal wasn’t too traumatic and well done to Amy for surviving her first senior school troubles.
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they look wonderful – I would love one of these but I am never fast enough! lol
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Oh, they’re so darn cute Julie! You just amaze me that you manage to get so many little cuddlies done. It’s wonderful to see you back!
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Nice and beautiful army! I really love your softies!
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They all are soooooo cute!
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You continue to amaze me Julie. Your animals are wonderful, and you’ve had time to knit other stuff too-all while being a Superstar Mum to Amy and Toby. Poor Amy-girls can get so nasty. Boys are much easier to deal with-a good fight and they’re sorted. Hope you’ll soon get some respite sorted for Toby. Liz Phillips
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gorgeous army:)))
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Now, that is a basket full of fluffy goodness:) I love it!
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Wow what a fantastic little army!! Xxx
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Nothing excites me more than to see your little creatures waiting for a new home. I will be charging forth to make sure I don’t miss out this time around. My best to you.
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what a gorgeous basketful. you knit so beautifully 🙂
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A basket of cute overload! Glad that you have found knitting as a way of keeping you sane. Just lately I have been realising how very theraputic I find it.
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Beautiful as always Julie, fingers are tightly crossed that I get lucky this time! You have been working hard! X
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it’s like in a dream
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What a stunning basket full of cute animals, you have been so busy. You always seem to produce such beautiful things despite having so much to deal with.
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They make me smile…I’m feeling very sad today…I thought, I’ll go to see Julie’s blog..thank you.
your basket of bunnies made me smile,
they’re so cute, so kind and gentle.
I needed that today – more than you could possibly know. It’s nice to know there are people like you in the world.
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Oh, what an adorable little army this is. Impressive. My congratulations and best wishes to you.
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You are indeed very talented. The critters are all lovely as is your site and pics … all of it! It seems tho that I haven’t figured out how this lottery works. What should I do and when should I do it! Thanks, I just enjoy looking at all of your creations.
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Oh Julie! That little honey coloured girl at the front is spectacular! Love her…love them all!
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Cutest army ever!!! I have 4 daughters and girls are mean! It’s hard to explain to a sweet child why someone would betray them. I think it is worse to see your children go through trials than to have them yourself. Life sometimes hurts. Thanks goodness for loving families.
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Aaaah, Amy has our complete sympathy. Princess C-W has (is) been living it for the last 15 months. We have discovered that being true to self is the key.
Also, hope your ‘pea up nose’ story ended up more tasteful than ours did.
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oh gosh, climbing over the banister, that must have been so scary for you. Hope you’re both ok!
Your basket of wonderful animals makes me catch my breath and hope that I will one day in the future be able to purchase one for my very own. Love them so much 🙂
(p.s if you need any Bunny names for any of them, my bad girls are called Bramble and Parsnip, and then we have Willow and Flossy Hoplin who live with my mum. Just in case you needed name inspiration!)
xxxxxx Heather
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What a basket of beauty….your exquisite knitting is at the level that I can only dream of….and my knitting is pretty good…so yours is at a whole other level!! I don’t know how you part with them Julie. Truly gorgeous. Vicki x
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Gosh they’re fantastic! I hope you do take a moment to look at them and congratulate yourself. I know you might not see it in quite the same way as everyone else, but they’re so lovely. Sounds like things have been a bit hectic there, hope it’s all calming down soon.
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Hi Julie, oooh these are SO cute well done, I love them all!! Epecially all together in the basket like that. I would love for my name to be put down in the lottery – I missed the last one so I will cross my fingers for this time! Sarah x
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I don’t even have kids anymore, and life has been incredibly dense. You know, you come to a pausing place after a period like this one, and you try to tell people why it’s been so – chaotic and crazy and full – and if you’re like me, you can’t remember. The aggregate of the tiny, flying low and fast things has hit you like a wave, but if you told people the things you remembered that happened, you’d end up embarrassed – unable to remember what WAS so difficult and dizzying after all. Because it’s just all the small things. With a couple of boulders strewn in there.
The knitting – it has rhythm. It has reason. It takes shape under your hands – shape that can be seen, measured, enjoyed. And charm. Like telling a wonderful story with a dear ending. And when you are finished – you KNOW you are finished. You break off that last bit of yarn, and you have something complete and satisfying. Unlike life, where one thing over-lays the other and satisfying endings are almost impossible to fine.
I just made myself laughing – like trying to find the lead edge of packing tape or toilet paper, finding the endings in life is like that. And it’s just like you to pick something to calm yourself that will end up blessing other peoples’ lives in the end.
I’m smiling happily at the thought.
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Lovely to hear from Julie sounds like you have been kept busy!
I have to say that is the prettiest army I have ever seen, can’t wait to see what they all are wearing. 🙂
Vivienne x
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Love the baskets, it looks like there’s some argy-bargy to get out 🙂
Hugs to Amy, senior school can be hard at times, I have this to look forward to in a good few years time.
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Kids and holes and what they put in them. Milo once put a bead up in his nose and scared the living daylights out of us. Poor Amy, growing up is hard. As for your basketful, wow such gorgeousness as always but I think looking at the ones on Flickr Matilde is my favourite 🙂
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They are adorable! I would love to know what yarn did you use for the little bunny ears, front and center – it looks incredibly soft and fuzzy too. I know you are incredibly busy, so, if possible, maybe you could answer with just a comment to this post – I would definitely check back (I’ll bet others would like to know also).
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Oh Julie, they look so lovely, my heart skips a beat when I see a basket full of little people you have made. I have been trying for a couple of years now to own one of your rabbits – no luck yet. I will definately be trying again this time. I hope you are keeping well and things are ok with Toby. My girlfriend has a 16yo autistic boy and I see how much hard work it is and how physical it is now that he is big. Take care, you are an amazing woman. xxBrenda
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I once got a sweet stuck up my nose, I wad stealing a sweet at the time (I know!) and saw my mum coming, panicked put it in my mouth quickly and missed…..sooo scary, caught red handed!
Your bunnies are lovely, but especially lov the little monkey peeking out!
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Please could you let me know when these are for sale as I want one – any one they are all so lovely. thanks
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A wonderful basket of huggy bunnys. They are gorgeous.Good to hear from you, I will keep a look out on your etsy although have never bought anything from there before, always a first time especially for such a lovely bunny. Shirley from N.Z.
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Dear Julie, Always good to hear your knitting up another bunch of lovely
animals! Your site is wonderful and cheers me up just logging in…wish you and yours the very best! Thanks for sharing!
Big hug, Patricia
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Julie – I marvel every day at your positive attitude and ability to always cope. I know – it may not be always but you do so well. Can’t wait to see all the critters and get a chance to win one. Thx for your generosity!
(PS – my son (no autism) also stuffed a pea up his nose when he was little. My doctor husband taught me a trick – occlude the other nostril and blow into their mouth – forces the air up and pushed the pea out. Also works for green beans!Good luck)
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Hi Julie,
They are just beautiful, your basket of loveliness! I would love to see your scarves and mittens, i bet they are nordic design (the mittens thats is). Take care
Love Carole from Rossendale xxx
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Now that’s a basket of loveliness!
You have been busy! The healing power of yarn : )
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Oh my the bannister episode would have sent you gray…how scary! I agree with K’s comment, doesn’t she have a way with words. Your army reminds me of the EverReady Battery advertisements in this country, they all look ready to race off at top speed! Keep knitting xx
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It must be so satisfying to see them all lined up in the basket — they really are adorable! Good luck with finishing up the tail ends!
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Hi I follow your blog regularly and was getting a little worried that something had happened. You lead such a busy and stressful life! Your animals are beautiful and look so cute in the basket. Please add me to your mailing list Zoe
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Hi Julie
I love your animals esp. mouse bottom right. Not a great lover of knitted toys. I have vivid memories of the Jean Greenhowe’s large people, my mother in law used to knit for charity. Garish colours, yours however are lovely muted shades and just the right size. My son many moons ago put a pea up his nose, Ironically we had been taking about a similar incident, So he obviously decided to try it out for himself.
louise
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It’s a stunning basket full!
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Oh, they are beautiful! And so many! You must be such a speedy knitter. 🙂 I love the designs you use for their clothes too; so unique and gorgeous. xx
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Seeing that little “army” this morning was so wonderful! I love aaaalllllll of them! If I had that little basketful at my home, I would think I was the luckiest person ever. Thanks for, once again, brightening my day with your beautiful creations.
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Goodness what a lots has been going on for you! I’m sure it wasn’t amusing for you in the least but you can’t beat the old classic of ‘pea up the nose’, I think it comes to every child to stuff something up their nose at some point! Love you basket of darlings, that adorable bunny with the sandy ears and patch in front – gorgeous! I’ll look forward to admiring the pictures when they’re all done! Well done you on the creatures and caring for your loved ones.
S x
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Aw, cute! 🙂
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I think you are a very courageous lady.
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YOU ARE SO FANTASTIC.
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Wow, I am so glad that I found this !! I love your knitted animals and have been waiting and watching your facebook page hoping for a chance to get one. Then today I came here and read your autism blog…… My 3 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed with ASD and CAS, thank you for sharing !! It can be a very lonely place and it is good to know that there are other Mums out there with the same struggles.
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As usual, your creations are adorable. Hope your health is okay. Ref kids…my daughter did the pea thing too (taking after me! I too did it). Ref your daughter…people can be really horrible. My supposed best friend turned on me too at high school. I hope Amy’s gotten over it and isn’t too upset…it’s hard when your kids are upset! Anyway, really love your little creatures…they are so lovely.
Dawn xx
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I squeeled out loud when I saw the first picture, amazing 🙂
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Hi Julie
Loving the new batch, I have made my pledges and my sister Emma has too. I have been singing your praises since I came across you a few years back and she has finally got around to taking a peek and is enchanted too. We left our comments at the same time so will be having an in family competition to buy one of your lovely animals.
Hope all is well with you
Davina x
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Okay, I’m sorry. The whole pea thing. I shouldn’t laugh. Are you laughing yet? Because if you are, I’m laughing with you. 🙂
Crossing fingers I am able to to be a happy owner of one of your little darlings!!
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I just love seeing the wonderful animals you create! Your knitting is perfection! Thank you for the fun giveaways you post and for the way you let us all bid on animals! It is fun to try for a chance each time and I get excited when I get an email saying there are more ready! I am so touched at reading your blog and love how you share your life. You are amazing! Have a great day! Bari Jo
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never seen such an adorable army before!!
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I LOVE the little army! I hope your cardiac tests turn out well. Take care of yourself!
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Oh, the sweetness of fuzzy ears in the sunshine!
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Just caught up with your adorable “Fluffy Army”! Fabulous! Hugs to Amy…sometimes it’s hard work finding out who your real friends are…but they are so worth finding! Glad you’re making things for yourself too! Love to everyone…Jenni x
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I had not realized they were this large! In my mind’s eye, they were tiny, about 3 or 4 inches. (Guess I joined after you’d sold all the others!) You are so creative and they are spectacular! I can see how this is a break from real life, and yet, you seem to have everything so balanced. We can all take a lesson from you in that department! Thank you for sharing with us all.
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Man o man. I was on line today. Herd a beep that i had e-mail. Etsy told me you were in action. I clicked and NO BUNNIES… Dont know if they were snatched up by another time zone. It did not show as any new sales.
Now I will just hope I win one of these cute little buggers…
Hugs..
Julie
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I love them all stuffed into the basket together. I don’t think you should split them up! I love your little animals – your the first blog I ever read … that seems like such a long time ago! I’m having a festive tutorial and giveaway tomorrow – I hope you will be able to join in.
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Hello Julie, I know you are a busy woman and I truly love your work. I was also a lucky winner of your cupcake pattern (smile) and one day hope to be a winner or purchaser of one of your absolutely lovely rabbits. I am however contacting you for advice or help. I have a babies cardiagan I knitted and love the pattern so much I would like to replicate this using 4ply wool (I have recently acquired a small lot) and have no knowledge of where to begin (I am only a novice knitter) Would you be able to take on this for or know of someone who could. I am not in a hurry and I am willing to pay. I know you are a very busy woman with your knitting, your family and caring for your adorable son but if you could help me I would appreciate this. Sorry for contacting you like this but I don’t know how to contact you otherwise.
Regards,
Gillian (love your blog, you are an amazing woman)
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Oh my… how sweet! I love, love, love your blog & all you have on line. I am glad I found you.
This may seem a bit random to have this comment here, but I couldn’t find how to contact you to ask permission to link to your mini stockings pattern. I put one of your images on my blog plus the link… should you wish me to remove it, I shall by all means. Thanks again for your delightful blog and charming patterns… you make me happy.
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Love that photo Julie – one for your next selection of cards!
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Hello Julie,
What a treat,I’ve just found your beautiful blog and I can honestly say that I don’t think that I have EVER seen such adorably gorgeous little animals. Their expressions are absolutely amazing. I love how you have displayed them too. That has to be the visual version of a basket of hugs!! Thank you soooooo much for sharing these lovely photos of your little darlings.
Warmest best wishes,
Su
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oh what a cute army, you make me feel a bit slack tho !!! xxxx
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Julie – My first time to “Post a Comment”! I love your basket of critters….. everyone (young and old) should have at least one. I love the detail that you put into your animals, they are perfect.
My daughter is expecting her first child in January. I would love to purchase the pattern and knit one for my grandchild. Do you sell the patterns for the bunny or bear?
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